Finalization of the National Decree for Public Procurement

**Project:** Sustaining Program Effectiveness and Advancing Resilience

Finalization of the National Decree for Public Procurement

Government of Sint Maarten – Ministry of Finance

Assignment Title	Finalization of the National Decree for Public Procurement
Organization	Government of Sint Maarten – Ministry of Finance
Type of Appointment	Service Contract
Duration	11 weeks (80 business days)
Location	Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
Submission Deadline	27 November 2026 , no later than 17:00 (electronically to Roxanne.Howell@sintmaartengov.org)
Reporting To	Roxanne Howell, Secretary General, Ministry of Finance

 Background and Context

The SPEAR Project

The Trust Fund Project Sustaining Program Effectiveness and Advancing Resilience (SPEAR) project is designed to improve the operational effectiveness of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and strengthen the capacity of the Sint Maarten public administration to sustain the Sint Maarten Trust Fund (TF) project results beyond the NRPB’s closing in 2028 At that point, the Government of Sint Maarten (GoSXM) will assume responsibility and will perform financial management, project management, procurement, project reporting, Environment and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and communications.

SPEAR component 2 has the objective to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of the Government of Sint Maarten to ensure the sustainability of investments. This includes enhancing the management of public procurement.

 Objectives of the Consultancy

Building on the amendment recommendations from the preliminary consultation, the Consultant will provide the Ministry of Finance (MoF) with the technical capacity required to finalize the public procurement decree, thereby completing the financial regulatory framework.

General Scope of Work

Public procurement needs to be aligned with good international practice. The National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) includes public procurement provisions. However, public procurement is decentralized, and there is no regulatory framework. Although the Ordinance refers to an “LB-HAM” (national decree containing general measures), no LB-HAM for public procurement is yet in place. The Government of Sint Maarten has a draft public procurement decree under review and requires technical support to finalize the decree and its operationalization.  The scope of work will include the following activities:

                Review and Finalize the Draft Public Procurement Decree

1. Assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of the draft decree
2. Resolve identified inconsistencies within the draft decree to ensure internal coherency and clarity
3. Confirm that the decree contains sufficient provisions to meet all six procurement objectives defined by MoF. Ensure, to the extent possible, that the updated/new legislation is consistent with the core procurement principles of value for money, economy, integrity, fit for purpose, efficiency, transparency and fairness or equivalent principles as decided by the Government

 

1. Identify the extent of conformance of the decree with paragraphs 5.3 to 5.6 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations and make recommendations to ensure conformance, as agreed by the Government of Sint Maarten.

 

1. Identify Gaps Against International Best Practices

1. Recommend Amendments to the Decree or a New Legal Framework

1. Recommend Editorial and Substantive Improvements
2. Training and Capacity Building of Government Employees.

  Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must demonstrate the following:

1. Advanced University Degree or equivalent and legal expertise and specialist knowledge of public procurement law and practice.
2. Demonstrated experience in public procurement reform, preferably in small island developing states or comparable jurisdictions.
3. At least 5 years of experience with public procurement legislation and best practices in public procurement.
4. Strong knowledge of international procurement frameworks, including World Bank procurement Framework.
5. Regional or country-specific experience in the Caribbean or the Dutch Kingdom would be an advantage
6. Proficiency in English and Dutch languages.

The Candidate agrees to participate in an interview (in-person or online) with the Evaluation Committee to further assess qualifications and experience.

 

1. The contract is for a duration of 80 days and the successful Candidate, if not based in Sint Maarten must be prepared to work on-site when required.
2. The successful Candidate will be offered a contract price  comprised of a daily rate  inclusive of turnover tax (TOT) or any equivalent applicable taxes, and additional fees, covering all costs for the full duration of the assignment.
3. The successful Candidate, if not based on Sint Maarten may be offered reimbursable expenses for travel to and from Sint Maarten, per diem allowance, accommodation allowance and transportation on the island.
4. Invoicing will be monthly, based on actual effort, corresponding to the total maximum contract price and accompanied by the required bi-weekly progress report.
5. The Candidate accepts a maximum payment term of 90 days.

Timeline and Duration

Total Duration	11 weeks/80 days, concluding by end of April 2027
Decree Submission Deadline	27 November  2026 at 17:00 (submissions by email to Roxanne.Howell@sintmaartengov.org)

 

Reporting and Governance

The Consultant will report directly to Roxanne Howell, Secretary General, Ministry of Finance. Any Steering Committee or Technical Working Group arrangements will be communicated at the commencement of the assignment.

Please submit your Expression of Interest by July 31st, 2026 17:00 to Erma.Hazel@sintmaartengov.org