REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)
Country: Republic of Moldova
Name of Project: MSME Competitiveness Project
Contract Title: Support to ODA in development and implementation of a pilot Supplier Development Program
Loan No.: IBRD 9423-MD
Credit No.: IDA 7174-MD
Reference No.: MD-CEP-442432-CS-QCBS
1. The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the MSME Competitiveness Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
2. The consulting services (“the Services”) include assistance to the 60 selected local manufacturing firms to reach world-class standards for their goods and services and to achieve approved supplier status in regional and European value chains. The program approach is participatory and consultative, based on facilitation, dialogue, and on-site assistance as agreed with company management and in line with buyers’ requirements. Transfer of knowledge and expertise as well as learning by doing in the company's own environment should be at the heart of the delivery process.
3. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.
4. The Public Institution “Project Implementation Unit of the World Bank Competitiveness Enhancement Project” acting as Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
The shortlisting criteria are:
• Company’ proven experience in carrying out firm-level business reviews and similar consultancy in supplier linkage programs, other supplier development programs, or in business development support programs. The Consultant should have at least seven (7) years of such experience.
• Experience in business development support programs, including having a methodology and tools successfully applied in similar supplier linkage programs. This shall be documented by at least two (2) contracts finalized in the last three (3) years. For ongoing projects, copies of acceptance documents of the delivered programs shall be provided.
• Track record of working effectively with the private sector at both working and senior level, and with government agencies in delivering supplier or other business development programs.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake results focused consultancy with the aim of deriving real business benefits for and embedding sustainable skills in participating companies, and an understanding of key MNE requirements and supplier assessment processes.
• Experience of working on the ground with manufacturing industry in emerging or developing countries. Experience of, and a presence in Southeast Europe would be advantageous.
• Association with the local company with the experience in business development support programs would be advantageous.
Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost-Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours. 09:00 to 17:00 hours.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by September 24, 2024; 17.00 local time.
Attn: Mr. Aureliu CASIAN, PIU Executive Director
Public Institution “Project Implementation Unit of the World Bank Competitiveness Enhancement Project” acting as Project Implementation Unit of the World Bank MSME Competitiveness Project
180, Stefan cel Mare, office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel: (+373 22) 296 723
E-mail: piu@mded.gov.md
Web site: http://uipac.md
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consulting Services to support the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development in development and implementation of a pilot Supplier Development Program in the Republic of Moldova
A. Background
The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda to support export-led economic growth. In this regard, an improved business environment is essential to foster sustainable private sector growth. Significant regulatory and institutional weaknesses in the business environment have been identified by the recently conducted Investment Climate Assessment as major obstacles to the private sector’s ability to perform efficiently and grow, and they also negatively affect investor confidence. The presence of cumbersome regulations undermines the competitiveness of private Moldovan enterprises and prevents increased investment by increasing the cost of doing business, and ultimately providing fertile ground for corruption, favoritism, and the informal economy.
The World Bank has been supporting the Government in its competitiveness and reform efforts through two Competitiveness Enhancement Projects (CEP), which closed successfully and focused on: (i) regulatory reform; (ii) small and medium enterprises’ access to business development services and quality certifications, through a matching grant facility (MGF); (iii) access to finance, through a line of credit (LoC) for exporters; and (iv) quality infrastructure, including equipment and institutional reform in the area of metrology, standards, testing, and quality.
During the implementation of the CEP II, supported activities have resulted in approximately $215 million in new exports, more than 1,000 jobs, an estimated $15 million in savings to the private sector associated with the implementation of the electronic one-stop-shop for permits, as well as other reforms.
In order to sustain the results of the CEP II and other programs implemented and to support the continued implementation of reforms to improve business environment and facilitate export promotion, GoM is currently implementing a new project, the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME) Competitiveness Project, which takes a more comprehensive approach to business competitiveness with funding from the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
B. Project Description
The MSME’s project development objectives (PDO) are: (i) to reduce the regulatory burden, increase access to finance, increase the export competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises, and (ii) in case of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to respond promptly and effectively to it.
The PDO will be achieved through a set of activities that aim to: (a) digitize government-to-business services and inspections, streamline permissive documents, and enhance national quality infrastructure to reduce the regulatory burden enterprises face; (b) support access to finance for enterprises through credit guarantees and enhance the capacity of the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF), and (c) support the development of MSMEs and enhance their export competitiveness; d) support project management; e) support the government's response in case of an emergency.
