REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTANT SERVICES) Suriname Reforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project Education CONSULTING SERVICES Mode of Financing: Loan Financing No. SUR 16/17/18 The Government of Suriname has received financing from the Islamic Development Bank toward the cost of the Reforming the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project of Ministry of Education and Community Development in Suriname and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultant services. The services include provision of technical assistance to the Working Group (WG SNTA) in preparing the establishment of the Suriname National Training Authority as part of the Project for 46 months starting from date of contract signing. Please refer to the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project that appeared in the IsDB website, dated 26 October 2014 and the UNDB website under reference number IsDB01-01/15 posted on 6 January, 2015. The Ministry of Education and Community Development now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide specific information which demonstrates that they are fully qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Experience in the following area or tasks shall be the minimum requirement for the assignment: The Consultant will support the establishment of the National Training Authority (NTA), providing technical assistance services to: (i) develop the legal and regulatory framework for the NTA, including the financial feasibility and funding mechanism. This will also include, review of the TVET policy and strategy developed by the Working Group according to an existing template used in the Eastern Caribbean; (ii) conduct a labor market needs assessment and analysis and establish a Labor Market Information System; (iii) undertake curriculum review and development of competency based curricula and a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) qualification framework, and occupational standards; (iv) facilitate reverse linkages (to IDB MCs) and study tours/exchanges (in the Caribbean and elsewhere); and (v) sensitization and awareness campaign for broad stakeholder buy-in and participation; (vi) The Consultant will, in the establishment of the NTA, simultaneously conduct institutional development and capacity building/training services including: a. data collection and management, analysis and reporting for the operationalization of LMIS and EMIS; b. ICT training for TVET institutions’ staff as a teaching tool; c. development and use of distance education materials; d. upgrade the technical and pedagogic skills of teachers on competency based learning and assessment; e. school leadership and management; f. training of SNTA Board Members; g. training of technical experts from the private and public sector and labor unions; h. training of auditors, coordinators training support, coordinators quality assurance, coordinator standards & planning, curricula developer, coordinator PLAR and M&E and Record keepers. (vii) Advice the SNTA Working Group and coordinate the logistical and procurement arrangements of study tours. Consultants may express interests in the forms of association, validated by an agreement among members of the association which clearly specifies the type of association, i.e. a joint-venture, intermediate forms of association, or sub consultancy. A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Guidelines for the Use of Consultants under Islamic Development Bank Financing (current edition). Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours: Monday-Friday from 8.00-14.00 (local time). Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 30th April, 2015. THE PROJECT COORDINATION UNIT Ministry of Education and Community Development Attention: Erick Moertabat, M.Ed. Dr. S. Kafiluddistraat 117-123 Paramaribo, Republic of Suriname Tel: (597) 463585 / 8225180 E-mail: erick.moertabat@education.gov.sr