CONTRACT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Job description

OVERVIEWThe 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 ConsultancyDate of Issue: Saturday, 31st October 2026Application Deadline: Friday, 13th November 2026, at 4:00 PM (Malawi local time)Reference Number: MW-BWB-578558-CS-INDVLoan/Credit/Grant Number: IDA E159-MWDuration: Two (2) years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, project needs and availability of funding.Reports to: PIU ManagerDuty Station: Chileka PIU Offices, Blantyre, with regular travel to project implementation sites within Blantyre City and surrounding areas.POSITION: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTJOB SUMMARYThe 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 RESPONSIBILITIES1. Contract Preparation and AdministrationWork 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 ManagementReview 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 ImplementationManage 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 ClosureAssist 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 DocumentationAssist the project in preparing realistic work plans and budgets for

Requirements

Apply by email: piu@bwb.mw