The project consists of the following components:
Component 1 – Regulatory reform and Digitization. This component supports GoM in reducing the regulatory burden on businesses by further digitization both at the national and local levels, enhancing and digitizing inspection services, improving interoperability and integrated service delivery for businesses, simplifying the regulatory environment, and improving the National Quality Infrastructure System (hereinafter NQI).
Component 2 – Access to Finance. This component aims to support the CGF under the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development[1] (hereinafter ODA) in providing of financial guarantees to MSMEs, to deliver more effective programs and assistance that have positive spillovers for the growth of MSMEs and export-oriented sectors to expand the business, enter new markets, start new export activities, and introduce new technologies needed for productivity gains.
Component 3 – MSME Development and Export Competitiveness, focusing on supporting firms through matching grants, export readiness, supplier linkages, and export promotion programs. The objectives of this component are linked with GoM’s goals of simplifying the rules for MSME operation, supporting business establishment, growth and internationalization, enabling more efficient support programs for MSMEs, as well as facilitating the inflow of investments.
Breaking it down by key activities: (i) enable local firms to export through matching grants program, integrated in ODIMM’s export readiness, internationalization, European Green Deal, and linkages programs for maximum efficiency; (ii) strengthen export readiness program for MSMEs at ODA to bring MSMEs to export readiness (iii) enhance export promotion activities of the Investment Agency and (iv) enable local linkages with foreign manufacturing firms.
Component 4 – Contingency Emergency Response (CERC). This is an unfunded contingency component that can be activated in case of a relevant emergency event. Following an eligible crisis or emergency, the Borrower may request the World Bank to reallocate Project funds to support an emergency response. Once triggered, this component will draw from the uncommitted loan resources under the Project to address the emergency.
The project implementation is delegated to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), an autonomous legal entity established by Government Decision No. 895 on August 25, 2005. The PIU will act as the “Client” for the proposed assignment and will handle contract signing and processing the payments. The contract will be implemented in collaboration with ODA.
C. Background & overall objectives of the assignment
ODA is in process of launching a market driven Program to increase the competitiveness of local producers and integration into value chains, which will be a 3-year program with the possibility of further extension. The Program is envisaged to provide support to SMEs to build linkages with foreign manufacturing firms (present in the country and abroad), where local firms will relate to foreign direct investors or exporting companies to enable value chain integration. The activities on linkages will be anchored in ODA, where ODA’s capacity will be strengthened by setting up a mechanism and a tool for screening of local firms through a 360-degree audits of firms identifying gaps that prevent them from integration into supplier’s value chain, preparing action plans for implementation, and enabling firms to reach world-class standards for their goods and services. The overall aim of this program is to support the integration of local manufacturing firms based in Moldova into regional and European value chains. The SDP will be implemented with focus on two groups of SMEs:
- Manufacturing SMEs who have the capability to manufacture and supply Industrial Products, Automation and Production Equipment, Automotive Parts and Components, Electrical and Electronic Parts and Components, Engineering service involved in areas such as Metalworking, Plastics and rubber processing, Machining, Using CAD / CAM and / or supplying CAD / CAM services, R&D and Engineering, Electronics Assembly and Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and
- Agri-food processing SMEs (fruits, vegetables, nuts and honey) who have the capability to be involved in areas such as healthy food, baby food, pastry and confectionery industry, cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry.
The program aims to increase the capacities of local suppliers and integrating Moldovan Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises MSMEs into international value chains as follows:
- Increase entrepreneurial skills: This objective focuses on enhancing the skills of Moldovan SMEs in terms of business development and product/service diversification. By improving their entrepreneurial skills, these businesses will be better equipped to expand their market presence and integrate into international value chains.
- Stimulate the entrepreneurial environment: This goal aims to create a supportive ecosystem for Moldovan SMEs. This involves encouraging the adoption of new business models, the integration of value chains, and the implementation of modern technologies. A favorable entrepreneurial environment can foster innovation and growth in the business sector.
- Provide assistance and know-how: This objective focuses on equipping SMEs with the necessary knowledge and resources to meet international standards. This is essential for SMEs to become reliable suppliers capable of meeting the quality and compliance requirements of both domestic and international buyers.
- Facilitate connections with buyers: Building relationships between Moldovan SMEs and large domestic or international buyers is crucial. This objective aims to establish mechanisms or platforms that enable these connections, fostering trade and collaboration between suppliers and buyers.
