Government Jobs in Kenya - Ministry of Energy

Procurement Specialist


JOB REF NO.KE-MOE-25843-CS-INDV
The Kenya Off-grid solar access project for underserved counties (K-OSAP), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Energy including Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Rural Electrification Authority (REA), aims to provide a comprehensive suite of investments to provide electricity services to households, enterprises and community facilities, boreholes, with pragmatic business models to attract private sector investment, sustainable services, know-how and efficiencies. The Project will support the following components that are each aimed at:

·         Electrification of households, public facilities and businesses through mini-grid systems;
·         Electrification of households through standalone solar systems and provision of clean cooking stove solutions for households;
·         Electrification of community facilities through standalone solar systems and Solar Water pumps for communities;
·         Technical Assistance, including institutional development, capacity building and project implementation support.
·         According to The Project Procurement Strategy for Development The project has Four
(4) Components as follows:
Component 1: Mini-grids for Community Facilities, Enterprises, and Households to be implemented by KPLC and REA. This component finances procurement of construction, operation and maintenance of nearly 120 mini-grids, which will be carried out in the 14 underserved counties consisting of lots of 100-700 prospective users, with approximate total demand of 20-300kW. This component will have six (6) contract packages for Supply and Installation, and 7 to 12 years Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of mini-grids with possible renewal of O&M contact period by the client.
Component 2: Standalone Solar Systems, and Clean Cooking Solutions for Households to be Implemented by Ministry of Energy through debt facility as a financial intermediary (FI) and a grant facility as a management contract. This component has two sub components: Sub Component 2A – Standalone Solar Systems for households; and Sub Component 2B – Clean Cooking Solutions for Households;
Component 3: Standalone Solar Systems and Solar Water Pumps for Community Facilities to be implemented by KPLC and REA: This component has two sub components: Sub-component 3A – Standalone Solar Systems for Community Facilities; and Sub-component 3B – Solar Water Pumps for Community Facilities.
Component 4: Implementation Support and Capacity Building: This component has also two sub components: Sub-Component 4.1 – Consumer Education and Awareness; and Sub-component 4.2 – Implementation Support and Capacity Building.
The Project Implementing Agency, the MoEP, has established a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to focus and fully manage the day to day operation of the project. The PCU is to be staffed with highly experienced key technical experts who will handle and manage the project implementation. As the project involves a number of procurement activities, the MoEP is desirous to recruit a competent procurement specialist to work in the PCU.
Objective of the Assignment
·         The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies and to increase efficiency in processing of procurement and management of contracts under the K-OSAP. The consultancy will also support the achievement of value for money with integrity in achieving the project development objectives through:
·         Ensuring the proper and speedy implementation of the project by deploying agreed procurement regulations and effective use of available resources in accordance with the World Bank’s and Government of Kenya (GoK) Procurement Regulations and procedures.
·         Manage and monitor the project Procurement activities using the Bank’s Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP)
·         Supporting and strengthening of the structures for procurement implementation and management in the project executing agencies (MoEP, KPLC, and REA);
·         Provision of technical procurement support to the MoEP, KPLC, and REA procurement staff to enable them effectively carry out the activities included in the procurement plan.

