REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Issue Date: 08/07/2024

Proposal Due Date: 15/07/2024

Anticipated Award Date: 01/08/2024

RFP Number: 026

To Whom It May Concern:

The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to support dialogue and advocacy with the governmental institutions towards policy reform in four key sectors: energy, agribusiness, ICT, and wood processing. In partnership with IREX, its Policy Working Groups (PWG), and Council Leads, to, the consultant will support the drafting of a Workforce Development Policy Landscape Document for the Energy sector and support the updating of the Policy Landscape Documents in the Agribusiness, ICT, and Wood Processing sectors. The Policy Action Plans serve as a framework for policy reform dialogue between the government and Sector Workforce Councils. Additionally, the consultant will support the Activity and the Sector Workforce Councils in assessing feasible options to anchor the Councils within relevant legal and institutional frameworks. The consultant will support the assessment initiated by the Activity on the pilot program of the Dual Education and Work-Based Learning systems in Kosovo.

IREX reserves the right to withdrawal this request for proposal at any time up to the award of the contract and issuance of this RFP does not guarantee an award.

Proposal Requirements

Consultants interested in providing this service must submit a proposal, which demonstrates the capacity to provide the activities below.

The consultant will work with the Activity, Council Leads, and PWGs to complete the following activities:

1. Review the Workforce Development Policy Landscape document in sectors of Agribusiness, ICT, and Wood Processing.
2. Develop the Workforce Development Policy Landscape document in the Energy sector.
3. Develop the Scope of Work (SoW) of the Energy Sector Policy Working Group.
4. Develop the Policy Action Plan for the Energy sector.
5. Update Policy Action Plans for the Agribusiness, ICT, and Wood Processing sectors.
6. Identify workforce policy actions and/or constraints and support PWGs to articulate policy proposals to the Government.
7. Work with Sector Workforce Councils to advance workforce development policy reform.
8. Prepare Policy Actions for the Government as identified by the PWG of the Agribusiness sector.
9. Prepare Policy Actions for the Government as identified by the PWG of the ICT sector.
10. Prepare Policy Actions for the Government as identified by the PWG of the Wood Processing sector.
11. Prepare Policy Actions for the Government as identified by the PWG of the Energy sector.
12. Assess and outline feasible options to anchor Sector Workforce Councils within the relevant legal and institutional framework.
13. Work with the Activity and PWGs to carry on the assessment of the piloting program of the Dual Education and Work Based Learning systems in Kosovo:
14. Develop policy proposals for the Social Assistance Scheme.
15. Develop policy proposals on VET Law.
16. Continually support the Activity and PWGs to provide input to (strategic) documents published through the Government’s Public Consultation Platform.
17. If needed, support the Activity to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishing Sector Workforce Councils and By-laws.
18. Other legal-related matters of the Activity (on an as-needed basis). 

Time frame: The Consultancy is expected to start August 2024 and finish in March 2027.

Required qualifications and experience:

1. A master’s degree in legal studies, preferably related to business law, public administration, law and government, workforce development policies, or other relevant fields.
2. At least 10 years of professional experience in policy reforms and advocacy with governments.
3. Experience in working with Government institutions and other relevant bodies, in reviewing and drafting government programs, frameworks, laws, by-laws, and other pieces of policy, preferably related to workforce and private sector development.
4. Experience in working to establish or support the functioning of similar bodies such Sector Workforce Council is preferable.
5. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the sectors of ICT, Agribusiness, Wood Processing, and Energy is preferable.
6. Knowledge of international best practices and standards in private sector and workforce development.
7. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
8. Ability to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
9. Proven track record of delivering high-quality consultancy services on time and within budget.

Mode of engagement:

The consultant will coordinate activities with the Activity, PWGs, and relevant Council Leads in person and/or remotely.

Application submission instructions:

CV: Applicants must submit a CV that emphasizes relevant experience for this assignment, including past positions held and key successes and achievements for each. Please include the country where you are currently located as well as countries/regions where you have experience alongside relevant language skills.

Cover Letter: Please submit a cover letter briefly outlining general information about yourself, limited to 2 pages or less. Cover letters should include:

• A brief consultant profile.
• Proposed gross daily rate and reasonableness within the market rate.
• Indication of availability for August 2024 to March 2027.

Proposal Submission

If you are interested in furnishing this service, please e-mail a proposal to [email protected] . All submissions should reference RFP 026. If you decide to submit a proposal, it must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date indicated above. Late submissions will only be considered if in the best interests of the project, and then at IREX’s sole discretion. All proposal pricing and costs submitted must be valid for a period of not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the closing date indicated above.

Proposal Evaluation

The criteria for evaluation of proposals are listed below in descending order starting with the most important factors to be evaluated.

1. Price Competitiveness (40%)
2. Technical Expertise & Customer Service (30%)
3. Past references and demonstration of relevant work (30%)

Evaluation and ranking of proposals will be conducted by IREX following the closing date listed above. IREX may at its discretion ask for additional information or documentation.

Renewal

IREX reserves the right, based on availability of funding and vendor performance, to enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the winning vender for a period of up to three years without issuing a new RFP.