The Government of Solomon Islands has requested ADB assistance for solid waste management (SWM) for the 
first time. The request aligns with the recently approved roadmap, the National Development Strategy 
2016–2035, National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2013–2023, National Waste Management and Pollution 
Control Strategy 2017–2026, and HCC’s Solid Waste Management Plan (2018–2027).  The request also aligns 
with (i) ADB’s Strategy 2030, specifically the differentiated approach for small island developing 
states and fragile and conflict-affected situations with the strong focus on enabling environment, and 
operational priorities on poverty and inequality, climate change, disaster resilience and the 
environment, city livability, and governance; (ii) ADB’s Pacific Approach 2021–2025, which emphasizes 
stronger urban services delivery; and (iii) ADB’s Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue 
Economies.  

The project readiness financing (PRF) is required given (i) the weak capacity in the implementing 
agencies, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and 
Honiara City Council (HCC); (ii) the need to prepare an implementation-ready project for efficient use 
of funds considering resource constraints; (iii) the significant support required to strengthen the 
enabling environment; (iv) the need for strong coordination; and (v) the importance of early and 
continuous engagement with beneficiaries. The PRF will create an enabling environment for the sector and 
support the government to achieve a high level of readiness for the ensuing project.

Consulting services to be financed by the PRF will comprise of a consulting firm package and one 
individual consultant. 

The Project Management Expert will support the project management unit (PMU) in its role to oversee the 
delivery and the implementation of the PRF, and also build the PMU’s project management capacity. The 
expert will also support the PMU in its oversight and contract management of the consulting firm 
(Package No. 1) and build the capacity of the PMU procurement officer. The expert will report to the 
head of the PMU but will have access to the Project Management Committee as needed to provide 
independent commentary on PMU activities. 

Specific tasks of the Expert will include but are not limited to:

(i) Establishing the PMU through the development and implementation of project management processes, 
tools, and systems.

(ii) Completing reviews of the PMU’s adherence to agreed processes, and appropriate use of tools and 
systems, and provision of these reviews to the head of the PMU (and Project Management Committee if 
required).

(iii) Advising the head of the PMU  on any instances of inappropriate or unsafe activities of PMU staff.

(iv) Ensuring that all contract documentation and progress reporting is completed and stored in a secure 
location for future reference within the PMU and in the ensuing Project.

(v) Supporting the consulting firm (Package 1) to develop the PRF progress monitoring system based on 
the expected outputs and outcome and assisting the head of the PMU (and Project Management Committee if 
required) to monitor the PRF progress.

(vi) Reviewing outputs of the consulting firm (Package 1), including quarterly progress reports and 
technical reports to ensure the PRF outputs are delivered as per contract requirements, and meet agreed 
standards and expectations.

(vii) Reviewing any payment claims and variation orders, and advising the head of the PMU on the 
acceptability of these matters,

(viii) Supporting the PMU in reviewing progress and performance of the consulting firm.

(ix) supporting and building capacity of the PMU procurement officer for all procurement related tasks.

(x) supporting the PMU in actively identifying and mitigating risks.

The Project Management Expert will have a degree in economics, finance, engineering or project 
management and at least 20 years professional experience, including at least 10 years experience in 
project management. Experience in urban infrastructure projects in Asia and the Pacific financed by 
multilateral development banks is required, and experience in solid waste management is preferred. 
Experience in small island developing states is also preferred.