Background
The Government of Lesotho, with support from the World Bank, is preparing the Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project aimed at addressing malnutrition through coordinated, multisectoral interventions.
Project preparation activities are being financed through a Project Preparation Grant (PPG), which is expected to close in December 2026.
To ensure that all procurement activities during the preparation phase are carried out in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and the Government of Lesotho requirements, the Ministry of Finance (or designated Lead Ministry/Project Implementation Unit) seeks to engage a Procurement Specialist to support procurement planning, implementation, and capacity building during project preparation.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to provide technical leadership and hands-on support for procurement activities under the Project Preparation Grant (PPG), ensuring that all goods, works, and consulting services required for project preparation are procured efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with World Bank Procurement Regulations and national procedures.
The Procurement Specialist will lead the procurement strategy and contract delivery management plan preparation and produce acceptable Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) and other implementation readiness documents, including the initial Procurement Plan and procurement documents for the Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project.
Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with the World Bank task team, the Procurement Specialist will perform the following duties:
Procurement Strategy
- Lead the procurement strategy and contract delivery management plan preparation.
- Develop an acceptable Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD).
- Prepare implementation readiness documents, including the initial Procurement Plan and procurement documents for the Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project.
Procurement Planning and Systems
- Prepare, update, and implement the PPG Procurement Plan in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.
- Upload and manage the Procurement Plan in the Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP).
- Advise the project on appropriate procurement methods, market approaches, and selection procedures during project preparation.
- Support the integration of procurement planning with the overall PPG work plan and project timelines.
Procurement Implementation
Lead and support procurement processes for consulting services, goods, and non-consulting services required for project preparation, including:
- Preparation of Requests for Expressions of Interest (REoIs).
- Preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
- Preparation of bidding documents and contracts.
- Support evaluation committees, including the preparation of evaluation reports.
- Conduct contract negotiations and contract finalisation.
- Ensure timely processing of procurement activities to avoid implementation delays.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with the World Bank Procurement Regulations, the approved Procurement Plan, and applicable national laws and regulations.
- Maintain complete and well-organised procurement records for audit and review purposes.
- Address procurement-related queries, reviews, and no-objection requests from the World Bank.
Institutional Coordination and Capacity Building
- Provide procurement advice and support to participating line ministries and agencies involved in project preparation.
- Strengthen procurement capacity within the Project Coordination Unit and relevant sector ministries through on-the-job training and technical guidance.
- Support coordination between procurement, financial management, safeguards, and technical teams.
Risk Management and Reporting
- Identify procurement risks during project preparation and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
- Prepare periodic procurement progress reports as part of overall PPG reporting.
- Support procurement inputs into project preparation documents, including the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and implementation arrangements.
Deliverables
The Procurement Specialist will deliver, among others:
- Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD).
- Other implementation readiness documents, including the initial Procurement Plan and procurement documents for the Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project.
- An approved and regularly updated PPG Procurement Plan in STEP.
- Complete and compliant procurement documentation for all PPG-funded activities.
- Timely procurement reports and inputs into project preparation documents.
- Capacity-building support for relevant government counterparts.
Duration of the Assignment
The assignment will run for the duration of the Project Preparation Grant (PPG), which is expected to continue until December 2026, with the level of effort defined in the contract (full-time or part-time, as applicable).
Reporting Arrangements
The Procurement Specialist will report to the Project Coordinator and work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, participating sector ministries, and the World Bank task team.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess:
- At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, or a related field.
- A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of 5–7 years of relevant procurement experience, preferably in donor-funded projects.
- Demonstrated experience with World Bank-financed projects and strong familiarity with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and STEP.
- Proven ability to manage complex procurement processes and multiple stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
- Experience preparing Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) documents and working with government institutions in Lesotho or similar contexts will be an added advantage.
Duty Station
The Procurement Specialist will be based in Lesotho, with travel to project sites and participating ministries as required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact details of three (3) traceable referees.
The subject line of the application should read:
Application for Procurement Specialist Position – Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project – Preparation Phase (PPG)
Applications should be emailed to:
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted on or before 10 August 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.