- Offer access to international expertise: International expertise is invaluable for SMEs looking to improve their competitive position in international value chains. This objective seeks to provide Moldovan SMEs with access to knowledge and guidance from experts who can help them develop and define programs to enhance their competitiveness.
The MSME Project will support ODA in the process of launching and rolling out the SDP expected to run for 18-months starting by November 2024 and involve up to 60 potential local manufacturing companies. Local suppliers participating in the program will be given support to raise their performance to meet global standards of performance and competitiveness and will consequently be matched up with the supply opportunities at buyers within and outside of the region.
One of the key features of the Program is the provision of hands-on technical assistance to local companies. This will be done by bringing world-class consulting expertise to the region who will help high potential local firms with improving their operational performance in line with the standards and expectations set for suppliers by off-takers/multinational companies active in the region.
In this framework, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MEDD) is seeking the services of an experienced consulting company with knowledge and expertise in implementation of the SME’s support programs to assist ODA in implementation of its Supplier Development Program.
D. SCOPE OF WORK
Overview of the Assignment
Against this background, ODA supported by the MSME project intends to engage a Consulting Firm to undertake firm-level business reviews and tailored consultancy support for improvement of participating local SMEs.
The key purpose of the consultancy will be to assist the 60 selected local manufacturing firms to reach world-class standards for their goods and services and to achieve approved supplier status in regional and European value chains. The program approach is participatory and consultative, based on facilitation, dialogue, and on-site assistance as agreed with company management and in line with buyers’ requirements. Transfer of knowledge and expertise as well as learning by doing in the company's own environment should be at the heart of the delivery process. It is about how the company can apply them and accrue business benefits.
This will cover:
- carrying out a business review process of up to 60 potential local MSMEs, placing particular focus on procurement criteria, standards and improvement areas of importance to the international Buyers;
- agreeing on short to medium-term Business Development Plans (BDP) with the participating companies, and assessing the effectiveness of their subsequent implementation.
- providing individual business development consulting: provision of 1:1 consultancy support and coaching as required to help each company meet priority needs as guided by the Business Development Plans;
- holding general training workshops for knowledge transfer to support companies on topics relevant to all participants.
Impact is thus an important program aim, both in terms of improved operational performance and improved sales to international buyers by those local companies that participate in the SDP. Sustainability is also important, thus ODA encourages the Offeror to consider integrating local-based expertise and/or Partners into the project approach, if/when reasonably possible.
To conduct the business reviews, the consulting firm/consortium should propose a methodology[2] with proven diagnostic models which have been applied in similar supplier development programs in other countries and should match the following main characteristics:
- looks at the total competitiveness of companies with a view to their long-term development, as well as ensuring a focus on the immediate needs of Buyers;
- offers clear indicators and benchmarks against international operational performance standards;
- is delivered in a way which actively engages companies in the process and helps them to help themselves;
- can be transferred locally to both public and private sector bodies, in line with the project’s sustainability objectives set out above;
ODA would equally welcome any suggested improvements to the process based on Contractors’ experience of similar supplier development programs in other countries.
In responding to the tender, the Consultant should also indicate what parts of the specific tasks outlined below could be met by their international, regional and local personnel proposed for this assignment.
The Consultant is requested to submit to Client, a contingency plan detailing how they will continue performance of this Contract with a minimum of delay, interruption, or other disruption should there be a security or health and safety event which affects the Consultant’s ability to perform the services.
The expectation is to start the review and, as applicable, validate the initial selection of companies (Program Beneficiaries) to participate in the program in November 2024 followed by the first business reviews and start of the pilot SDP implementation tentatively in February 2025.
E. SPECIFIC TASKS
Task 1: Business Reviews
The key starting point to the program will be to review and, as possible, validate the initial selection of companies to participate in the program followed by an in-depth review of all aspects of the business of each of the participating companies (360-degree audits), ending with an Analysis Report. On that basis, the Consultant will assist companies to work out a short - to medium-term (12-24 months) business development plan. Such reviews should normally take 2 days and involve 2 assessors, to ensure the necessary coverage and interaction with companies.
