Republic of the Marshall Islands Urban Resilience Project: Project Manager

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) 

Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)

RMI Urban Resilience Project (RMIURP)

Grant No.: D996-MH  

Assignment Title: Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Project Manager

Reference No.: MH-DIDA-283915-CS-INDV

The Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands has applied for financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the RMI Urban Resilience Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. 

The consulting services (“the Services”) include provision of Project Manager services for the implementation of the RMI Urban Resilience Project. The Project Manager will function as head of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and will provide the core technical and managerial support for the implementation of RMIURP activities. The Project Manager will be responsible for advising and regular reporting on all project matters, project progress and results for RMIURP activities. He/she shall be primarily responsible for the day-to-day administration of the PIU.

This consulting assignment is a full-time position to be located in Majuro, RMI and is expected to start by July 2022. The duration will be for 24 months with a possibility of extension based on performance.

The detailed scope of services is indicated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment, herewith attached.

The Division of International Development Assistance (DIDA) of the Ministry of Finance now invites eligible individuals (“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 (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc. including a Cover Letter of no more than four (4) pages addressing individually the mandatory and desirable experience and qualification requirements below). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:  

Mandatory:

• At least a Master’s degree in the following areas: administration, project management, engineering or other relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• At least 12 years of work experience in project management and/ or contract management in infrastructure projects in developing countries;
• At least 2 years work experience in projects funded by multilateral funding agencies such as the World Bank or ADB, at least 1 year of which as Project Manager or Team Leader;
• Fluency in English and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

Desirable:

• Demonstrated familiarity with World Bank procurement, financial management, and safeguards policies and guidelines;
• A strong track record of project execution and management under tight deadlines and with diverse stakeholders;
• At least 2 years of work experience in the Pacific Region (experience in the Marshall Islands will be considered more desirable). 

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, dated July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours; 0900 to 1700 hours local time. 

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by May 19, 2022

Jerry Nathan

Program Manager

Central Implementation Unit

jerrynathan09@gmail.com  copy to: filipesefeti@gmail.com and rillorolito@gmail.com

The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI)

Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities (MWIU) 

RMI Urban Resilience Project (RMIURP) - P177124 

TERMS OF REFERENCE 

Position:                                 Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Project Manager (Individual Consultant)

Location:                                Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Hiring agency:                       Ministry of Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities (MWIU), Government of RMI

Duration:                                2 years; may be extended based upon project needs and  

                                               performance of the consultant.  

Expected date of Start:          July 2022

1. Background

The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI), through the Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities (MWIU) is currently preparing the proposed RMI Urban Resilience Project (P177124), a World Bank-funded project aimed at strengthening the resilience of urban areas in the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change. A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established to support project implementation. The PIU will be housed within MWIU and will consist of a Project Manager (this position), an Engineer and other positions to be determined. The procurement, financial management and environmental and social management responsibilities will be supported by the Central Implementation Unit (CIU), which is housed within the Division of International Development Assistance (DIDA) in the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

The proposed project components are as follows:

• Component 1: Risk-informed urban planning
• Component 2: Coastal resilience investments
• Component 3: Resilient public facilities
• Component 4: Project management and implementation support

1. Implementation Arrangements

The Implementing Agency (IA) for the proposed project is MWIU. Other key project stakeholders include the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Office of the Chief Secretary (OCS).

MWIU will establish and chair a Project Steering Committee (PSC), which will provide strategic oversight and coordination of the project. A Technical Working Group will also be established and comprise technical counterparts from relevant ministries/agencies to provide operational and technical guidance to the PIU on key decisions, challenges, and priorities. The TWG would advise on all four components, ensuring integrating and synergies across the project, and foster ownership among participants of the decisions and achievements made under the project. 

The PIU in MWIU will support the ministry to manage and implement key project-related tasks including project planning, coordination, technical coordination, financial management, procurement and contract management, environmental and social risk management, and monitoring and reporting throughout the project implementation period. The Central Implementation Unit (CIU) established under the Ministry of Finance will support the Implementing Agency (MWIU) and PIU. The CIU support will focus on provision of services related to the preparation of project documents and management of fiduciary functions (procurement and financial management) and environmental and social management.

The PIU is entrusted with the overall coordination functions for the RMIURP. The PIU will be headed by the Project Manager and includes initially an Engineering Advisor, Project Officer, and Implementation Support Officer. It is expected that an Urban Planning and Design Specialist, an Infrastructure Planning and Maintenance Specialist, and a Communications and M&E Officer will also be recruited. Further roles may be included as needed as the project progresses.

1. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide over-arching project management and oversight of the RMIURP.  Working closely with all project stakeholders, this role is responsible for ensuring coordination between MWIU, other project consultants, the PSC, DIDA, other relevant government stakeholders, and the World Bank Task Team. In addition, the Project Manager will be responsible for leading and managing all team members in the PIU.

1. Objectives of the Assignment

The main objectives of this assignment are for the Project Manager to be responsible and accountable to the Secretary of MWIU in the management and coordination of the Project activities so that:

1. 1. the PIU collaborates with the MWIU and World Bank, MOF, and other agencies as and when needed (NDMO, OCS, CIU etc.) on the planning, design, and implementation of project sub-project activities (including development of Project strategic documents);
   2. The project is implemented in accordance with the various Legal and Financing Agreements, as well as World Bank operational guidelines such as the Procurement Regulations and the Environmental and Social Framework;
   3. The objectives of the Project, procurement plans and action plans and the provisions of other relevant strategic, and legal documents are implemented in a timely manner;
   4. Project expected outputs and deadlines contribute to mutually agreed milestones and key performance indicators
2. Scope of Services

The Project Manager will perform all daily management tasks for the PIU, including the management of the implementation of project activities, human resources, work and strategic planning, technical coordination, management of contracts, finance, procurement, communication, reporting and M&E tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Guide the project counterparts and manage the planning and implementation of project activities to ensure that all activities are consistent with the Financing Agreement, Project Appraisal Document, approved Procurement Plan, Project Operations Manual (POM), World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements, the Project Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and M&E frameworks as applicable;
2. Collaborate with the MWIU, MOF & CIU, World Bank, and other agencies as and when necessary, on the development, updating and revision of Project documents including the Procurement Plan, Implementation Plans, POM, Work Schedules, Budget, Guidelines and other relevant Project documents including (but not limited to):
   1. Prepare the Annual Work Plans and Budget and update the procurement plan for the project including all components, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders as needed;
   2. Prepare the POM and update the Manual as required to ensure updated procedures, protocols, and policies are incorporated. Ensure Project is implemented in accordance with the POM.
3. Overall responsibility for Project reporting functions including (but not limited to):

1. Preparation and submission of status reports, progress report, updates on the most recent aide-memoire action plan, six monthly reports and any other relevant reports including financial reports to the Secretary, MWIU, the World Bank and the MOF on the performance and progress of the Project and its implementation;
2.  Delivery, Supervision and oversight of the preparation of financial management and procurement reports (with technical support as needed from the CIU);
3. Oversight of reporting of all M&E and environmental and social management activities including regular reporting on implementation of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (with support from the CIU);
4. Overall responsibility for ensuring all project reports and files is kept up to date;
5. Ensuring accurate recording of project inventories etc. made under the Project
6. Delivery and oversight of Mid Term Review and Completion reporting

1. Ensure overall quality control and timely implementation of Project activities in accordance with operational procedures including procurement, financial management, social and environment management, and contract management including (but not limited to):

1. Ensure that an appropriate standard of Governance is applied at all times on all activities generated by or related to the project;
2. Lead preparation of different project documents for the various project activities and ensure these are undertaken in a timely manner, with input from relevant stakeholders in PIU, CIU and/or others in government as needed;
3. Supervise the procurement and financial management activities in accordance with the Procurement and Budget Plans and the relevant procedures and guidelines of the Government of RMI and the World Bank;
4. Ensure the routine financial and disbursement monitoring reports are prepared in accordance with the country requirements acceptable to the World Bank, to facilitate the submission of financial withdrawal applications to the World Bank;
5. Monitor and report on the project progress and performance against the project timeline using a project Gantt chart to comprehensively track planned vs. actual progress for all project activities, highlighting and explaining delays if any, and taking corrective measures as needed;
6. Oversight, monitoring and the management of contracts under the Project ensuring the due diligence checks are undertaken, and that payments are correctly made in a timely manner;
7. Coordinate the handling of grievances according to the approved project guidelines and Grievance Redress Mechanism.

