REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The Government of Ghana has received a grant from the European Union (EU) and the Department for International Development (DFID) to support the implementation of the Ghana Statistical Service Institutional Reform. The fund is being managed by the World Bank (WB) under the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Statistical Development Project.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) intends to apply part of the funds under the project to engage Individual Consultants for the following positions in Accra.
Detailed Terms of Reference for each position can be found at the GSS website (www.statsghana.gov.gh) and UN Development Business online (UNDB online) (www.devbusiness.com).

(1) PROCUREMENT ADVISOR
Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepare and/or review the procurement plan for the implementation of the GSDP
• Assist the Procurement Team in preparing a procurement time schedule for the implementation of the procurement plan to reflect the major stages in the procurement process: negotiation, drafting and signing contract including contract closing dates);
• Procure consultancy services, goods and works, by assisting the Procurement Team (PT) in the procurement process from preparation to evaluation and ensure that best procurement practices are followed before “No Objection” is sought;
• Ascertain that budgetary allocations are appropriated to the respective end-users and thus ensure timely and effective implementation;
• Build procurement capacity in the Procurement Team and the beneficiaries through hands-on training;
• Assist the Procurement Team in setting up a record keeping system for all prior review and especially post review contracts;
• Assist the Procurement Team in contract management and administration of all signed contracts under the grant; and
• In cooperation with the Procurement Team prepare regular procurement reports for the Government Statistician and Development Partners according to pre-determined agreements.

In accordance with this MDTF, the consultant will need to support the GSS to:
• Establish a procurement management system for the WB MDTF based on the guidelines and procedures for procurement under World Bank funded projects, and the government regulations for the procurement of goods, works and services under the Ghana Public Procurement Act;
• Prepare bidding documents in accordance with the WB Standard Bidding documents. Obtaining no objections from WB.
• Advise evaluation committee members in the evaluation of the bidding documents/technical proposals in accordance with the WB standards.
• Participate in evaluation of expressions of interest for short lists and pre-qualification of suppliers and contractors where necessary;
• Prepare final contracts, and ensure timely distribution of all relevant procurement and contract documents to all stakeholders. (Consultants, Suppliers, and the World Bank for “No Objection”).
• Ensure that purchase orders are made as soon as the World Bank “No Objection” is obtained;
• Establish a performance monitoring database for all suppliers and consultants, and ensure efficiency and timeliness in the delivery of outputs from the services providers;
• Assist in the annual procurement audit including, making available all project related documentation and facilitating the process as may be required

Qualifications and experience required
• First degree in relevant discipline, e.g., Business law, Engineering, Administration, etc., with minimum 10 years post qualification experience in procurement, and contract management in the public sector; years of experience may be discounted by up to 2 years with relevant post graduate degree.
• Must have good knowledge of procurement policies and procedures of multilateral financial institutions (e.g., the World Bank) and development co-operation agencies; as well as good knowledge of the institutional, technical, and commercial aspects of procurement;
• Excellent skills in project management demonstrated in previous jobs;
• Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Computer, proficiency in standard office applications (Spreadsheets, word processing, Internet Explorer)Excellent communication, interpersonal and team working skills; and
• Excellent oral and written skills in English
Duration – three year renewable, first year probation.

click here for the Terms of Reference for Procurement Advisor

(2) STRATEGIC PLANNING & MANAGEMENT EXPERT
Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Advise and provide support on matters regarding the development, direction, capacity and coordination of activities of the NSS;
• Advise and support the review of the strategic plans and help identify priorities for adjustment, redesign, and training;
• Provide advice on the institutional arrangements necessary for implementation of the GSDP and the Corporate Plan
• Provide advice and support on organizational and institutional issues within the GSS and NSS, and in particular on the institutional reform of the GSS;
• Advise and support to GSS in ensuring regular user /producer dialogue, and co-ordination of users of data;
• Advise and provide support on issues relating to the development and promotion of statistical advocacy and partnerships with relevant stakeholders;
• Provide advice, support and guidance on matters relating to capacity building throughout the National Statistical System;
• Advise and support the GSS in ensuring high quality and timely reporting to the GSS Board, the GSDP Steering Committee, the Office of the President and MoFEP.
• Work in collaboration with both the long and short term consultants procured under the Multi Donor Trust Fund.
• Support and advice the Government Statistician in any other areas as may be required.

