REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST   

(Consulting Services – Firms Selection)

Republic of Maldives

Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project (COVID-19 ERHSPP)

Grant No: D595-M, Loan No: 6591-MV, Loan No: L0378A

WB Ref No: MV-MOH-307663-CS-CQS

Consultancy Services to Develop Infection Control and Health Care Waste Management Plan for 07 Islands

 Maldives: COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project

The Government of Maldives (GoM) has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) towards the cost of the Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project (COVID-19 ERHSPP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds of these funds towards payments under the contract for a full service Media Production Company for COVID-19 and Risk Communication for this project implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The objective of the COVID-19 ERHSPP is to respond to and mitigate the threat posed by COVID-19 and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness in Maldives. The objective will be achieved through the implementation of activities that support further prevention of COVID-19 transmission combined with activities that strengthen the health system’s capacity for disease management. Both approaches are essential to the immediate response and will serve the dual purpose of simultaneously strengthening the health system beyond the current crisis for the medium term

The consulting services (“the Services”) includes, evaluation of current health care waste management practices in 07 islands (refer to annex 1), ICHCWM plan preparation and training and outreach workshops for 07 islands (refer to annex 1). A project completion report with training materials shall be submitted at the completion of the consultancy. The assignment is to support the current health care waste management system and minimize the risk to health care workers and the public.

Currently there is a National Health Care Waste Management Policy in the Maldives endorsed by the Minister of Health, on 25th April 2016. The policy provides guidance for priorities of action, which includes, governance and legal framework, public Health, occupational safety and environmental protection, waste handling, education training and research, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, and contracting. At present, health care workers are required to follow guidelines for occupational safety and best practices in health care waste management. This consultancy services shall incorporate existing infection control & health care waste management plans and design and deliver comprehensive training program for selected islands. (refer to annex 1)

This consultancy is expected to commence in September 2022. The assignment is anticipated to be completed within a period of 95 Days.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at Government Gazette website (https://www.gazette.gov.mv/).

The Ministry of Health now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide Expression of interest, a CV including information that demonstrates that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services, documents supporting the candidate’s qualifications and experience, reference letters, and the copy of ID card/Passport.

The consultancy requires the firm to have at least five (5) projects completed in the field of environmental assessment, environmental management, or environmental supervision and waste management or in a related field. The team leader shall have post graduate qualifications in environmental health, environmental science, environmental management, sanitary engineering or environmental engineering or related fields with, demonstrated skills and 05 years of relevant experience. Additional requirements are detailed in the terms of reference.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraph, 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, Revised November 2017 and August 2018 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment:

3.17 Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that would be in conflict with their prior or current obligations to other clients, or that may place them in a position of being unable to carry out the assignment in the best interests of the Borrower. Without limitation on the generality of the foregoing, Consultants shall not be hired under the circumstances set forth below:

d. Consultants (including their experts and other personnel, and sub-consultants), that have a close business or family relationship with a professional staff of the Borrower, or of the project implementing agency, or of a recipient of a part of the Bank’s financing, or any other party representing or acting on behalf of the Borrower, that is directly or indirectly involved in any part of:

i. the preparation of the TOR for the assignment;

ii. the selection process for the contract; or

iii. the supervision of the contract, may not be awarded a contract, unless the conflict stemming from this relationship has been resolved in a manner acceptable to the Bank throughout the selection process and the execution of the contract.

The consultant/firm will be selected based on the qualification and experience, in accordance with the procedures set out in the 'The World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers- Procurement in Investment Project Financing- Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, Revised November 2017 and August 2018 as per the Financing Agreement of the project.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (0800 to 1400 hours)

Expressions of interest must be delivered with the above-mentioned documents in a written form to the address below (by mail, or by e-mail) by no later than 1300 hoursMaldivian time on 03^rd October  2022. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Administration Division

Maldives COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project

Ministry of Health

Sosun Magu, Male’

Republic of Maldives

Tel:(960)3014443, (960)3014451

E-mail: [email protected]

Annex 1: List of islands to prepare ICHCWMP

(IUL)23-PD(PMS)/23/2022/465