EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IMPLEMENTATION OF ISIMANGALISO#S CONSERVATION COMPATIBLE RURAL ENTREPRENEUR AND ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

Expressions of Interest notice

This request for expressions of interest follows the General Procurement Notice for this project that appeared in Development Business No. wb 2901 of 07/07/2010.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has been awarded a Grant from the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank for the iSimangaliso GEF project entitled "Development, Empowerment and Conservation in the iSimangaliso WetlandPark and Surrounding Region".

The project intends to apply a portion of this grant to eligible payments for consulting services for the implementation of a Conservation-Compatible Rural Entrepreneur and Enterprise Programme and support under the iSimangaliso GEF Project.

The required services include implementation of a business development support programme for rural enterprise and entrepreneurs that will include relevant technical assistance through capacity building session, ongoing business advice (Hub), mentoring and coaching, as well as the provision of sub-grants.

The required experience and qualifications of the proposed project team include : At least ten (10) years of experience and a proven record in the implementation of enterprise and entrepreneurial development and support, of which three will be in a rural area, including the provision of capacity building, the operation of a Business Hub that is financially viable and does not rely on grant funding, background and experience in running small, effective financial management systems, staff and processes for the allocation and disbursement of sib-grants. Experience in implementation in the context of Protected Areas in South Africa would be an advantage. Ability to provide facilitation, capacitybuilding and mentoring services in English and isiZulu is required.

The contract period is for an initial one-year contract, subject to review after the first year, with the possibility of extension/s dependent on performance and the requirements of the project, and at the sole discretion of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.

The iSimangaliso Authority now invites eligible consultancy firms to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers,6 May 2004 revised in October 2006 and May 2010

Before the submission of the EOI, interested consultants are required to contact the official representative, Ms Ingelore Taylor,[email protected] in order to obtain an instruction document that will provide guidance on the EOI submission. No EOI's will be accepted unless the instructions outlined in this document have been followed.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below between office hours from08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday.

Original and four (4) hard copies of the stipulated documents for the EOI must be received by iSimangaliso in a clearly labelled and sealed envelope no later than 16h00 on 07 March 2011. The delivery address for the EOI is as follows:

Please note that the costs of preparing tender documentsare not reimbursable. The iSimangaliso Authority may withdraw this tender at any time. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that their tender documents have been received. Applicants who havenot received any response within 60 days from closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.