Principal Procurement Expert

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Procurement Expert to lead procurement and contract management for a large‑scale infrastructure programme in Africa, part of a national modernization initiative co‑financed by major international development institutions. The role offers the chance to shape procurement strategy for transformative projects across the continent.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end procurement and contract management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure full compliance with the procurement rules of the World Bank, AfDB, EIB, AFD and other development partners.
• Prepare, review and issue tender documents, manage bidding procedures and evaluate proposals.
• Draft and negotiate contracts, providing strategic procurement advice to project teams and clients.
• Coordinate procurement processes for large‑scale linear infrastructure works, managing risks and ensuring transparency.
• Monitor donor requirements and international best practices to guarantee value for money.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Economics or a related field.
• Professional certification in Procurement or Contract Management is a strong advantage.
• Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken.
• Minimum 10 years of procurement or contract management experience, including at least 5 years under the procedures of major international financing institutions.
• Proven experience on at least three linear infrastructure projects (roads, railways, pipelines, water systems) with a combined length of 100 km or a total value exceeding €75 million.
• Experience on two projects in developing countries and one large‑scale project in Sub‑Saharan Africa.

Required skills

• Procurement process design and implementation
• Contract management and negotiation
• Tender documentation and bid evaluation
• Risk assessment and mitigation in procurement
• Donor compliance and reporting