Procurement Specialist for Student Financing Reform Preparation Grant in Uzbekistan

Terms of Reference Procurement Specialist for the GFPP Preparation Grant (TF0C8875) 2025-12-05 16:55:00 / Jahon Banki bilan qo'shma loyihalar 1. Background The Government of Uzbekistan is preparing a comprehensive reform to improve equitable access, sustainability, and relevance of the national student financing system.

To support this effort, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has received a Preparation Grant (GFPP Grant No. TF0C8875) in the amount of USD 2,000,000 from the Bank, acting as trustee of the Grant Facility for Project Preparation .

The Grant finances preparation of the follow-on Program for Results with the potential Investment Project Financing Component Operation that will also require preparation of the feasibility studies, financial simulations, ESF assessments, due diligence of financial intermediaries, capacity-building, consultations, and technical design work.

The findings and deliverables produced under the Grant will guide the development of the full project, including results areas, Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), implementation arrangements, and monitoring systems. 2.

Description of GFPP Grant Activities The Grant finances three major areas of analytical and preparatory work as outlined in the Grant Agreement: Part 1: Research and Feasibility Studies Feasibility study on the student financing system Environmental and social assessments Evaluation of current student loan policies and access barriers Survey work to assess impacts of student loan repayment strategies Financial simulations for sustainability and risk analysis Stakeholder workshops and consultations Part 2: Project Readiness and Institutional Strengthening Establishment and support to the MEF’s expert group Strengthening administrative, technical, and analytical capacity Due-diligence assessment of potential financial intermediaries (banks) Procurement assessments M&E, legal, fiduciary, and ESF readiness for the future project Part 3: Policymaker Capacity Development Training on international best practices in student financing Capacity development workshops for MEF, MHESI, and financial intermediaries Learning events with national and international experts Technical preparation for taxation, digital infrastructure, and financing mechanisms 3.

Implementation Arrangements The Grant will be implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) through an existing Project Implementation Unit (PIU), with the MEF serving as the primary implementing entity responsible for fiduciary management, procurement, reporting, monitoring, and coordination with the Bank.

The PIU will be responsible for: Comprehensive project management ensuring the fulfillment of all key performance indicators.

Fiduciary functions (FM, disbursement, procurement) ESCP implementation and reporting Coordination with MEF departments, MHESI, commercial banks, technical ministries, and stakeholders Communication with the Bank Monitoring and evaluation Preparation of financial reports, interim unaudited financial reports (IFRs), and audit arrangements in line with the DFIL Given the complexity and multi-stakeholder nature of the preparation activities, the PIU requires a qualified Procurement Specialist to ensure full compliance with the Bank procurement policies and timely execution of the Grant’s procurement plan.

Procurement under the Grant must adhere strictly to the Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (September 2025) , as referenced in the Grant Agreement, and the Disbursement and Financial Information Letter (DFIL), which outlines applicable financial management and disbursement procedures. 4.

Objective of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to provide professional procurement support to the MEF PIU to ensure that all procurement activities under the GFPP Grant are carried out timely, efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with the Bank Procurement Regulations (2025), the Grant Agreement, national regulations where applicable. 5.

Scope of Services The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing and executing all procurement activities under the Grant, including planning, drafting various bidding documents, publication of tenders, Bids/Proposals evaluation, selection process, contracting, contract administration, reporting, and coordination with the Bank. A.

Procurement Planning Prepare, maintain, and update the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) as per Procurement Regulations , if applicable for the preparation phase. Prepare and regularly update the Procurement Plan in STEP (Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement) portal. Coordinate with Project Coordinator, MEF technical departments, and consultants to forecast procurement needs.

Prepare and update the relevant Project Operations Manual (POM) for the follow-on Program. B. Tendering and Selection Processes Prepare procurement documents (REOIs, RFQs, RFPs, RFBs, evaluation forms, notices etc.). Conduct procurement processes in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations (September 2025).

Manage selection of: Individual consultants Consulting firms Non-consulting services Goods and small purchases Ensure advertisement, circulation, and publication of procurement notices in required media/portals. Ensure necessary approvals from MEF and the Bank are obtained before proceeding. C.

Evaluation and Contract Award Organize and support evaluation committees (technical and financial), ensuring compliance with procedures. Prepare evaluation reports for: Individual consultants Consulting firms Goods and services Submit evaluation reports through STEP for the Bank review and clearance. Prepare draft contracts and negotiate terms where applicable.

Ensure timely contract award and publication as required. D. Contract Management and Monitoring Monitor contract performance, deliverables, amendments, extensions, and completion. Maintain updated contract management records and databases. Ensure contractors/consultants perform according to agreed schedules. Assist the PIU and technical departments in resolving procurement and contract issues. E.

Compliance and Fiduciary Assurance Ensure full compliance with: World Bank Procurement Regulations World Bank’s Anti-Corruption Guidelines Grant Agreement terms DFIL requirements (payments, SOEs, documentation) National procurement procedures (where applicable) Ensure integrity, transparency, and documentation quality at each procurement step. Support audit missions by providing procurement documentation as needed.

F. STEP System Management Maintain all procurement processes in STEP. Track and ensure timely clearances from the Bank. Ensure proper filing of all procurement and contract documents in both digital and physical formats. G.

Coordination and Reporting Coordinate with: Project Coordinator Financial Management Specialist MEF departments Consultants and firms World Bank procurement specialists Prepare procurement progress sections for: Semi-annual progress reports Implementation support missions Annual reporting Provide procurement training or guidance to stakeholders involved in procurement decisions. 6.

Deliverables The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for the following deliverables: Updated Procurement Plan (initial plan + regular updates). Procurement documents (REOIs, RFPs, RFQs, RFB etc). Evaluation Reports for all procurement packages. Contracts and amendments prepared and finalized. Procurement progress inputs for semi-annual progress reports.

Monthly procurement status report (if requested by the PIU/World Bank). STEP updates and complete procurement documentation maintained for audit and review. Relevant inputs to the POM for the follow-on project. 7. Qualifications Education Post Graduate degree in public administration, law, economics, procurement, finance, or relevant fields.

Specialized training in procurement, contract management, or supply chain management is an advantage. Professional Experience At least 5–7 years of experience in procurement, preferably in MDB-funded projects. Experience with the World Bank procurement procedures is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in procurement of consulting services and goods.

Experience with public sector institutions in Uzbekistan is an asset. Strong familiarity with international best practices in procurement. Skills Strong knowledge of the Bank Procurement Regulations. Proficiency with STEP or other e-procurement platforms. Strong analytical and organizational skills. Excellent communication skills in Uzbek and Russian; working knowledge of English is required.

Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple procurement packages simultaneously. High integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail. 8. Duration of the Assignment The duration of the assignment is through the full implementation period of the GFPP Preparation Grant (TF0C8875) , ending around June 2026 , with performance-based extension or adjustments as needed. 9.

Reporting and Supervision The Procurement Specialist will report directly to the Project Manager and work in close coordination with the PIU team and MEF departments. The World Bank may also provide technical guidance as needed. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form in English or Russian languages to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by December 11, 2025.

Uzbekistan, 100017, Tashkent, Istiklol street, 29 Tel:(+99871) 203-50-50 (01540), +998 90 632 88 06 E-mail: Dilmurod.Sultonov@imv.uz Web site: https://www.imv.uz/ Agency: Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 25000.0 USD