Consultant to support the procurement process for software and hardware for the programme, "Can't Wait to Learn"
Context
Can't Wait to Learn (CWtL) proposes new solutions to the urgent challenges facing education for children in emergencies. By utilising innovative technological solutions with a focus on serious gaming, CWtL builds on concepts which have been successfully piloted in Sudan (e-Learning Sudan) to increase the number of children with access to quality education in mathematics in three locations: Sudan, Lebanon and Jordan. The latter two countries have been introduced with the view to being replicable in other host countries for Syrian refugees. In addition, this project will introduce reading to the CWtL materials portfolio. The addition of Lebanon to the country portfolio will mean that CWtL will develop either French or English language materials. If French language materials are chosen, this will facilitate eventual expansion to French-speaking Africa.
Developing fresh, interactive materials based on the national curricula, and creating effective partnership structures to distribute these, creates new opportunities for making education accessible to those children who have been excluded from education. In upcoming programme phases, CWtL will also explore how to integrate psychosocial support and life skills interventions into programme. Thus, increasing children's resilience and thereby, preparing them for a positive future.
Purpose of Consultancy:
War Child is seeking a part time consultant to contribute specific technical expertise in complex software and hardware procurement to the WCH internal procurement team.
The consultant will assist, and work alongside, the WCH internal procurement team to ensure a (cost-) effective procurement process for software and hardware which will support programme sustainability and comply with WCH and its donors' procurement and accountability standards. The consultant shall report to the WCH procurement team leader.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Consultant:
The consultant will support the WCH internal procurement team to develop and implement all aspects of hardware and software procurement, including, but not limited to:
Effective development and updating of programme procurement plan;
Providing clear advice on which procurement strategy and procedures should be followed, for both software and hardware, including providing advice on procurement rules and regulations of programme donors, including bilateral and multilateral donors and foundations. This will include providing advice on appropriate market definition(s) for the purposes of procurement and also individual market strategy development, as necessary;
Support in the development of relevant tender procedures including tender protocol, tender committee composition, specification definitions and cost estimates and formulating selection and award criteria. Support in deciding on optimal procurement methods, including processing procurement, including advertising, pre-qualifying and short listing;
Support in the development of appropriate supplier service level agreement standards, including relevant environmental, after sales support and warranties.
Provide advice in preparation of procurement related documents required for the procurement of goods, consulting services and works;
During the procurement process, provide support and advice in:
Providing clear advice on which procurement strategy and procedures should be followed, for both software and hardware, including providing advice on procurement rules and regulations of programme donors, including bilateral and multilateral donors and foundations. This will include providing advice on appropriate market definition(s) for the purposes of procurement and also individual market strategy development, as necessary;
Support in the development of relevant tender procedures including tender protocol, tender committee composition, specification definitions and cost estimates and formulating selection and award criteria. Support in deciding on optimal procurement methods, including processing procurement, including advertising, pre-qualifying and short listing;
Support in the development of appropriate supplier service level agreement standards, including relevant environmental, after sales support and warranties.
Provide advice in preparation of procurement related documents required for the procurement of goods, consulting services and works;
During the procurement process, provide support and advice in:
Pre bid meetings, preparing answers/clarification/ modification;
Receiving bids/ proposals and examining the same and in writing evaluation reports;
Negotiating with bidders, when required, and preparing contract documents; and
Maintaining adequate documentation required for audit and progress reporting purposes;
Receiving bids/ proposals and examining the same and in writing evaluation reports;
Negotiating with bidders, when required, and preparing contract documents; and
Maintaining adequate documentation required for audit and progress reporting purposes;
Provide technical procurement advice to support the WCH Legal department in the development of supplier contracts.
Location of Work: To be discussed
Period: The period will be finalised following agreement of the consultant's specific Terms of Reference for the assignment, but will be for at least a period of six months with an option to renew, if required.
Qualifications:
The consultant will have specific technical expertise in complex software and hardware procurement.
Essential:
Considerable experience with software development procurement.
Understanding and experience in cradle to cradle procurement processes for hardware, with an emphasis on climate friendly procurement.
Demonstrable experience in providing support in internal procurement teams to ensure (cost-) effective procurement which supports programme sustainability and meets organisational and funding source accountability requirements.
Experience in working with a broad range of IT vendors.
Fluency in English written and oral communication.
Understanding and experience in cradle to cradle procurement processes for hardware, with an emphasis on climate friendly procurement.
Demonstrable experience in providing support in internal procurement teams to ensure (cost-) effective procurement which supports programme sustainability and meets organisational and funding source accountability requirements.
Experience in working with a broad range of IT vendors.
Fluency in English written and oral communication.
Preference will be given to consultants who are able to commence work immediately.
How to apply:
Please apply through the following hyperlink before 29 February 2016:https://warchild.onlinevacatures.nl/en/Vacancy/Apply/58412
Your application should include a CV (or company profile), a list of current and previous assignments relevant to this assignment. In addition, please prepare a two page (max.) document explaining how you would approach the assignment (including your daily fee, base-location, and the suggested process for development of specific terms of reference).
For specific enquiries related to this opportunity, please contactkate.radford@warchild.nl
There will a committee to review the candidates and select one candidate among the applicants. This committee is not obliged to take the smallest bidder or otherwise. The committee may request additional information from candidates. Any additional information requested is considered part of the candidate application process. The committee may ask any of the candidates to review their application following any pre-selection in the initial round. The committee can also, if thought important, hold online interviews with pre-selected candidates to clarify any questions related to the application.
The committee is not required to return submitted documents back to the candidate.
