State Procurement Officer (SPO)

Job title : State Procurement Officer (SPO)

Introduction / Background

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (hereafter called the borrower) has received a credit of 60 million USD from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with additional financing of 30 million USD from the Niger delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the cost of implementing a FGN / IFAD / NDDC assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in six states of the Niger Delta region.
• IFAD financing will focus on the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo, while NDDC financing will cover three states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.
• The LIFE-ND is planned with a financing gap of six years in the first instance, and additional six years to be financed in future by other partners and / or an additional IFAD loan.
• The project targets establishing over 38,250 agri business enterprises.
• The objective of the project is to enhance income, food security and job creation for youths, women using sustainable agri business development in the Niger Delta.
• To facilitate implementation of the project in Edo State, it is a requirement to have qualified and competent personnel from the state to fill the vacant position above.

Main Responsibilities

• The State Procurement Officer will be responsible for management of project procurement activities at the state level in accordance with relevant National and IFAD Procurement Guidelines.
• The SPO will ensure that all procurement processes are carried out in a transparent, cost-efficient, and compliant manner to support timely and effective project implementation.

Specific Duties

• Ensure that procurement is conducted with transparency, integrity, economy, fairness, competition, and accountability.
• Facilitate the preparation, update, and review of the annual procurement plan to align with the approved Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).
• Prepare and submit the State Quarterly Procurement Tracking Plan.
• Maintain and regularly update the contract register and No-Objection tracker.
• Establish and periodically update the state database of vendors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Facilitate the preparation of technical specifications and Terms of Reference (TORs) for procurement of goods, works, and services.
• Prepare bidding documents, tender notices, and invitations for bids.
• Manage bid reception, opening, and evaluation processes, and finalize contracts in accordance with guidelines.
• Administer contracts to ensure compliance with contractual terms and payment conditions.
• Maintain accurate and complete procurement records and documentation.
• Handle issues relating to contract negotiation, bidder complaints, and debriefing as necessary.
• Provide procurement implementation and performance reports in accordance with the reporting requirements of IFAD and the Government.
• Provide training, guidance, and supervision to beneficiaries and service providers on procurement matters.
• Strengthen the procurement capacity of beneficiaries, service providers, and relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a University Degree in Engineering, Finance, Management, Purchasing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully carrying out procurement using similar methods, systems, and specifications.
• At least 2 years of experience applying internationally accepted procurement best practices, with sound knowledge of the Nigerian Procurement Laws and Guidelines and familiarity with IFAD or other donor-funded projects.
• Excellent written and computer literacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling procurement activities.

Reporting and Location:

• The positions will be based at the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) Benin City, Edo State.
• The prospective State Officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator (SPC).

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be on 2-year renewal contract following a successful completion of a 1-year probation period.
• Subsequent contract renewal will be based on satisfactory performance review.