CONTRACT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

OVERVIEW

The Government of Malawi, through Blantyre Water Board (BWB) and Blantyre City Council (BCC), has secured financial support from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank towards the implementation of the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP-1).

Blantyre Water Board, the main implementing agency, invites Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified individual consultants for the position of Contract Management Specialist to be based in the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

The successful candidate will support contract compliance, risk management, performance monitoring and cost-effectiveness across project contracts, ensuring that contract planning, implementation, supervision and closure follow World Bank Procurement Regulations and recognised good practices in contract management.

JOB TYPE: Individual Consultancy

Date of Issue: Saturday, 31st October 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, 13th November 2026, at 4:00 PM (Malawi local time)

Reference Number: MW-BWB-578558-CS-INDV

Loan/Credit/Grant Number: IDA E159-MW

Duration: Two (2) years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, project needs and availability of funding.

Reports to: PIU Manager

Duty Station: Chileka PIU Offices, Blantyre, with regular travel to project implementation sites within Blantyre City and surrounding areas.

POSITION: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY

The Contract Management Specialist will support the planning, design, review, implementation, monitoring and supervision of all contracts under the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1.

The role will focus on contract administration, compliance, performance management, cost-effectiveness, risk management and proper contract closure. The successful consultant will work closely with the PIU team and technical officers from BWB, BCC, the Ministry responsible for water development, and the Ministry responsible for sanitation and hygiene.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contract Preparation and Administration

• Work closely with the procurement team to prepare contract documents, covering guarantee requirements, price-adjustment provisions and indices, commencement and effectiveness conditions, sectional and substantial completion arrangements, and potential claims risks.
• Support contract administration and compliance, including determination of time and cost entitlements.
• Review variations to ensure technical necessity, accuracy and consistent value-for-money pricing.
• Support Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) reviews, contract price adjustment calculations, contingency utilisation assessments and contract performance assessments.
• Maintain contract management tracking for all contracts under implementation.
• Coordinate required contract variations in good time and in accordance with contract provisions.

2. Contract Performance Monitoring and Risk Management

• Review regular contract progress reports and prepare synthesis reports highlighting key findings and recommended actions.
• Monitor and analyse contract performance against agreed benchmarks.
• Advise Contract Managers on contract management Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), potential bottlenecks and recommended remedial actions, including contract close-out, extension or renewal.
• Apply the FIDIC Conditions of Contract in contract performance monitoring and management.
• Assist in resolving unforeseen technical difficulties, complaints and other implementation challenges.
• Communicate regularly with management on contract status and ensure appropriate guidance and approvals are obtained before contract amendments, cancellation or termination.

3. Contract Supervision and Implementation

• Manage works supervision contracts, including lump-sum and time-based consultancy contracts.
• Track deliverables, timesheets and associated payments.
• Work with Contract Managers, engineers and implementing teams to conduct progress review meetings.
• Undertake field supervisory visits to assess technical, administrative and financial processes and contract implementation progress.
• Review financial information submitted by contractors and service providers in support of the Finance Unit.
• Ensure timely processing and payment of certificates and invoices.
• Address matters relating to the delivery of goods and services, including taxation, duties and clearance, in consultation with the Financial Management Specialist.

4. Contract Amendments and Project Closure

• Assist in preparing contract amendments and changes in accordance with World Bank procedures.
• Ensure that prior-review documents are submitted to the World Bank for the required approvals.
• Support proper project and contract closure, including:
• Preparation and issuance of completion certificates.
• Management of the Defects Liability Period.
• Final inspections and supervision requirements.
• Decommissioning arrangements.
• Outstanding payment obligations.
• Completion and close-out documentation.

5. Planning, Reporting and Documentation

• Assist the project in preparing realistic work plans and budgets for contract execution.
• Track implementation progress and periodically update the contract management module in STEP.
• Ensure that formal and informal meetings and discussions with service providers and implementing sectors are properly documented and filed.
• Support the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual project progress reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of completion reports for subprojects.
• Document lessons learned and good practices from contract implementation.
• Prepare performance assessment reports for completed contracts.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and World Bank Missions

• Work closely with PIU members and technical officers from BWB, BCC and relevant government ministries.
• Participate in World Bank missions and monthly progress review meetings.
• Support the preparation of appropriate technical briefs as required.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination among project stakeholders.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• A postgraduate degree in a management discipline such as Contract Management, Project Management, Procurement, Civil Engineering or Construction Management from a recognised institution.
• Professional qualifications such as CIPS, or FIDIC training in contract management or adjudication, will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience

The successful candidate should have:

• At least eight (8) years of post-qualification experience in contract management or procurement under projects financed by International Financing Institutions.
• Practical engineering experience in design, field supervision or both, particularly for high-value water supply and sanitation infrastructure works.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience applying standard international conditions of contract, particularly the FIDIC Red Book.
• Thorough understanding of contract management tools and project fiduciary procedures, including Interim Financial Reports (IFRs) and World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.
• Demonstrated experience managing works and services contracts.
• Experience in the public sector will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience developing and using contract management and tracking tools or platforms.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proficiency in project management software and contract tracking tools.
• Good computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage complex contracts and work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• High levels of motivation, diplomacy and professionalism.
• Commitment to anti-corruption and anti-bribery ethics.

FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT

Blantyre Water Board will provide:

• Office space, furniture and office equipment.
• Communication and internet facilities.
• Transport for field-related assignments.
• Costs and other expenses, including per diems, associated with approved fieldwork.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND SELECTION METHOD

Interested consultants should take note of Sections III, paragraphs 3.13, 3.15 and 3.16 of the World Bank's September 2025 Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, which set out the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest.

The consultant will be selected using the Individual Consultant Selection Method in accordance with the applicable Procurement Regulations.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified individual consultants should submit an Expression of Interest, including:

• An updated and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of relevant professional certificates.

Applications may be submitted in writing by hand, post or email to:

The Chairperson

Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC)

Blantyre Water Board

Off-Makata Road

P.O. Box 30369

Blantyre, Malawi.

Attention: PIU Manager

Physical Submission: Blantyre Water Board Head Office, Main Reception.

Email: piu@bwb.mw

Telephone: +265 (0) 1 872 200

Email Subject: Expression of Interest – Contract Management Specialist (MW-BWB-578558-CS-INDV)

Closing Date: Friday, 13th November 2026, at 4:00 PM (Malawi local time).

Interested consultants are encouraged to submit their Expressions of Interest before the deadline.