Responsibilities

·         Provide guidance and assistance in procurement of goods, works and consulting services in compliance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for Borrowers and as appropriate with the GoK procurement regulations, and more specifically:
·         Observe, understand and implement all the project documents consistent with the Financing Agreement
·         Assist in the preparation, consolidation and monitoring of Procurement Plans using STEP
·         Provide support in developing invitations for bids (IFB), requests for expressions of interest (ROEI) and Terms of Reference (TOR) for all procurement activities
·         Assist in preparation of bidding documents for Goods, Works and Non consulting services and Request for Proposals in conformance with the World Bank Regulations as well as the GoK procurement regulations, where applicable.Assist in the preparation of evaluation criteria, templates, guidelines and procedures.
·         Ensure quality of Procurement Documents, evaluation reports, contract documents before they are submitted to the World Banks for review and Clearance.
·         Assist in drafting, signing and monitoring of contracts.
·         Assist in the preparation and submission of procurement status reports and procurement performance reviews and reporting
·         Build procurement capacity in the Agencies through hands-on training to the Project procurement staff.
·         Support the agencies to handle technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all stages of the project cycle;
·         Provide operational advice to the agencies on concepts, policies and procedures for procurement of goods and services and selection of consultants;
·         Design and conduct workshops for staff of the implementing agencies on the Bank’s and GoK’s procurement policies and guidelines;
·         Any other duties assigned by the Project Coordinator.
Assignment Location
The Procurement Specialist will be based at the PCU in Ministry of Energy Headquarters in Nairobi, and will be expected to regularly meet and support the procurement staff at KPLC and REA. The consultant may also be called upon to undertake any other duties as determined by the K-OSAP coordinator, including attending more program-wide meetings to discuss processes which are affected by (or will depend on) procurement processes.
Time frame and Reporting
The expected duration of the consultancy is one year, with possibility of contract extension subject to satisfactory performance. The assignment is expected to commence March, 2018. The consultant will report to the K-OSAP Coordinator at the Ministry of Energy and work closely with the World Bank Procurement Team for guidance and advice.
 The Procurement Specialist will be required to submit reports as follows:
·         One copy of monthly progress reports highlighting both challenges and achievements;
·         One copy of quarterly progress on activities undertaken and solutions to challenges;
·         One copy of annual progress reports; and
·         One copy of project completion report after the completion of the Project.

Qualifications and Experience

·          A Masters degree with a major in a relevant discipline (e.g. Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business or Commerce) and relevant training in procurement work.
·         A professional qualification in procurement from a recognized body such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) U.K. or the Institute of Supply Management or Procurement Training (ISM) USA or Kenya Institute of Supply Management (KISM) or any other accredited institution;
·         At least eight (8) years of direct relevant work experience as Procurement Specialist or alternatively, having had responsibilities with a substantial content of his/her position in the procurement area in donor funded projects;
·         Good knowledge of the current concepts, principles and approaches to international procurement, and public procurement systems;
·         Knowledge and understanding of technical, commercial and legal aspects of procurement at all phases of Bank lending operations;
·         Demonstrated analytical clarity, problem-solving skills and negotiating skills with ability to balance project objectives and procurement requirements with client needs;
·         Exceptional degree of integrity, judgment and tact in handling the most sensitive, diverse and confidential material.
·         Understanding of Bank business objectives, policies and practices related to project/sector and critical links to procurement will be an added advantage.
·         Knowledge and experience in e-procurement will be an added advantage
Selection Method
The consultant selection will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for Investment Projects Financing (IPF) Borrowers for Individual Consultants.

Technical Advisor
JOB REF NO: KE-MOE-28268-CS-INDV
The Kenya Off-grid solar access project for underserved counties (K-OSAP), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Energy, Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Rural Electrification Authority (REA), aims at providing a comprehensive suite of investments to provide electricity services to households, enterprises and community facilities, boreholes, with pragmatic business models to attract private sector investment, sustainable services, know-how and efficiencies. The Project will support four components that are aimed at:
·         Electrification of households, public facilities and businesses through mini-grid systems;
·         Electrification of households through standalone solar systems and provision of Clean Cooking Solutions for households;
·         Electrification of community facilities through standalone solar systems and
Solar Water pumps for communities;
·         Technical Assistance, including institutional development, capacity building and project implementation support.
According to The Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD), the project has Four
(4) components as follows:
Component 1: Mini-grids for Community Facilities, Enterprises, and Households to be implemented by KPLC and REA: This component finances procurement of construction, operation and maintenance of mini-grids. Nearly 120 mini grids will be implemented in the 14 underserved counties, in lots of 100-700 prospective users, with approximate total demand of 20-300kW. This component will have six (6) contract packages for Supply and Installation, and 7 to 12 years O&M of mini-grids, with possible renewal of O&M contract period by the client.
Component 2: Standalone Solar Systems, and Clean Cooking Solutions for Households to be Implemented by Ministry of Energy through debt facility as a financial intermediary (FI) and a grant facility as a management contract. This component has two sub components: Sub Component 2A – Standalone Solar Systems for households and Sub Component 2B- Clean Cooking Solutions for Households;
Component 3: Standalone Solar Systems and Solar Water Pumps for Community Facilities to be implemented by KPLC and REA: This component has two sub components: Sub-component 3A- Standalone Solar Systems for Community Facilities and Sub-component 3B-Solar Water Pumps for Community Facilities.
Component 4: Implementation Support and Capacity Building: This component has two sub components: Sub-Component 4.1- Consumer Education and Awareness and Sub-component 4.2 – Implementation Support and Capacity Building.

