Public Procurement Officer (GMG/AM 3)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Senior Public Procurement Officer, the Public Procurement Officer assists in the procurement processes required for the acquisition of goods and services essential for the operation of the Ministry. The incumbent will ensure that all procurements are conducted in accordance with the Government of Jamaica procurement guidelines and procedures (Public Procurement Act 2015). 

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares Tender notices and advertisements; 
• Prepares RFQ for goods, general services and minor works; 
• Obtains quotations/tenders from appropriately qualified suppliers; 
• Represents the Procurement Unit at Tender closing and opening exercises as Tender Officer;
• Maintains procurement records in good order to facilitate audit and other reviews;
• Prepares Quarterly Contracts Award report to be submitted to the Contractor General’s Office (QCA Report); 
• Maintains a Database of all bonds and insurances, ensures that they are current at all times, and takes responsibility for the safe keeping and return or all relevant documents. 

Procurement Process Management: 

• Prepares and reviews technical specifications in collaboration with stakeholders, refining Terms or References (ToR) and prepares request for proposals (REP) and bidding documents; 
• Reviews and evaluates proposals and bids received and assists with the process of engaging consultants and suppliers; 
• Prepares and reviews ToRs and bidding documents for all required procurement activities;
• Liaises with relevant Departments and stakeholders to have RFPs and bidding documents prepared, approved and issued, in a timely manner, according to the approved Budget;
• Manages the advertising process for procurements, procurement correspondence, bid receipt and bid opening in strict accordance within mandated procurement procedures;
• Maintains procurement filing system in a systematic manner; 
• Receives, compiles and processes purchase requisition forms for all wards and Departments for the procurement of goods. 

Vendor Management: 

• Maintains list of vendors and contractors supplying various items and services;
• Liaises with service contractors to ensure that service to office and medical equipment are being effected as agreed; 
• Develops and executes measurement tools to accurately gauge vendor’s performance (quality, delivery, timeliness, etc.) and communicates results internally and externally, as necessary; 
• Checks invoices to ensure correct price, follows through to ensure that materials ordered have been received, examines the condition of materials received, and recommends invoices for payment; 
• Maintains procurement records such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance and inventories, compiles data on these for internal monthly reports;
• Ensures all completed Purchase Orders are taken to Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) to be zero-rated. 

Procurement Reporting: 

• Monitors and reports on the procurement implementation status and progress, as required;
• Follows up with relevant Government Agencies to obtain the approval of proposed contract awards in a timely manner; 
• Prepares reports of and for procurement meetings; 
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Director. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Strong integrity 
• Good oral and written communications skills 
• Good interpersonal relations 
• Good teamwork and co-operation 
• Ability to display good initiative 
• People management skills 
• Goof problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Good time management skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 

Technical: 

• Extensive knowledge of Government Procurement guidelines and procedures
• Excellent knowledge of contract administration 
• Ability to research and evaluate technical proposals and recommend contracts for award
• Knowledge of office management principles, practices and procedures 
• Excellent knowledge of Accounting practices as applied to procurement procedures
• Working knowledge of computer applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Diploma in Public Administration/Management Studies/Accounting or any related field;
• Three (3) years procurement experience, in a similar position. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines; 
• Required to work long working hours including weekends and public holidays.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.