Besides establishing a baseline for the program, the key aim in the business reviews is to (i) gain an in-depth understanding of the overall competitiveness of a company vis-à-vis international standards and the immediate Buyers from regional and European value chains requirements, and (ii) get participation/buy-in from local company management. It is thus not a simple audit in terms of a standard critical external analysis of a company, but a review of all aspects of the business in which external assessors act as facilitators to help the company management to review the way forward for their business. It is essentially about helping companies to help themselves, working with company management to benchmark them against world-class standards, as reflected in the diagnostic model used, and assisting them in identifying best practice options.
Altogether 60 selected local manufacturing firms will be the subject of business reviews and business development plans development.
This first round, which will include the selection and business reviews for 20 selected companies, should take no longer than 3 months after contract signing.
This second round, which will include the selection and business reviews for 40 selected companies, should take no longer than 8 months after contract signing.
Task 2: Business Development Plans (BDP)
The main output of this review will be a short- to mid-term business development plan (12-24 months). It will set out priority needs, specific actions and inputs envisaged, and respective responsibilities of ODA and beneficiary company in the context of the overall business strategy of the company. It is expected that some items will be firmly agreed at the outset, but that others will be firmed up later depending on progress with initial activities, etc.
This first round, which will include the assistance in development of BDPs for 20 companies, should take no longer than 5 months from contract signing.
This second round, which will include the assistance in development of BDPs for 40 companies, should take no longer than 11 months from contract signing.
Here again - as in other areas - ODA would welcome any alternative views on the most appropriate approach based on Consultant’s experience in similar programs.
Task 3: Individual Business Development Consulting
A multi-disciplinary approach which focuses on the delivery of real and sustainable business benefits will be required. Based on the first round of business reviews, consulting firm will provide individual consultancy on company premises for 15 selected companies in the light of the agreed BDPs and dialogue with the companies’ management and the SDP project team to help them improve in the areas identified in the BDPs. The key areas for improvement will be ultimately identified in the business reviews. The criteria for selecting the 15 companies that will receive individual consultancy should be developed with the Consultant’ inputs based on its experience of similar supplier development programs in other countries.
For Individual Business Development Consulting the minimum estimated amount of individual consulting days required to be 8, while the maximum would be 12 days per company.
The Consultant should therefore indicate how they would expect to manage this process, including the sort of response times which would be involved in following up on requests from companies/mentoring teams for particular modules of consultancy. ODA would welcome any views from Consultant on ways in which this process might be most effectively and efficiently managed based on their experience of participating in similar programs.
Task 4: General training workshops
It is expected that the Consultant also considers general group training workshops as a means of task delivery, especially for improvement areas that affect the majority of companies and/or cover important industry-wide development and trends (e.g. changes in industry certification).
Besides the transfer of technical knowledge, these workshops should also serve a networking purpose as they provide an opportunity for local manufacturing companies and OEMs/Tier-1s (who may be invited on a needs basis) to get to know each other, thus providing a platform for addressing the information gap.
A minimum of 3 general training workshops will be needed over the course of the initiative. ODA would welcome any views from the Consultant on ways in which this process might be most effectively and efficiently managed based on their experience of participating in similar programs.
Task 5: Transfer of Expertise
As reflected above, creating the capacity for such programs to be run in the future increasingly independently from external support, is an important secondary aim of the program. The program would also like to see international experts engaging with local experts to strengthen local capacity to conduct business reviews and coaching.
It is therefore important that the Consultant also outlines the approach to build up the capacity of local experts and local stakeholders, including strengthening ODA’s capacity by setting up a mechanism and a tool for screening of local firms, enabling them to integrate with foreign or local manufacturers, to manage future programs, including details of what training or outputs they would propose to meet this need and to provide the awareness necessary for stakeholders to benefit from involvement in the program’s activities. At least 10 (ten) local experts from among ODA staff, business & consulting community shall be trained. The aim is that trainees will accumulate a sufficient level of knowledge to be able to manage the overall provision of such activities and monitor the effectiveness of their delivery.
F. LEVEL OF EFFORT (APPROXIMATE)
The total program level of consultancy effort required depends on the capabilities and needs of the expected minimum of 60 companies to be reviewed and assessed for consulting support for all the five (5) specific tasks outlined in chapter E above.
The Consultant’s technical and financial proposals shall accommodate the targets in terms of companies to be consulted and included in the Development Program. Therefore, Consultants that do not accommodate the minimum number of firms and consulting days expected as outlined in the Request For Proposal (RFP), will be evaluated as non-responsive.
