The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recruitment for Consultants, 27th February, 2019

---

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) represented by the ECOWAS Commission within the framework of the execution of its 2018 budget intends to apply a portion of the budgeted funds to strengthen the Multilateral Surveillance Directorate by the engagement of a Public Account Specialist in charge of the Harmonization, Adoption and Implementation of Public Accounting Framework. Applications are invited for:     Job Title: Air Transport Expert (Consultant) Location: West Africa Institution: ECOWAS Commission Sector: Transport Source of Financing: ECOWAS Commission Project Summary

• The ECOWAS Air Transport Program has an overarching goal to develop a sound and seamless regional air transport system with safe, reliable, efficient and affordable air services, well connected within West Africa and integrated with the global and African air transport network. The successful development of Air Transport in West Africa will enable ECOWAS Member States to fast track their socio-economic development through easier access to major Capitals, markets and resources, to consolidate their international and trade relations as well as reduce the negative effect of famine, war and epidemics by the rapid conveyance of foodstuff and medication. Indeed, aviation should be a catalyst of socio-economic development and integration in ECOWAS region. Consequently ECOWAS Member States have given mandate to the Commission to coordinate, harmonize and mobilize funds for the sustainable development of the Community’s air transport sector.
• In order to address the deficit, speed up the implementation of projects and implement the above mandate effectively, the Infrastructure Department, within the ECOWAS Commission, intends to enhance the capacity of the Air Transport sector through the engagement of an Air Transport Expert/Consultant with requisite knowledge and experience in regional/multinational air transportation planning, project preparation and implementation.

Job Description The services under this contract mainly concern Air Transport Infrastructure projects coordination, preparation and implementation activities. The activities include:

• Prepare project documents including concept notes, draft Terms of References, Implementation & Procurement Schedules and all related correspondence. Develop project planning and support effective implementation of all activities on schedule;
• Coordination of the Air Transport Division and the implementation of aviation programmes, policies, projects and action plans;
• Prepare project documents including concept notes, draft Terms of References, Implementation & Procurement Schedules and all related correspondence with Member States, Development Partners and stakeholders in liaison with Finance Directorate and Procurement Unit.;
• Prepare sector annual work plans and budgets, and the corresponding staff development measures to ensure implementation and other related documentation for air transport projects;
• Prepare report of experts meeting, draft resolution to be submitted for consideration and validation by the Transport Ministers;
• Through meetings and negotiations develop and maintain good relations with the International Civil Aviation organization, commissions, associations, conferences as well as with other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and integration organizations such as West African and Monetary Union (WAEMU);
• Prepare and negotiate MoUs between ECOWAS and stakeholders for harmonization of air navigation safety systems;
• Organize coordinating Meetings of ECOWAS and stake holders in Air Navigation Service Providers, Flight Information Regions and Ministerial/Steering Committee Meetings;
• Any other Project related activities that may be assigned by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and the ECOWAS Commission.
• The overall duration of the consultancy contract is estimated at twelve (12) months.

Requirements The Consultant will be a high-level specialist in civil aviation/air transport projects with a good knowledge of international projects. In addition, he/she must possess procurement skills in line with the procedures of multilateral donors, particularly the AfDB and have the following profile:

• Qualification: Hold at least a Master's degree in Law, Economics/Science or equivalent certificate from a recognized University or Tertiary Institution or its equivalent; and must hold a Specialized degree in Air Transport such as Civil Aviation Engineering, Aviation Law, Air Transport Management and/or Economics or related discipline.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience and managerial skills preferably in Africa in Air transport/civil Aviation administration, Airlines company, Airport company, Air Navigation Services or similar aviation related organization, or a regional / international organization involved in the development of air transport standards, services, programmes or policies;
• Have been involved in a similar position (technical assistance), at least 2 Consultancy contracts in the implementation of regional aviation programme in two (2) regional, continental or international institutions;
• Good knowledge of preparation of investment projects, feasibility studies, and documents for the award of contracts; Good knowledge of ECOWAS rules and procedures.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Chicago Convention, Air Traffic Rights, Aircraft, Airport infrastructure, facilities and equipment, Air Navigation Services, Aviation Institutions in Africa;
• Having proven experience in implementing aviation project financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank or European Union;
• Experience of ECOWAS will be an added advantage
• Speak and write English or French very well with a working knowledge of the other.

