Consulting Services for the role of Procurement Specialist — Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment Project

MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE Request for Expressions of Interest Country: Zambia Project: Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project Project ID: P514247 (Consulting Services – Individual Consultant Selection) PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION The Government of the Republic of Zambia is preparing and implementing the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) project (P514247) with support from the World Bank. STRIVE is proposed as a US$80 million IDA Grant and will be implemented as an Investment Project Financing (IPF) operation with Performance-Based Conditions (PBCs), as Phase 3 of the Skills for Economic Transformation and Jobs (SET4Jobs) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Project Development Objective is to strengthen the skills ecosystem for increased job creation in priority value chains, with a focus on increasing access to job-relevant skills for Zambian youth. The project prioritizes mining, agribusiness, and hospitality and emphasizes employer co-design, outcomes and employability, sustainability of core financing mechanisms, and future-oriented innovations, including digital, blended learning, and AI-enabled tools. The project will be implemented through three components: (1) Building industry-led skills systems, including the development of a TEVET Management Information System and a strengthened Labour Market Information System, and support to sector management and coordination functions such as quality assurance, occupational standards, and instructor supply (including selected PBC-supported reforms); (2) Preparing youth for better jobs, including performance-oriented institutional grants for TEVET institutions (including Centres of Excellence and hybrid learning for ZQF Levels 5-7), competitive grants to improve the quality of programs up to Level 4, a pilot TEVET student loan scheme, and results-based contracts for short-term skilling; and (3) Growing employment opportunities in value chains, including support to business development services and sector-specific upskilling for firms. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) will be the lead implementing agency for STRIVE. Day-to-day coordination will be carried out through a dedicated Project Coordination Unit (the 'STRIVE PCU') hosted by MoTS. Implementation will require close coordination with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED), the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), and other relevant stakeholders. The project will be supported by a high-level Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Technology and Science, to provide strategic oversight and ensure cross-agency and private sector coordination. The Steering Committee will include, inter alia, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, MoLSS, MSMED, TEVETA, HELSB, and private sector representatives. Technical working groups and/or component-level committees may be established to provide technical oversight and support results monitoring. The core functions of the STRIVE PCU will include: preparation of annual work plans and budgets; monitoring and evaluation and periodic progress reporting; coordinating Steering Committee and technical working group meetings; supporting recruitment and management of technical assistance; preparing required financial reports and disbursement documentation; facilitating internal and external audits; providing procurement planning and contract management support consistent with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and use of STEP; coordinating implementation support missions and preparation of mission documentation; ensuring compliance with legal covenants; ensuring implementation of environmental and social risk management measures under the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress); and implementing a communications approach for internal and external stakeholders. The STRIVE PCU will be headed by a Project Coordinator, who will provide oversight for day-to-day management and coordination of the project and supervise PCU staff and consultants supporting fiduciary, M&E, environmental and social risk management, communications, and technical implementation functions. The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for ‘Individual Consulting Services’. MoTS now invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services for the consultancy position of Procurement Specialist. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. 4. MAIN DUTIES OR ACCOUNTABILITIES Key results area and principal accountabilities are as follows: Key Result Area Principal Accountabilities Procurement planning and coordination Facilitate a holistic and integrated approach to implementing STRIVE procurement activities to ensure timely delivery of planned activities. Coordinate with the STRIVE PCU, implementing agencies, and technical teams to identify procurement needs and prepare realistic procurement schedules aligned with the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB). Prepare, update, and consolidate the annual and rolling Procurement Plan(s) and submit for review/approval and World Bank no-objection where required. Monitor procurement plan implementation and proactively flag delays, bottlenecks and risks to the Project Coordinator, proposing corrective actions. Procurement processing and compliance Coordinate preparation and issuance of procurement documents including Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI), Requests for Quotations (RFQ), Requests for Proposals (RFP), bidding documents, and contract forms, using applicable World Bank Standard Procurement Documents as required. Support organization of bid/proposal receipt and opening processes; coordinate evaluation processes, including formation/briefing of evaluation committees, and ensure evaluations follow agreed procedures and timelines. Prepare procurement evaluation reports, draft negotiation minutes (as applicable), and contract award recommendations for approvals and no-objections as required. Ensure all procurement activities are carried out according to the approved Procurement Plan, applicable national procedures (as relevant), and the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. STEP and procurement record management Ensure timely and accurate entry, processing, and updating of all procurement activities in STEP, including planning, procurement milestones, no-objection requests, contract information, and amendments. Maintain complete and well-organized procurement records (electronic and hard copy), ensuring an auditable trail for post review, supervision missions, and audits. Prepare periodic procurement monitoring reports (monthly/quarterly/annual as required) summarizing pipeline, progress against the plan, issues, and risk mitigation actions. Contract management support Support the STRIVE PCU and technical teams in contract management, including contract start-up, deliverable tracking, performance monitoring, payment documentation support, contract amendments, and closure. Support management of contracts related to competitive grants and results-based contracting arrangements, including procurement-related guidance and oversight where decentralized procurement is applied. Coordinate with Financial Management staff to ensure procurement and contract management documentation supports timely processing of payments and complies with agreed controls. Technical assistance and capacity building Provide internal technical assistance to STRIVE PCU staff and external support to implementing agencies, participating TEVET