The Ministry of Energy, has established a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to focus and fully manage the day to day operation of the project. The PCU is to be staffed with highly experienced key technical experts who will handle and manage the project implementation.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The objective of this assignment is to provide technical support to the Ministry of Energy in implementation of Sub Component 2B – Clean Cooking Solutions for Households. This Sub component aims to ensure transition from low-efficiency baseline stoves to cleaner, higher efficiency improved stoves initially in five underserved counties namely Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, Isiolo and Marsabit.

Responsibilities

·         Provide support and advice on the deployment of Clean Cooking Solutions – appliances and fuels for Households and institutions;
·         Provide support and advice on the selection of the most efficient and effective Clean Cooking Solutions;
·         Provide support and advice to target communities for deployment of Clean cooking Solutions;
·         Provide support and advice to selected producers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of Clean cooking Stoves;
·         To support monitoring, evaluation and reporting on performance and adoption of Clean cooking solutions;
·         Support preparation and submission of project progress, monitoring and evaluation reports;
·         Document the lessons learnt in the implementation of the project and make recommendations for future interventions;
·         Acts as a liaison person for Sub Component 2B;
·         Provide guidance to the implementing agency on future review of technical and policy development priorities for clean cooking sector;
·         Propose solutions to emerging challenges in the project implementation;
·         Support the development, production, distribution and utilization of Clean cooking solutions;
·         Support the Coordination and administration of outreach and knowledge management on Clean Cooking Solutions; and
·         Support the implementing agency in promoting Private Sector participation in development of Clean Cooking Solutions.
·         The stove technical advisor will work in close cooperation with and under the guidance of the PCU Project Coordinator.
·         Any other duties as may be assigned by the Project Coordinator
Assignment Location
The technical Advisor will be based at the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in Ministry of Energy Headquarters offices in Nairobi, and shall be expected to regularly meet and support the project staff. The consultant may also be called upon to undertake any other duties as determined by the K-OSAP coordinator, including attending more program-wide meetings to discuss the project.
Time frame and Reporting
The expected duration of the consultancy is one year, with possibility of contract extension subject to satisfactory performance. The assignment is expected to commence in March, 2018. The consultant will report to the K-OSAP Coordinator at the Ministry of Energy and work closely with the World Bank for guidance and advice.
The Technical Advisor on Cook Stove will be required to submit reports as follows:
·         One copy of monthly progress reports highlighting both challenges and achievements;
·         One copy of quarterly progress on activities undertaken and solutions to challenges;
·         One copy of annual progress reports; and
·         One copy of project completion report after the completion of the Project.

Qualifications and Experience

·         Masters degree from any recognized institution in the area of Energy, engineering, renewable Energy technology or any other related discipline with combination of appropriate trainings;
·         At least eight (8) years of direct relevant work experience as cook stove specialist or alternatively, having had responsibilities with a substantial content of his/her position in the cook stove sector in donor funded projects for at least eight (8) years;
·         Well-versed and experienced in working with the International Workshop Agreements (IWA) on cook-stove effectiveness and has knowledge of cook stove testing.
·         knowledgeable about gender issues in clean cooking;
·         Experience in implementing Development projects in diverse cultural, environmental and economic situations;
·         Ability to work with multiple stakeholders both internal and external
·         Analytical, solutions focused problem-solving skills
Selection Method:
The consultant selection will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for Investment Projects Financing (IPF) Borrowers for Individual Consultants.
Communication Specialist
JOB REF NO: KE-MOE-26861-CS-
The Kenya Off-grid solar access project for underserved counties (K-OSAP), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Energy (MOE), Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Rural Electrification Authority ( REA), aims at providing a comprehensive suite of investments to provide electricity services to households, enterprises and community facilities, boreholes, with pragmatic business models to attract private sector investment, sustainable services, know-how and efficiencies
The Project Implementing Agency, the MOE, has established a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to focus and fully manage the day to day operation of the project. The PCU is to be staffed with highly qualified and experienced technical experts who will handle and manage the project implementation. As the project will require proper development and implementation of its communication strategy, the MoEP is desirous to recruit a competent Communication Specialist to work in the PCU.
Objective of the Assignment
The Communications Specialist is expected to work with the Project Coordinator, Project Coordination Unit and all the stakeholders of this project to design, produce and promote communication strategy and materials to raise awareness on and increase access to relevant information on Kenya Off-grid solar access project for underserved counties (K-OSAP).
This includes:
·         Communication Strategy
·         Knowledge products (such as reports and infographics)
·         Public communications (such as media releases, social media updates and web stories)
·         Citizen engagement and key stakeholder engagement to ensure that households and communities understand the benefits of the project and have a buy in to the success of the project.
·          Adequate messaging to ensure that any potential risks are adequately addressed before they evolve into a a crisis.

