REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR CONSULTING SERVICE

Georgia
European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) East Countries Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) II Program
Grant No.: TF013973
Date: 03.10.2015

Assignment Title: Conducting market investigation to identify the providers of FSC-certified paper and paper products for the interested Georgian companies

Procurement Plan Reference No: GEO/IC-6

WWF-Caucasus Programme Office has received financing from the World Bank (through WWF International) toward the cost of the regional Program European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) East Countries Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) II, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting service (“the Service”) involves the conducting of market research to identify potential providers of FSC-certified paper for Georgian companies and organizations (FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council). The duration of the assignment is approximately 10 working days within the period of about two calendar months. The expected time of commencement of the service is November 2015. Additional details are given in the Terms of Reference, linked to this announcement.

The WWF-Caucasus Programme Office now invites eligible Individual Consultants to submit CVs demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Service. The provision of Cost Estimate of Services is optional at this stage. The minimum qualification criteria are:

• At least three years of experience in forestry or a related field
• The extent of experience in conducting market surveys
• Working experience in market surveys of FSC-certified paper products would be an asset
• Working experience in the countries of Eastern Europe would be an asset
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality reports in English.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 and 1.11 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, setting forth the Bank’s policy on conflict of interest and eligibility. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultants method. Your experience and qualification shall conform to the requirement as specified in the terms of reference. The CV will be evaluated for the qualification and experience of the candidates in accordance with the following criteria:

            (i)   Overall experience relevant to the assignment -                                        20                 
            (ii)  Qualifications and competence specifically for the assignment -            60                   
            (iii) Communication and language skills -                                                           20
            Total Points:                                                                                                           100

Interviews might be held, if deemed necessary. The best qualified consultant will be invited to contract negotiation. Further information can be obtained and application documents must be delivered (in a written form) to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 4 November 2015.

WWF-Caucasus Programme Office
Attn: Mr. Ilia Osepashvili
11 Aleksidze Street
0193 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel: 00995 32 2237500
Fax: 00995 32 2237501
E-mail: iosepashvili@wwfcaucasus.org