REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL- (RFP-ETH- 2014 – 9113144)

Topic: Consultancy services: A registered organizations- to conduct a Country Assessment of Essential Commodities and related Services for Children (CAEC) in Ethiopia. (4-5months)

Background

The credibility of UNICEF’s supply function is measured in terms of effective assessment and analysis, advocacy for national action and the closing of specific gaps in needs and access of essential commodities. The Supply Function evaluation, undertaken in 2006, emphasized the need for countries to identify gaps and bottle necks in the availability of essential commodities for children.  Equally, in the same vein, the Paris Declaration and Aid Effectiveness Principles, 2005, identifies new initiatives for increasing basic service coverage and ensuring the increased availability and accessibility of essential commodities for children and their families, within the context of accelerating the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) achievements.  The availability, accessibility and affordability of essential commodities are key in the realization of rights and survival of children and their families. 

2. Specific Objectives 

a)       define the basket of essential commodities and identify, collaboratively with the Government of Ethiopia and other development partners, the most critical issues that facilitate or mitigate against access to essential commodities by children and their families  at national and regional or woreda levels;

b)       develop strategies and advocate for policies and programmes that promote the availability and accessibility of essential commodities for families and especially children - starting with vulnerable families and leading to long-term commodity security plans;

c)       support evidence-based advocacy with the government and partners in the context of  Sector-wide Approaches (SWAps), Poverty Reduction Strategies (RSs), National Development Plans, sub-national plans and budgetary processes to ensure availability and accessibility of essential commodities for children at the community, facility and household level;

d)       strengthen the basis for advocacy and planning with government and other partners to improve availability, accessibility, clearing, storage/handling, transport and distribution of essential commodities to the needy population during crises (similar to the Horn of Africa drought and other humanitarian emergencies) in the post-crisis transition period; as part of national preparedness and response plans; and among the most marginalized populations.

3. Experience and qualification of the Organization

a)       Minimum three years’ experience in market research, collecting and analysing data, and writing reports

b)       Experience with international projects and multi-cultural environments. Those with UN, and other humanitarian agencies will have added advantage.

c)       Knowledge and experience of supply chain and logistics management

d)       Knowledge and work experience in Ethiopia as a country, and its different geographical regions.

e)       A joint venture with a local firm/partner will be an advantage

Interested and eligible bidders are invited to collect the complete tender documents by sending an email to Mr. Sebastian Muzuma (smuzuma@unicef.org) starting from 21-July-2014.  Proposals are to be submitted to UNICEF Ethiopia Office on or before 9.00 am (East African Time) 29 August 2014 (Friday).  Please quote the RFP nr. 9113144 in all your correspondences. Due to the nature of the bid, there will be no bid public opening for this offer. UNICEF reserves the right to accept or reject part or all of any or all bids.  ADDRESS:  UNICEF ETHIOPIA, Supply Section, Room 112, Attn. Mr. Sebastian Muzuma / Mr. Samson Lulu, P.O.BOX 1169, TEL: +251-11 518 4233 / 4167, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.