SECTION II: ToR dated 3 rd April 2017 RFX 7000002275 UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION UNIDO PROJECT NUMBER: TFIRQ11004 STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE TO FACILITATE TRADE AND ENHANCE CONSUMER PROTECTION TERMS OF REFERENCE ISO 17024 training and gap analysis of selected personnel certification bodies THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ Estimated starting date: May 2017
1. General Background Information The Central Organization for Standards and Quality Control (COSQC) is the central governmental organization in Iraq for quality control and standardization issues with the mandate of managing the national quality infrastructure (Standards, Testing, Quality and Metrology) with the aim of supporting the country trade capacities and consumer protection. The broader objective of this UNIDO Project is to provide technical support and capacity building to.enhance the trade capacities and performance of the Republic of Iraq and fostering integration into the regional and multilateral trading system. The specific objective is to upgrade the national quality infrastructure (Standards, Testing, Metrology and Conformity Assessment) following international best practices for creating the enabling environment needed for a better trade performance and consumer protection. The project as designed will provide assistance to achieve the following three technical outcomes: Outcome 1: Adapted to the new principles of the international trade regime, the Iraqi quality system (i.e. legal framework and infrastructure) is effective in promoting trade and in improving consumer protection, and national institutions competent in advocating and managing the national quality system. Outcome 2: Conformity assessment services (i.e. testing, certification, inspection), accredited by a regionally and internationally recognized independent Iraqi Accreditation Body, are offered on the market. Output 2.1: Following international best practice an independent national accreditation body is established and internationally/regionally recognized. Output 2.2: Up to 5 testing / calibration laboratories, one certification body and one inspection body (from COSQC where possible) accredited as a pilot project for the National Accreditation Body. Output 2.3: A national proficiency testing scheme developed at COSQC and implemented in partnership with regional / international partners. Outcome 3: Enhanced national trade policy framework fostering progress in the WTO accession process. Outcome 4: Adapted to international best practices, the Iraqi food control system is effective. The present ToR fall under Activity 2.1.2 and activity 2.1.3 of above listed output 2.1, as specified below: Activity 2.1.2 Establish and implement the institutional governance and quality management system, including a sustainability/business plan for its operation. Activity 2.1.3 Following internationally recognized training curriculum, strengthen needed human resources (i.e. staff, technical and lead assessors, and consultants) in the implementation of the accreditation system. The contractor will be required to cooperate and work in close cooperation with the UNIDO Project Managers (UNIDO HQs in Vienna), the senior accreditation expert of the project, and national counterparts in Iraq. Page 2 of 5
2. Aim of the contract The objective of the contract falls under outcome 2, and is to obtain expertise for the conduct of one training on accreditation requirements according to ISO 17024, and for a gap analysis of 2 personnel certification bodies in Baghdad. 3. The Scope of the proposed Contracted Services Based on the achievements made under the project s accreditation component, in particular the establishment of IQAS, the overall objective of the contract is to obtain technical assistance in capacitybuilding on ISO 17024, and in the conduct of gap analysis of selected personnel certification bodies. Expected results: 1. Validated gap analysis and upgrading roadmap for two selected personnel certification bodies 2. ISO 17024 competencies of staff of the national accreditation body, and of personnel certification bodies, strengthened 3. General reporting: a. Before each mission the contractor shall submit detailed mission programmes b. After each mission the contractor shall submit a report describing all activities/meetings/ trainings undertaken in details, as well as an overview on challenges faced c. Final gap analysis report and final training report containing but not limited to: actions and progress carried out, budget and expenditure status, recommendations and lessons learnt, etc. Any resulting contract will be concluded upon submission of all deliverables to UNIDO HQ. ISO 17024 TRAINING COURSE Course Description: - The course shall last 5 days and shall be organized for approximately 25-30 trainees - The course shall be developed for the staff of the national accreditation body and of personnel certification bodies to assist them in understanding the requirements of ISO 17024. The course shall highlight the requirements that personnel certification bodies must meet in regard to accreditation, as well as that it shall discuss the establishment of certification schemes and related requirements. - The course shall be concluded with a written exam and all exam results shall be provided to UNIDO Course content: - General and structural requirements of ISO 17024 - Management System Requirements (documentation, control of documents, control of records, management review, internal audits, corrective actions) - Application of certification process - Development and validation of personnel certification schemes, and the examination process - Accreditation process of a personnel certification body GAP ANALYSIS Gap analysis of 2 selected personnel certification bodies Page 3 of 5
