REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS PUBLIC OUTREACH SUPPORT CONSULTANT MCAN/COM/RCQ/4A09011(a)

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS PUBLIC OUTREACH SUPPORT CONSULTANT MCAN/COM/RCQ/4A09011(a) MCA Namibia (MCA-N) requires the services of an individual Consultant/s (hereinafter referred to as the Consultant ). This document provides a summary of the services required, application procedure, selection method, Terms of Reference (TOR), and the contractual terms offered for this assignment. Summary of Services: The primary objective of this consultancy is for the consultant/s to: Assist the office of the Public Outreach Manager in the execution of the function as would be determined from time to time. Location: Windhoek Anticipated Start Date: 01 August 2011 Duration of Assignment: 12 months, renewable as the need arises. Application Selection Before applying, interested Consultants shall review the Terms Of Reference attached hereto (Attachment 2), which provides a detailed description of the assignment and the qualifications and experience required of the Consultant, and Contract Form (Attachment 3), setting out the proposed contractual arrangements. The selection shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures for Selection based on the Consultants Qualifications set forth in Annex VI, Section 1.B. 3.7 of the MCA Namibia Procurement Rules (see the Procurement page on website for the Procurement Rules). The selected Consultant will be ultimately requested to submit combined technical and financial proposals for the assignment, which, together with the Consultant s EOI and the attached Form of Contract (Attachment 3), will be used for the negotiation of a fixed price contract between the Consultant and MCA Namibia. Application Procedure Interested Consultants shall send their Expressions of Interest (EOI) in the standard MCA-N format (Attachment 1) to be considered for the assignment. The EOI shall include the date of availability, up-to-date CV demonstrating that the Consultant fulfils the minimum requirements described in the TOR, contact details (address, telephone and fax numbers, address, website), at least three references that can comment on the Consultant s related work experience, and any other relevant

2 information. Responses in the standard MCA-N Expression of Interest format (Forms 1 to 2 attached hereto) should be addressed to: The Asst Procurement Manager, MCA Namibia, Atlas House, 3 rd Floor Room Sam Nujoma Drive Windhoek, Namibia. Or they can send the documentation via to the following address: mdeklerk@mcanamibia.org Deadline for submission of responses: 13h00, on 18 July

3 Attachment 1: Expression of Interest Forms [Location, Date] Mr. Johann Botha Director Procurement MCA Namibia EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: FORM 1 Dear Sir, RE: PUBLIC OUTREACH SUPPORT CONSULTANT REF: MCAN/COM/RCQ/4A09011(a) I, the undersigned, offer to provide the consulting services for the abovementioned assignment in accordance with your Request for Consultants Qualifications dated [Insert Date] and this Expression of Interest. I hereby submit my Expression of Interest, which will be open for acceptance for a period of 60 (sixty) days. I hereby declare that all the information and statements made in this Expression of Interest are true and accept that any misrepresentation contained in it may lead to my disqualification. My Expression of Interest is binding upon myself and subject to the modifications resulting from Contract negotiations, and I undertake, if my proposal is accepted, to initiate the consulting services related to the assignment not later than [insert the date on which you will be available to commence with the assignment]. I understand you are not bound to accept any proposal that you may receive. Yours sincerely, [Signature] Name and Title of Signatory Address of Consultant 3

4 Attachment 1: Expression of Interest Forms 1. Name [Insert full name] 2. Date of Birth [Insert birth date] EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: FORM 2 Curriculum Vitae (CV) 3. Nationality [Insert nationality] 4. Education [Indicate college/university and other specialized education, giving names of institutions, degrees obtained, and dates of obtainment]. 5. Membership in Professional Associations 6. Other Training [Indicate appropriate postgraduate and other training] 7. Countries of Work Experience [List countries where the consultant has worked in the last ten years] 8. Languages [For each language indicate proficiency: good, fair, or poor in speaking, reading, and writing] Language Speaking Reading Writing 9. Employment Record [Starting with present position, list in reverse order every employment held by the consultant since graduation, giving for each employment (see format here below): dates of employment, name of employing organization, positions held.] From: [year] To: [year] Employer: Position(s) held: 10. Work undertaken that best illustrates capability to handle the tasks assigned: [Among the assignments in which the consultant has been involved, indicate the following information for those assignments that best illustrate his/her capability to handle the tasks listed in the TOR] Name of assignment or project: Year Location: Client: Main project features: 4

