PIU Procurement Specialist (PIU 1)

The "Support to the EIB APEX Agri-Food Loan Operation in Ukraine Technical Assistance Project" ("the TA" or "the project") is to facilitate the lending of the funds allocated under the European Investment Bank (EIB) Apex Agri-Food Loan Operation to Ukraine in a timely, appropriate and proper manner, assuring that all EIB and Ukrainian requirements are met. It is also to train local staff to continue the monitoring and reporting of the loan's repayment following the end of the project.

The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Procurement Specialist is responsible, in consultation with the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture (MDETA) , the technical assistance and other stakeholders, for establishing procurement procedures in compliance with EIB procedures and the law of Ukraine for public-sector procurements from the Apex Agri-Food Loan Operation. The Specialist reviews requests for allocations of funds under the EIB Apex Agri-Food loan that are intended to develop public goods and government infrastructure for the three value chains (grains, oilseeds, and fresh-water aquaculture) the loan targets. That review requires a determination that the activity proposed for funding will make all necessary procurements of goods, services and employees in accordance with all EIB procedures and regulations. The specialist may also work with applicants for allocations to ensure that their documents demonstrate compliance with EIB requirements. The specialist must know the applicable Ukrainian and EU laws and regulations and should understand how EIB procurements are conducted.

The PIU Procurement Specialist reports to the TA Project Team Leader and works under his direction. The Specialist coordinates his activities with the employee(s) of the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture (MDETA) designated as the project's regular contacts by the MDETA Minister.

Scope of Services and Responsibilities

The Procurement Specialist will perform the following activities:

• Establish and fully document procedures for making public-sector procurements (including at least identification, approval and financing) under the EIB Apex Agri-Food Loan Operation that comply with EIB procedures and the Law of Ukraine
• Verify that applications for funding under the "public" provision of the EIB Apex Agri-Food Loan Operation document comply with EIB Procurement Standards prior to transmission to EIB Luxembourg
• Advise applicants and potential applicants on how to ensure their applications demonstrate compliance with EIB Procurement policies and procedures
• As requested by the Team Leader, train persons involved in preparation of applications for loans in how to comply with EIB Procurement standards
• Keep full, accurate written records of compliance activities and difficulties encountered
• Periodically prepare written reports to the Team Leader and MDETA contact(s) on procurement issues encountered
• Write a manual on required procurement procedures in the Ukrainian language for distribution to potential applicants for funds
• Assist the MDETA and the TA in identifying and procuring short-term technical assistance as needed for public sector lending under the Loan Operation
• As requested, prepare other written materials explaining EIB procurement procedures in the Ukrainian language for distribution to potential applicants for funds
• Travel within Ukraine as requested
• Accept and comply fully with the NIRAS code of professional ethics

Required Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and skills

• Education to at least Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Native-speaker level of fluency in written and spoken Ukrainian;
• Fluency in written and spoken English sufficient to work effectively with people who do not speak Russian or Ukrainian
• Computer literacy (e.g. MS-Office)
• Ukrainian citizenship

General professional experience

• In depth knowledge of government and business procurement procedures, laws and regulations in Ukraine, as evidenced by 5 years of relevant professional experience;
• Familiarity with relevant Ukrainian legislation

Specific professional experience

• Possession of, or the ability to rapidly develop, a deep and clear understanding of EIB Procurement procedures
• Experience in a similar position in international development projects (preferably with international financial institutions) would be an advantage

Duration of the assignment

A maximum of 370 paid working days may be allocated to the Procurement Specialist position during the life of the UAFATA project. The initial contract will be for six months. Continuation is dependent on fulfilment of the deliverables and continued agreement of the MDETA and UAFATA that the position continues to be appropriate, effective and needed.

Send a letter describing your interest in the position and a CV preferably in EU format until May 10th, 2020.