Introduction
Since 2023, the Scottish Government has funded the Climate Just Communities (CJC) project in Zambia, a flagship programme under its Climate Justice Fund in Zambia. The CJC project is ending in March 2026, but Scottish Government is running a Request for Proposals for a final year of support to CJC communities from April 2026 – March 2027. The project will develop and deliver, through a participatory approach, a series of interventions that build inclusive and climate change resilient communities in some of the most climate-vulnerable districts of Zambia.
The objectives of the project are to:
a) Empower communities to identify their own priorities to be addressed through climate justice support and build resilience to the local material and social impacts of climate change;
b) Empower the most marginalised within communities (including but not limited to marginalisation for reasons related to gender, age, disability or indigenous status) to participate and take action in building resilience to the local material and social impacts of climate change;
c) Empower communities to advocate for climate justice and local equity;
d) Create long-term, sustainable change within communities in line with the pillars of climate justice.
NIRAS Group (UK) Ltd is tendering to deliver this follow-on phase of the CJC project in Zambia. To deliver the assignment, NIRAS has developed a consortium of national and international organisations. Local Zambian NGOs function as the Community Delivery Partners (CDPs), responsible for delivering interventions and facilitating community participation at district level.
The project, if awarded, would be implemented across four of the most climate-vulnerable districts in Zambia: Luangwa, Sinazongwe, Shangombo, and Sioma. CJC Zambia to date has delivered interventions to over 30,000 direct beneficiaries in areas including water access; climate-resilient agriculture and livestock management; natural resource management (NRM); disaster risk reduction (DRR); economic development (access to finance, business development); gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI); and climate advocacy.
Role Description
The Procurement and Contracts Manager will be part of the CJC Zambia core team and will be responsible for managing the procurement processes and contract administration of the programme. The primary objectives of his/her role are to ensure efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods and services on the programme while maintaining compliance with NIRAS and Scottish Government regulations. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the entire contract lifecycle, from initiation to closure, safeguarding the programme’s interests.
The Procurement and Contracts Manager’s role is a 100% FTE role based in the NIRAS Zambia Office in Lusaka from 1 April 2026 – 31 December 2026. Some upcountry travel to project sites is anticipated.
The Procurement and Contracts Manager will report to the Team Leader.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement Process Management
· Developing and implementing procurement strategies and procedures that align with the programme's objectives and budget constraints, while ensuring compliance with local as well as NIRAS and Scottish Government procurement regulations and standards.
· Managing all commercial procurement processes and contracts with suppliers and technical service providers delivering CJC Zambia interventions.
· Preparing Terms of Reference and tender and procurement documents.
· Coordinating tender processes including soliciting bids, evaluating proposals, and making recommendations for awarding contracts to the tender committee members.
· Convene and sit on evaluation committee to evaluate and select suppliers.
· Maintaining accurate procurement records and documentation for audit purposes.
· Supporting grantees with no objection and ensuring accurate records and spot audits.
· Identifying potential cost savings and efficiency improvements in the procurement process.
· Assisting the Team Leader and the Grants Manager and Finance Manager in any other tasks as may become necessary in relation to procurement finance and procurement issues.
Budget Management and Financial Administration
· Working in collaboration with the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, Project Manager and the Grants Manager and Finance Manager to ensure that procurement activities align with project budget constraints.
· Monitoring and reporting on procurement expenses and variances.
· Keeping track of payments to the suppliers/service providers and balances.
· Other financial administration tasks on the project as required by the Team Leader.
Contract and Vendor Management
· Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders.
· Establishing relationships with reliable vendors.
· Monitoring vendor performance and addressing issues or concerns promptly.
· Managing the lifecycle of all service contracts, in liaison with the relevant Interventions Lead and Deputy Team Leader, including amendments and renewals.
· Ensuring that all parties involved in commercial contracts meet their contractual obligations.
Risk Mitigation
· Identifying and mitigating risks associated with procurement and contracts, such as supply chain disruptions, delays, or contractual disputes.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
· Collaborating with the technical assistance team to understand prevailing procurement needs and ensure alignment with the programme’s objectives.
· Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders to address inquiries and concerns.
· Providing guidance and training to core team staff and CDP staff involved in procurement and contracts, ensuring that they understand and adhere to best practices and regulations, including the processes outlined in CJC’s procurement SOPs, e.g. no objection process.
Key Deliverables
Deliverables will be determined on a quarterly basis and reflected in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Appraisal Process
KPIs will be produced, against which performance will be measured on an annual basis during an appraisal process.
Required Expertise
· Master’s Degree.
· 5 years’ or more experience in procurement and contract management.
· Highest standards of integrity and honesty.
· Experience delivering development projects in line with donor standards for anti-corruption, anti-fraud, ethical conduct, and value for money.
Application Process
To apply, please send your CV to FINANCE.ADMIN.ZM@niras.com by 23:59 on 27 January 2026.
