Procurement Specialist

About Chemonics
Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Since 1975, we have worked in 149 countries around the world to promote meaningful change to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. We are currently implementing 113 contracts in 68 countries, with more than 600 staff based in our Washington, D.C., office and more than 3,000 staff in our global project offices. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), but we occasionally work with foreign donors as well.

1.  Project Background

USAID’s Community Support Program (2018 – 2025) is designed to provide a broad range of support to underserved and vulnerable communities to improve the delivery of essential services and enhance economic opportunities, primarily in Lebanon’s North, South, and Beqaa regions. Under CSP’s wastewater management component, the program is partnering with regional water establishments (RWEs), communities, and other key stakeholders to implement infrastructure interventions that sustainably improve wastewater management in Lebanon. It is also managing a grant to incentivize private sector industries to mitigate wastewater pollution.

2.  Summary of Position

The procurement specialist will assist in issuing subcontracts and grants under CSP’s wastewater management component, in accordance with USAID and Chemonics standards and regulations. The procurement specialist’s responsibilities will include but not be limited to evaluating, awarding, monitoring, and closing out services, equipment procurements, and construction subcontracts. The specialist will also oversee the solicitation and implementation of all grant activities.

3.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the senior activity fund manager in properly preparing and executing documents related to wastewater management subcontracts and the subcontracts’ disbursements, in line with USAID and Chemonics requirements and the procedures and best practices of CSP.
• Assist in managing documents related to wastewater construction subcontracts. The required documentation will include scopes of work, bidding documents, evaluations and evaluation forms, selection documents, negotiation documents, notices to proceed, invoices, and final completion documents, as well as any other documentation needed for the execution of the subcontract as per USAID and Chemonics requirements.
• Assist the senior activity fund manager and the wastewater management team in the preparation of contracts for, execution of, and disbursement of equipment and material procurements, according to USAID and Chemonics procedures.
• Review payment requests, monthly invoices, and financial reports from design and construction subcontractors.
• Review changes in subcontracts and variation orders for wastewater construction subcontractors. Conduct market investigations and negotiate change orders with subcontractors. Modify subcontracts’ costs and prices as per approved change orders.
• Substantiate the accuracy of submitted invoices and documents prior to making payments, such as monthly invoices, service charges, and equipment procurement payments; change orders; and all related procurements for wastewater management infrastructure subcontracts.
• Assist the senior activity fund manager in preparing and executing wastewater management investment grant documents and disbursements, in accordance with USAID and Chemonics requirements and CSP’s procedures and best practices. Document grant agreements, selection memos, evaluation forms, grant activity forms, and branding and marketing plans.
• Assist with review of wastewater management investment grantees’ financial reports and payment requests.
• Maintain a tracking system for the preparation of wastewater management construction tenders, evaluation of proposals and applications, and monitoring of subcontractors’ and grantees’ performance, invoicing, and payment. This includes updating and revising the database of subcontractors and grantees.
• Assist with record management by filing, scanning, and maintaining documents of all subcontracts and grants related to wastewater management.
• Travel to field locations in the country as needed to support the implementation of subcontracts and grants.
• Collaborate closely with CSP’s wastewater management team on a daily basis, providing it with direct support under the guidance and supervision of the senior activity fund manager.
• Other duties as assigned by the senior activity fund manager and the wastewater management director, or equivalent.

4.  Minimum Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional procurement, subcontracts, and/or grants experience, including at least 2 years of specialized experience in procuring construction contracts/subcontracts.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations related to grants and subcontracts is required.
• Previous experience in subcontracts management, specifically construction subcontracts on USAID-funded projects, is preferred.
• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.
• Organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills are required.

5.  Place of Assignment

The procurement specialist will be based in the project’s main office in Sin el Fil, Lebanon, and be expected to travel throughout the country as needed.

6.  Reporting

The procurement specialist will report directly to the senior activity fund manager, or equivalent.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants who can legally work in Lebanon will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.