Terms of Reference: National Consultant/Consultancy Firm to Train REGAL-IR Finance and Operations Team on USAID Reporting Rules and Regulations
Organization: Adeso – African Development Solutions,
www.adesoafrica.org
Project: Resilience And Economic Growth In Arid Lands-Improving Resilience
(REGAL-IR)
Position Type: Consultancy
Study/Assessment Topic: USAID Rules and Regulations Training
Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: Two (2) Days
Reporting To: Deputy Chief of Party
Working With: REGAL-IR Finance and Operations Teams
Starting Date: 26th September, 2016
Application Deadline: 13th September, 2016
Vacancy Contact: Please Send Applications to consultancy@adesoafrica.org – Adeso Will Only Respond to Short-listed Applicants.
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future.
Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
BACKGROUND FOR CONSULTANCY
In Kenya, Adeso is implementing the Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) Project. This is a 5-year initiative that is aiming to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth by strengthening social, economic, and environmental resilience in pastoral and transitional communities in 5 counties in the arid lands of Kenya, namely-Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Turkana. The program is designed to empower communities to take charge of their development and to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their resilience to natural and human-induced shocks. The initiative works around 6 thematic areas namely: 1) Participatory Learning and Planning (PLPA); 2) Strengthened and diversified livelihood opportunities; 3) Advancing Value Chain Inclusiveness; 4) Improved Management and Productivity of Natural Resources; 5) Improved conflict Management; 6) Improved Drought Management; and 7) Improved Consumption of Nutritious Foods, through a consortium of international and local partners.
As building capacity is a core strategy of the initiative, ADESO contracted a consultant to support the development of a competency framework through which to assess the capacity of staff delivering the REGAL-IR project. The output of the exercise identified the need for the program support team to be equipped and to be trained on the USAID Rules and regulations with a focus on compliance in procurement processes, Contract management and financial reporting.
Consequently, REGAL-IR through this consultancy, is seeking a certified facilitator, to conduct a two day training workshop on compliance with the USAID Rules and Regulations for the effective implementation of the Program.
SCOPE OF WORK
The overall goal of the assignment is to design and undertake a 2-day training workshop for approximately 20 people. At the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of USAID regulations and critical aspects of both contracts & cooperative agreements that are critical to successful USAID award and program management.
The training will be designed in close consultation with the REGAL-IR Capacity Building Officer. The training must be designed and delivered mainly as a practical workshop that will equip the participants with the tools and skills they need to effectively execute their duties.
The training should be geared towards achieving the following objectives:
• Understand in detail the updated USAID regulations and standards for tender processing, procurement and contract management.
• Demonstrate a perfect procurement process that adheres to compliance issues.
• Define USAID terminologies for effective communication
• Explore the structure of USAID award administration and how to build cooperative relationships with key suppliers/partners.
• Identify and determine situations when it is appropriate to seek guidance from USAID or headquarters.
• Acquire skills on how to administer contract performance, including delivery, receipt, warranty, damages and insurance.
• Discuss and deliberate on when approvals, waivers and extensions are required and how to obtain them.
• Equip participants with the process of developing procurement plans based on annual plan for program activities.
• Impart knowledge to the participants critical to prepare the organization for successful audits.
• Understand the difference between restrict/unrestricted and prohibited/non-prohibited goods as well as the acceptable procedures for purchasing capital equipment.
• Understanding procedures in preparation of asset disposal plans and ultimate execution of property disposition.
CONSULTANCY PERIOD
• Two (2) days
DELIVERABLES
The selected applicant will be expected to:
1. Two (2) day workshop delivered as per the SOW above.
2. A simplified training manual prepared and shared with participants.
3. A compressive training report prepared and submitted.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Any legally registered training institutions or individual consultants with 10 years relevant professional experience.
• Proven track record and experience in the design and facilitation of institutional/organizational development trainings and activities.
• Strong technical background in management of USAID contracts and experience in applying USAID rules and regulations.
• Provide good understanding of CFR -226 and CFR -228.
• Able to provide at least two facilitators (M/F) to conduct the training.
COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
In consideration of the fees paid, the Consultant expressly assigns to Adeso any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. All images (whether used for online or print purposes) must however bear the consultant’s photo credit, as specified by international intellectual property rights. The consultant may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from Adeso.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications should be sent to consultancy@adesoafrica.org by the 13th September, 2016 with USAID Rules and Regulations Training on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.
Each application package should include the following:
1. An application letter addressing the selection criteria including how the consultant’s previous experience matches the consultancy objectives as well as the interest for the position. It should also indicate the candidate’s availability and consultancy rates. The letter should be no longer than two pages;
2. A sample of recent work;
3. Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications;
4. Contact details of 2 references.
Price and Schedule of Payment
The quotation submitted by applicant must include the following items:
• Service fee for the design and facilitation of the training event.
Training venue and materials will be provided by REGAL-IR during the training. Once the quotation and program proposal is accepted by REGAL-IR, an institutional contract will be offered to the selected applicant. Terms and conditions of institutional contract will be provided during the contract signing.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.