REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL)

VANUATU

VANUATU RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT STAGE II (VREP II)

Project No. P160658

Assignment Title: PROJECT MANAGER

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): VU-DOE-263316-CS-INDV

The Government of Vanuatu is implementing a US$14 million investment through Rural Electrification Project Stage II – VREPII (Project). The objective of VREP II is to support increased penetration of renewable energy and increased access to electricity services in the dispersed off-grid areas of Vanuatu.

The Department of Energy (DoE) is the Implementing Agency for VREP II with oversight support from the World Bank and is seeking a full-time Port-Vila-based qualified and experienced Project Manager (PM) to assist DoE in successful implementation of the Project.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website/link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/udhg9r6lu9wbfv83jw4k4/22-04-19-VREPII_Project_Manager_TOR.docx?dl=0&rlkey=dh6gsujbrymqeqg9w4jwrhdu0

The DoE now invites eligible individuals (“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 (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process.

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

1. A degree in engineering or related discipline and at least 10 years’ of relevant post graduate experience in planning, negotiating, managing, implementing and reviewing projects;
2. Demonstrated experience in the preparation and implementation of rural electrification projects in developing countries will be preferred;
3. Sound understanding of off grid products such as solar home systems, micro and mini grids, applicable technical standards and safety considerations relevant to such products. Qualifications in the design and certification of off grid systems is preferred;
4. Demonstrated strong project management experience;
5. Demonstrated experience in procurement of consulting services and contracts for significant investments, contract negotiations and contract management in full compliance with terms of references, specifications, and contractual terms is essential;  
6. A track record in leadership, management and capacity building, community engagement, stakeholder relationship management with Government, government departments, private sector utilities, and consumers and in public administration is essential;
7. Thorough understanding of the electricity industry in small states similar to Vanuatu, especially electricity law and regulation, governance, economics, technical and financial issues; including detailed knowledge of licensing/concessions, dispute resolution, competition issues, safety and reliability standards, tariffs, consumer protection and contract administration is essential;
8. Familiarity with development partners safeguards policies and processes is essential;
9. Knowledge of policies, planning and budgeting process in countries similar to Vanuatu is essential and knowledge of the World Bank/other development partners’ policies and procedures will be preferred; and
10. Fluency (written and spoken) in English. A working knowledge of Bislama is not essential but would be an advantage.

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” July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018  (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Further information can be obtained at vrep.procurement@gmail.com

Expressions of interest must be delivered by e-mail to the address above by May 4, 2022.