Engagement of the Grants Administrator for Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility for a period of 24 Months

Government of Lesotho

LESOTHO COMPETITIVENESS And Financial Inclusion project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES - INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT (IC) SELECTION

Country : Lesotho

Project Name : Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion

Credit No. : P175783- LSO

Assignment Title : Grants Administrator- Entrepreneurship Hub & Seed Financing Facility

Reference No. : LS-MTI-366106-CS-INDV

The Government of Lesotho has received a loan from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank to implement the Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

One of the key Individual Consulting Services positions within the Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility is that of the Grants Administrator.

The Consulting Services to be provided by the Grants Administrator include, inter alia, working closely with the Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure alignment with the larger financial controlling and related reporting requirements indicated by the World Bank and MTIBDT; the Grant Administrator will be responsible for the effective fund and financial management of the programme, including the development of the necessary systematic checks and balances required to allocate Programme grants to ESOs startups, and other beneficiaries indicated for participation in the Programme. The position holder will prepare fund allocation statements, records, reports and disbursement schedules; liaise with Programme team on cost-sharing proposals and sign off on recommendations; prepare budget and ensure adequate funding is in place for Hub and ESO network operations; supervise, authenticate, verify and sign off on client claims; maintain a database of all grants documents, including copies of applications, contracts, pertinent correspondence; assist in appraisal and administrative functions as required.

The complete Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism through the PMU, now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The selection criteria include: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field. Experience in managing grants, vouchers, or prize programs for start-ups or SMEs; at least 5 years of experience in financial management grants management, accounting, or related field, preferably with a donor-funded organization or a government agency; professional certification in accounting or financial management such as CPA or ACC. Interested candidates are required to submit their Curriculum Vitae (C.V) together with educational certificates and Expression of Interest (EOI) to the address below.

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.

The Grants Administrator will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [08h00 to 16h30 local time].

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form, in sealed envelopes labelled "Grants Administrator– Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility" to the address below in person or by e-mail by Monday, 3rd July, 2023 at 16h30. E-mail submissions should be sent to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected] as a single attachment.

The Project Manager

Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project

1st Floor ‘Matanki House

P.O. Box 747,

Maseru 100

Lesotho

Tel.: (+266) 22 315 100

NB: Only shortlisted firms will be contacted.