The Palladium Group (HQ)

Consultancy - GOEIC Biotic Laboratory development

To apply for this job to your existing account or an account for free.
Last update: Nov 25, 2022 Last update: Nov 25, 2022

Details

Deadline: Dec 25, 2022 Deadline for applications has passed
Location: Egypt Egypt
Job type:Contract, up to 4 months
Languages:
EnglishEnglish
Work experience: Min 15 years
Date posted:Nov 25, 2022

Attachments

No documents to display

Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The consultant is required to perform the following tasks:

Discuss, review, and validate – or otherwise revise – a preliminary technical assistance needs for the development of the GOEIC biodegradability testing laboratory and conduct a gap analysis for its capabilities in this field. This will require an in-country visit to Egypt (the lab is located at the Cairo Airport).
 Develop an integrated workplan with activities, tasks, deliverables, timeline, suggested experts (firms or individuals) to undertake those activities, and estimated cost per activity, for the development and international accreditation for GOEIC’s biodegradability testing laboratory that should be compatible with international best practices in this field, based on the conducted gap analysis. The integrated workplan should include at minimum:

A - Training Needs Assessment:
1 - Fundamental Technical and Administrative Training Needs, including the description of required training programs, objectives, and numbers of the targeted trainees, as follows:

Technical Training Programs: Should cover all the technical training needs related to identifying the concepts, theories, foundations, and basic technical elements necessary to the development of the biodegradability testing laboratory, including the requirements for accreditation and certification of it.
Administrative Training Programs: Should include all administrative training needs required to achieving the biodegradability testing laboratory’s sustainability, including training evaluation, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) development and measurement, statistical analysis of training programs, and return of training investment (ROI), training of trainers (TOT), and leadership courses for work supervisors.

 2 – Coaching Needs (On-The-Job and Advanced Practical Staff Validation Training Programs):
Should include practical training on the biodegradable laboratory’s equipment and devices, testing procedures, sample preparation, test reports, test method development, validation and verification, lab accreditation requirements, and GOEIC’s certification and registration requirements as a conformity certifying body for the biodegradable exported products.

3 – Identify appropriate lab partners worldwide in this field to conduct study tours (with estimated cost) for GOEIC’s senior lab leadership staff, lab supervisors, on international best practices concerning biodegradability testing laboratories and internationally accredited bodies specialized in testing, examination and conformity assessment and certification for biodegradable products. The aim is to transfer and share knowledge as per best international practices in this field and, potentially, to facilitate partnerships and MOUs with such bodies, including for Proficiency Testing (PT).
B – Equipment:
Develop a list of all required laboratory apparatuses, equipment, devices, tools, Certified Reference Materials and Standards necessary for the effective operation of the Biodegradability Testing Laboratory, with detailed technical specification considering international best practices, as well as estimated cost breakdown. Prepare detailed equipment procurement documentation (to be procured by Palladium through a separate RFP).

C – Accreditation Requirements:
Develop an action plan including all technical and administrative requirements for International Accreditation of the Biodegradability Testing Lab, and for GOEIC to be a Biodegradable Products Conformity Certifying Body, with timeline and estimated cost.

D – Develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a laboratory firm to implement the integrated work plan that includes Tasks A-C above.

Period of Performance – Estimated Jan – March 31, 2023.
Level of Effort - The level of effort under this consultancy agreement is not to exceed 50 working days, including travel if needed.

Deliverables:

Gap analysis for GOEIC’s biodegradable products testing lab using the preliminary needs assessment as a starting point.
Detailed integrated work plan as mentioned above, with an estimated cost for all outlined activities.
Detailed required Technical Specifications for GOEIC’s biodegradable testing laboratory apparatuses, equipment, devices, tools, Certified Reference Materials and Standards necessary for the effective operation of it, considering international best practices, and procurement documentation to procure the equipment (to be undertaken separately by Palladium).
Potential bidders, particularly in the U.S., identified that could implement the integrated workplan, with recommended proposal evaluation criteria.

 Required Qualifications:

At least fifteen years’ experience in laboratory testing and accreditation, with specific (broad and deep)
knowledge of biodegradability testing, preferably in fields related to plastic, detergents, and textile products, and highly knowledgeable in international best practices in this field. 
Deep knowledge of international standards of biodegradable products.
Should have a good history, previous work and consulting in biodegradability testing Labs, and international accreditation requirements.
To be knowledgeable about international trade in the biodegradable products sector.
Should have high proficiency in English. Arab language is preferable

Project Overview and Role:

Palladium was awarded the USAID/Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) Activity contract, which has a 5-year timeframe and a ceiling of $36.3 million. The Project will be active throughout Egypt. The goal of the TRADE Activity is to increase Egypt’s international trade by increasing exports from SMEs, and in particular New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs). This will be achieved by addressing the constraints that impede the competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

In order to achieve the Activity’s goal (increasing exports in selected sectors), Palladium must attain the following three Results:

Enhanced Export Capacity of SMEs, in particular New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs)in Selected Sectors
Strengthened Public and Private Trade-Support Institutions (e.g., Trade
Associations, Export Councils, etc.); and
Improved Trade and Investment Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Environment

Company Overview:

About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.