Director, Public Procurement (GMG/SEG 3)

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Director, Corporate Services, the Director, Public Procurement, has the responsibility to ensure that goods and services required by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) are procured and delivered as requested, in accordance with the Government of Jamaica’s (GoJ’s) Public Procurement Act, 2015 and Regulations. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Provides advice to the Chief Technical Director, Corporate Services, other Directors and Managers on Procurement policies and procedures; 
• Participates in the development of the Operational Plan and Work Programmes;
• Advises Property Management of supplier’s reliability/suitability and performance;
• Attends meetings of the Procurement Committee; 
• Represents the Division at conferences, workshops and seminars; 
• Represents the Unit at Procurement and Contract Award Committees and Board Meetings; 
• Represents the organization at Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Sector Committee, PPC, Cabinet Infrastructure Committee meetings; 
• Monitors and ensures that effective and up-to-date procurement records are maintained;
• Monitors and ensures that procurement practices conform to the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act and Government Procurement Guidelines; 
• Acts as Purchasing Agent on behalf of the Division, as well as local funded projects;
• Prepares/reviews policies and procedures for the Divisions; 
• Evaluates the performances of the procurement process, along with Property Management and Committee members. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Acts as eProcurement co-ordinator and Lead Evaluator; 
• Co-ordinates and conducts procurement compliance reviews; 
• Provides assistance with the co-ordination of and conducts procurement training seminars/workshops for the Ministry; 
• Co-ordinates and reviews reports for submission to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS), Integrity Commission, PPC and Cabinet; 
• Ensures that Tender documents are prepared in accordance with GoJ standards and are disseminated timely and accurately; 
• Monitors the organization’s procurement activities to ensure conformity to the Procurement Plan; 
• Oversees the Contract Award process; 
• Oversees the tendering process; 
• Provides advice on Public Procurement matters to officers; 
• Reviews and approves Contract Award recommendations within the specified threshold;
• Reviews procedure for the Procurement of works, goods and services carried out by the organization;
• Provides the Finance and Accounts Division with the necessary assistance and information as it relates to the preparation of cheques for payments and reconciliation of accounts; 
• Manages, monitors and controls the procurement of goods and services and ensures that the objectives and basic principles of the Procurement Guidelines and procedures are complied with; 
• Procures goods and services on a competitive basis without compromising quality, and ensures proper storage; 
• Monitors the issuing of Purchase Orders and follows up for receipt/delivery of goods and/or services; 
• Prepares Budget for the Branch; 
• Certifies all invoices, Payment Orders and Commitment Vouchers prior to submitting to the Finance and Accounts Division; 
• Acquires Clearance Letters from National Insurance Scheme (NIS), National Housing Trust (NHT) and Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) from the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) for the organization to be exempted from these taxes; 
• Ensures that funds are allocated to meet the expenditure for goods prior to placement of orders and ensures that the Procurement practices conform to the Procurement guidelines of the FAA Act; 
• Monitors and maintains contacts in the commodity market to keep abreast of price movements, technological improvement and changes, to ensure that orders for supplies are procured in the most efficient and economic manner; 
• Informs the relevant offices of changes in the Government Procurement guidelines and procedures, and ensures implementation is effected within the Branch; 
• Liaises with representatives of Funding Agencies and Government Departments on matters relating to purchases and external payments for goods to ensure that established guidelines, rules and regulations are adhered to; 
• Assists Directors in developing guidelines for establishing priorities in the allocations of resources; 
• Liaises with customs brokers to ensure that imported goods are cleared from wharves and airports in time and in accordance with established GoJ regulations; 
• Prepares and submits reports to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service for all goods purchased by the Branch, inclusive of cost and locations supplied;
• Monitors order and re-order levels in order to minimize incidence of extravagance and waste; 
• Chairs Tender Opening exercises conducted by the Ministry; 
• Participates in the evaluation of Tenders. 

Human Resource Management: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performances of Direct Reports, prepares Performance Appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary, to improve performance and/or attain established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to Direct Reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, monitoring and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Branch are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals;
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to work in team 
• Ability to use initiative 
• Integrity 
• Good time management skills 
• Good interpersonal skill 
• Customer relations 
• Good problem-solving skills 
• Good leadership skills; 
• Good people management skills 
• Negotiation skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Accountability

Technical/Functional 

• Good use of technology (relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Office suite)
• Sound knowledge of the Government Public Procurement Act, 2015 and Regulations
• Sound knowledge of the FAA Act 
• Sound knowledge of Supplies Management and Project Management
• Knowledge of Budget Preparation, Contract Management and Tender Management 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Management Studies, Public Administration, Public Sector Management Economics, Accounts or any related field;
• Certificate in Public Procurement from MIND, UNDP/CIPS Level 3 or lNPRl Level 4;
• Five (5) years’ related work experience in the procurement of goods and services.

OR 

• ACCA Level 2; 
• Certificate in Public Procurement from MIND, UNDP/CIPS Level 3 or lNPRl Level 4;
• Five (5) years related work experience in the procurement of goods and services. 

Special Condition Associated with the Job

• May be required to work beyond normal working hours.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.