5 Attachment 1: Expression of Interest Forms Position held: Activities performed: 11. References: [List at least three individual references with substantial knowledge of your work. Include each reference s name, title, phone and contact information. MCA Namibia reserves the right to contact other sources as well as to check references, in particular for performance on any relevant MCC-funded projects.] 12. Task assigned for this consultancy: Not Used 13. Certification: I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes me, my qualifications, and my experience. I understand that any wilful misstatement described herein may lead to my disqualification or dismissal, if engaged. I, the undersigned, hereby declare that I agree to participate in the above-mentioned assignment. I further declare that I am able and willing to work for the period foreseen in the above referenced Request for Consultant's Qualifications. [Signature] [Date] 5

6 Attachment 2: Terms of Reference 1. Summary TERMS OF REFERENCE PUBLIC OUTREACH CONSULTANCY The objective of this document is to layout the terms of reference for consultancies to the office of the Manager Public Relations. A list of maximum three (3) consultants will be maintained from which the allocations of specific consultancy assignments will be made on the basis of the availability, qualification, experience and track record at the disposal of MCA Namibia. The office of the Public Outreach Manager is inter alia entrusted with the following responsibilities: Implementing and reviewing of the MCA-Namibia Communications Strategy, including a detailed Work Plan and the Media Outreach Strategy; Organizing public outreach events, press conferences and developing information materials, in close consultation and cooperation with the Executive Team and Directors; Drafting of media statements/press releases and statements/talking points and other relevant materials for use at outreach events by members of the MCA-Namibia s Executive Team, Senior Management and Board; Developing of storylines and transforming those into MCA-N stories to be told throughout the Compact period and especially towards the end of the Compact using print, electronic media and own presentations via videos and mini written stories. Collecting data and information that can be used for communication and public outreach, including lessons learned and best practices, success stories, progress and results of the MCA-Namibia Compact; Developing outreach materials, maintenance of the MCA-Namibia website, developing and disseminating MCA-Namibia publications, quarterly bulletins, etc; Developing, implementing and review of the Public Consultation and Disclosure Strategy, and ensuring effective stakeholder consultation throughout the Compact Implementation period, typically focusing on, but not limited to, environmental and socio-economic aspects of Compact implementation. Any of the above tasks may from time to time result in an adhoc consultancy, depending on the work load, experience and availability of the Public Outreach Manager. 2. Background Information 2.1 The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) was established in January 2004 as a United States government corporation to implement the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). MCC s mission is to reduce poverty by supporting sustainable, transformative economic growth in developing 6

7 Attachment 2: Terms of Reference countries, which create and maintain sound policy environments. MCC supports socially and economically sound innovative strategies and ensures accountability through measurable results. For additional information on MCC please visit Namibia s Millennium Challenge Compact The Millennium Challenge Account Namibia (MCA-N) Compact, providing grant funding for public investments in Education, Tourism and Agriculture, was signed on 28 July 2008 between the Republic of Namibia and Government of the United States of America, through MCC. The Compact will make available US$304.5 million for development in the target sectors, over and above current Government allocations and assistance from other development partners. The Goal of the Compact is to reduce poverty through economic growth in the Education, Tourism and Agriculture sectors. To accomplish this Goal, the MCA-N programme aims to achieve the following objectives: i) Increase the competence of the Namibian workforce (knowledge, skills and attitude); ii) Increase the productivity of agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises in rural areas. The Compact aims to improve the quality of education and training for underserved populations, and attempts to capitalize on Namibia s comparative advantages to increase the incomes of poor Namibians, predominantly in the northern areas of the country. In Education, the programme seeks to bring the quality of the work force closer to the requirements of industry and the labour market at large. This is in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030 and the 3 rd National Development Plan s strategic objective for productive and competitive human resource and institutions, which informed the programming, content and activities of the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP). The MCA-N Education Project contributes to ETSIP. It aims to improve the competency and knowledge of young Namibians by supporting new and innovative methods of learning in addition to the traditional approaches, and improved physical infrastructure for learning and teaching in schools, Regional Study and Resource Centres and Community Based Skills Development Centres. The Tourism Project seeks to bring conservancies in high potential tourism areas into the mainstream of the tourism industry, increasing the financial and in-kind benefits to rural conservancy members. Internationally-acknowledged best practice models for community-based tourism and community-based natural resource management underpin the Tourism Project. This is the first time in MCC history that a country programme includes tourism, acknowledging the sector s tremendous poverty alleviating potential in conservancy areas. The Etosha National Park will serve as a model for increased participation by the adjacent conservancies. The MCA-N Tourism Project will facilitate access to the Park for the conservancies around it through exclusive access concessions, to be awarded through the 2007 Concession Policy. The MCA Namibia Tourism project will also enhance regional and international marketing of Namibia as a tourism destination. The Agriculture Project comprises three main activities: livestock, land access and management, and indigenous natural products. The Livestock Activity seeks to bring the marketing opportunities for farmers who live north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence( the Fence ) closer to the opportunities enjoyed by farmers south of the Fence. The focus will be on improving veterinary services aimed at 7

