Department of Community Development - Consultancy for the situation analysis for productive economic inclusion in the Gambia

Language of Notice *

English

Deadline for submission of expressions of interest *

26-03-2024

Local Time *

12: 30

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment Title: Consultancy for the situation analysis for productive economic inclusion in the Gambia

(Individual Based Consultancy)

Reference No. GM-PPPPE-414510-CS-INDV

• Context and Background information on the Consultancy

The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires necessary foundational skills.

For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.

To address these challenges, The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project (The Gambia RISE Project – P197233) is a multi-sectoral, five-year initiative of The Government of The Gambia, funded by the World Bank. The project aims to increase the foundational skills of students in early grades, provide job-relevant training to youth, and boost income-generating opportunities, including for the poor and vulnerable, in The Gambia.

• OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to gather the information necessary to design and implement the PEI sub-component. More specifically, the assessment will provide the following information:

• Recommend beneficiary targeting methods

• Recommend scale up of the projects to the other part of the country

• Identify the necessary sustainability plan

• SCOPE AND TASK

As part of his/her terms of reference, the consultant is expected to undertake a national research and engagement with relevant institutions, business enterprise and individuals to find out the productive economic inclusion issues in the country. The scope of the work will extend to the following:

Review the literature and analyze the available datasets, and provide a clear scope and definition of Productive Economic Inclusion, particularly in the context of the Gambia, and for women and youth.

Mapping and assessment of existing economic Inclusion programs by piggybacking on the recent World Bank mapping data on the subject matter to inform the piloting of productive economic inclusion.

Undertaking of gender analysis within the scope and framework of the PEI to inform program design.

Identification of priorities (regions, areas, etc) for the type of activities to be included and the linkages with other project interventions in the regions?

Costing of proposed activities and undertaking a cost-benefit analysis. The activities envisaged are as follows:

• Provide basic life and business skills training

• Microenterprise training

• Introduction of a cash grant

• On-the-job mentoring and coaching for selected participants

The consultancy will span for a period of 30 days from the date of the award of the contract.

• Individual Qualifications -Minimum requirements:

• Academic Qualifications

At least a master’s degree in Social sciences, social protection, international development, economics or related fields. A Ph.D. will be an added advantage

• Professional experience

• At least ten years of professional experience in conducting research in relation to employability/job skills, labour market survey, non-formal education, social policy and programming, poverty, etc;

• Strong background in poverty/vulnerability analysis;

• Familiarity with Gambia’s development policies, labour policies, skills development initiatives, social protection policies and programmes;

• Experience in the design of similar productive economic inclusion programmes, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa;

• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills;

• Proven experience in development of policy briefs within sub-Saharan Africa, and related project strategic documents. Experience within the Gambia is a plus.

• Solid knowledge on non-formal education, youth employment, gender analysis, social development, and access of vulnerable groups to finance;

• Skills and Competencies

• Have adequate skills and experience in data collection at national, regional, and community levels and be able to do a thorough analysis of such data to suit its purpose

• Ability to facilitate and conduct research and work with diverse groups including government officials and vulnerable groups

• Excellent research skills

• Independent and good problem solving

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work together with teams

• And be legally qualified to carry out such tasks within the country

• Evidence of quality report writing and presentation skills such as publications in accredited spaces.

• Language Requirement: Excellent oral and writing skills in English.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project, now invites eligible Individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested individual Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

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” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 26 March 2024 at 12h30 GMT

Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project GFMDP

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]