Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Procurement Consultant
Kigali, Rwanda
Full-time
Company Description
Project DescriptionThe primary purpose of the 3-year, USAID-funded Ibitabo Kuri Twese (IKT) Project is to strengthen the market system for teaching and learning materials and increase the quantity, quality, affordability, and accessibility of books and other reading materials (physical and digital) in schools, homes, and communities, contributing to improved reading outcomes.
Analysis of REB’s Procurement Processes and Practices
- Conduct a detailed analysis of current procurement practices and processes to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and strategies to streamline processes and make them more efficient and functional with existing resources.
- Prepare a set of practical recommendations for REB to make improvements in procurement processes aligned with global and local best practices and compliance standards.
- Ensure that recommendations are compliant with national regulations,
- Ensure that recommendations include risk mitigation strategies that establish controls to safeguard REB’s procurement integrity, such as fraud prevention measures and conflict of interest policies.
- Engage with external stakeholders, such as suppliers, printers and regulatory bodies such as RPPA, to ensure that recommendations for procurement improvements align with market standards and legal requirements and the reality of other market actors (e.g. printers).
Strategy to Enhance REB’s Procurement Processes and Practices
- Facilitate a process of reflection with REB to jointly reflect on the findings and recommendations and evaluate and prioritize improvements.
- Develop a comprehensive and practical Strategy to enhance REB’s procurement process and practices that includes actions, timeline, and responsible people, to ensure its successful implementation (see below).
- Liaise and engage REB staff, industry actors, USAID Ibitabo Kuri Twese (USAID IKT), and other experts (as needed) to ensure that the Strategy is feasible, reflects good practices, and will lead to overall improvements to the TLM system. Secure REB’s approval of the Enhancement Strategy
B. Strategy Implementation to Enhance Procurement Processes and Practices
The consultant will be responsible for implementing the Enhancement Strategy, including, but not limited to the following:
Provide Specialized Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
- Based on results of the analysis and facilitated reflections with REB, develop and implement standardized procurement procedures, templates, and tools to streamline REB’s TLM procurement operations (per the agreed Strategy).
- Provide targeted training and coaching to REB staff on procurement protocols, tendering processes, vendor selection, and contract management.
- In collaboration with REB, facilitate workshops and develop tools to enhance the procurement skills of REB’s personnel, promoting consistent adherence to established processes.
Facilitate Procurement Planning and Strategy Development
- Facilitate a process for REB to develop annual procurement plans to meet TLM requirements, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Develop the necessary tools to support the annual planning process, ensuring an annual plan is in place for FY25.
- Contribute to the 5-strategic plan development by providing insights into elements relevant to REB’s enhanced procurement processes.
Ensure Compliance and Risk Management
- Monitor compliance with national and organizational procurement regulations, identifying and addressing potential risks.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies and establish controls to safeguard REB’s procurement integrity, such as fraud prevention measures and conflict of interest policies.
Enhance Monitoring and Reporting Practices within REB
- Design and implement a system for tracking procurement activities, and assess the impact of enhanced procurement strategies.
- Prepare regular progress reports, presenting insights and recommendations to REB’s management to support data-driven decision-making.
Set up a System in REB for Continuous Improvements
- Identify and champion opportunities for process improvements
- Participate in ongoing reviews of procurement processes to ensure continuous alignment with REB’s objectives and procurement best practices
- A Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in procurement, supply chain management, or public-sector procurement, preferably in the education sector or government context.
- Demonstrated experience in developing procurement strategies, capacity building, and managing procurement processes in compliance with national regulations (e.g., Rwanda’s RPPA).
- Experience working with international donors (e.g., USAID) and familiarity with their procurement guidelines is a plus.
Desired Skills:
- Strong knowledge of public procurement policies, processes, and compliance requirements, particularly in Rwanda.
- Proven ability to analyze procurement systems and design enhancement strategies.
- Deep understanding of procurement planning, vendor selection, tendering processes, and contract management.
- Ability to develop and implement project plans, manage timelines, and meet deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, suppliers, and donors.
- Experience facilitating strategic discussions and effectively leading consensus building
- Experience facilitating workshops and capacity-building initiatives.
Language:
English (requirement): Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to write reports and facilitate workshops.
Kinyarwanda (desirable): Fluency in Kinyarwanda is required to engage effectively with local stakeholders.
Additional Information
