Contract Management Specialist (Consultant)

Blantyre Water Board – Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP-1)
Request for Expression of Interest (Individual Consultants Selection)

Assignment title: Consultancy Service for Contract Management Specialist
Country: Malawi
Loan No. / Credit No. / Grant No.: IDA E159-MW
Reference No.: MW-BWB-578558-CS-INDV
Issued on: 31st October 2026

The Government of Malawi (GoM), through Blantyre Water Board (BWB) and Blantyre City Council (BCC), has secured financial support from the International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank (WB) towards the cost of the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP-1) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

Blantyre Water Board (BWB), which is the main implementing agency, intends to apply part of these proceeds from the grant to recruit an individual consultant to take up assignment of Contract Management Specialist to be positioned in the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project (MWSP-1) in adherence to the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.

Scope of the Services
The Contract Management Specialist shall assist and be answerable to the PIU Manager and will play a crucial role to support the project on contract compliance and risk management by spearheading the planning, design/review implementation, monitoring and management (supervision) of all contracts under the Project according to the World Bank Procurement regulations and work according to principles of good practice in contract management, and bear responsibility for performance management and cost effectiveness of contracts. The specialist will be expected to work very closely with the other members of the PIU and technical officers from the implementing agencies such as BWB, BCC, Ministry responsible for water development, and Ministry responsible for sanitation and hygiene, in the management and supervision of all contracts under the project. Specifically, the Contract Management Specialist will perform the following duties:
– Work hand in hand with the procurement team to prepare contract documents covering specifically guarantee requirements, price-adjustment provisions and indices, commencement and effectiveness conditions, sectional and substantial completion arrangements, and other potential claims risks.
– Provide support on contract administration and management with focus on proper contract compliance and performance oversight management, for example appropriate determination of time and cost entitlements, variations to ensure technical necessity, accuracy as well as consistent value-for-money pricing; IPC reviews, contract price adjustment calculations, contingency utilization assessments and contract performance assessments.
– Undertake regular contract progress reports reviews and preparation of a synthesis report of key findings and recommended actions.
– Undertake proper project closure by ensuring preparation and issuance of completion certificates, management of the defects liability period, including decommissioning, final inspections, supervision requirements, outstanding payment obligations, completion documentation etc.
– Manage works supervision contracts (both lumpsum and time-based consultancy contracts) by tracking deliverables, timesheets and associated payments.
– Maintain contract management tracking for all the contracts under implementation and coordinate any variation required, well in time as per contract.
– Monitoring and analyzing contracts performance under the projects against agreed benchmarks and advise Contract Managers in monitoring agreed contract-management key performance indicators, identifying potential bottlenecks and recommended remedial actions (close-out, extension or renewal of contracts) according to the FIDIC Conditions of Contract.
– Assist in resolving any unforeseen technical difficulties, complaints and other problems that may arise in the process of implementation.
– Communicate regularly with the management on the status of various contracts, and ensure proper guidance and approvals are acquired before any contract amendments or cancellation/termination as per contract provisions.
– Assist the project in preparing realistic work plans and budgets for execution of contracts and tracking progress, including undertaking periodic updating of the contract management module in STEP.
– In liaison with the Contracts Managers (Engineers and implementing team), conduct progress review meetings and field supervisory visits to project sites to assess technical, administrative, and financial processes and implementation progress of the contracts.
– Ensure all formal and informal meetings and discussions with the service providers and implementing sectors are documented and records adequately filed.
– Review financial data submitted by the contractor and service providers in support of the Finance Unit and ensure timely payment of certificates and invoices.
– Address all matters associated with delivery of goods/services e.g. taxation, duties, clearance etc. in consultation with the Financial Management Specialist.
– Contribute to the formulation of any contract amendments and any changes in accordance with the Bank Procedures, i.e. ensuring that prior review documents are sent to the Bank for relevant approvals.
– Support the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual progress reports for the project including completion reports for subprojects.
– Document learnings and best practices from the implementation of the contract under the project, and preparation of performance assessment reports for completed contracts.
– Attend and participate in World Bank Missions including monthly progress review meetings and support the preparation of appropriate technical briefs as required.

Professional Qualifications and Experience
The candidate should meet the following minimum qualifications:
– Post-graduate Degree in a Management Discipline such as Contract Management, Project Management, Procurement, Civil Engineering or Construction Management from a recognized institution; those with procurement qualifications such as CIPS, or FIDIC training in contract management or adjudication, will have added advantage.
– At least 8 years of post-qualification experience in contract management or procurement under projects financed by International Financing Institutions, including practical engineering experience in design, field supervision, or both, for high-value infrastructure Water Supply and Sanitation works.
– Demonstrated experience (at least 3 years) applying standard international conditions of contract, particularly the FIDIC Red Book, and thorough understanding of contract management tools and project fiduciary procedures including Interim Financial Reports (IFR) and World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.
– Demonstrated proficiency with project management software/tracking tools and project fiduciary procedures.
– Demonstrated experience managing contracts, works and services; experience in the public sector will be considered an asset.
– Demonstrated experience in the development and use of contract management and tracking tools and/or platforms.
– Willingness to work under pressure and with minimum supervision.
– Good computer skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint, etc.).
– Highly motivated with excellent planning, analytical, communications and interpersonal skills as well as a high level of diplomacy.
– Upholding of anti-corruption and anti-bribery ethics.

Duration of the Assignment
The Contract Management Specialist shall be recruited for a period of two (2) years, but the contract shall be renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

Facilities to be provided by the Client
The following shall be provided by the client: office space, furniture, and office equipment, communication, and internet facilities. For all field related assignments, the Project shall provide transport and costs and other expenses (per diems etc.) related to the field work.

Location of Employment and Obligations of the Consultant
The Contract Management Specialist will be based at the Chileka PIU Offices in Blantyre but would be required to travel regularly to various locations within the Blantyre City and surrounding areas, where BWB/BCC shall be implementing the project activities.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.13, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

How to Apply
Interested individuals meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of Interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates. These must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail or by e-mail) by 13th November 2026 at or before 16:00 hours, local time.

The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC)
Blantyre Water Board
Off-Makata Road
P.O. Box 30369
Blantyre, Malawi
Phone: +265 (0) 1 872 200

Physical submission: Blantyre Water Board Head Office Main Reception, Attention: PIU Manager
Email for submission of applications: [email protected]