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Communications Specialist will include the following:
·         Lead in the development and implementation of a communication strategy for the K-OSAP project;
·         Provide technical advice to MOE and the implementing agencies on communication issues to enhance effectiveness in the communication of project’s activities;
·         Establish and manage K-OSAP information sharing system including social media channels;Conduct a stakeholder analysis to map the key stakeholders required to drive the success of the project.
·         Develop content including success and impact stories on K-OSAP project for uploading on MOE website
·         Establish an effective system to develop messaging so as to respond to enquiries from the stakeholders in a timely manner;
·         Guide MOE and K-OSAP project implementing agencies’ staff on information collection, processing, and dissemination methods;
·         Play a leading role in external relations, building relations with media personnel, liaison and public relations;
·         Support capacity building of implementing agencies’ staff on report writing, editing, and presentation skills;
·         Keep track and effectively communicate the project implementation status, results and its impacts;
·         Monitor and collate media content that (including social media) mentions of the project and share; and
·         Any other duties assigned by the Project Coordinator.
Assignment Location
The Communication Specialist will be based at the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in MOE offices in, Nairobi, and will be expected to work amicably with the communications department at MOE and the other implementing agencies.
The consultant will also be called upon to attend and support stakeholder engagement forums.
Time frame and Reporting
The expected duration of the consultancy is One (1) year, with possibility of contract extension subject to satisfactory performance. The assignment is expected to commence in March, 2018. The consultant will report to the K-OSAP Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Energy and work closely with the PCU.
The Communication Specialist will be required to submit reports as follows:
·         One copy of monthly progress reports highlighting both challenges and achievements;
·         One copy of quarterly progress on activities undertaken and solutions to challenges;
·         One copy of annual progress reports; and
·         One copy of project completion report after the completion of the Project.

Qualifications and Experience

·         Be in possession of a Master’s Degree in Communications, in particular development communications, Public Relations, Journalism or any other relevant qualification
·         A minimum of 8 years hands-on experience in Development Communications, Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Business Communications or Journalism; preferably with experience on donor funded projects.
·         Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills suitable for collaborating with multiple stakeholders
·         Strong networking capabilities.
·         Demonstrated knowledge and experience with traditional, digital and emerging communications platforms. Social media experience essential
·         Demonstrated capacity in all aspects of communications – from strategy to design, production and management
Selection Method:
The consultant selection will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for Investment Projects Financing (IPF) Borrowers for Individual Consultants.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified persons are requested to make their applications as follows:
·         Submit their applications in person to 23rd Floor, Nyayo House, (Office of the Principal Secretary/Energy) or send to the address shown below clearly stating the reference Number in the letter on the envelope by close of business on 3rd March, 2018 at 4.30pm
·         Applications should include detailed CVs indicating day time contacts, current and expected salary, names and contacts of three referees. Copies of all relevant Certificates/Testimonials and copy of national ID/ Passport must be attached.
·         The Ministry of Energy, avails equal employment opportunities to all Kenyans. Women, persons living with disabilities, the marginalized and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any form of canvassing shall lead to automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
·         Completed applications should be submitted to:
The Principal Secretary,
Ministry of Energy
P.O. Box 30582- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Attn: Director, HRM