Public Procurement Commission advertises top posts

The recently established Public Procurement Com-mission (PPC) has advertised its three top posts as it aims for an early January ‘mostly functional’ secretariat.

Chairman of the PPC Carol Corbin told Stabroek News that last weekend would have seen the advertisement for key positions as they have been approved by Parliament.

The three jobs advertised for are a Chief Executive Officer, Head of Corporate Services and a Head of Operations.

Corbin said other vacancies will also be soon advertised.

She promised that the procurement oversight body will ensure a strict transparent system that ensures accountability in every area the commission is responsible for.

The advertisement for the vacancies can be found in Sunday’s edition of the Stabroek News on Page 6D, while the descriptions of all of the jobs are listed on the Parliament of Guyana’s website, www.parliament. gov.gy.

The job summary of the CEO states that the person, under the direction and control of the PPC, will manage plans and direct all operations of the secretariat of the commission and shall serve as secretary and principal advisor to the commission. Suitable candidates should possess a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting or related field and is expected to have at least 10 years’ experience in a senior administrative position. Such a position would have required managing multidisciplinary teams, crafting and implementing strategic plans as well as preparing and negotiating budgets.

The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership skills, strong decision making and analytical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal and problem solving skills.

The CEO will be required to, “Manage the day-to-day operations of the secretariat and direct the efforts of staff to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, prepare strategic plan and annual work programme of the secretariat, manage the preparation of the annual budget of the commission and negotiate its approval and identify, assess and inform the PPC on internal and external issues regarding public procurement of goods, works and services.”

He or she would also have to, “Attend meetings of public procurement entities as directed by the PPC, attend all meetings of the commission and prepare minutes and agenda based on guidance from the PPC, prepare the Annual Report and any special report on the activities of the commission for submission to the National Assembly, prepare and present to the commission monthly performance reports on the activities of the secretariat.”

And when the Public Procurement Tribunal is established, the CEO will also appear, if required, before it to give evidence on matters relating to administrative reviews.

The job portfolio also states that the CEO must manage the control and use of funds and resources of the secretariat, maintain proper financial records of the secretariat and produce annual financial statements, liaise with all procuring entities and relevant agencies to obtain information relevant to the mandate of the PPC and set reporting standards and reporting formats to be followed by the procuring entities.

Providing guidance to all procuring entities, in respect of their compliance with the Procurement Act, is also within the remit of the CEO as is providing appropriate training as well as public information regarding public procurement to suppliers, contractors, public bodies and other stakeholders.

The CEO will also, “Monitor and review legislation, policies, measures and practices regarding public procurement with a view to recommending appropriate changes, identify main trends and key issues affecting the effectiveness of government procurement undertaken by procuring entities and do all other things and acts as necessary for the effective functioning of the commission.”

The Head of Corporate Services, who will operate under the direction of the CEO, should possess a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Organiza-tional Development or related field. At least 7 years’ experience in a senior administrative position with significant experience in capacity building, managing information and communication technology systems, and working with a wide range of external bodies, including statutory agencies/organizations is also needed for this job.

However, persons with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Develop-ment or related field with at least ten years in a senior management position can also apply.

The preferred candidate must have well-developed analytical skills and proven ability of setting and achieving strategic objectives through performance management; the ability to communicate effectively, negotiate and network through highly developed oral and presentation skills and the ability to lead, motivate individuals and teams within a dynamic organization.

Meanwhile, the Head of Operations, who will also serve under the direction and control of the CEO, must have a Master’s Degree in Business Admin-istration, Procurement, Law, Accounting or related field as well as at least 7 years’ experience in a senior management position, with experience in developing and implementing monitoring systems, administrative and legislative review and policy formulation.

Persons with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Law, Ac-counting or related field with at least ten years in a senior management position will also be considered.

The PPC states that the ideal candidate must possess proven leadership skills, strong decision making and analytical skills and excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to lead, motivate individuals and teams within a dynamic organization.

Salaries for the positions were not stated but the PPC says that a “competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package will be offered to all successful candidates.”