Qualifications and experience required
The potential candidate must possess the following:
• Post-graduate degree in Planning or Management or related field, preferably in Strategic
Planning or professional expertise in strategic planning processes;
• 10 years of experience in strategic planning, performance monitoring, organizational consulting, change management, and performance improvement, especially in helping public-sector institutions clarify mission and strategic direction;
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent English writing skills;
• Knowledge on effective management practices at National Statistical Offices or analogous institutions;
• Proficiency in computer applications, including the internet;
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team; and
• Experience of working in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Duration – three year renewable, first year probation.

click here for the Terms of Reference for Strategic Planning and Management Expert

(3) LEGAL CONSULTANT

Main Duties and Responsibilities
i. General considerations
• Review all relevant legislation including the constitution of key statistics laws, civil service, administrative, and other laws relating to the production of statistical information.
• Identify and review best practice from other countries.
ii. Review the Statistical Service Law to enable it fulfill its mandate and better coordinate the entire National Statistical System.
• Review the functions of the GSS Board to clearly differentiate them from those of the Government Statistician.
• Outline the powers of GSS as the central coordinating agency within the National Statistical System, carefully balancing the level of authority it would need to efficiently run the coordinated system and the degree of autonomy for other departments and agencies to play their rightful role in the system.
• Critically assess how GSS can generate funds internally.
• Review and bring up-to-date the First Schedule, that lists broad areas of statistics, to take account of present day realities.
• Make recommendation to resolve the residency status of GSS emanating from provisions of PNDCL 135 of 1985 which places GSS under the Presidency and the Constitution which puts it under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

iii. Provide a comprehensive legal framework for the National Statistical System
• Harmonize the fragmented laws of the various institutions and organisations engaged in data production.
• Make legal provision to guide overall coordination within the NSS.
• Provide clear delineation of responsibilities for all actors within the NSS.
• Provide a schedule of functions for the National Statistical System, including the dissemination and publication of statistics.
• Make legal provisions for establishing a clearing house of statistical information as a mechanism for data quality assurance.
• Make provision for national data warehouse of official statistics.
• Make provision for the collection of core data collection activities e.g. population and housing censuses.

Qualifications and experience required
• Be a qualified legal practitioner with a minimum of 10 years practical experience in drafting and review of laws.
• Have in-depth knowledge of the judicial, administrative, and legal structure of Ghana.
• Practical experience in establishing cooperation with judicial, governmental and public organizations in the country.
• Experience in dealing with Public Service Institutions and/or Donor projects.
• Demonstrated evidence of previous work done in various jurisdictions.
• Evidence of membership of a professional body.
• Proven expertise in revision of legal documents related to data production and management is an advantage.
• Very strong communication, analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, presentations
and Internet.
• Knowledge of statistical legislation including best practices from other countries will be an advantage

Duration: Forty-Five (45) days

click here for the Terms of Reference Legal Consultant

(4) FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXPERT

Main Duties and Responsibilities
•Carry out an internal audit of the existing Financial Management Systems (FMS), procedures and practices and identify capacity gaps and areas which may require strengthening.
•Put in place the necessary procedures, practices and training to fill capacity gaps and strengthen the existing FMS.
•Ensure proper management and disbursement of GSS funds following sound accounting, budgeting, financial control and audit procedures acceptable to the Government of Ghana.
•Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the GSS Project Director (head of PDMG) and arrange timely financial information for internal audits of GSS accounts.
•Maintaining accounting books in accordance with international accounting standards.
•Work with the FMS short term consultant to review and redesign the Financial Management System database to track funding and expenditure of the GSS and train GSS staff in its use.
•Undertake technical assessments of staff capacity in Finance and Administration at the beginning and end of the contract, provide necessary training to upgrade skills as and when required.

Part of the Financial Management Expert’s duties will be to guide the Director of Finance and Administration on financial management of the WB Project(s) which involves:

•Maintaining and operating the WB Project designated account and making payments to contractors and service providers and verifying and authorizing payments for all activities under the project.
•Facilitating the training of staff members and other stakeholders on WB Policies and Procedures.
•Preparing a Financial Management Manual, establishing chart of accounts and having a computerized accounting system installed to carry out activities in accordance with the agreed procedures and provisions of the MDTF Grant Agreement, and the national laws and regulations.
•Maintaining proper accounting records and preparing financial statements that provide a true and fair view and are in compliance with the WB Financial Accounting, Reporting and Audit Handbooks.

Qualifications and experience required
• Minimum of 10 years in Public Administration, Business Administration, Organisational Development, Economics, Public Finance Management or related fields.
• Minimum of 10 years post graduate experience in financial management in the public sector.
• At least five (5) years of demonstrated work experience as a Technical Advisor in Financial Management.
• Good knowledge of financial management policies and procedures of the GoG, multilateral financial institutions (e.g. the World Bank) and development co-operation agencies.
• Excellent skills in project management.
• Computer proficiency in standard office applications and excellent communication skills.

Duration: One year renewable

click here for the Terms of Reference for Financial Management Expert

(5) FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT EXPERT

Main Duties and Responsibilities

•Assess needs, select and design appropriate business solutions.
•Prepare and Implement Accounting System Infrastructure.
•Design, implement and produce financial management output report.
•Design and implement a cash flow management system.
•Design and implement Administrative System for Project Cost Unit’s (PCU’s) financial management function.
•Provide Training in World Bank’s Financial and Auditing Handbook and Disbursement Manual.