- Field data collection, mapping and assessment of current personnel certification bodies infrastructure against international standard requirements - According to requirements of ISO 17024, identify existing gaps and needs in terms of resources, institutional set-up, working procedures, trainings, etc. 4. General Time Schedule Required works shall start in May 2017 and deliverables be achieved by July 2017. The final report shall be submitted to UNIDO no later than on 15 th August 2017. The assignment shall be effected in the field/in Baghdad with minimum 7 working days, and at the home-office. An adequate implementation schedule shall be submitted by the contractor, and shall be described in details in the proposal as to proof a sound technical understanding of the approach in general, and the requirements of the specific assignment in particular. Depending on project developments, the contractor shall ensure timely traveland visa arrangement as to minimize any adverse impact on an efficient project implementation and assume full responsibility for any travel undertaken within any final contract should UNIDO accept your proposal. 5. Personnel in the Field The contractor shall be responsible for assigning at least one Personnel Certification Accreditation Expert to carry out all tasks described in section 3 above. Qualification Requirements - Proficient knowledge of quality infrastructure in general, and accreditation in particular; proven competence & achievement record in the accreditation of personnel certification bodies/schemes; sound understanding of relevant international standards including ISO 17024, etc. - Education: Advanced university degree, preferably in Science/Engineering, - Experience: A minimum of 10 years practical experience in the field of Personnel certification accreditation, including experience at the international level involving technical cooperation in developing countries (preferably within the Middle East). Exposure to the specific needs, conditions, and problems of developing countries. - Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; drafting skills, both written and verbal; sensitivity to cultural, socio-economic and political differences. Proficient level of using MS Office Suite. 6. Language Requirements Language Requirements: - Fluent in verbal and written English - Fluent in verbal and written Arabic would be an asset. 7. Submission of proposals and Criteria for Evaluation Submission of proposals Page 4 of 5
A written proposal shall be submitted for the services listed in section 3, and the proposal shall be prepared in accordance with the Instructions for the Preparation and Submission of Proposals underlying this RfP. The proposal must include at least all of the following: - Detailed work plan, including time frame and responsibilities - Narrative description of the approach showing a clear understanding - Financial proposal clearly listing various cost items (e.g. daily expert fee, flight costs, subsistence allowances, security costs, etc.) - Valid certificate of incorporation and financial statement - Reference to previous experiences made in working with international organizations - CVs of the proposed expert Any travel related costs required for successful completion of all services listed in section 3 shall be clearly stated in the financial proposal, and explicitly justified in the technical proposal, namely listing tasks envisaged to be undertaken in each mission. Depending on project developments, the contractor shall ensure timely travel arrangement as to minimize any adverse impact on an efficient project implementation and assume full responsibility for any travel undertaken within any final contract should UNIDO accept your proposal. Criteria for Evaluation - Compliance with the requirements of the ToR and no travel limitations - Profile of the assigned contractor personnel - Previous experience of working for/contracting with International Organizations - Proven experience in undertaking work related to the upgrading of personnel certification bodies/schemes, and their accreditation in particular, within Iraq and/or the region - Cost effectiveness - Valid certificate of incorporation and financial statement The terms set forth in this request for proposal and its appendixes, including the Terms of Reference and UNIDO General Conditions of Contract, will form a part of any contract should UNIDO accept your proposal. Page 5 of 5