Vacancy | Specialist – Contracts

The Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) is an independent power supply, transmission and distribution Company with interests in closely linked businesses, including fibre optic telecommunications, in Zambia and the Sub-Saharan African region.

CEC is inviting applications from suitably qualified, innovative and dynamic individuals to take up the position of Specialist – Contracts at our Head Office in Kitwe.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Supply Chain Management, the role is responsible for the effective negotiation, preparation, execution and revision of high-value and priority contracts for the procurement of all capital spend, services and bulk commodities in respect of business and system expansion projects, engineering works and services in order to maximise financial and operational performance and minimizing risk.

Key Accountabilities

• Apply approved Standard Terms and Conditions in relation to the preparation of contract and Letter of Intent (LOI) drafts.
• Initiate contract notices, monitor contractor performance including reporting on the status of contracts and agreed deliverables.
• Maintain an electronic and manual contract documentation system containing audit file for each contract which will include, among others, executed contracts, correspondence, changes, deviations, amendments, clarifications and payment schedule.
• Manage contract amendments/variations, provide ad hoc and regular contract status reports and oversee contract execution in accordance with relevant contractual provisions and Company policy.
• Monitor the performance of contracts against performance indicators to ensure all obligations under the contracts are being met.
• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders in relation to the performance of contracts, ensuring that all applicable standards and protocols are strictly adhered to.
• Conduct market and product research by applying such tools as internet, catalogues, networking, etc, to search global markets for pricing structures and rates, products and materials.
• Develop appropriate tactical sourcing plans that deliver best solutions and value for a
  particular sourcing requirement.
• Achieve consolidation of requirements across the business taking advantage of bulk buying opportunities and Forward Purchasing Agreements to reduce the administrative intensity associated with recurrent purchases.
• Co-ordinate proposal activity (that is, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs)) and document end-user procurement requirements and specifications.
• Oversee the bidding or tendering process and proactively manage the interface with suppliers and the internal customers to avoid rework.
• Interface with end-users and other internal stakeholders as well as directly interface with vendors to determine relevant business needs and act as primary liaison when negotiating contract terms and conditions.
• Engage the right stakeholders and resources to deliver Best Alternatives to Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) with a focus on value for the business.
• Establish critical paths for projects and lead subordinates to deliver results critical to efficient and effective project delivery.
• Provide support to management of departmental expenditure within the prescribed budget to achieve cost control and identify any opportunities for improved cost management.
• Demonstrate consistent behavior in line with the Company’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Risk Management policies, procedures and standards.
• Support the maintenance of a safe and secure work environment through proactive risk identification, reporting and management.
• Demonstrate behavior in line with CEC values, standards and expectations of a professional workplace.
• Participate as an effective team member in working collaboratively with leaders, peers and relevant others (including from other teams) to achieve business goals.

Technical Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation skills using constructive and logical approaches.
• Strong Project Management skills and ability to manage multiple procurement projects.
• Sound knowledge of commercial law and application of FIDIC Conditions of Contract.
• Excellent vendor market analysis, data analysis and reporting and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes without authority in a fast-paced work environment across a wide variety of activities and locations.
• Proven ability to build and manage long term internal and external business relationships.
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and experience in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms preferably Navision or Pronto.
• Proven knowledge of key aspects of the supply chain cycle including: requirements consolidation and bulk leveraging, specification development, proposal preparation and bidding process.

Leadership and Behavioural Competencies

• Achiever
• Adaptable
• Comfortable with uncertainty
• Communicates well
• Collaborative
• Customer centric
• Decisive
• Detail oriented
• Demonstrates good judgment
• Develops people
• Develops self
• Ethical
• Focused on priorities
• Improves processes
• Manages negotiation
• Manages time
• Market aware
• Networked
• Problem solver
• Takes accountability
• Takes initiative
• Technically competent
• Trustworthy
• Politically astute

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade Twelve School Certificate and Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing and Supply or in a relevant commercial or engineering discipline from a reputable institution.
• Graduate Diploma of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) will be a distinct advantage.
• Membership of the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) is essential while membership of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is preferred.
• Membership of the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) will be added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience as a senior Supply Chain Management practitioner in the mining, manufacturing or electricity industry in a role and context of similar complexity.
• Solid experience in reviewing and negotiating legal terms of a broad range of commercial or commodity contracts and hands-on knowledge in implementing procurement best practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge in navigating through change and implementation of new systems and tools for continuous improvement.

If you are keen on the above position, kindly email your application to [email protected] Please indicate the job title in the subject line of your e-mail and use your full name and the job title as the filename of your application (e.g.,KalukwembeMalangisha_Specialist-Contracts). The application should consist of your letter and CV only, in a single document. Hard copy applications will not be accepted. The closing date is: Friday, 24 November 2017.