8224 Ministry of Finance REOI 31 October - 5 November 2024

GOVERNMENT OF TONGA

Ministry of Finance (MOF), Central Services Unit (CSU)

Health Enhancement and Resiliency, Tonga (HEART) Project (P180965)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Kingdom of Tonga has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of Health Enhancement and Resiliency, Tonga (HEART) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Ministry of Health has established the Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure the diligent and efficient execution of HEART activities, adhering to sound technical, financial, business, and development practices. The PMU will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing the implementation process, ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with established standards and guidelines. The PMU is staffed with a Project Manager and workstream Officers in different fields (Procurement, Safeguards, Financial Management, Administration and Data management).

1. Financial Management Officer (FMO)

Assignment: Financial Management Officer (FMO)
Reference: TO-MOH-449651-CS-INDV
Client/Employer: Project Management Unit (PMU), Ministry of Health (MOH)
Project Number: P180965
Deadline for REOI : 4th November 2024, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)

The overall responsibility of the FMO is to:

• Maintain accurate financial management arrangements and timely reporting in accordance with the Project Operations Manual (POM), the project Financing Agreement, and Government regulations.
• Processes accurately and promptly all accounting transactions including payroll, operating expenses, travel, consultant payments, vendor payments, charge backs and other office running expenses.
• Keep relevant documents and invoices systematically to fully support the accounts.
• Maintain an up-to-date Project fixed asset register and perform regular (at least annually) asset count to ensure the Project assets are in good use.
• Ensure timely payments, funds transfers and resolve accounting related issues of the Project.
• Ensure contractual payments are made in accordance with current contracts, and that any Tongan taxation is correctly deducted and transferred to the Ministry of Revenue.
• Maintain a contract management and payment system as well as a commitment register to ensure all contracts are up to date and Project funds are available for the committed works.
• If required, recommend an appropriate accounting software for the PMU, support the procurement process and lead the implementation of the new system and the training of relevant PMU staff on its use.
• Monitor and suggest updates to the financial management aspects of the POM.

This is a full-time position, initial contract for two (2) years extendable annually upon mutual understanding and performance up to duration of project (5 years).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtain from Semisi Fukofuka, fukofukas [at] health [dot] gov. to or Jawwad Rashid, jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com.

The Ministry of Health 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 qualifications, experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

Academic Background and Relevant Experience

Minimum Requirements

The FMO must have:

1. Degree in Accounting, Finance and/or Public or Business Administration or related fields.
2. At least 5 years’ broad experience with donor or public funded projects in accounting including evidence of similar hands-on work.
3. Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to be able to write succinct reports which clearly articulate identified issues.
4. Excellent Microsoft Excel Skills.

Desirable Requirements

1. Previous experience in Donors (The World Bank and similar donors) funded projects is an advantage
2. Previous experience and developing countries and similar assignment, particularly working in Tonga
3. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse team and various levels of government
4. A knowledge of the relevant Tonga Legislation would be an advantage

Scoring: Candidates that meet the above minimum requirements will be scored in accordance with the following criteria.

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2. Procurement Officer (PO)

Assignment: Procurement Officer (PO)
Reference: TO-MOH-449648-CS-INDV
Client/Employer: Project Management Unit (PMU), Ministry of Health (MOH)
Project Number: P180965
Deadline for REOI : 4th November 2024, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)

The overall responsibility of the Procurement Officer is to:

• To plan, manage and perform day to day operational procurement tasks as assigned.
• Assist and support PMU procurement workstream to deliver its procurement outputs efficiently and effectively.
• Support PMU, in collaboration with CSU, in monitoring and reporting procurement activities to ensure; timely delivery and compliance with the Procurement Plans & the PPSDs, achievement of procurement efficiencies and meeting KPI targets.
• Support the Project Manager in keeping STEP up to date.
• Support in coordinating and managing responses to any procurement queries, call-offs, and assistance requests as and when required.
• Proactively lead the procurement workstream with all relevant team members and stakeholders so that the so that the procurement arrangements successfully deliver Value for Money (VfM) in achieving the different Project Development Objectives.
• Plan and participate in capacity building activities organized by CSU or the Bank.

