RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY
PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT
NIGERIA ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT (NEP)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION
NIGERIA: NIGERIA ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT
AFDB LOAN NO.: 200200003401
AGTF LOAN NO.: 5050200000551
ASSIGNMENTS TITLE:
(A) Consultancy Services for provision of Legal Support Services to the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the AfDB funded Nigeria Electrification Project (HEP). Reference No.: REA-NEP/AfDB/CQs/01/2020.
(B) Consultancy Services for provision of Strategic Communications Support Services to the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the AfDB funded Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). Reference No.: REA-NEP/AfDB/CQs/02/2020.
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the cost of Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the implementation Agency of the FGN, intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payment under the contracts for the Consultancy Services for Provision of Legal Support Services as well as Provision of Strategic Communications Support Services to the Project Management Unit(PMU).
The scope of work for these assignments shall primarily include but not be limited to the following;
(A) LEGAL FIRM:
(1) Provision of legal support to the Nigeria Electrification Project on a broad range of issues, with regards to its day-to-day operations, including potential disputes arising from contractual engagements. This will also include analyzing and collecting evidence for hearings.
(2) Draft grant agreements for investment streams of NEP; draft comprehensive legal advice/opinions on projects/contracts, coordinate private sector and AfDB counsel input/review of Loan agreement terms, finalize and secure legal/contract agreements.
(3) Undertake legal research, development in aid of and for drafting government White Paper which articulates the goals, policies and proposed legislation for REA – where recommended.
(4) Reviewing the current plans, policies and regulations, and providing legal support for the execution of the NEP as well as assisting in the development and revision of the plan to meet present and future market requirements.
(5) Provision of transactional support for the other 3 component work streams of the NEP by providing:
(i) Due diligence searches on companies that apply to participate in the NEP, as part of evaluation process;
(ii) General legal and transaction advice:
(iii) Project finance advice;
(iv) Support in drafting, negotiation and review of contract documents and policies such as Grant Agreements, Exclusivity Agreements, Exit Agreements and other related documents:
(v) Support in the review of applicable Environmental & Social (E&S) licenses/permits of developers;
(vi) Manage attendant risks
(vii) Legal due diligence in respect of preferred bidders/developers, performance reviews, contract management/administration; and
(viii) Dispute resolution services,
(6) Reviewing stakeholder relationships, particularly, inter-agency disputes to provide clarity on apparent conflicts between the execution of RESIP and the existing licensing structures and providing a roadmap for the successful implementation of a coherent electrification plan for Nigeria.
(7) To comment on the Dispute Resolution Process; to support the investigative process of evidence collection and review. Formulate dispute resolution mechanisms for possible disputes that arise between the RE A and developers and between developers and consumers.
(8) Where project sites are identified and selected, reviewing the policy and strategy tor acquisition of land titles.
(B) STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FIRM:
Task 1 – Evaluate and update the current NEP communications strategy based on AfDB-NEP project implementation stages and current realities. This includes developing specialized communications plans for each of the AfDB-NEP components (Solar Hybrid Mini-Grids, Productive Use Appliances Component, Energizing Education Programme, and Technical Assistance).
Task 2 – Support communication strategy implementation and all tactical activities under the Nigeria Electrification Project.
The Communications Firm will contribute to the design/production of all communications materials for the AfDB-NEP communication strategy and its corresponding components, in support of the NEP PMU of the Rural Electrification Agency with the final approval from the Managing Director of the REA. The Communications Firm will support the following;
(i) Production of print and electronic materials such as audio-visual products, web-based tools and products, social-media, publications, etc;
(ii) Provide communication capacity building for AfDB-NEP officials in line with best practice;
(iii) Organizing press conference/briefings, prepare press releases, talking points, updated Fact Sheets, FAQs
(iv) Monitoring and analyzing media coverage in different levels
(v) Creating web content for social media outreach
(vi) Maintain a calendar of events and public sensitization campaign activities
(vii) Ensure maximum media coverage of activities and events with appropriate media relations.
(ix) Conducting of assessments and to capturing success stories and milestones events for content development and dissemination through various platforms Document, collect and create relevant content such as drone footages, video, photos, interviews, meeting notes, etc.
Task 3 – Provide overall advisory on all communications and stakeholder engagement activities
Task 4 – Build capacity within the Rural Electrification Agency (specifically in the Promotion, Information and Outreach Department) that will support sustainable implementation
The engagement of each of the consultants shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, which is subsequently renewable.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignments can be found at the following website: www.rea.gov.ng
The Rural Electrification Agency- AfDB NEP Project Management Unit now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing these Services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may constitute joint-ventures to enhance their chances of qualification. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the qualification stage.
THE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA ARE:
(A) The Legal firm-should be registered and have relevant experience with development project/programs, especially donor-funded operations. The Firm is expected to have in its team at least three (3) professionals with a diverse set of skills and experience in Public Sector, Projects/Investments, Corporate Contracts and Commercial Law.
(B) The Communications Firm-should be registered and have relevant experience with development project/programs, especially donor-funded operations. The Firm is expected to have in its team at least two (2) professionals with a diverse set of skills and experience in different areas of specialization including media and communication, social sciences, social media and public communications;
THE COMMUNICATIONS FIRM WILL HAVE:
• Extensive experience and a successful track record in the field of information and communication and a familiarity with development issues;
• Extensive experience in the field of communication – such as strategic – communication, media, social media, advertising, public relations, political campaigns, digital campaigns, social marketing, and related activities;
• Proven expertise in the design and implementation of advocacy campaigns on public interest issues at an international level;
• Evidence of having planned, designed and implemented communication products and activities (such as print and electronic media products, workshops, stakeholder meetings, focus group discussions, etc.);
• Proven experience in production of public communication materials quickly.
• Experience in producing high-quality print publications and video content.
• Experience in multilingual website design and punctual maintenance.
Eligibility criteria and the selection procedures shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s “Rules and Procedures for the use of Consultants” May 2008 Edition Revised July 2012, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org. Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours i.e. 0800 to 1700 hours.
Expressions of interest indicating the assignment of choice and the reference number must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by 2 April 2020.
Rural Electrification Agency (REA) AfDB/NEP- Ground & 1st Floor- Right Wing
Attn: Mr Taiwo Olawoyin- Senior Procurement Specialist
No, 16, Umaru Dikko Street, Jabi
Abuja, Nigeria.
Tel: +234 803 33880180
E-mail: afdbnep.procure@rea.gov.ng
Website: www.rea.gov.ng
SIGNED
MANAGEMENT.
ENERGY=EMPOWERMENT=EFFICIENCY