institutions and training providers, and other stakeholders on procurement issues. Develop and deliver targeted training and guidance on procurement planning, bidding processes, evaluation, contract management, procurement ethics, and complaint handling related to procurement. Support establishment and functioning of procurement focal points within implementing agencies and participating institutions, as applicable. Procurement risk management and complaints handling Proactively identify and manage procurement risks to ensure adherence to international and national procurement standards, including Value for Money, market analysis, and integrity/anti-corruption considerations. Coordinate timely responses to procurement-related complaints and inquiries, in alignment with the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and the World Bank procurement complaint handling requirements. Support mitigation of risks related to fraud and corruption by strengthening transparency, documentation, segregation of duties, and compliance checks. Supervision missions and reporting Participate in World Bank implementation support missions and provide procurement inputs to mission documentation (pre-mission briefs, aide-memoires, and follow-up action matrices). Provide procurement information as required by the World Bank and auditors, and support timely implementation of agreed mission recommendations and audit findings related to procurement. Support to PBC evidence and verification (as applicable) Support collection, organization, and quality assurance of procurement-related evidence required for PBC reporting and independent verification arrangements, where relevant. Ensure procurement documentation and contract records are readily available to support verification and disbursement processes. Any other duties Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator and MoTS leadership to support effective implementation of STRIVE. 5. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS a) The Procurement Specialist reports to the Deputy Project Coordinator within the STRIVE PCU. b) Contacts: The Procurement Specialist will maintain close working relationships with MoTS designated officers and PCU staff, and liaise regularly with TEVETA, MoLSS, MSMED, HELSB, participating TEVET institutions and training providers, private sector partners, contractors (where applicable), and other stakeholders as required. 6. OUTPUTS AND REPORTING OBLIGATIONS The main deliverables for the assignment are: Annual and rolling Procurement Plans prepared, updated, and implemented in alignment with the AWPB and approved processes. Procurement documents (REOI, RFQ, RFP, bidding documents) prepared and issued in a timely manner and in compliance with applicable requirements. Evaluation processes conducted according to agreed procedures and timelines, with complete and accurate evaluation reports and contract award recommendations. All procurement activities managed and updated in STEP on time, with accurate contract data, milestones, and documentation. Complete procurement filing system maintained, enabling efficient post-review, audits, and supervision support. Periodic procurement progress reports produced, including pipeline tracking, delays/bottlenecks, and recommended corrective actions. Contract management support provided to ensure timely delivery, proper documentation, and contract closure. Capacity building delivered to implementing agencies and participating institutions as needed. 7. RESPONSIBILITIES Safety and health of others: Nil. Responsibility for Government resources: Responsible for office equipment under the job holder’s charge. Level of Authority and Decision Making: Makes technical recommendations related to procurement planning, processing, compliance, and risk management; escalates issues requiring management decisions and/or World Bank guidance as needed. Consequence of Error: Errors may result in procurement delays, ineligible expenditures, reputational risk, and non-compliance with project requirements, including possible delays in disbursements. 8. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENT a) Minimum professional qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in a Procurement/Supply Chain Management or related fields A Graduate Diploma in CIPS. Master’s degree will be an added advantage. b) Minimum Relevant Pre-job Experience: Minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience with a proven track record in procurement management. Demonstrated experience in procurement planning, preparation of procurement documents, bid/proposal evaluation processes, and contract management. Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, training institutions, and private sector partners. Knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices governing international procurement, including Value for Money, sustainable procurement, strategic sourcing, market analysis, and contract management. Experience with donor-funded projects, including the World Bank, and familiarity with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and STEP is an added advantage. c) Communication skills: Written Skills: must possess excellent writing skills. Oral Skills: must possess good oral communication and facilitation skills. d) Other skills/Attributes: Good team player; strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain constructive working relationships. Self-starter with ability to work under minimal supervision and meet deadlines. Strong integrity and professionalism; ability to manage sensitive information and handle complaints appropriately. Strong project management skills, including ability to coordinate multiple processes simultaneously. Computer literacy with skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint; ability to manage procurement tracking tools/spreadsheets. 9. KEY COMPETENCIES High levels of energy, initiative, and accountability to deliver results. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage multiple procurement processes, constraints, and stakeholders. Ability to interpret and apply procurement rules and procedures consistently and to provide practical guidance to teams. Strong communication and facilitation skills, including ability to support evaluation committees and train staff. Demonstrated understanding of contract management methodologies and risk management. 10. SUPERVISION The Procurement Specialist will work under the supervision of the Deputy Project Coordinator. 11. CONTRACT DURATION The appointment for this position is five years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance. 12. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND RENEWAL OF CONTRACT This position is performance based. Therefore, the incumbent’s performance will be evaluated by a committee set up by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) and may include relevant Directors (or equivalent). Based on the satisfactory recommendation of the committee Submission Interested candidates are requested to submit the Application, relevant experience and qualification accompanied by a comprehensive CV. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.15, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 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 (World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025). Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (from 8:00 hours to 17:00 hours) Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form by person (or by mail, or by e-mail) at the address below by 19th June, 2026 Ministry of Technology and Science Attn: Director Human Resource and Administration Maxwell House, Los Angeles Boulevard P.O Box 50464 E-mail: George.matulula@mots.gov.zm ; mundubi.magolo@mots.gov.zm