Czech Republic: Cross Border Business Development Consultant

Country:Czech Republic

Business sector:Other, Financial institutions

Project number: 51317

Funding source: Post Graduation SF

Contract type: Consultancy Services

Notice type: Invitation for expressions of interest (CSU)

Issue date: 23 Mar 2016

Closing date: 14 Apr 2016   at  23:59   London

The Czech Republic was the first country to have graduated from the activities of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "EBRD" or the "Bank") at the end of 2007. In line with the EBRD's Post-Graduation Operational Approach, approved by EBRD management in September 2013, the EBRD's plan for the Czech Republic provides, amongst other initiatives, is to support activities aimed to facilitate cross-border investments by Czech companies within the EBRD region (the "Project").

The EBRD now wishes to retain a consultant (the "Consultant") to assist with intensifying the Bank's efforts to develop business in the country and to build on the achievements of Phase 1 ("Phase 2" or the "assignment"). Under Phase 1 of the Project a consultant was engaged to map the market, create a database of potential clients, and design an effective plan on how to address the market.

The Phase 2 Consultant is now required to carry out the following tasks:

- conduct targeted marketing activities towards an identified set of potential new EBRD clients and other relevant market players;
- organise and participate in marketing and awareness raising events (seminars, workshops, conferences, and business platforms);
- identify new business leads for the Bank using market knowledge and contacts with relevant market players such as banks, equity funds, business and professional associations, etc;
- organise business development field trips;
- update the business data base as required;
- present the business leads to the EBRD’s Operation Leader in charge of the assignment and seek follow up;
- provide regular information and updates to the Bank operation team;
- any other relevant activities as needed and agreed with the Operation Leader.

Assignment Duration: The assignment is expected to start in late April/early May 2016 is expected to take approximately 9 months.

Cost Estimate for the Assignment: EUR 55,300 (this also includes the cost of 2-3 outreach seminars) exclusive of VAT.

The Consultant must determine whether any VAT would be chargeable on the services and the basis for that determination, without taking into consideration the Bank's special status as an international financial institution (IFI) and state this to the Bank in their response to the Invitation for Expressions of Interest. To the extent that a consultant incurs input VAT on goods and services purchased in connection with the provision of services (eg VAT on airline ticket) which is not otherwise recoverable by the consultant from the local tax authority, the gross cost to the consultant of such expenses shall be treated as a reimbursable expense.

Funding Source: It is anticipated that the contract will be financed through the EBRD's Post-Graduation Special Fund and there are no eligibility restrictions.

Consultant Profile: Individual services are required. The Consultant shall be an expert with the following skills and experience.

1) Practical experience of working in the country with excellent knowledge of Czech industrial sectors and companies, contacts with industry, trade associations and other relevant market players, including banks.

2) Previous experience of working with international financial institutions (IFIs) (or equivalent) and corporate/project finance and/or business development and marketing expertise.

3) Local language capacity is considered necessary in order to implement the assignment successfully.

Submission Requirements: In order to determine the capability and experience of experts seeking to be selected for this Assignment, the information submitted should include the following:

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarising why the expert believes to satisfy the requirements as defined in the above section Consultant Profile;

2. CV (not exceeding 4 pages) which should include full descriptions of responsibilities carried out, not just a job title, including information on contracting entity/client, project location/country, duration (mm/yy to mm/yy), expert months provided (if different from duration) , main activities, objectives.

3. Completed Consultant Declaration Form and Contact Sheet, the template for which is available from the following web-link:
http://www.ebrd.com/pages/workingwithus/procurement/notices/csu/contact_sheet.doc

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through e-Selection, to reach the Bank not later than the closing date.

Bank Contact Person:

Angela Levitsky
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Tel: + 44 20 7338 6363

Email: levitska@ebrd.com

Notes:

1. The selection will normally be made from responses to this notification only. Consultants will not be asked to submit a proposal. The highest-ranked Consultant will be selected from a shortlist and be invited to negotiate the contract, subject to availability of funding.

2. As stated above individuals are sought. However consulting firms may propose individuals and if so, must submit a separate expression of interest in eSelection for each individual. The evaluation will be based on the skills and experience of the individuals and not the firm.

3. Interviews will be included as part of the evaluation and up to 6 of the highest rated candidates will be invited to attend interview. These will be held in person in Prague or via video conferencing.

4. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

(a) Practical experience of working in the Czech Republic and knowledge of the Czech industrial sectors and companies, contacts with industry, trade associations and other relevant market players – 35%
(b) Previous experience of working with International Finance Institutions (or equivalent) and corporate/project finance and/or business development and marketing expertise – 30%
(c) Knowledge of EBRD’s principles and activities as well as Czech language skills - 25%
(d) Performance at interview – 10%