Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations.  Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

USAID’s Tisamale Mabuku Project (TMP) activates the role of communities and civil society in the management and utilization of National Reading Program (NRP) Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) and works with Ministry of Education (MoE) system stakeholders at all levels to strengthen TLM provision and use through community engagement, social accountability and collaborative governance. EDC and its team of Malawian civil society partners work with school community management groups, including School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), and Mothers Groups (MGs), district-based MoE staff and Civil Society organizations to co-create sustainable solutions for improved TLM management, replenishment, and use that are owned by participants and reflect local contexts.

Job Description

Consultancy Title: Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Procurement Consultant

Consultancy Location: Embedded in RWANDA EDUCATION BOARD (REB)

Consultancy Duration: 6 months beginning in February 2025

SUMMARY: The TLM Procurement Consultant will support the TLM procurement process at REB, playing an integral role in collaborating with various departments throughout all stages of procurement. We are seeking a highly self-motivated individual who can work independently and demonstrate strong initiative. This consultancy constitutes two main phases. First, the analysis of REB’s procurement processes and practices and the development of an Enhancement Strategy. Second, the implementation of the Enhancement Strategy to improve procurement processes.

A. Analysis of REB’s Procurement Processes and Practices and Development of an Enhancement Strategy

Analysis of REB’s Procurement Processes and Practices

• Conduct a detailed analysis of current procurement practices and processes to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and strategies to streamline processes and make them more efficient and functional with existing resources.
• Prepare a set of practical recommendations for REB to make improvements in procurement processes aligned with global and local best practices and compliance standards.
• Ensure that recommendations are compliant with national regulations,
• Ensure that recommendations include risk mitigation strategies that establish controls to safeguard REB’s procurement integrity, such as fraud prevention measures and conflict of interest policies.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as suppliers, printers and regulatory bodies such as RPPA, to ensure that recommendations for procurement improvements align with market standards and legal requirements and the reality of other market actors (e.g. printers).

Strategy to Enhance REB’s Procurement Processes and Practices

• Facilitate a process of reflection with REB to jointly reflect on the findings and recommendations and evaluate and prioritize improvements.
• Develop a comprehensive and practical Strategy to enhance REB’s procurement process and practices that includes actions, timeline, and responsible people, to ensure its successful implementation (see below).
• Liaise and engage REB staff, industry actors, USAID Ibitabo Kuri Twese (USAID IKT), and other experts (as needed) to ensure that the Strategy is feasible, reflects good practices, and will lead to overall improvements to the TLM system. Secure REB’s approval of the Enhancement Strategy

B. Strategy Implementation to Enhance Procurement Processes and Practices

The consultant will be responsible for implementing the Enhancement Strategy, including, but not limited to the following:

Provide Specialized Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Based on results of the analysis and facilitated reflections with REB, develop and implement standardized procurement procedures, templates, and tools to streamline REB’s TLM procurement operations (per the agreed Strategy).
• Provide targeted training and coaching to REB staff on procurement protocols, tendering processes, vendor selection, and contract management.
• In collaboration with REB, facilitate workshops and develop tools to enhance the procurement skills of REB’s personnel, promoting consistent adherence to established processes.

Facilitate Procurement Planning and Strategy Development

• Facilitate a process for REB to develop annual procurement plans to meet TLM requirements, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Develop the necessary tools to support the annual planning process, ensuring an annual plan is in place for FY25.
• Contribute to the 5-strategic plan development by providing insights into elements relevant to REB’s enhanced procurement processes.

Ensure Compliance and Risk Management

• Monitor compliance with national and organizational procurement regulations, identifying and addressing potential risks.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and establish controls to safeguard REB’s procurement integrity, such as fraud prevention measures and conflict of interest policies.

Enhance Monitoring and Reporting Practices within REB

• Design and implement a system for tracking procurement activities, and assess the impact of enhanced procurement strategies.
• Prepare regular progress reports, presenting insights and recommendations to REB’s management to support data-driven decision-making.

Set up a System in REB for Continuous Improvements  

• Identify and champion opportunities for process improvements
• Participate in ongoing reviews of procurement processes to ensure continuous alignment with REB’s objectives and procurement best practices

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in procurement, supply chain management, or public-sector procurement, preferably in the education sector or government context.
• Demonstrated experience in developing procurement strategies, capacity building, and managing procurement processes in compliance with national regulations (e.g., Rwanda’s RPPA).
• Experience working with international donors (e.g., USAID) and familiarity with their procurement guidelines is a plus.

Desired Skills:

• Strong knowledge of public procurement policies, processes, and compliance requirements, particularly in Rwanda.
• Proven ability to analyze procurement systems and design enhancement strategies.
• Deep understanding of procurement planning, vendor selection, tendering processes, and contract management.
• Ability to develop and implement project plans, manage timelines, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, suppliers, and donors.
• Experience facilitating strategic discussions and effectively leading consensus building.
• Experience facilitating workshops and capacity-building initiatives.

Language:

• English (requirement): Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to write reports and facilitate workshops.
• Kinyarwanda (desirable): Fluency in Kinyarwanda is required to engage effectively with local stakeholders.

Additional Information

Job closing date: January 6, 2025

EDC is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified.  No phone calls, please.