8 Attachment 2: Terms of Reference obtaining animal disease-free status for the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) in order to gain access to international markets. The accompanying public investment in rangeland management will improve access to grazing and farming practices. The overall objective is to increase the farmers income derived from large-stock and small-stock farming in the NCA. Through the Land Access and Management Activity the Communal Land Boards, traditional authorities and other key stakeholders will be empowered to better manage the available resources. Increasing direct participation of the primary producers in the value addition of raw, natural products such as Marula, Kalahari Melon Seed, Hoodia, Devil s Claw and Ximenia is the key objective of the Indigenous Natural Products Activity. The value chain approach that the INP sector has adopted will ensure that the activities are responsive to the fast-changing market realities for natural products. At present, most of the revenue from selling products made of these valuable commodities is generated outside Namibia. The MCA-N programme will facilitate an increased participation by the primary producers in the processing, packaging and marketing of these products. Please visit for detailed Project Descriptions. This TOR is related to the Education Project as well as to MCA-Namibia s M&E Plan. 2.3 The MCA-N Management Structure MCA Namibia (MCA-N) is the accountable entity, responsible for the overall management of the Compact s implementation. MCA-N is a legal entity within the National Planning Commission (Office of the President), comprised of a Board and a Programme Management Unit. MCA-N s Board provides oversight and strategic guidance and is ultimately responsible for the programme s success, while the Programme Management Unit is responsible for the implementation of the Compact, including programme management, financial management and reporting, and coordination of M&E. The programme is legally governed by the Compact and its supplemental agreements. For additional information please visit Consultancy-Specific Background The overall aim of the Public Outreach Division is to support the goals and objectives of the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia Compact through a two-way communication between MCA Namibia, Stakeholders, Implementing Partners, Beneficiary, Role Players, the Media as well as the general public. The division also aims to guide and provide a framework for communicating to stakeholders, throughout the period of the Compact. 3. Objectives The primary objective of this consultancy is for the consultant/s to: Assist the office of the Public Outreach Manager in the execution of the functions (see point 1 hereof) of the office as would be determined from time to time. 8

9 Attachment 2: Terms of Reference 4. Scope of Services (Task and Deliverables) The following tasks will be clearly given to the Consultant with agreed to timelines: Developing storyboards on MCA Namibia activities and do camera work in capturing the footage that would best represent the story to be told; Create special events, such as press conference, and manage all aspects including media relations; Prepares senior management for media interviews and provide public relations advice to senior management and the Chairperson of the Board, when so required; ; Develop crisis communication management plan that outlines communication strategies for MCA-N; Proof reading of publications such as Annual Reports and Quarterly Bulletins before going to print; Provides digital photography for MCA-N publications. Assist the PO Manager in reviewing the MCA Namibia Communication Strategy and Public Outreach Budget In addition to the above, the Consultant may be required to render services to the Office of the Manager Public Outreach as stated in point 1 above. 5. Timing/ Duration of the Assignment The services of the Consultants will be required on a twelve (12) months basis, renewable as and when the need arise; The consultancy may be terminated by either party through a written notification from one party to the other as per the Consultancy Agreement. 6. Qualifications & Experience Specific Skills Required The Consultant is expected to have the following minimum competencies: Good written and spoken English; Ability to prepare media releases, speeches and presentations; Ability to prepare and edit written publications; Proven ability to develop communication tools and outreach materials and disseminating those to media representatives and civil society. Excellent analytical / problem solving skills. Ability to travel and work long hours; Availability over short notice, say within 24 hours; and Ability to work with a team with varied backgrounds and cultures; Good interpersonal and general communication skills; Strong orientation towards service delivery; 9