G. TIMELINE
The assignment is expected to be implemented within a maximum of 18 (eighteen) months, tentatively starting in November 2024 through May 2026.
A tentative time-schedule with deadlines is presented below:
- Individual reports on the results of business reviews of 20 companies evaluated - within 3 months following signing of the contract.
- Business Development Plans developed and agreed with 20 companies - within 5 months following signing of the contract.
- Individual reports on the results of business reviews of 40 companies evaluated - within 8 months following signing of the contract.
- Business Development Plans developed and agreed with 40 companies - within 11 months following signing of the contract.
- Training of at least 10 (ten) people from ODA and business & consulting community enabling them to manage future similar programs – within 11 months following signing of the contract.
The specific timing of the individual activities will be discussed and agreed with ODA’s project team as the program rolls out.
H. LOCATION
The assignment will take place in the Republic of Moldova. Extensive in-country travel will be required to deliver the services.
I. REPORTING AND DELIVERABLES
The Consultant will be working under the overall supervision of the ODA Internationalization department.
Deliverables / Specific Outputs Expected from Consultant
In support of and/or in addition to providing individual consultancy support for up to 60 local companies and other tasks detailed above, the contracted Consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:
- An inception report to be presented within 1 month following signing of the contract detailing: (i) the agreed work plan, timeline and associated milestones, (ii) the methodology used for the business reviews and the business development plans, (iii) expertise linked to specific improvement areas which its organization could provide, how this could be delivered in terms of modules, time involved etc. to meet differing requirements, and how this delivery would be managed, including the response times to requests for support.
- Individual reports to be presented within 3 months following signing of the contract on the results of business reviews of each of the 20 companies evaluated, including clear benchmarks of the level of performance across the business, which will be required for monitoring and evaluation purposes at the program level, as well as for working with the individual companies, and agreed priority areas for improvement as a basis for discussing Business Development Plans.
- The Business Development Plan developed and agreed with each of the 20 companies to be presented within 5 months following signing of the contract. It should include also a brief individual scope of work for each consultancy project, setting out what would be covered, what the recipient company had to prepare and what would be the expected outcome/stage reached at the end of the project.
- Individual reports to be presented within 8 months following signing of the contract on the results of business reviews of each of the 40 companies evaluated, including clear benchmarks of the level of performance across the business, which will be required for monitoring and evaluation purposes at the program level, as well as for working with the individual companies, and agreed priority areas for improvement as a basis for discussing Business Development Plans.
- Business Development Plan developed and agreed with each of the 40 companies to be presented within 11 months following signing of the contract. It should include also a brief individual scope of work for each consultancy project, setting out what would be covered, what the recipient company had to prepare and what would be the expected outcome/stage reached at the end of the project.
- Brief individual reports submitted within two weeks period after each consultancy project setting out what has been covered and achieved and any recommendations for next steps.
- An overview report (including company specific information) for the ODA at the end of the program phase on the consultancy work carried out, its composition and effectiveness, any particular issues arising from working with local manufacturing companies and their capability to become or add more value as suppliers, and any recommendations for future action at both the individual company and program level, which could be used for keeping partners, up-to-date with progress.
- Training (minimum of 3 general training workshops) for local assessors and experts, including strengthening ODA’s staff capacity, on-the-job training, so that they have a sufficient level of knowledge to be able to manage the overall provision of such activities and monitor the effectiveness of their delivery.
Consultant will provide monthly progress updates or status reports to keep ODA informed of ongoing activities and potential issues. There will be also review meetings with the ODA team at key project stages. Specific timelines would be discussed and agreed with the Consultant when the specific work program of each company has been finalized.
Acceptance of deliverables:
Acceptance of deliverables shall be based on satisfactory delivery of required outputs in terms of completion, correctness, timeliness, quality & organization, as described in this TOR. Should the quality of performance be deemed unsatisfactory, the Client has the right to terminate the contract. The approval of the deliverables is the responsibility of ODA.
J. QUALIFICATION
The Consultant shall furnish documentary evidence (including information about the completed contracts and contact information of clients to whom similar services have been provided) to demonstrate that it meets the following experience requirements:
- Company’ proven experience in carrying out firm-level business reviews and similar consultancy in supplier linkage programs, other supplier development programs, or in business development support programs. The Consultant should have at least seven (7) years of such experience.
