Job: ECOWAS Requests An Expression Of Interest For Consulting Services  

Deadline date: 19 August 2019

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in search of consultancy services for the distribution network component of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project.

The consultant is expected to be available in the ECOWAS office in Abuja full time.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (GMT + 1) Local Time.

The scope of consultancy services will include:

Preparation

• Thorough stocktaking of existing studies, specifications, designs of the project and ongoing distribution projects in three countries (Mali, Guinea Bissau and The Gambia), prepare detailed design, specifications, drawings and bidding documents using the best engineering practice.
• Conduct site visits and topographic surveys if necessary to validate the MV lines detailed route and angle poles locations and the MV/LV substations sites.
• If necessary, use the land survey information to minimize environmental impacts and avoid resettlement for the final locations of substations and transmission line routes, which may require updates to the ESMP and RAP
• Render technical expertise to the executing agencies during the procurement process for the distribution line (MV and LV) and 33KV/400V substations (on issuing of bid documents, receipt of additional inquires and questions from bidders, analyse and reply to those inquiries and questions in consultation with the executing agencies)
• Assist each executing agency in the contract award process with successful bidders, and including conditions of contract effectiveness and signatures on the contracts.

Supervision

1. Supervision of the implementation of the contracts for the project and establishment of a project Site Organisation for each contract;
2. Examination and approval of the contractor’s/suppliers detailed design documents and drawings for compliance with the specifications in accordance with sound engineering practice;
3. Supervision of all types of site construction activities and ensure that the works are done in compliance with the contract plans and specifications with regards to both quality and timing;
4. Monitoring and supervision to ensure that the contractors fully implement all relevant mitigation measures and procedures specified in the ESMP;
5. Monitoring and supervision to ensure that the local consultant (where required) overseeing the implementation of the RAP fully implements all relevant mitigation measures and procedures specified in the RAP;
6. Inspecting and witnessing with each executing agency’s representatives the factory acceptance tests (FAT) during the manufacture of major items of equipment and at the manufacturers’ premises;
7. Monitor procurement, delivery and management of materials and equipment at field sites;
8. Supervise and approve the testing and commissioning of works for the entire scope of works;
9. Check and approve the complete set of “As-Built” drawings, and documentation, and hand over formalities to each e works;
10. Participate in site progress meetings and prepare minutes that shall be shared between the project executing agency representatives, contractors for review and approval
11. Ensure all coordination and harmonisation of all technical differences between the three executing agencies

General assistance for administration of the project

• Acting for the implementing agencies for all contract notices, instructions, orders, certificates, approvals and all communications under the contract (generally referred to as contract administration) for all contracts and liaison with all contractors, and the Owner’s Engineer of OMVG transmission line  such that the various works/contracts be completed within the time set in each construction schedule and ensure the OMVG transmission lines and substations are completed before the completion of the Distribution lines in Guinea Bissau and The Gambia.
• Impartially advise on any dispute or differences that may arise between executing agencies and the contractors, and potentially extend to advising the executing agencies on issues beyond adjudication, which would include assistance related to arbitration or litigation in connection with the contractors.
• In case of change (variation) orders, completion time extension and/or financial claims arising from the contractors, make in-depth assessment and recommendations to the executing agencies based on the day-to-day records and applicable conditions of the contract.
• Establishment of contract billing procedures, verification and certification of all contractor/suppliers billing before submission to executing agency for the issue of authorisation of payment,
• In consultation with the executing agencies, issue completion certificates and final acceptance certificates to the contractor as per the terms and conditions of the contracts,
• Preparation of monthly and quarterly project progress reports as required by the executing agencies, and to address issues identified by other stakeholders.
• Provide on-the-job training and technology transfer to the staffs of the executing agencies in contractor’s design approval, procurement management, project management and supervision of construction works;
• Attend to the regional project technical committee (PTC) and Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings and present the project status and challenges (when such committees are established);
• Monitor and supervise the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan proposed by the contractors
• Monitor and supervise the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan outlined in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study, make proposals for amendments as deemed necessary by the consultant due to his professional experience and/or evidence of need during project implementation
• Monitor compliance by contractors during construction and commissioning for applicable legal requirements of Mali, Guinea Bissau and The Gambia.
• Prepare and submit the project completion report, that outline, inter-alia, achievements in meeting the objectives and target set out for the implementing agencies under the World Bank’s requirements.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form (in person, by registered mail or by email ) to the given address, by 19 August 2019 at 11.00am (GMT + 1).   

ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of General Administration,
Mr Seydou Bangoura, Head of Procurement,
Procurement Division, Plot 101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, 
Asokoro District, Abuja,
 Nigeria
Tel: +234 706 09 0671
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]  with copy to [email protected] / [email protected]