REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Position Type: Part-Time

Duration/Level of Effort: October 2023 – March 2024

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

FCDO’s Exiting Poverty in Rwanda (EPR) Technical Assistance Facility

The FCDO has been a key partner in developing Rwanda’s social protection sector since the inception of the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP) in 2008.

The Exiting Poverty in Rwanda (EPR) Programme is the third phase of  FCDO’s support to the social protection in Rwanda and aims support people to exit poverty at the same time as protecting Rwanda’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the future. The Technical Assistance (TA) Facility is therefore designed to support the effective implementation of its Social Protection Sector Strategic Plan (SP-SSP) and ultimately a strengthened national social protection system. To do so, the TA Facility provides technical expertise and capacity building to the Government of Rwanda, specifically the Ministry of Local Governments (MINALOC) and the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and supports the delivery of FCDO’s EPR programme.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The project is seeking offers from interested legal firms who have experience of supporting overseas-registered companies implementing projects in Rwanda funded by foreign embassies or Non-Government Organisations. The firm should be prepared to provide Legal Services on a retainer agreement on a monthly rate or hourly rate to provide a legal support, related to but not limited to advice of the following items: i) Employment agreements and labor law practice and advice; ii) Contracts, short-term agreements,  subcontracts, lease agreements, etc.; iii) Compliance with Government legislation, statutory returns etc.; iv) Company registration, and legal status; v) Banking arrangements (including foreign currency transactions); vi) Direct and indirect tax registration, compliance, and exemptions; vii) Working visas and permits; viii) Conflict cases and contractual disputes; and ix) Notary services.

Applicants are encouraged to provide supplementary information on the cost of representation for the project on legal issues.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Appropriate level of academic education for individuals in a relevant field, including law, political science, development, or another relevant discipline. Master’s level degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in Rwanda.

Accreditation

• An accredited legal firm in Rwanda
• A proven project portfolio in legal services to relevant clients.

Essential Skills:

• Knowledge of the current laws and practice in Rwanda and the region – international experience would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills, political awareness and experience of working closely with and providing technical advice to, government and development agencies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to gain trust, build strong collaborative working relationships and effectively engage with high level stakeholders.

Language Proficiency:

• Strong communication and diplomacy skills with the ability to speak/read/write in English and Kinyarwanda.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

EPR will use an objective and reliable process to evaluate each Proposal/Quotation. The proposals and responses will be evaluated based on (in no particular order):

• Compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP).
• Understanding of and ability to meet the requirements and deadlines on short notice (as and when required).
• Supplier expertise and experience with delivery of similar services to relevant clients.
• Expertise of individuals and overall team nominated to deliver the services and equipment. EPR reserves the right to reject any individual being proposed and to ask the supplier to provide an alternative.
• Past performance relevant to this RFP (as determined by referee checks).
• Relevant examples of previous work with similar clients.
• Proposed fee charged for the services. Applicants must state their proposed daily rates and fixed fees. Rate cards for listed services are desirable. The rate should include any and all costs to carry out the work in the specified location. In addition, the applicant should also detail any other relevant assumptions or required terms.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 30 September 2023.

The proposals must be submitted no later than 5 pm (Kigali time), Friday, 30 September 2023 by email to consolee.murekatete@epr-cowater.com with cc to tuba.khan@cowater.com with “EPR Legal Services – RFP” in the subject line. Any proposals submitted after this time and date will not be considered.

The applicant is required to submit the proposal in English language. For details, visit: Cowater International Career Opportunities - Cowater International

ABOUT US

Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Montreal, Canada, Brussels, Belgium, and London, UK. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.