Individual Consultant Services Request for Expressions of Interest

The Senior Procurement Consultant will provide technical support and guidance throughout the procurement process, from planning and solicitation to contract award and management, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and fairness.

Additionally, the Senior Procurement Consultant will build the capacity of the project team to enable them to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out procurement activities effectively and in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards Scope of Work Under the overall guidance of the Supply Chain Management Division (SCMD) of the African Union Commission (AUC) and in close collaboration with other AUC and RCRP2 Project personnel, the Senior Procurement Consultant will actively participate in the development of the Procurement Plan, preparation of various procurement documents, and regular reporting.

He/she will, as evaluation committee member, assess tenders, oversee contract awards, monitor implementation of signed contracts, and document the outcomes. Additionally, under the guidance of the Procurement Specialist at the AUC headquarters, the Senior Procurement Consultant will provide advice to clients and project staff on procurement activities and issues that cut across work units.

Duration and Timing Contract duration will initially be for twelve (12) months with possibility of extension for the entire project period, based on satisfactory performance. Duty Station The consultant will be based in the AU Headquarters in the Supply Chain Management Division under the AUC Operation Support Service Directorate.

Required Qualifications and Experience The Individual Consultant (IC) is expected to have the following qualifications and experience: Possession of at least a master’s degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management or Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, or a related field, supplemented by postgraduate training in procurement or related subject, or an equivalent level of professional experience.

Sound knowledge of standard procurement methods and procedures based on UNCITRAL model law with particular emphasis on experience with the World Bank procurement procedures as significant advantage. A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience including at least three years of continuous senior-level procurement work in the World Bank-funded projects.

Familiarity with procurement procedures and documentation of both the World Bank and the AUC will be considered an added advantage. Experience in conducting training, capacity building, and setting up procurement systems in a new organisation will be a distinct advantage. Proficiency in computer applications is essential, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point.

Proven ability to work and interact with people from diverse professional, social and cultural backgrounds. Fluency in written and spoken English/French. Knowledge of other African Union working languages would be an added advantage. Excellent analytical skills and report writing. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Excellent planning, organizational and writing skills.

Excellent communication skills, ability to work in multicultural environments, and ease in interpersonal relationships; Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment; Excellent coordination and negotiation skills; Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills; Experience in dealing with senior business executives and government officials; Good team player while being independent and able to work autonomously.

REFERENCES Verifiable references and membership of professional organization(s). Previous work experience in projects funded by the World Bank would be a strong advantage. Evaluation Criteria The Candidates shall be evaluated based on the criteria provided below; Evaluation Criteria General experience: 10% Use the general experience indicated in the ToR.

Specific Experience relevant to the assignment: 50% Use the Specific Experience relevant to the assignment indicated in the ToR. Qualifications: 30% Use the required qualifications indicated in the ToR. Language: 10% The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The African Union Commission now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Individual Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the aforementioned Consultancy Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised to the sixth edition February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours .

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form following the above shortlisting criteria to the address below (in person, or by mail) before 09th December 2025 at 15:00 Hours Local Time, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only submitted Expression of Interests (EoIs) mentioning the reference number “ ET-AUC-499229-CS-INDV “ in the subject field of the e-mail, will be considered.

African Union Commission, Attn: Head, Supply Chain Management Division - Operations Support Services Directorate Building C, 3rd Floor, P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 0442; +251 11-551-0430 E-mails: tender@africanunion.org Terms of Reference Individual Consultant (IC) – Senior Procurement Consultant Background The Africa Union has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Climate Resilience Project 2 (RCRP2) .

The project’s objective is to strengthen climate information systems for resilience and disaster risk management in Africa; enhance climate resilience in Africa’s water systems; and strengthen resilience of communities to water-related disasters in Africa.

Objectives of the Assignment The overall objective of the consultancy service is to ensure that all procurement activities related to the project are conducted in accordance with the Bank's procurement regulations, the Financing Agreement, and the project's specific procurement plan.

The Senior Procurement Consultant will provide technical support and guidance throughout the procurement process, from planning and solicitation to contract award and management, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and fairness.

Additionally, the Senior Procurement Consultant will build the capacity of the project team to enable them to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out procurement activities effectively and in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

Scope of Work Under the overall guidance of the Supply Chain Management Division (SCMD) of the African Union Commission (AUC) and in close collaboration with other AUC and RCRP2 Project personnel, the Senior Procurement Consultant will actively participate in the development of the Procurement Plan, preparation of various procurement documents, and regular reporting.

He/she will, as evaluation committee member, assess tenders, oversee contract awards, monitor implementation of signed contracts, and document the outcomes. Additionally, under the guidance of the Procurement Specialist at the AUC headquarters, the Senior Procurement Consultant will provide advice to clients and project staff on procurement activities and issues that cut across work units.

Major roles and Responsibilities The following are the major responsibilities of the Senior Procurement Consultant: Engage in the planning, management, and oversight of procurement activities of the project, ensuring compliance with the Bank Procurement Regulation, Financing Agreement (FA), and Project Appraisal Document (PAD) throughout the procurement cycle.

Develop and maintain the RCRP2 Project’s Procurement Plan, reflecting accurate timelines, cost estimates and procurement methods, and ensure its regular update. Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, contractors, and consultants, and to inform bidding processes.

Prepare and issue bidding documents and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in alignment with World Bank Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs) and manage subsequent procurement actions efficiently. Conduct procurements under the project based on competitive, merit-based, and fit-for-purpose approaches, adhering to World Bank standards.

Coordinate the development of specifications for works, goods, and non-consulting services, as well as the creation of terms of reference for consultancy services, in collaboration with the appropriate technical staff in the project office or relevant user departments.

