National Consultant for Procurement Support

1. Objectives of the Assignment

The Consultant will assist MOPSE in managing and expediting procurement processes under the SCG Project in line with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and national legislation. The Consultant will also support institutional capacity building through on-the-job training of MOPSSE staff.

2. Scope of Services

The Consultant shall:

• Advise MOPSE and its project team on the World Bank’s procurement procedures and ensure full compliance with the SCG Grant Agreement, Project Operations Manual (POM), and national legislation;
• Prepare and update the Procurement Plan in the STEP (Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement) system;
• Draft, review, and finalize procurement documents (REoIs, RFPs, tender documents, bid evaluation reports, contracts);
• Support bid/proposal evaluation and contract negotiations;
• Monitor contract execution, including deliverables and timelines, and advise on contract management and potential disputes;
• Maintain complete and auditable procurement documentation;
• Identify procurement risks and propose appropriate mitigation measures;
• Coordinate with the World Bank Procurement Specialist on clearances and advice;
• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and knowledge transfer to MOPSSE procurement staff;
• Participate in procurement reporting and contribute to audit responses.

3. Deliverables

• Monthly activity and procurement implementation reports;
• Updated Procurement Plan and inputs in STEP;
• Drafts of all required procurement documentation;
• Inputs to project progress reports;
• Other procurement-related documents upon request.

4. Qualification Requirements

• University degree in Law, Economics, Public Administration, Engineering, Procurement, or related fields;
• Additional certifications in public procurement are an advantage.

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in procurement;
• At least 3 years of experience in World Bank or other international donor-funded projects;
• Strong experience in preparing and managing procurement cycles under donor-financed frameworks;
• Experience with STEP is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Uzbek and/or Russian (both written and verbal);

• Working proficiency in English is required;
• Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills;
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel);
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.