- Experience in business development support programs, including having a methodology and tools successfully applied in similar supplier linkage programs. This shall be documented by at least two (2) contracts finalized in the last three (3) years. For ongoing projects, copies of acceptance documents of the delivered programs shall be provided.
- Track record of working effectively with the private sector at both working and senior level, and with government agencies in delivering supplier or other business development programs.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake results focused consultancy with the aim of deriving real business benefits for and embedding sustainable skills in participating companies, and an understanding of key MNE[3] requirements and supplier assessment processes.
- Experience of working on the ground with manufacturing industry in emerging or developing countries. Experience of, and a presence in Southeast Europe would be advantageous.
- Association with the local company with the experience in business development support programs would be advantageous.
Qualification of Key Experts
Key experts represent specific knowledge and/or expertise required for the successful project implementation. Although the Consultant will form project implementation team at its discretion, the Consultant shall provide the following key experts with proved competencies:
- Key expert 1. Project Manager
- Key expert 2. Economic Expert
- Key expert 3. Technical Expert
- Key expert 4. Quality Expert
- Key expert 5. Supply Chain Expert
For proposed key experts the CVs need to be submitted, demonstrating the minimum qualifications requirements, as detailed below:
Key expert 1: Team Leader / Project manager
The Team Leader is responsible for the liaison with ODA and beneficiaries; s/he must ensure the internal coordination and guidance of all experts of the project and coordination of the project with external counterparts. The Team Leader must also ensure the availability of suitable experts in accordance with the Project Work Plan. The Team Leader shall ensure that all reporting obligations are fulfilled in a timely manner to a high-quality standard.
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s degree in engineering, law, or business management or any other relevant area for the project.
- Ten (10) years of professional experience in project management, particularly related to entrepreneurship development, including OEMs/Tier 1 as well as SME support for public and / or private clients.
- Experience as team leader in at least 2 (two) projects concerning implementation and delivering supplier or other business development programs.
- Excellent understanding of the supply chain, including OEM[4]s/Tier 1 as well as SME’s expectations and needs, including in the context of supply management and export promotion.
- Understanding of general business environment and changes after the COVID pandemic and war, including in Moldova, which would be an asset.
- Previous experience with international organizations would be an asset.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Romanian would be an asset.
Key expert 2: Economic Expert
The Economic expert is responsible for all economic and impact analysis-related tasks included in this project.
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s degree in economic science.
- Professional experience as an economic analyst working in public and/or private sector.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in the field of economic analysis, with particular expertise in conducting financial analysis, analysis of investments, advising in developing business development plans and / or other related projects.
- A proven track record in carrying out firm-level business reviews under similar business development programs and expertise with applying successfully methodology(ies) and tools under similar or alike supplier linkage programs.
- A track record of working effectively with the private sector at both working and senior level, and with government agencies in delivering supplier or other business development programs.
- Previous experience with international organizations and public sector reform projects would be an asset.
- Previous experience with international organizations would be an asset.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Romanian would be an asset.
Key expert 3: Technical Expert
The Technical expert is responsible for all technical and engineering aspects and analysis-related tasks included in this project.
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s degree in engineering science.
- Professional experience as an engineer or technical adviser working in public and/or private sector.
- Holding excellence certifications relevant to groups of SMEs, as per Section C of this ToR.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in an advanced manufacturing sector, with particular expertise in conducting technical analysis and improvements of production flows for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR, as per Section C.
- A track record of working effectively with the private sector at both working and senior level in delivering supplier or other business development programs.
- A proven track record in carrying out firm-level business reviews under business development programs and expertise with applying successfully methodology(ies) and tools under similar or alike supplier linkage programs.
- Excellent working knowledge of manufacturing, production, operations, including the key industry and/or relevant sector standards for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR.
- A proven track record of planning and implementing significant scale improvements in manufacturing companies.
- Experience of working on the ground with manufacturing industry in emerging or developing countries. Experience of, and a presence in, Southeast Europe would be advantageous.
- Previous experience with international organizations would be an asset.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Romanian would be an asset.
Key expert 4: Quality Engineer
The Quality Engineer expert is responsible for technical related tasks included in this project, specifically those related to product and service quality evaluation and control, operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures.
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s degree in engineering science.
- Professional experience as a quality engineer working in public and/or private sector.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in the manufacturing sector, with particular expertise in conducting quality control of production flows for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR, as per Section C.
- A track record of working effectively with the private sector in developing and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures.