10 Attachment 2: Terms of Reference Qualifications & Experience Diploma or degree in Media Studies with a specialisation in Public Relations or Communication;; Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in Public Relations and/or corporate communications; Experience in fostering media relations with different stakeholders; Experience in editing of publications/corporate materials. Experience in digital photography will be an added advantage 7. Reporting Arrangements and Schedule of Payments The Consultant will report to the Public Outreach Manager who will be the immediate supervisor of the Consultant. Second level reporting will be maintained with the Deputy CEO Operations. The Public Outreach Manager will be responsible for requesting the services from the consultant, giving of instructions, administering and monitoring the Consultant s execution of tasks and the attaining of deliverables. This consultancy will be carried out on an ad hoc basis, within a period of twelve (12) months, renewable. Consultancy fee payments will be based on submission to MCA-N of timesheet-supported invoices signed off by Manager Public Outreach completion and approval of deliverables, which shall be on monthly intervals. 10

11 Attachment 3: Contract Form MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT NAMIBIA CONTRACT FOR INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT MCAN/COM/RCQ/4A09011(a) This contract for independent consultant services (the Contract ) is made as of [date] by the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia ("MCA-N") acting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia whose address is: Atlas House 6 th Floor Corner of Mandume Ndemufayo and Sam Nuyoma Drive Private Bag Windhoek Republic of Namibia Tel: Fax: and, [Consultant Name] (the Consultant ) whose address is: [Consultant Contact Details] This contract is subject to the applicable provisions of the Programme Implementation Agreement (the PIA Agreement ) between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, signed in January DURATION OF THE CONTRACT This contract is effective as of the date of signing and shall expire on [date], unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 7. It is expressly stated, and the Parties agree, that this Contract is one of an independent consultancy and not of employment. Therefore, the Parties agree that no legitimate expectation of employment or renewal of this Contract is or can be created. 2. MANDATE The Consultant agrees to perform the duties and accept the responsibilities set forth in Terms of Reference contained in Appendix A of this contract. 3. STATUTE, RIGHT AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT The rights and obligations of the Consultant are strictly limited to the terms and conditions of this Contract. Consequently, the Consultant does not have the right to any advantage, payment, subsidy, compensation or pension on behalf of MCA-N except for those expressly provided for under the terms of this Contract. The Consultant warrants that he has not and will not engage in any activity that would give rise to a right of termination under Sections 5.8 (a) of the Programme Implementation Agreement. 11

12 Attachment 3: Contract Form 4. REMUNERATION MCA-N shall pay the Consultant, as full remuneration for providing time-based services under this Contract, a ceiling Contract Price not exceeding: [contract amount] exclusive of VAT. This amount is determined based on the anticipated requirement of [number of days] to complete this assignment and the rate of [daily rate] per day exclusive of VAT. Contractor s invoices shall be submitted monthly and based on the actual effort level during the respective month. VAT will be paid in addition to the fee if the Consultant should be registered with the Receiver of Revenue to pay VAT. 4.2 All payments owed to the Consultant under this Contract will be paid directly by MCA into the account set forth in Appendix B (Wire Transfer Instructions), within 30 working days after the approval by MCA-N of the invoice for the payment that is due. 4.3 Consultant s invoices shall indicate a) the date when services were rendered, b) time billable for the services rendered, c) brief description of services rendered. MCA-N shall approve only reasonable time billable for the services rendered, which it has commissioned in written communication to the Consultant. 4.4 Reserved. 4.5 No other remuneration, favours, compensation or subsidy will be paid to the Consultant under the terms of this Contract. 5. INCOME TAX The Consultant alone is responsible for the payment of any income taxes that may be owed in respect of remuneration received in terms of this Contract. MCA-N will not withhold any amounts from the Consultant s remuneration for purposes of income tax. 6. INSURANCE The Consultant shall take out and maintain insurance as is reasonable and customary in the Republic of Namibia. 7. TERMINATION Either party can terminate this Contract at any time upon thirty days prior written notice. Except as expressly stated in this Contract, upon termination or expiration of this Contract, all obligations under this Contract are terminated. 8. CONFIDENTIALITY During the term of this contract and for two years thereafter, the Consultant shall not reveal any sensitive or confidential information concerning the Consultant s services under this Contract or the businesses or the activities of MCA-N without prior written authorization from MCA-N. 9. RIGHTS OF TITLE Any studies, reports or other material, graphic, software or otherwise, prepared by the Consultant for MCA-N under this Contract shall belong to, and remain the property of MCA-N. 10. NON PUBLIC INFORMATION The Consultant shall treat and maintain as confidential all information, communications and documents received in his capacity as Consultant and relating to his duties, this Contract, or MCA-N s business or

