Are you a seasoned procurement professional looking to make an impact at a continental level? The African Development Bank (AfDB) invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator, a strategic role based at its Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
Founded in 1964, the African Development Bank is Africa’s premier development institution, uniting 82 member states—54 of which are in Africa. The Bank supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent, guided by its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and anchored on the High 5s: Lighting up and Powering Africa, Feeding Africa, Industrializing Africa, Integrating Africa, and Improving the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
As part of its commitment to transformative development, the Bank is strengthening its fiduciary oversight with a robust procurement framework. If you are driven by excellence, passionate about Africa’s development, and equipped with high-level procurement and leadership skills, this opportunity is for you.
About the Hiring Complex and Department
The position falls under the Senior Vice-Presidency Complex (SNVP), which supports the President in managing the Bank’s strategic direction and operational delivery. The SNVP ensures alignment of systems and processes to drive results and development impact.
Within the SNVP, the Fiduciary Services and Inspection Department (SNFI) oversees procurement and financial management across the Bank’s operations. SNFI sets policy, conducts training, leads partnerships for harmonization, and monitors procurement performance. It also acts as the secretariat for the Procurement Review Committee and supports both internal and client-facing fiduciary services.
About the Position
Job Title: Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Position Grade: PL3
Position Number: 50076495
Posting Date: 28-Mar-2025
Closing Date: 27-Apr-2025
The Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator will ensure that all procurement activities in the East Africa region—funded by the Bank—align with the Bank’s Procurement Framework. The role includes reviewing procurement decisions, advising on procurement planning and execution, supporting country strategy paper preparation, and strengthening the procurement capacity of Borrowers.
This role reports administratively to the Regional Operations Manager for Implementation Support (ROM-IS) and functionally to the Division Manager – Procurement for Eastern & Southern Africa & Nigeria (SNFI.3).
Job Description
As the Chief Regional Procurement Coordinator, your core duties will include:
1. Policy Implementation and Advisory
- Ensure consistent application of the Bank’s Procurement Policy within the region.
- Recommend corrective actions and improvements where deviations are noted.
- Advise sector divisions on procurement design and supervision in line with the Procurement Framework.
2. Procurement Oversight
- Review and clear procurement deviations, diagnostic assessments, and requests for third-party procurement methods.
- Assess Borrowers’ procurement systems and assist in designing capacity improvement plans.
- Participate in harmonization efforts with other multilateral development banks.
3. Fiduciary Review and Supervision
- Oversee procurement reviews per the Delegation of Authority for sovereign and non-sovereign operations.
- Supervise a regional team of procurement specialists to ensure fiduciary compliance and support quality-at-entry objectives.
- Handle procurement-related complaints from contractors, civil society, and bidders.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Lead or participate in workshops and seminars for Borrowers and Bank staff.
- Organize business opportunity sessions for regional and international private sector stakeholders.
5. Reporting and Knowledge Management
- Contribute to the division’s work program and procurement annual report.
- Ensure accurate procurement data entry and monitor data quality.
- Maintain up-to-date regional procurement information on the Bank’s website.
- Track performance against key procurement indicators and prepare activity reports.
6. Strategic and Operational Support
- Participate in complex project missions, from preparation to appraisal, advising on optimal procurement methods.
- Prepare procurement briefs and updates for Senior Management.
- Mobilize financial resources to support procurement system reforms in member countries.
Competencies (Skills, Experience, and Knowledge)
To succeed in this role, you should possess:
- Education: At least a Master’s degree in Engineering, Public/Business Administration, Law, Procurement, Economics, or related fields.
- Experience: Minimum of 7 years in procurement support for development projects in developing countries.
- Technical Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of goods, works, and consulting services procurement.
- Familiarity with donor-funded procurement frameworks; AfDB experience preferred.
- Strong grasp of procurement reform and system assessment.
- Prior experience in supervising project implementation is a plus.
- Private sector procurement experience (PPP operations, etc.) is advantageous.
- Soft Skills:
- High integrity, client-focus, results-driven mindset.
- Excellent advisory and consulting skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; French is a plus.
- Capable of team leadership and collaboration across disciplines.
- Technical Tools: Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); SAP knowledge is a bonus.
Why Join the African Development Bank?
- Work with a high-performing, impact-driven team across Africa.
- Influence large-scale development programs that transform lives.
- Join a multicultural, dynamic environment at one of the world’s most respected financial institutions.
- Be at the forefront of procurement modernization, systems strengthening, and fiduciary assurance in Africa.
How to Apply
Ready to take your career to the next level with a continental institution? Don’t miss this opportunity.
Apply Now
through the African Development Bank’s careers portal.