    Job Title: Consultant - Environmental and Social Impact Studies for the Construction of the New ECOWAS Headquarters Location: Abuja Details

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) represented by the FCOWAS Commission intends to recruit a consulting firm to carry out Environmental and Social Impact Studies for the construction of the new ultramodern Headquarters for the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
• The main objective of this study is to conduct environmental and social impact assessments for the construction of the new ECOWAS Headquarters.

Duties and responsibilities of the Consultant firm

• Establish baseline information on both natural and built environment including the socio-economic activities within and without the site relative to the project.
• Identify, evaluate and possibly quantify the direct and indirect positive and negative aspects of the construction project on the biophysical, human and socio-economic environment according to the different phases (preparatory, construction and operation).
• Propose, where necessary, technically viable and economically feasible mitigation measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate for the negative impacts of the project, and measures to enhance positive impacts.
• Prepare a monitoring and management plan indicating indicators to be monitored, expected results and activities to be carried out and propose a logical framework matrix.
• Provide all the necessary documentation, draft requests for permits and assist in the processing of the EIA permit from the Abuja Federal Capital Authority

The overall duration of the assignment is three (3) Months Eligible Criteria The ECOWAS Commission now invites eligible Consultants (firm) to indicate their interests in providing these services. Interested, eligible and qualified consulting firms must provide full information on their qualifications and experience, demonstrating that they are qualified and experienced in providing similar services. The criteria for shortlisting are as follows:

• General experience in carrying out studies and supervision of building projects (office, residential accommodation, commercial areas and complexes, industrial zones, etc.) over the past ten (10) years;
• Specific experience in environmental impact studies for structures such as office buildings and complex commercial buildings and facilities over the past ten (10) years;
• Specific experience in conducting environmental/social impact studies and processing relevant certificates for buildings of similar nature over the past ten (10) years
• Experience in supervising World Bank or African Development Bank funded Building construction project in sub Saharan Africa;
• Logistic resources and equipment;
• IT resources (specialized equipment and list of software)
• Ability to report in both English and French languages;

Availability of key staff with the following Qualifications: Environmental Expert:

• The individual shall be a holder of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering
• She shall O5SCS5 a minimum of 10 years of experience in the area of environmental impact studies on infrastructure projects
• She must have been involved in an Environmental impact assessment of at least 2 similar building projects in the past 5 years
• Must have carried our at least one similar project in Sub-saharan Africa

Socio-economic Expert:

• The individual shall be a holder of a Master’s degree in Social Science, Economics, Psychology or any humanities but has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science
• S-he shall possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in the area of Socioeconomic impact studies on infrastructure projects
• She must have been involved in an Socio-economic impact assessment of at least I similar building projects in the past 5 years
• Must have carried out at least one similar project in Sub-Saharan Africa

NB: In addressing the above listed criteria, consulting firms must provide tangible evidence and detailed references for all claims made in terms of experience and capabilities, similar assignments, etc. Each reference provided should be summarized on a project sheet, and will be considered and accepted only if the candidate attaches supporting documents indicating the contact information of the contracting authorities so as to facilitate verification of the information provided, covering attestation(s) of good performance of each contract presented as issued by the Client. Interested Consulting firms may apply as a consortium or partnership to ensure and/or boost their consolidated capacities to execute the assignment.   Job Title: Consultant - Quality Assurance Support to the ECOWAS Commission Construction of its New Headquarters Location: Abuja Details

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) represented by the ECOWAS Commission intends to recruit a consultant firm to assist in the construction of a new ultramodern Headquarters for the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. The Headquarters Building is being constructed by a Contractor recruited by the Government of China, financiers of the Project. The ECOWAS Commission and China have executed an Agreement to cover the Project.
• The main objective of the assignment is to assist in the review of architectural and engineering designs for the New Headquarters Building for the Commission and undertake quality assurance/supervisory work of the construction works process to ensure value for money.

