Procurement Technical and Training Specialist

Potomac Haven is a purpose-driven professional services firm dedicated to providing services for a range of diverse federal program missions. Our focus extends across the intersections of security, public health and safety, and financial services.

We are seeking a procurement technical and training specialist to support the strengthening of enforcement and compliance mechanisms within Botswana’s procurement framework. This initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) aims to support enhancing the capacity of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) in Botswana to regulate, monitor, and oversee public procurement processes effectively.

The right candidate will enhance the capacity of the PPRA in Botswana to regulate, monitor, and oversee public procurement processes effectively. Areas of responsibility will include,

1. Compliance Monitoring and Reporting. This will include:

a) Reviewing Compliance and monitoring systems: This will involve reviewing and developing compliance and monitoring systems for the Botswana procurement authority to achieve the international best practices. In addition the resource will review the application mechanisms of the compliance and monitoring systems in terms of procurement audits and update the procedures and processes to achieve the international best practices. The resource will work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and procurement entities, to ensure that compliance measures are effectively implemented and maintained.

b) Review the procurement authority’s operating computerized (digitized) systems and recommend their enhancement to ensure that the proposed enhanced compliance and monitoring systems are fully integrated and functional. 

c) Preparing Detailed Reports: The resource will prepare comprehensive reports documenting the recommended improved compliance and monitoring systems including the overall improvement in the operating systems .

d) Training and Capacity-Building: Part of the task will involve training relevant personnel on compliance monitoring tools and techniques. This will help build the capacity of the PPRA and other stakeholders to effectively monitor and enforce compliance.

2. Evaluating Current Training Programs and Curricula. This involves several key responsibilities aimed at assessing and improving the effectiveness of existing training programs related to procurement. The TTA specialist will be responsible for conducting a thorough evaluation of the current training programs and curricula. This includes assessing the effectiveness of the training materials, identifying gaps and areas for improvement, and recommending updates or new training modules to enhance the knowledge and skills of procurement officials. The evaluation process will involve gathering feedback from participants, analyzing training outcomes, and benchmarking against best practices in the industry. The goal is to ensure that the training programs are up-to-date, relevant, and aligned with the needs of the procurement officials and government contractor.

3. Training for Procurement Officials and Government Contractors. This involves several key responsibilities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of procurement officials and government contractors. The TTA specialist will be responsible for designing and delivering comprehensive training programs related to public procurement in Botswana. This includes creating training materials, organizing workshops and seminars, and providing hands-on training sessions. The goal is to ensure that participants are well-versed in procurement regulations and best practices. The training programs will cover various topics, including procurement processes, compliance requirements, and effective procurement strategies. The TTA specialist will also provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure that the training is effective and that participants can apply what they have learned in their role.

Educational Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Procurement or a related discipline. Advanced degree in these fields are preferred but not required.

Work Experience:

• At least 10 years of professional experience in procurement, compliance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting compliance audits, developing and implementing monitoring tools, and preparing detailed compliance reports.
• Proven track record of evaluating training programs and curricula, as well as designing and delivering training programs for procurement officials and government contractors.
• Expertise in procurement professionalization and building capacity of the procurement workforce.
• Experience in procurement structures in developing and middle income countries preferably in sub-Sahara Africa.
• Familiarity with international best practices in procurement and value based procurement models, as well as public procurement systems in emerging economies.
• Experience working with government agencies or international organizations is highly desirable.