This is a full-time position, initial contract for two (2) years extendable annually upon mutual understanding and performance up to duration of project (5 years).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtain from Semisi Fukofuka, fukofukas [at] health [dot] gov. to or Jawwad Rashid, jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com.

The Ministry of Health 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 qualifications, experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

Academic Background and Relevant Experience

Minimum Requirements

The Procurement Officer must have:

1. Minimum Education: BA/BS (BA/BS with a major in a relevant discipline (e.g. Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics, Management, Public/Business Administration, Engineering, Commerce, Law).
2. Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: 3 years
3. Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to be able to write succinct reports which clearly articulate identified issues.
4. Good command of MS Office suites of applications with excellent Excel skills.

Desirable Requirements

1. Previous experience in donor funded projects is an advantage
2. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse team and various levels of government
3. A knowledge of the relevant Tonga Legislation would be an advantage.
4. Member of a Procurement Professional Body like CIPS etc. will be an asset

Scoring: Candidates that meet the above minimum requirements will be scored in accordance with the following criteria.

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3. Environmental and Social Officer (ESO)

Assignment: Environmental and Social Officer (ESO)
Reference: TO-MOH-449653-CS-INDV
Client/Employer: Project Management Unit (PMU), Ministry of Health (MOH)
Project Number: P180965
Deadline for REOI : 04th November 2024, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)

The overall responsibility of the ESO is to:

• Provide oversight to environmental and social assessment and management at all stages of project implementation
• Ensure that activities under HEART are undertaken in accordance with all E&S instruments, as detailed in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), and with Tongan environment and social regulatory requirements including the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and Labor Management Procedures (LMP), as well as with procedures outlined in the Project Operations Manual (POM)
• Review and ensure that Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental Social Management Plan (ESMP) prepared by external consultants comply with WB E&S requirements and Tongan national regulatory requirements
• Oversee the implementation of a project level stakeholder engagement and consultation strategy including clear aims/objectives, stakeholder identification and analysis, engagement and consultation approaches and activity plan for sub-projects.
• Ensure the procedures, mitigation measures and requirements contained in E&S requirements are incorporated into bidding documents and contracts for design and supervision consultants, and construction contracts, for each project activity, in line with the ESCP and POM.
• Work with MoH to establish a Grievance Redress Mechanism for HEART and oversee its implementation. This includes establishment of governance arrangements, development of complaint/ feedback tools, development of a grievance register etc;
• Prepare application for environmental permits with the DoE, and ensure all permits and licenses are obtained prior to works starting; Prepare necessary E&S instruments required by the project and carry out environmental and social screening/assessments to identify environmental and social risks and the mitigation strategies required and implement.
• Coordinate closely with the site supervision officers and the Implementing Agency in planning and managing project implementation as per the ESMP (once prepared)
• Conduct site visits to monitor implementation of ESMPs including Waste Management Plans and other relevant plans and procedures, per the ESCP and POM.
• Undertake auditing of contractors for compliance with the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) specifications of their respective contracts and report to the Project Manager on progress and status of activities on their level of compliance with E&S requirements.
• Ensure that contractors and other workers comply with SEA/SH requirements as outlined in E&S instruments including signing of codes of conduct
• Coordinate, facilitate and where appropriate participate in face-to-face stakeholder meetings
• Ensure that stakeholder engagement and information dissemination is undertaken in line with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including the disclosure of project documentation
• Provide documentation of the relevant consultation records during the implementation period.
• Support the establishment and implementation of the project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), support the resolution of any project-related grievances and questions, and ensure that any grievances are documented
• Update E&S instruments and E&S procedures outlined in the POM is necessary
• In the event of the Contingency, Emergency Response Component (CERC) funding is activated, assist the PMU in undertaking E&S requirements including preparing E&S any instruments, in line with the ESCP
• Prepare 6-monthly monitoring reports to the World Bank on the ESHS performance of the Project, in line with the ESCP, and provide updates on E&S risk management for inclusion in the monthly and annual progress report
• Work closely with the PMU (particularly the Project Manager and Contracts Manager), the supervision consultants, the Central Services Unit (CSU), and the World Bank if required, to review and endorse the Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP), and in line with E&S requirements, prior to the contractor mobilizing to site
• Provide updates and reports during World Bank Missions and project meetings
• Report on environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) incidents in line with the ESCP
• Support the supervision consultant (Contract Manager) in monitoring compliance of the Contractor’s work to the CESMP
• Recommend capacity building activities for the IA, PMU, the consultants and the construction companies to address capacity gaps in managing ESHS risks
• Ensure that TORs and outputs of TA activities under the Project are drafted so that the advice and other support provided is consistent with the ESSs.
• Liaise and coordinate with the CSU E&S Specialist and Officer in the completion of E&S requirements.

