Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist will be a core member of the Programme Management Office (PMO), responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all procurement activities within the PMO WASA.

Job Summary: The Procurement Specialist will be a core member of the Programme Management Office (PMO), responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all procurement activities within the PMO WASA. This role requires compliance with OPR Procurement Policies and Developmental Financing Agencies Procurement Policies ensuring all procurement activities are executed effectively, transparently, and in alignment with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) guidelines.

Job Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities of the Procurement Specialist are to:

1. Ensure all procurement activities are prepared and implemented in a timely manner and reflect professional standards in accordance with IDB Procurement Policies and in keeping with the GORTT guidelines.
2. Prepare and update the Procurement Plan in relation to the Annual Operation Plans and Project Implementation Plans, inputting all necessary timelines and budgetary considerations, in addition to technical and financial selection criteria for each procurement activity, as well as ensure its implementation is approved by appropriate channels.
3. Prepare bidding documents for all goods and services based on terms of reference and technical specifications provided by the Head PMO using the Standard Bidding documents and templates.
4. Conduct bidders’ meetings, provide clarification and complete minutes on the bidding process to bidders with the necessary technical inputs provided by the rest of the team for the activities carried out by PMO.
5. Facilitate, under the direction of the Head PMO, the formation and coordination of a Procurement Selection Committee that will receive and review, technical and financial bids, in accordance with the relevant policies.
6. Review and monitor the procurement processes, prepare evaluation reports and seek approvals through relevant channels.
7. Establish and maintain systems for contract administration; monitor contractor activities, review progress, identify problem areas, prepare regular reports on contract status, maintain a contract management system database, and an asset register to ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
8. Collaborate with PMO staff and external organizations to foster transparency and effective program execution.
9. Support contract negotiations and administration, working with technical and financial teams to ensure contractual terms, pricing, performance requirements, and service delivery schedules align with program needs.
10. Catalogue and ensure that all Procurement data and information are stored appropriately and establish a hard and softcopy filing system (i.e. Evaluation Reports, Tender Documents, Minutes of Meetings, Email etc.)
11. Represent the Authority in arbitration and litigation matters where applicable.
12. Perform related duties as may be required
13. Together with such other tasks as required by the Head, PMO and which are appropriate up to the grading level of the post.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of OPR and IDB procurement guidelines, policies, and practices including standard forms of contract.
• Proficiency in FIDIC and IDB Standard Forms of Contract.
• Proficiency in using procurement and project management systems, such as OBP&CM system and related digital platforms.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and make timely procurement decisions.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Ability to conduct market research and cost estimation to ensure accurate procurement budgeting.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the procurement and disposal of public property.
• Ability to supervise support staff engaged in the provision of procurement and disposal services.
• Ability to make decisions within approved policy frameworks.
• Familiarity with sustainable procurement practices and environmental and social considerations in procurement.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Efficient computer skills.

Job Requirements

• A Master's Degree in Procurement or Supply Chain Management or
• A Member in good standing of Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) with Level 6 attainment
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in procurement, with at least five (5) years in public sector or international development project procurement.
• Knowledge of the construction industry and in particular the water and wastewater sector
• Detail-oriented and methodical in handling procurement documentation, ensuring compliance with set standards.
• Preferred additional requirements
  • MBA certification would be an asset.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent qualification
• Preferred additional expertise
  • Experience in management of complex projects.
  • Ability to operate under demanding work situations and meet Project deadlines.
  • Capacity to lead cross functional teams

Short-term contract - 1 Year, in the first instance, under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) execution arrangement.

Submission deadline: Monday 4th August 2025

Job Ref: MR