Selection of A Consultancy Firm to Develop a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

Date : 02 Oct 2020 - 16 Oct 2020
Venue : ECOWAS Commission,
Town : ABUJA
Country : Nigeria

ECOWAS REGIONAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS PROJECT (ECOWAS-REAP)

(Phase 2 – P170599)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – CONSULTANCY FIRM SELECTION)

SELECTION OF A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO DEVELOP A RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN (RAP)

NG-ECOWAS-DEM-159666-CS-QCBS

Date:  October 2- Oct 16, 2020
Venue: ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of Energy & Mines
Town: ABUJA
Country : Nigeria

Project reference No.: P170599

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received a grant from the World Bank toward Phase 1 (P160444) of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOWAS – REAP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the Selection of a Consultancy firm to develop a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Phase 2 (P170599) of the said Project.
The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase grid electricity access in ECOWAS region. In this Phase 2, the project will finance the reinforcement and extension of the distribution network (MV and LV) in three West African countries, namely Mauritania, Niger and Senegal.
The scope of electrification works is as follows:
Mauritania: 5 feeding substations (Selibabi, Kaedi, Boghe, Rosso and Nouakchott) approximately 3,500 km of MV power supply lines and distribution networks.

Niger: Around 16 feeding substations in the “River” and “Niger East Central” areas), Approximately 1,500 km of MV power supply lines and distribution networks.

Senegal: 5 feeding substations (Kaolack, Tanaff, Sambangalou and Tambacounda), Approximately 2,000 km of MV power supply lines and distribution networks.

Following the legal provisions in force in each country, supplemented by the provisions of the World Bank’s ESF, the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines, and other good international Industry practices in place in the economic sectors concerned (GIIP), the overall objective of the Consultant’s mission is to develop the Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) for persons affected by power lines connecting localities to be electrified to the identified substations, including the distribution stations. The RAP shall be developed by country and by substation. Specific objectives are as follows:
Prepare the RAP in line with (i) laws, regulations and procedures of Governments of the countries concerned, (ii) World Bank environmental and social standards on involuntary resettlement, relating to the displacement and resettlement of persons and restoration of means of livelihood, and (iii) possible routes of the power lines as validated in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and community Resettlement Policy Framework
Identify, in clear terms, persons affected by the project (PAP) as well as the nature, extent and monetary value of the losses incurred due to the construction of medium voltage power lines, and take inventory of heritage sites as well as historic, religious and cultural sites that fall within the boundaries of the interconnection lines;
Propose fair and equitable compensation measures, with additional conditions to improve the standard of living of the PAP;
Hold consultations with persons affected by the project (PAP) and ensure they are consulted and have the opportunity to participate in key stages of development and implementation of the involuntary resettlement and compensation actions.
Conduct a population census in affected sites and a socioeconomic survey of PAP and host communities.
Identify and plan all the steps required for displacement or resettlement, a sustainable development programme that will noticeably improve the livelihoods and living standards of PAP, or at least restore the conditions that existed prior to displacement or project implementation;
Ensure that the compensation and aid provided are determined based on the impact suffered, in order to verify that no one person affected by the project receives unfair treatment, especially the vulnerable groups (women, aged, disabled, etc.).
Ensure that persons affected, including the vulnerable groups, are assisted in their bid to improve their livelihoods and standard of living.
Set up local decision-making bodies that will participate in the implementation of the RAP, with particular focus on assessment and compensation modes.
Collaborate in the preparation of the RAP Grievance Redress Mechanism.

The duration of the assignment will be ninety (90) calendar days.
The Consulting Firm shall be a firm with at least 10 years of experience in the conduct of environmental and social assessments, including the preparation of Resettlement Policy Frameworks (RPF) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) for World Bank-funded development projects. The firm must have completed at least three (3) RAPs in the energy sector.
In each country, the Consultant shall engage an indicative team of experts across various disciplines for the mission, comprising but not limited to:
a Social Development Expert, Project Lead, BAC+5 degree in social or environmental studies, with at least ten (10) years of experience in the development of Resettlement Action Plans and a good knowledge of the World Bank’s safeguard policies. He must spearhead at least three (3) RAP studies in the last five (5) years, including one (1) World Bank-funded project and one (1) electricity distribution project. Knowledge of the region would be an asset.
a Socio-economist, specialised in the conduct of socio-economic surveys, analysis of socio-cultural data (gender, social inclusion and public consultation), BAC+5 degree in social studies and  at least 10 years’ experience. He/she must have participated in the implementation of at least two (2) RAP studies during the last five (5) years, including one (1) relating to an electricity distribution project. Knowledge of the region would be an asset.
a Geographic Information System Expert (GIS) holding a BAC+4 degree and demonstrable experience in the use of GIS. Proven experience in the conduct of at least two (2) GIS surveys in the last five (5) years, including one establishing a RAP for an electricity distribution project. The expert shall possess sound knowledge of GIS software, database management system (Access, Excel), modelling and knowledge of photo-interpretation and remote sensing). Knowledge of the region would be an asset.
Any support staff required for the mission (e.g., a Communications expert for awareness creation activities and information dissemination, facilitators). The proposed experts must be fluent in French, have strong IT skills and knowledge of World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and safeguard policies.

NB: The list of Experts given above is indicative and no CV will be evaluated at this stage of the selection process. It constitutes a provision for the consultant capacity in mobilizing this expertise.

The ECOWAS Commission now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
A firm will be selected in accordance with the provisions for Selection of Consultants set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised in November 2017 and August 2018).
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. (GMT + 1) Local Time,
ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of General Administration, Head of Procurement,
Procurement Division, Plot 101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro District, Abuja, NIGERIA.
E-mail: kouassi_lambert@yahoo.fr; with copy to sbangoura@ecowas.int; bdabire@ecowas.int; degnymarcel@yahoo.fr ; and akoumoin@ecowas.int

Expressions of interest must be delivered latest by October 16, 2020 at 5.00 p.m, Abuja Times (GMT + 1) at https://www.dropbox.com/request/i0v3U1Tzn8AMlhjJIfFM