1. Lead the PIU and all consultants (including firm and individual) recruited by the Project and provide them with guidance as needed on project procedures and policies. This includes (among other aspects);

1. Oversight, coordination, and monitoring of sub-project activity preparation and implementation, including coordination of strategic and technical directions to enhance the coherence, accuracy and synergy of all subproject activities with the project development objective; review and coordination of technical inputs to terms of references and technical specifications; regular monitoring of activity implementation to ensure adherence to relevant project guidelines and documentation;
2. Supervise the deliverables of the PIU and consultants or other consultants to be engaged under the project, identify bottlenecks and constraints and provide recommendations to address them;
3. Oversight and monitoring of the preparation of the Procurement Plan prepared with support from the CIU with regard to thresholds, and component activities and monitor the use of STEP and execution of the procurement process, ensuring that the World Bank regulations and guidelines are complied with;
4. Oversight and monitoring of the financial management of the Project ensuring compliance with the World Bank regulations and guidelines and the relevant RMI laws are complied with;
5. Oversight and monitoring of the management of contracts under the Project throughout the duration of the contracts ensuring the due diligence checks are undertaken and that payments are correctly made;
6. Oversight and monitoring of environmental and social management under the project and the implementation of appropriate project environmental and social instruments; and
7. Administration & Management of PIU consultant time inputs, ensuring including leave entitlements/days off etc are appropriately managed and documented.

1. Coordinate with the CIU regularly to:

1. Ensure that project stakeholders and team members seek on-demand support from the CIU as required;
2. Meet at regular intervals (at least monthly) with the Programme Manager of the CIU to agree upon levels of support required in the coming period including participation in formal training / workshops organised by the CIU or the World Bank;
3. Manage communication between MWIU, the World Bank and the CIU regarding project documents and decisions for agreement, clearance, approval, endorsement and seek the views of the CIU before submitting requests for no objection to the World Bank on complex safeguards and procurement-related matters.

1. Ensure good communications and information flow between stakeholders/agencies involved in RMIURP implementation including (but not limited to);

1. Undertaking the necessary liaison with other development partner agencies, Ministries and with other relevant Projects within RMI and report to MWIU and the World Bank;
2. Advocacy related to the Project, especially the development and maintenance of partnerships with related projects and programmes and institutions engaged in RMIURP.

1. Prepare and coordinate implementation completion report activities (if applicable/required);
2. Assist with the implementation of follow up actions resulting from World Bank technical and implementation support missions, regular teleconferences and progress reports, including the preparation of briefing materials, technical presentations, action plans, minutes, etc. as needed to assist with the follow up;
3. Other duties applicable to the Project Manager as delegated by the Secretary for MWIU.

1. Reporting Obligations

The Project Manager will report to the Secretary for MWIU. The deliverables will include but are not be limited to:

• Annual Work Plans and Budgets;
• Six monthly progress reports (as to be required by the Financing Agreement);
• Quarterly Financial management and procurement reports on behalf of the PIU;
• Monthly Work Progress Reporting to the Secretary for MWIU and the Bank;
• Inputs to Implementation Status and Results reports and Mid-Term Review and implementation completion reports.

1. Duration of Assignment

The Project Manager will initially be recruited for 2 years, with a possible extension subject to performance appraisal. It is anticipated that the Project Manager will commence before end of July 2022 on a full-time basis. A Time-Based Contract will be signed under which both parties (MWIU and the Consultant) will agree on a monthly rate.

The position would be subject to a probationary period of three months, with a performance review by MWIU to determine whether the Consultant will continue to be engaged beyond the probationary period.

The position is based in Majuro and may require travel to the outer islands for site visits to project activities. There may be need to delay mobilization to Majuro in the event that COVID19 restrictions prohibit travel – in which case the consultant would be expected to work remotely until mobilization is possible.

1. Data, services, and facilities to be provided to the consultant

MWIU will provide to the Project Manager all the World Bank Mission Reports, Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) document, World Bank Guidelines and all the existing reports and materials related to the RMIURP. The Government will provide the office space, including office furniture, access to IT equipment, stationery, internet, communications and related utilities for the Consultant once they are based in Majuro.

The Consultant is fully responsible for the cost of local transportation (to/from the office). If the consultant is required to travel to outer islands or other countries as part of project implementation, approved travelrelated costs would be funded by the project.

1. Qualification, Experience and Skill Requirements 

Mandatory: 

• At least a Master’s degree in the following areas: administration, project management, engineering or other relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• At least 12 years of work experience in project management and/ or contract management in infrastructure projects in developing countries;
• At least 2 years work experience in projects funded by multilateral funding agencies such as the World Bank or ADB, at least 1 year of which as Project Manager or Team Leader;
• Fluency in English and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated familiarity with World Bank procurement, financial management, and safeguards policies and guidelines;
• A strong track record of project execution and management under tight deadlines and with diverse stakeholders;
• At least 2 years of work experience in the Pacific Region (experience in the Marshall Islands will be considered more desirable).