This is a full-time position, initial contract for two (2) years extendable annually upon mutual understanding and performance up to duration of project (5 years).

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtain from Semisi Fukofuka, fukofukas [at] health [dot] gov. to or Jawwad Rashid, jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com.

The Ministry of Health 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 qualifications, experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

Academic Background and Relevant Experience

Minimum Requirements

The ESO must have:

1. Tertiary Qualification in any of these areas -Natural Science, Environmental Science/ Management, Climate Change, Social Science or social Development, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
2. At least 5 years of work experience in roles demonstrating sound knowledge of environmental and social legislations, regulatory and institutional requirements and arrangements in Tonga;
3. At least two (2) years’ work experience in the assessment and management of environmental risks and impacts and / or social impact assessment with donor or public funded projects. Demonstrated experience in project works, compliance monitoring, stakeholder consultation.
4. Good communication skill including oral and written communication skills in the substantive and technical areas as described in scope of services
5. Communication skills: Excellent professional oral and written communication skills in English, including via email, audio/video conference, and face-to-face with Bank and Government officials;
6. Organizational skills: Ability to work under pressure meeting project implementation timelines and deadlines;
7. Work Ethics: Proven high level of personal integrity and commitment to national and international professional work ethics and standards.
8. Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to be able to write succinct reports which clearly articulate identified issues.
9. Software & Computer skills: High Level Computer skills with Microsoft Office software especially MS word, excel spreadsheets, Power Point, Outlook etc. and ability to effectively use email

Desirable Requirements

1. Prior work experience in World Bank/ADB/other international donor funded projects
2. Previous experience and developing countries and similar assignment, particularly working in Tonga
3. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse team and various levels of government
4. Completion of the World Bank or any professional training modules related to ESS, FM, CM & Proc.

Scoring: Candidates that meet the above minimum requirements will be scored in accordance with the following criteria.

The remuneration package for these positions is attractive and will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and previous remunerations for similar assignments.

Further information can be obtained at the email above during office hours 08:30 to 16:30 hours weekdays.

Applicants that are civil servants of Tonga at the time of application are only eligible to apply, if a copy of the Savingram from the Tonga PSC informing resignation effective date of the applicant must be submitted together with their EOI application before the deadline of the REOI

A firm is eligible to nominate an individual – however, note that only the experience and qualifications of the nominated individual shall be used in the selection process, and that (their) corporate experience shall not be considered. The firm, if proposing an individual, must specify whether the contract would be signed with the firm or the proposed individual.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to SECTION III paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, dated November2020 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Paragraph 7.22, 7.25, 7.36 to 7.37 of the Procurement Regulations.

INSTRUCTION FOR SUBMISSION:

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by e- mail) no later than 04:30pm (Tongan Time) of Monday, 4th November 2024.

Attention to:

Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Health,
Tofoa, Nuku’alofa,
Tel: +676 740-0700

Address for Hard -copy submissions: Administration Building, Ministry of Health, Tofoa, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

E-mail for electronic Submission: fukofukas [at] health [dot] gov [dot] to and jrashid [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to Copy to: jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com

Documents that MUST be submitted:

1. Cover Letter (addressed to the CEO, Ministry of Health)
2. Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant (must include at least two referees.)
3. Supporting Documents: Transcripts, certificates, supporting letter from referees, and any other document that may be of support to your application.

Please limit your CV to only 3-5 pages addressing each of the Selection Criteria with exact details.

Matangi Tonga Online ref. #8224 Ministry of Finance, 31 Oct - 05 Nov 2024