Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for one-year contract appointments as Coordinators and nine-month contract appointment as Consultants at the Public Sector Reform Secretariat, Office of the President.

Purpose of the Job:
In 2009, the Government established the Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) within the Office of the President and assigned oversight responsibility for facilitation of public sector reforms in Ghana to a Minister of State at the Presidency.

PSRS has a strategic and technical back-stopping role. The primary responsibilities of PSRS focus on coordination, financial management, facilitation of procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on progress of public sector reform. The Secretariat is presently strengthening its capacity to deliver on its mandate.

A new Public Sector Reform project is being implemented based on New Approach to Public Sector Reform which seeks to focus reforms on delivering specific results in various sectors of the economy, particularly the delivering of the Government's main development agenda for job creation and food security.

This enhanced perspective on the nature of the Public Sector Reform strategy and framework requires senior and experienced individuals to provide support to the public sector reform programme in the areas of procurement, financial management and resource mobilization, communication, project analysis, project financing and M&E.

Key Responsibilities:
General tasks:

•  Develop and implement the annual work plan of the Division
•  Conduct special reviews within the public sector reform context
•  Provide technical backstopping to all reform environmental in the area of procurement
•  Ensure that reform programmes in area of Division's specialization are consistent with the public sector reform framework; and
•  Prepare area of specialization performance reports

Specific Tasks:

•  Provide procurement support during project preparation and project implementation (including prior and post review of all procurement documents and decisions);
•  Prepare and monitor the procurement work programme and budget allocation for the Division
•  Assist in procurement capacity building activities for the Implementing Agencies (IAs);
•  Review and handle the technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all stages of project cycle;
•  Carry out procurement prior reviews and procurement post reviews of procurement actions, recommendations and/or decisions;
•  Provide operational advice to the IAs and PSR Secretariat staff on concepts, policies and procedures for international and local procurement;
•  Negotiate and resolve difficult procurement issues with IAs and handle questions/complaints from senior officials and contractors/suppliers/service providers on bidding and award issues;
•  Design and conduct workshops to educate procurement professionals in the IAs on the Bank's philosophy and approach to procurement, as well as on specialized procurement topics;
•  Prepare a range of procurement-related documents and reports;
•  Develop effective working relationships with internal and external clients; and
•  Provide guidance and training to junior procurement staff

Remuneration: Attractive remuneration packages commensurate with position

Qualification Required & Experience

Education:

A Master's Degree with a major in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business or Commerce) and relevant training in procurement work

Competencies:

•  Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving and negotiating skills with ability to balance project objectives and procurement requirements with IAs needs
•  Strong communication skills in presenting, discussing and resolving difficult issues, both orally and in writing, and excellent listening skills;
•  Ability to deal sensitively and build effective business relationships with clients and colleagues within a matrix management environment;
•  Exceptional degree of integrity, judgment and tact in handling the most sensitive, diverse and confidential material; and
•  Clear understanding of World Bank's business objectives, policies and practices related to public sector reform projects and critical links to procurement

Experience:

•  At least five (5) years of direct relevant work experience post Master's degree as Procurement Specialist or, alternatively, a minimum of eight (8) years having had responsibilities with a substantial content of his/her position in the management of public procurement area in the public or private sector;
•  Good knowledge of all concepts and principles of and approaches to international procurement, and of public procurement systems;
•  Knowledge and understanding of technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all phases of a donor-supported project;
•  Good knowledge of procurement systems, practices and agencies in Ghana;
•  Task/project management skills; and
•  Knowledge and experience in e-procurement will be an added advantage

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a track record of achievement in modernizing procurement, financial management and resource mobilization, communication, project financial analysis and M&E activities in an organization, and of coaching and mentoring others in similar situations

How To Apply For The Job

Application Procedure:
To obtain further details, including background to Government of Ghana and its public sector reform programmes, and Terms of Reference for theses posts, please, contact the Public Sector Reform Secretariat by Tel: (233)302 684086/7 or Fax: (233)302 670 295.

The application must be addressed to

The Chief Programme Coordinator
Public Sector Reform Secretariat
Public Services Commission Building
1st Floor, Room 109

Certified copies of qualifications, as well as the names and letters of two referees must be submitted with your application

Closing Date: 02 August, 2012

PLEASE, NOTE THAT ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE NOTIFIED