Position Grade: PL3
The African Development Bank (AfDB) invites applications from seasoned professionals for the position of Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator at its Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Africa’s transformative development agenda by strengthening procurement governance, capacity, and execution across the East African region.
With a strategic focus on promoting sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and poverty reduction, the Bank delivers critical financial and technical support for transformative projects throughout the continent. If you are a procurement professional looking to make a measurable impact on Africa’s future, this could be your next career move.
About the African Development Bank
Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development finance institution, consisting of 82 member states — 54 of which are African countries. Guided by its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), the Bank is scaling efforts in five key areas, known as the High 5s:
- Power and Light Up Africa
- Feed Africa
- Industrialize Africa
- Integrate Africa
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
These strategic priorities are central to the Bank’s mission of delivering measurable development results through innovative solutions, robust partnerships, and efficient implementation.
Organizational Context
The Senior Vice-Presidency (SNVP) supports the Bank President in the institution’s overall management and performance. Under the SNVP’s supervision is the Fiduciary Services and Inspection Department (SNFI), which oversees procurement, financial management, policy design, training, inspections, and fiduciary oversight.
The Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator reports administratively to the Regional Operations Manager for Implementation Support (ROM-IS) and functionally to the Division Manager – Procurement for Eastern & Southern Africa and Nigeria (SNFI.3).
Position Title: Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator
Position Grade: PL3
Position Number: 50076495
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Posting Date: 28 March 2025
Closing Date: 27 April 2025
Job Description
Key Purpose:
The Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator ensures all Bank-financed procurement activities in the East Africa region comply with the Bank’s Procurement Framework. The role includes providing expert procurement advice, reviewing project-related procurement decisions, supporting capacity building, and strengthening borrowers’ procurement systems.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Division Manager, the incumbent will perform the following core functions:
Strategic Procurement Oversight
- Ensure consistent application of procurement policies across all regional operations.
- Provide corrective actions for policy deviations and oversee compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Advisory and Support
- Advise sector divisions and borrower teams on procurement arrangements and requirements.
- Support project design, supervision, and implementation phases from a procurement perspective.
- Participate in project preparation and appraisal missions to help define effective procurement modalities.
Compliance and Policy Review
- Review procurement deviations and provide necessary clearances for Project Appraisal Reports (PARs).
- Examine third-party procurement methods for alignment with Bank policies and obtain required clearances.
Assessment and Reporting
- Review and clear diagnostic assessments such as Bank Procurement Assessment Reports (BPAR) and Sector Market Assessments.
- Assist Regional Member Countries (RMCs) with procurement reforms and identify resources for implementation.
- Conduct borrower system assessments and design action plans for improvement.
Multilateral Coordination
- Collaborate with other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in assessing procurement systems of RMCs.
- Provide input to the annual procurement report and other internal documentation.
Internal Supervision and Capacity Building
- Supervise regional procurement specialists to ensure high-quality procurement support and fiduciary control.
- Facilitate training and workshops for internal teams, borrowers, and regional stakeholders.
- Respond to complaints from bidders, civil society, and other stakeholders.
Data Management and Knowledge Sharing
- Monitor procurement data quality and update relevant databases and Bank website information.
- Ensure procurement objectives and KPIs are met through innovative tools and processes.
Candidate Profile
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 7 years in procurement roles supporting project design and implementation in development finance institutions.
- Deep knowledge and experience in procurement of goods, works, and consulting services under donor-funded operations.
- Proven record of managing complex procurement operations and improving procurement systems.
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of AfDB Procurement Framework is an asset.
- Familiarity with public-private partnership (PPP) procurement models is beneficial.
- Strong advisory and communication skills with a results-oriented mindset.
- Ability to coordinate with sector experts, borrowers, and multilateral partners.
Language and Technology
- Proficiency in English is required; working knowledge of French is an advantage.
- Competence in MS Office applications; experience with SAP is desirable.
International Terms of Employment
This position is classified under International Staff Status and offers international terms and conditions of employment.
Important Notes
If you experience technical issues during the application process, please contact HRDirect at [email protected] with a clear description and screenshot of the issue.
How to Apply
If you are currently employed by the African Development Bank as a Regular Staff, you may proceed to apply using the Bank’s internal application system.
For external applicants, submit your application via the Bank’s online career portal.
