SELECTION OF CONSULTANTS BY THE WORLD BANK
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Electronic Submissions through World Bank Group eConsultant http://www.worldbank.org/wbgeconsultant
Assignment Overview
Assignment Title: Consultancy services
Assignment Country: Africa
Assignment Description
African Competitiveness in light manufacturing sector
VALUE CHAIN ANALYSES – APPAREL, LEATHER, AGRIBUSINESS, WOOD-PROCESSING AND METALLIC PRODUCTS
These value chain analyses are part of a research program on Sub-Saharan Africa competitiveness for light manufacturing products led by the World Bank Group.
The objective of the research program is to provide new insights into why industrialization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the light manufacturing sector has been slow, while it has grown in countries with similar levels of economic development. The findings of the research are expected to inform the Bank's policy dialogue and design to foster the emergence of SSA's light manufacturing sector. Ultimately, the aim is to help Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) diversify from its over-dependence on unprocessed primary commodities and minerals towards a competitive light manufacturing sector which transforms its current resource-base into higher value added products that are consumed and eventually exported.
In order to achieve the objectives of the Value Chain Analysis, the Consultant’s assignment will include, but not be limited to, the tasks described below (much more details are available in the attached terms of reference) :
1) The scope of the work will cover the following industries and countries :
• Apparel: Africa focus - Lesotho, Tanzania, Ethiopia; Comparators - Vietnam, China;
• Wood-processing: Africa focus - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ethiopia; Comparators - Vietnam, China;
• Leather: Africa focus - Ethiopia, Zambia; Comparators - China, Vietnam;
• Agribusiness: Africa focus - Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya; Comparators - China, Vietnam;
• Metallic products: Africa focus - Ethiopia, Zambia; Comparators - China, Vietnam;
2) The work will entail desk research as well as field work, including collection of data on costs and productivity, in-depth interviews with firm managers and key public officials.
3) Production of the following interim and end products:
a. two interim reports presenting preliminary and intermediary findings to the review of the World Bank Review Panel and an external High-Level Advisory Committee;
b. five value-chain studies of the sub-sectors benchmarking and explaining productivity differences and costs within and across countries, making recommendations on competitiveness and business environment enhancement of the respective sectors.
The Consultant will assemble a team of highly qualified international and local specialists with recent experience and a substantial record in Value Chain Analysis including: (a) strong economics knowledge and analytical skills, (b) sector-relevant experience, (c) expertise to deliver a sector/market analysis of the value chains in the five sub-sectors (d) value chain related methodological expertise to gather and assimilate data and prepare a detailed value chain mapping (e knowledge and expertise of low income and developing countries and light manufacturing industries.
The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers May 2004.
The study should be completed within four months and the total budget should not exceed $600,000.
Interested consultants may obtain further information at the following addresses:
Vincent Palmade
Lead Economist
Finance and Private Sector
African Region
The World Bank , Room J8-137
1818 H Street, NW Washington DC 20422
Tel: 202-473 9432
Fax: 202 473 8575
Email: vpalmade@worldbank.org
Tugba Gurcanlar
Trade Specialist
Finance and Private Sector
African Region
The World Bank , Room J8-174
1818 H Street, NW Washington DC 20422
Tel: 202-473 7370
Fax: 202 473 8575
Email: tgurcanlar@worldbank.org
Expressions of interest must be delivered to any of the addresses above on or before 4.00 PM (D.C. time) 2nd of December, 2009.
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