Contract Management Specialist – Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Lesotho II
Millennium Challenge Account
The Millennium Challenge Account – Lesotho II Authority (MCA-Lesotho II) is an entity established by the Government to act as the accountable entity to implement the Compact, with the authority to bind the Government with regard to all Program activities.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) awards eligible countries with fixed-amount, fixed-term (five year) grants (“compacts”) for a defined set of projects aimed at reducing poverty through economic growth. Country ownership of compacts is a core part of MCC’s model and influences a great deal of MCC’s work. MCC supports this through the assembly of a local team of professionals for each compact, typically called a “Millennium Challenge Account” or “MCA”, charged with compact implementation and overseen locally by a Board of Directors. MCC believes that the performance of MCA-Lesotho staff has a significant impact on the efficiency, effectiveness, quality of compact implementation, and ultimately on the results that the compacts achieve.
Lesotho Compact
The Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact aims to benefit 2.5 million people by growing, strengthening, and organizing the private sector in Lesotho and improving the government’s coordination to deliver critical services necessary to support private sector development. It will achieve this goal through investments in Health System Strengthening and Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture, providing sustainable income for smallholders and increasing climate resilience by replacing rain-fed subsistence farming with irrigated commercial horticulture in select locations. The GOL committed to passing several key reforms that will help make this compact successful, including reforms that address gender equality, working conditions and worker safety, as well as land and water rights. Each of the compact’s four projects focus on overcoming barriers to the economic inclusion of women, youth, and the rural poor.
Position Objective
MCA-Lesotho II is seeking a highly skilled Contract Management Specialist to join their dynamic team. The Contract Management Specialist will play a crucial role in overseeing multiple high-value projects across various sectors. The primary responsibility is to ensure effective contract management throughout the project lifecycle, including reviewing contracts, providing guidance to project and contract managers, and ensuring compliance with contractual agreements. The Contract Management Specialist will contribute to the successful execution of projects by ensuring that all contractual obligations are met, and risks are mitigated.
Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee contracts for compact projects, ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirements according to MCC guidelines; such as the Program Procurement Guidelines, Cost Principles, Program Grant Guidelines, and the Contract Administration and Management Manual.
- Review contracts, including terms and conditions, scope of work, and deliverables.
- Collaborate with General Counsel, Project Directors, and Contract Managers to provide guidance on contract-related matters.
- Assist in the development of project plans and strategies to align with contractual obligations.
- Identify and assess potential risks associated with contracts and propose risk mitigation strategies.
- Monitor project activities to ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
- Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to address contract-related inquiries and issues.
- Foster positive relationships with clients, vendors, and project teams.
- Maintain accurate and organized contract records, including amendments and correspondence.
- Generate reports on contract performance, compliance, and potential risks.
- Provide training and support to colleagues involved in project and contract management.
- Stay informed about industry best practices and legal requirements related to contract management.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement in contract management procedures.
- Implement best practices to enhance overall contract management efficiency.
Required Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree in business management, Law, Contract Management, or a related field.
- 7 years’ experience in contract management, particularly overseeing high-value projects.
- Strong understanding of legal and contractual principles.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, on or before the 29th December 2023.
Complete applications must comprise of the following documents:
1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available);
4. A completed online application form (can be accessed from https://lesotho-jobs.tenderwell.app – CV Template MCA Lesotho II)
Only applications that are submitted on or before the deadline will be considered.
We thank all applicants. However, note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Submit your application online via: https://lesotho-jobs.tenderwell.app. Hard copy applications will not be considered.