The U.S. Embassy to Kenya opened in 1964. Through sixteen Ambassadors since then, the Embassy has enriched the ties between the American and Kenyan people and served the needs of Americans in and around this East African hub. Chief among the U.S. Mission’s goals are fostering the development of a sound Kenyan economy, strengthening the institutions of Kenyan democracy, helping to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and promoting U.S./Kenyan business ties.

Duties

The Contracting Specialist prepares formal complex contracts (some valued as high as $14M USD) and construction contracts with written scopes of work using Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE) models in accordance with complex regulations contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Department of State Acquisition Regulations Manual (DOSAM).  Utilizes the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) ARIBA Contracting Module to prepare, execute, and monitor contracts.  Liaises with Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) on issues pertaining to contracts and contracts maintenance.  Serves as Contracting Agent responsible for providing a full range of contracting and procurement services and is the Mission’s de facto expert on commercial items contracts, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and Information Technology (IT) contracts.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:

• Must have at least five (5) years of formal contracting or acquisition management and construction contracting experience, including at least five years’ experience in contract administration, conflict resolution, and contract law interpretation for complex contracts valued at least $250,000.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Must have highly detailed knowledge of public and private sector procurement best practices.
• Must have detailed knowledge of local business practices, market prices, goods, and services.
• Must have detailed knowledge of commerce within the country, to include local contractual requirements, customs, and case law as they relate to leasing and contracting is required.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, procurement, logistics is required.

Evaluations:

• Post may choose to add the phrase “This may be tested” after a language, skill, and/or ability.  Review the VA template for specific information.

LANGUAGE:

• English: Level 4 – Fluent; speaking/reading/writing, may include the ability to translate.
• Swahili Level 3 – Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have good communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to write clear and concise documents, reports and procurement guidelines and ability to deliver oral presentations on procurement related matters.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task in a highly detailed work environment, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Qualifications:

• All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications