The government is currently searching for consulting services to enhance its Agribusiness Programme. The financial support was secured from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and a portion of these funds will be allocated to acquire these essential consulting services.
IFAD financing is subject to IFAD’s approval, in line with the terms and conditions of the financing agreement and IFAD’s regulations, policies, and procedures. IFAD, along with its representatives, agents, and staff, will be protected from legal actions, claims, or liabilities related to the Maldives Agribusiness Programme.
The consulting services involve the development and delivery of Business Management and Entrepreneur Skill Training. The Project Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, acting as the client, now invites eligible consulting firms to express their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide evidence of their qualifications and relevant experience to undertake the services. Prospective firms must complete the expressions of interest template (attached) and submit it to the specified address.
Potential consultants should be aware of IFAD’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Policy, as well as the Revised IFAD Policy on Preventing Fraud and Corruption in its Activities and Operations. The latter outlines IFAD’s stance on prohibited practices. Additionally, IFAD is committed to maintaining a secure working environment during its activities and operations, free from harassment, including sexual harassment, and free from sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), as detailed in its IFAD Policy for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment, Sexual Exploitation, and Abuse.
Consultants must not have any actual, potential, or reasonably perceived conflicts of interest. Any such conflicts will disqualify a consultant unless explicitly approved by the Fund. Conflicts of interest are defined as situations in which consultants have undue access to information or influence over the selection process and contract execution, participate in multiple expressions of interest under this procurement, or have business or familial connections with key personnel. Consultants must promptly disclose any such conflicts during the expression of interest preparation, the selection process, or contract execution. Failure to do so may result in actions in line with the IFAD Policy on Preventing Fraud and Corruption in its Projects and Operations, including disqualification and contract termination.
Consultant selection will adhere to the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method outlined in IFAD’s project procurement handbook, accessible through the IFAD website. Consultants can form joint ventures or seek sub-consultants to enhance their qualifications.
Any inquiries or requests for clarification regarding this expression of interest must be submitted via email to the provided address by 8th November 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The client will respond to all clarification requests by 12th November 2023 at 15:00 hours.
Expressions of interest should be submitted in written form using the designated forms and emailed or sent to the specified address no later than 15th November 2023 at 14:00 hours.