13 Attachment 3: Contract Form operations. The Consultant shall not disclose such information, communications or documents, except on a need-to-know basis and under similar obligation of confidentiality and shall not use such information, communications or documents other than in the course of performance of his duties under this Contract. These provisions shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract. 11. DISCLOSURE The Consultant will reveal to the MCA-N any business or professional employment or activity in which it has been/will be engaged before or during this Contract. These activities shall not be incompatible with provision of the services required under this Contract and shall not create, or give the appearance of creating, a conflict of interest. 12. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 12.1 The Consultant will perform the services under this Contract faithfully, diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of professional and ethical competence and integrity, and in a timely manner in order to advance MCA-N s interests The Consultant shall not engage in any activity incompatible with MCA-N s interests. The Consultant will avoid any action, including, without limitation, any kind of public statement, which will compromise the integrity, independence and impartiality which are required for the Consultant s relationship with MCA-N The Program Assets are not intended for personal use and shall therefore only be used by the Consultant in the performance of his official duties under this Contract, except for incidental use and as otherwise provided under any policies and/or procedures adopted by MCA-N from time to time The Consultant affirms and agrees that no payments have or will be received by any official of MCA-N or any other Government official in connection with the Consultant s employment, and no payments have been made by the Consultant to any third party in connection with the Contract in violation of any applicable Namibian law or MCA-N s policies and procedures on conflict of interest and ethics. The Consultant affirms and agrees that no payments have been or will be received by the Consultant in connection with the Consultant s performance of his duties under the Contract, except for payments specified in Section 4 of this Contract The Consultant agrees that he shall not participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract, grant or other benefit or transaction financed in whole or in part by MCC funding, in which (i) the Consultant, members of the Consultant s immediate family or household or the Consultant s business partners, or organizations controlled by or substantially involving the Consultant has or have a financial interest, or (ii) the Consultant is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective employment, unless the Consultant has first disclosed in writing to MCA-N the conflict of interest and, following such disclosure, MCA-N has agreed in writing to proceed notwithstanding such conflict and, if requested by MCA-N, the Consultant will promptly recuse himself or herself from such participation The Consultant agrees that he shall not (and shall seek to ensure in his role as the Consultant that no other person or entity involved in the selection, award, administration or implementation of any contract, grant or other benefit or transaction financed in whole or in part by MCC Funding), (i) solicit or accept or offer a third party or seek or be promised directly or indirectly for himself or for another person or entity, any gift, gratuity, favour or 13

14 Attachment 3: Contract Form benefit, other than items of de minimis value and otherwise consistent with MCA-N s policies and procedures on conflict of interest and ethics, or (ii) engage in any activity that is, or gives the appearance of being, a conflict of interest. 13. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES; MCC STATUS 13.1 The Consultant acknowledges that MCC is neither the individual employer nor a joint employer of the Consultant. The Consultant understands that the performance of his duties will be dictated by MCA-N and not by MCC MCC is a United States Government corporation acting on behalf of the United States Government in the implementation of the Compact. As such, MCC has no liability under the Contract, and is immune from any action or proceeding arising under or relating to the Contract. In matters arising under or relating to the Contract, MCC is not subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Namibia or any other body in any other jurisdiction. 14. APPLICABLE LAW AND LANGUAGE OF THE CONTRACT This contract shall be governed by Namibian law and the language of the contract is English. 15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION Any complaint or disagreement related to the execution of this Contract which cannot be resolved with amicable discussions will be subject to arbitration in accordance with the Professional Arbitration and Mediation Association of Namibia arbitration rules in force as of the date of this Contract. I have reviewed and understood the details of this Contract (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the appendices). SIGNATURES For the MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT: For the CONSULTANT: Penny Akwenye Chief Executive Officer Witness Witness 14

15 Attachment 3: Contract Form APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE 15

16 Attachment 3: Contract Form APPENDIX B: WIRE INSTRUCTIONS 16