CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Title: Consultancy services to facilitate the review and/or amendment of the training module on financial and commercial management of rural water supply systems in Rwanda.

1. About VEI

Similar Jobs in Rwanda
Learn more about VEI
VEI jobs in Rwanda

Six Dutch drinking water utilities share their expertise, via VEI, with colleague water utilities around the world in so-called Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs). Through these long-term partnerships, VEI supports improvements in operational efficiency from source to tap, financial sustainability, and availability of investments. Currently, VEI is engaged with partners in 20 countries to work on the ultimate goal of the WOP: universal sustainable water services (SDG 6).

2. Background

In the framework of fulfilling its mission, VEI in consortium with Water for People, CARE International, IRC WASH, and AEE has secured the funds from USAID to finance the Isoko y’Ubuzima project which is a five-year Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activity. The overall goal of the Isoko y’Ubuzima program will be achieved through three interrelated and mutually reinforcing strategic objectives: 1) Improving decentralized WASH Governance; 2) Improving Rural Drinking Water Services, and 3) Improving Rural Sanitation and Handwashing Services and Products.

Under strategic objective two (2), the Isoko y’Ubuzima project assessed the capacity gaps of private operators managing rural water supply systems within its intervention area and identified financial gaps from most private operators including poor business plan development, lack of a budget plan for the annual planned activities, unqualified staff in the field of finance or accounting, lack of accounting systems, poor financial statement, lack of strategies for NRW management, to mention a few. 

To bridge the above gaps, the Isoko y’Ubuzima project organized a few trainings for private operators and district staff on profitability analysis, business plan development, and implementation as well as on NRW reduction and management. Furthermore, to ensure harmonized interventions and continuous capacity building of private operators across the country, the Isoko y’Ubuzima project plans to support the rural water sector in the review and/or amendment of the existing training module on Financial and Commercial Management for Rural Water Supply Systems which was developed by FEPEAR in 2014.

As highlighted above, the module on the subject was developed in 2014 and a few years after, the National water supply policy along with other National flagships were amended/develop as a result of the water sector development. It is thus substantial to align the module with the amended documents to reflect the current situation. In addition, the existing training module has some gaps in the way it was developed which include:

• lack of outcomes, evaluation methods, and targeted audience for each topic,

• some topics are not well articulated such as business plan development, financial auditing, budgeting, and financial modeling.

• Some important topics are missing from the existing module. Those include financing mechanisms and resource mobilization strategies for rural water management.

However, the above list of gaps is not exhaustive thus a thorough analysis is needed to ensure that all gaps are identified to ensure effective amendment of the training module.

Considering the above, VEI through the Isoko y’Ubuzima project seeks the assistance of a consultant to offer his/her expertise in the review and amendment of the training module on financial and commercial management of rural water supply systems to ensure the above gaps are bridged for the improved financial performance of rural water private operators.     

3. Description of Assignment

The key responsibilities of the consultant are as follows:

1. Peruse the National flagships related to water supply services such as the National water supply policy and its implementation strategies, National Strategy for Transformation 1 (NST1), Regulations governing water service provision, PPP delegated contract management, etc.

2. Conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the water supply sector including MININFRA, MINALOC, RURA, WASAC, Districts, FEPEAR, Private Operators, and development partners such as UNICEF, WaterAid, Water for People, JICA, etc.

3. Prepare an inception report highlighting the methodology to be used to deliver the targeted objective, preliminary findings, and an updated detailed schedule for the activity implementation.

4. Conduct a thorough review of the existing training module on financial and commercial management of rural water supply systems to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring improvement in the document.

5. Attend and facilitate workshops, meetings, or focus groups to discuss proposed amendments and gather feedback.

6. Gathering and analyzing data

7. Revise the training module on the commercial and financial management of rural water supply systems in Rwanda.

8. Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the proposed amendments, revisions, and additions to the statute and policy manual.

9. Provide recommendations for implementing the revised document effectively.

10. Submit the final report of the activity. 

4. Deliverables

The Consultant shall submit the following deliverables:

1. Inception report outlining the methodology, timeline, and key activities for the review, development, and amendment process.

2. Interim report summarizing the proposed format and amendments to the existing training module, including justifications and rationale, recommendations for the implementation of the revised document, and any other relevant documentation or materials generated during the review and amendment process.

3. Final and approved report

4. The revised training module with all necessary topics to help improve the financial performance of rural water private operators. 

5. Consultant’s Qualification and Experience

The targeted consultant is expected to be a professional of a high standard, specialized in the field of finance, and must have strong experience and proven competence in public-private partnership and familiarity with the Rwandan context in the management of rural water supply systems. The qualifications and profile of the consultant are:

• Has done similar work previously with a track record of relevant experience in supporting the consultancies in rural water sector development;

• Has at least a Master’s degree in finance, accounting, or any other related field from a recognized University;

• Has at least 5 years of experience in the management of water supply systems and water service provision;

• Excellent communication (writing and presentation skills) and spoken English; working knowledge of French will be an added advantage. 

6. Evaluation criteria 

• The qualifications of expert (education): 20%

• Relevant and proven experience: 40%

• Methodology (Approach, Workplan): 10%

• Financial requirements: 30% 

Failure to provide the registration certificate and tax clearance certificate will result in complete disqualification. 

7. Timeframe

It is anticipated that the assignment will be completed within 30 working days from the date of the contract signature. The technical offer must indicate a clear timeline and description of the proposed methodology detailing when the deliverables will be achieved. 

8. Application requirements

The following documents will be required for this consultancy:

• A cover letter addressed to the VEI Country Technical Representative

• Enterprise Registration certificate

• Copy of Tax Clearance certificate issued by RRA

• A degree in the field specified in Section 7

• A Curriculum Vitae with supporting documents showing proof of experience in the required field as specified in section 7

• Completion certificates /Proof/evidence for performing similar consultancies in rural water sector development specifically in the field of finance;

• Proposed methodology and approach for conducting the review and amendment process.

• Detailed work plan, including timeline and key activities.

• Financial offer showing the rate per day 

9. Additional Information

For this consultancy, VEI will be responsible for:

• Payment of the consultancy fee as per the agreement terms.

• Availability for consultation for input and feedback along the way.

• Facilitate where necessary initial contacts with various stakeholders, including public institutions, and development partners in the WASH sector.

• Call for validation meetings and cover logistic expenses for participants (if deemed necessary)

10. HOW TO APPLY

If you feel qualified and interested in the assignment, please send your technical and financial proposals (separately) to: asaph.kabaasha@vei.nl no later than July 26^th, 2023 at 11:59 pm. Hard copies and late submissions shall be rejected. 

Asaph KABAASHA

Country Technical Representative

VEI