About MCA
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. government corporation focused on assisting countries dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. In May 2022, MCC signed a five-year agreement (“compact”) with the government of Lesotho (GoL) aimed at poverty reduction through inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.
The Millennium Challenge Account (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.
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, strengthening of the business environment 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 is 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. All of the compact’s projects focus on overcoming barriers to the economic inclusion of women, youth, and the rural poor.
Director, Procurement
Objective of this position
The Procurement Head under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that all procurement transactions are implemented in accordance with the MCC Program Procurement Guidelines (PPG), consolidates and oversees all procurement activities, and reports on the progress of these activities. The Procurement Director serves as the primary liaison between the Procurement Agent, MCC and outside entities from a variety of specialized sectors on all procurement activities. The Procurement Director also facilitates the smooth interplay between and among all elements of the procurement process, inclusive of the key aspect of synchronizing the substance and process elements of procurement activities.
Primary responsibilities
- Lead the overall Procurement unit of the MCA-Lesotho II, including managing the Procurement Agent, and ensure that sufficient support is provided to the operational and programmatic functions of the Procurement unit to strengthen its ability to deliver on the targets of the Compact in accordance with MCC Program Procurement Guidelines.
- Work in close coordination with other MCA-Lesotho II Directors to ensure a well-functioning and collaborative environment, provide reports and technical expertise to the CEO as required.
- Analyze MCA-Lesotho II operational and programmatic needs and oversee the development of procurement plans that are consistent with the overall plans of the Compact and aligned to the needs of MCA-Lesotho II.
- Represent MCA-Lesotho II as the primary procurement liaison in implementing the Compact program, including identifying initial procurement needs, organizing procurement operations and reviewing reports as necessary.
- Develop and sustain the quality of the procurement policy and contract administration documents throughout the life of the compact and recommend any necessary changes or improvements to ensure all documents respond to the operational reality of MCA-Lesotho II.
- Guide MCA-Lesotho II procurement and program staff and implementing entities on MCC procurement guidelines and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and transparency as well as Compact Requirements.
- Monitor all planned procurements, including works contracts, identify delayed procurements and provide recommendations when and as necessary.
- Regularly update the risk profile pertaining to the procurement environment with which MCA-Lesotho II operates.
- Sustain quality delivery by reviewing procurement requests, quality of goods, and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance to established work plans, as well as MCC/MCA-Lesotho II standards.
- Provide technical expertise on MCA-Lesotho II Procurements:
- Ensure that the documents describing the objects of the procurements, including the scopes of work, statements of requirements, specifications, terms of reference, etc., are adequately prepared and finalized in a reasonable and balanced manner without being overly restrictive.
Required Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, finance, engineering, procurement, or related field. Master’s degree in the above fields is an advantage.
- Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Value Chain Supply preferred.
- Minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience, three of which should have been spent at an executive or managerial level, or senior advisory role(s) in multi-disciplinary enterprises that required procurement of goods, works and services.
- Experience in drafting, reviewing, and approving procurement documents to international standards.
- Demonstrated experience with procurement policies of international development organizations, including but not limited to World Bank, African Development Bank, or MCC.
- Experience managing project-based teams of professionals delivering high quality outcomes.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Proficiency in Sesotho is preferred.
- Strong computer skills with office productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project).
- Demonstrated ability to develop, follow, and document adherence to procurement and acquisition guidelines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working with high-level government officials and business executives.
- Superior organizational and time management skills.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, on or before the 24thNovember 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.