Draft General Procurement Notices (GPN) and publish the notice across various platforms, including Development Business, DG Market, and national newspapers. Draft and Issue Specific Procurement Notices (SPNs) in the form of invitations for bids for goods, works, and non-consulting services and Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for consulting services, following the Bank’s procurement guidelines.

Participate in the assessment of consultants' qualifications and experience in view of in creating shortlists for consultancy services in compliance with the Bank’s guidelines. Develop a registry of qualified consultants by assessing expressions of interests and/or utilizing other sources, including AUC’s references.

Offer support to AUC’s and RCRP2’s procurement specialists and provide guidance on procurement-related matters to the project teams, including mentoring junior staff and assessing the project office procurement team’s capabilities.

Assist in the bid or proposal opening process for the procurement of works, goods, non-consulting services, and consulting services, including recording and drafting the Minutes of bid or proposal opening and, in consultation with other project team members, providing clarifications to queries regarding bidding documents raised by prospective bidders.

As evaluation committee member, conduct assessments of bids, proposals, and financial offers for the procurement of works, goods, services, and consultant recruitment under the Project and make recommendations for the endorsement of the approving authorities for the award of the resulting contract. Assist in negotiating contracts and finalizing contract documents for signature.

Oversee contract performance to ensure that contractors, suppliers, and consultants adhere to the agreed timelines and quality standards, delivering intended objectives as stipulated in the signed contracts. Prepare procurement-related correspondence for submission to the World Bank to obtain "No Objection" approvals.

Administer complaints received from bidders or proposers and collaborate with relevant staff and officials for their timely resolution. Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of procurement documentation for all ongoing and completed contracts and ensure their accessibility for review by the Bank and internal and external auditors.

Conduct a thorough examination of the procurement manual, develop detailed training materials based on the reviewed procurement manual, and organize and deliver training sessions for procurement staff in the project office and head office to ensure that staff are well-versed in the application of the procedures outlined in the manual.

Provide assistance to the auditors as wells as to the World Bank’s procurement reviewers while reviewing procurement activities at the secondary cities and regional levels. Monitor procurement and contract performance status and manage procurement documentation using the Systematic Tracking Exchanges in Procurement (STEP).

Prepare quarterly procurement performance reports for the project office and procurement sub-process team and provide input to the PMU’s quarterly progress report as required. Perform additional tasks as requested by the RPRC2 project office within the scope of procurement activities.

Institutional and Organizational Arrangements The Senior Procurement Consultant will have a functional reporting line to the Supply Chain Management Division in the AUC headquarters and an administrative reporting line to the RCRP2 Project Coordinator.

Qualifications and Experience The Senior Procurement Consultant is expected to meet the following qualifications and experience: Possession of at least a master’s degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management or Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, or a related field, supplemented by postgraduate training in procurement or related subject, or an equivalent level of professional experience.

Sound knowledge of standard procurement methods and procedures based on UNCITRAL model law with particular emphasis on experience with the World Bank procurement procedures as significant advantage. A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience including at least three years of continuous senior-level procurement work in the World Bank-funded projects.

Familiarity with procurement procedures and documentation of both the World Bank and the AUC will be considered an added advantage. Experience in conducting training, capacity building, and setting up procurement systems in a new organisation will be a distinct advantage. Proficiency in computer applications is essential, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point.

Proven ability to work and interact with people from diverse professional, social and cultural backgrounds. Fluency in written and spoken English/French. Knowledge of other African Union working languages would be an added advantage. Excellent analytical skills and report writing. Other Requirements Excellent planning, organizational and writing skills.

Excellent communication skills, ability to work in multicultural environments, and ease in interpersonal relationships; Reliable and responsible personality and capacity to work under demanding professional circumstances and in an international environment; Excellent coordination and negotiation skills; Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills; Experience in dealing with senior business executives and government officials; Good team player while being independent and able to work autonomously.

References Verifiable references and membership of professional organization(s). Previous work experience in projects funded by the World Bank would be a strong advantage. Performance Criteria The performance of the Senior Procurement Consultant will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, employing a range of criteria, including but not limited to: Timely processing of procurement requests.

Ability to meet deadlines set in the procurement processing. Compliance with procurement procedures foreseen in the financing, measured by the number of rejected submissions for prior examination and post-review audit findings (technical and financial). Delivery of contracted supplies and services.

Duration and Timing Contract duration will initially be for twelve (12) months with possibility of extension for the entire project period, based on satisfactory performance. Duty Station The Senior Procurement Consultant will be based in the AU Headquarters in the Supply Chain Management Division under the AUC Operation Support Service Directorate.

Remuneration The remuneration to be paid to the Senior Procurement Consultant is open to negotiation and the rates to be agreed will be dependent on the individual’s qualifications and experience and the applicable AU standard rates for such consultancy positions.

The fees payable under the contract do not include costs associated with project related travels, coordination/organization of project related activities and events, stakeholder dialogues, consultations and workshops, as such expenses are separately paid by the African Union. The remuneration to the Senior Procurement Consultant will be disbursed on a monthly basis.

Facilities to be made available by AUC The following shall be made available by the AUC: Office accommodation. Computer, Photocopying facilities, and Stationery. Support with visa facilitation. Internet Access Evaluation and Qualification Criteria The Candidates shall be evaluated based on the criteria provided below; Evaluation Criteria General experience: 10% Use the general experience indicated in the ToR.

Specific Experience relevant to the assignment : 50% Use the Specific Experience relevant to the assignment indicated in the ToR. Qualifications: 30% Use the required qualifications indicated in the ToR. Language: 10% Agency: Africa Union Commission Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 72000.0 USD