- A proven track record in carrying out firm-level business reviews and expertise with applying successfully methodology(ies) and tools to audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction under similar or alike supplier linkage programs.
- Excellent working knowledge of manufacturing, production, operations, including the key industry and/or relevant sector standards for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR, as per Section C.
- A proven track record of planning and implementing significant scale improvements in manufacturing companies.
- Holding excellence certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar would be an asset.
- Experience of working on the ground with manufacturing industry in emerging or developing countries. Experience in Southeast Europe would be advantageous.
- Previous experience with international organizations would be an asset.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Romanian would be an asset.
Key Expert 5. Supplier Quality Expert
The Supplier Quality expert is responsible for assessing the supply chain and supplier-related tasks included in this project. His/her main tasks will be to continuously improve performance of key system components (increase lifecycle, reduce scrap, improve repair processes) by advising on process controls and developing quality assurance plans.
Qualifications and skills
- Master’s degree in engineering science or another relevant field.
- Professional experience as a supplier quality expert working in public and/or private sector.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in the manufacturing sector, with particular expertise in supply chain for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR, as per Section C.
- A track record of working effectively with the private sector in developing and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of suppliers’ inspection / monitoring procedures.
- A proven track record in carrying out firm-level business reviews under business development programs and expertise with applying successfully methodology(ies) and tools of supply management chain under similar or alike supplier linkage programs.
- Excellent working knowledge of the supplier chain operations, including the key industry and/or relevant sector standards for both groups of SMEs subject of this ToR, as per Section C.
- Holding excellence certifications such as Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) or similar would be an asset.
- Experience of working on the ground with manufacturing industry in emerging or developing countries. Experience in Southeast Europe would be advantageous.
- Previous experience with international organizations would be an asset.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Romanian would be an important asset.
K. SPECIFIC INPUTS, ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES & CONDITIONS OF WORK
ODA will be responsible, among others, for conducting and completing the evaluation / selection process of the participating firms.
ODA will be responsible for the preparation of the call and setting up the application / selection criteria for applicants from among small and medium size businesses to the SDP program. ODA will appoint a SDP Project manager to coordinate and decide on all issues related to the technical aspects of the assignment. Responsibility for approving the deliverables, and other requests related to the assignment rest with ODA.
The PIU will be responsible for procedural aspects of the selection process, contract signing / administration and financial management, including payment for services expected under the Contract, general project management duties and coordination with ODA, the Consultant and other stakeholders.
Logistics, such as visit and meeting arrangement will be provided by ODA SDP project team and in-country coordinators on behalf of consultant in line with their indicated availability, to minimize travelling time between companies, etc.
The Consultant is expected to consider and include in their technical and financial proposal all other necessary facilities, office equipment, supplies, telecommunications, transportation and other logistical requirements for completing the work as described in this Terms of Reference.
The Consultant will translate the deliverables and any necessary materials into Romanian language as applicable and ensure interpreters during the meetings with firms as needed.
To prevent possible disputes, the intellectual property for material developed solely for this program and financed by the program will lie with ODA. However, tools and techniques developed by the Consultant for use in their general business will not fall into this category.
The working language of the program will be English and Romanian.
L. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
In addition to the foregoing provisions, the following conditions and understandings shall apply:
- During the course of the performance of Consultant’s duties, any correspondence with any party shall be cleared through and coordinated with the ODA Project Leader (PL) and PIU.
- Copies of all documents, materials or work product received or produced in connection with this assignment shall be provided to ODA Project Leader (PL) and PIU. All documents, materials or work product received or produced under these Terms of Reference above constitute property of ODA and upon request shall be delivered to ODA.
- Certain knowledge and information (whether oral or written, in documents, materials, or work product) that is not already within the public domain that the Consultant acquires from ODA, its staff or by virtue of Consultant’s assignment shall for all time and purposes be regarded as strictly confidential and shall be held in confidence by Consultant. Such knowledge and information shall not be directly or indirectly disclosed by Consultant to any person whosoever without written permission from an authorized person of ODA.
M. CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
All data and information received from ODA for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to ODA. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the express advance written authorization of ODA.
[1] Public institution under the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization with the mission to support the development of the entrepreneurial environment, including small and medium enterprises.
[2] The methodology should also include inputs for the selection criteria of companies to participate in the SDP
[3] Multinational enterprises
[4] Original Equipment Manufacturer