Duties and responsibilities of the Consultant firm Before construction:

• Review the number and quality of personnel handling the running of the information system with a view to determining the adequacy vis-a-vis the quantum of responsibility entrusted;
• Participate in all stages of validation of designs/studies carried out by the Chinese design Consultant
• Participate in the validation of the site’s environmental impact assessment
• Participate in the validation of any additional studies to be carried out by ECOWAS, in particular the installation of the electrical transformer station, connection to water mains and access road construction.
• Participate in pre-award processes as may be deemed necessary

During Construction:

• The Consultant firm shall monitor the execution of the works according to the Technical Specification, Design drawings and Conditions of Contract. The consultant shall also carryout the following activities:
  • Represent the project owner on site.
  • Coordinate the clearing of the site in coordination with the Chinese project management firm as agreed in the implementation Agreement
  • Coordinate and monitor all work for which ECOWAS is responsible for (e.g. connecting road, water and fiber to main networks, electrical transformer substation installation, etc.)
  • Where quality problems are identified, inform ECOWAS and propose appropriate solutions;
  • Submit opinions on all samples for the finishing of the works (carpentry, glazing, painting, tiling, false ceilings, etc.) to help ECOWAS make a choice
  • Monitor and ensure adherence to and the implementation of the site’s environmental management plan
  • Facilitate and participate weekly site meetings and monthly coordination meetings
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports, any specific reports required and a project completion report
  • Organize the various site visits of the authorities
  • In consultation with the ECOWAS Head of Security, ensure the adequacy of security at the site;
  • In conjunction with the Chinese project management firm, ensure that the Chinese construction contractor and all its subcontractors recruit local workers and assist in resolving labour issues that may arise in accordance with National Lays
  • Ensure compliance with the safety measures to be observed by staff (mandatory wearing of PPE)
  • Monitor aD the components of the site activities to identify any problems that may hinder the smooth running of the work;
  • Monitor daily, on a task by task basis, all activities planned by the Chinese Contractor, in conjunction with the Chinese project management firm, to ascertain delays and inconsistencies that may be observed on the schedule.
  • In-depth monthly review of the planning to enable the necessary adjustments to be made to the general planning to forestall cost and time overruns
  • Verification of the adequacy of the methodologies presented at the agreed technical specifications
  • Verification of the consistency of the financial planning with the financial schedule
  • Organize all documents associated with works supervision in accordance with professional standards;
  • Monitor compliance with quantities specified in the Bills of Quantities;
  • Ensure the quality of the materials used for the works to assure value for money. In this regard, liaise with the appropriate laboratories to prepare samples for testing. The Consultant will actively participate in the preparation of test reports.
  • Monitor and ensure training for future maintenance of ECOWAS field staff
  • Participate in provisional acceptance of work
• PS: The Consultant shall only be mobilized for the assignments in "During Construction Section" above, upon the successful recruitment and deployment of the works contract by the Chinese Government
• The overall duration of the assignment is 30 months, including 6 months for the first phase (Study) and 24months for the second phase (during the works).

Eligible Criteria The ECOWAS Commission now invites eligible Consultants (firm) to indicate their interests in providing these services. Interested, eligible and qualified consulting firms must provide full information on their qualifications and experience, demonstrating that they are qualified and experienced in providing similar services, The criteria for shortlisting are as follows:

• General experience in carrying out studies and supervision of Infrastructure projects over the past ten (10) sears;
• Specific experience in design of complex office buildings or commercial complexes of similar nature conducted over the past ten (10) years
• Specific experience in supervising the construction of office buildings of similar nature conducted over the past ten (10) years;
• Experience in supervising World Bank or African Development Bank funded Building construction project in sub-Saharan Africa would be an added advantage;
• Availability of key staff (list, qualifications, and experience)
• Logistic resources and equipment;
• IT resources (specialized equipment and software)
• Ability to report in both English and French languages;

NB: ln addressing the above listed criteria, consulting firms must provide tangible evidence and detailed references for all claims made in terms of experience and capabilines, similar assignments, etc. Each reference provided should be summarized on a project sheet, and will be considered and accepted only if the candidate attaches supporting documents indicating the contact information of the contracting authorities so as to facilitate verification of the information provided, covering copies of attestation(s) of good performance of each contract presented, as issued and signed by the Client. Interested Consulting firms may apply as a consortium or partnership to ensure and/or boost their consolidated capacities to execute the assignment.

---