Qualifications and experience required
• Demonstrated examples of analysis, design, and development of a proposed solution.
•Minimum of three (3) years working experience with standard system development methodologies; Intensive hands-on experience with developing applications in Delphi, VB programming, and/or visual Basic.
•Extensive knowledge of RDMS especially SQL Server, Oracle would be an added advantage.
• Experience in systems release management.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing.
• Experience in Internal Control Systems and Procedures, with the ability to assess such systems and recommend remedial action where necessary.
• Understanding of information systems and the application of new information technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, in English and to hold discussions on substantive and difficult issues with GSS Management.

Duration: Three (3) months

click here for the Terms of Reference for Financial Management Systems Development Expert

(6) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) CONSULTANT

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop an IT Strategic Plan for GSS.
• Set up a Network Operating Centre (NOC) at GSS head office.
• Design, costing and set up an enterprise network that will link GSS head office to all GSS regional offices for both data and voice, internet connectivity, document  and reports distribution and sharing, announcements and notices, etc.
• Set up and implement business applications to facilitate work eg stores and vehicle management system, work flow, etc.
• Develop the following IT Policies and Plans: Use Policy, Maintenance and Replacement Policy, Security Policy, Change Management Plan, Processes Plan, Auditing Plan, Disaster Prevention & Recovery Plan, Business Continuity Plan.
• Set up a secured and reliable Data Backup system.
• Design and set up appropriate central database and statistical analysis systems, including appropriate work procedures that will enable GSS to produce relevant statistics in a timely manner.
• Re-structure the IT Division to make it more effective, responsive, focused and capable of managing and supporting IT infrastructure and applications to meet the IT needs of GSS.
• Re-structure GSS website to make it current and more relevant and responsive to the needs of stakeholders.
• Support the improvement of MDA statistical IT systems.
• Identify and provide continuous IT training and upgrading of skills of staff to effectively manage and use IT.

Qualifications and experience required
• Minimum of first degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Understanding of statistical production and dissemination procedures and processes.
• Ability to mentor staff and facilitate learning by doing.
• Experience in Public Service or Donor Funded Projects is an advantage.
• Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Computer proficiency in standard office applications (Spread sheets, word processing, Internet Explorer).
• Knowledge of statistical applications and databases.
• Strong leadership and inter-personal skills, including excellent communication and facilitation skills.

Duration: One year renewable.

click here for the Terms of Reference for Information Technology (IT) Consultant

(7) HUMAN RESOURCE/CHANGE MANAGEMENT EXPERT

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Review existing HR Policies and Procedures of GSS and identify gaps and capacity weaknesses compared to international best practice.
• Propose and develop comprehensive HR Policies and Procedures and implement and administer a comprehensive Human Resources Management System.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of a comprehensive HR database for GSS.
• Develop detailed roles for all functions, develop job descriptions and job profiles for each position and establish essential and desirable competencies and skills for each position.
• Design, recommend and implement a transparent Staff Performance Management System and train staff in the system.
• Support managers/supervisors and build their capacity/skills for effective staff management.
• Design and Manage attendance and leave registers and ensure compliance.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing processes within GSS and with the other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
• Review the existing career development policy and suggest changes or devise a suitable promotion policy and rewards/incentives system for good performance in accordance with GoG policies.
• Review the current training policy and suggest improvements to ensure continuous enhancement of employee skills and competencies.
• Work with the Change Management Team within the GSS to ensure that the necessary processes are in place for the reform of the GSS.

Qualifications and experience required
• Minimum of 10 years experience in human resource management or Public Administration.
• An MBA with specialisation in HR or PhD in Human Resource/Public Administration.
• Experience in change management issues within a public organization.
• At least five years managerial experience dealing with team and organizational building, preferably in the public sector.
• Knowledge of modern Human Resources Development techniques and an understanding of organizational theory and practice with regard to the public sector.
• Ability to mentor staff and facilitate learning by doing.
• Experience in dealing with Public Service or Donor Funded Projects is an advantage.
• Excellent skills in project management.
• Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Computer proficiency in standard office applications (Spread sheets, word processing, Internet Explorer).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills.

Duration: One year renewable

click here for the Terms of Reference for Human Resource / Change Management Expert

The Ghana Statistical Service now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualifications/academic background; and knowledge of local conditions, such as local language, culture, administrative systems and government organizations).

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (revised May, 2010).

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours: 09:00 to 17:00 hours GMT, Mondays to Fridays.

Expression of Interest must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest”. The position should be clearly written on the envelope and delivered by 10.00 hours GMT on 5th January 2011 to the address below.

The Head of Procurement Ghana Statistical Service (2nd Floor, Room 241) P. O. Box GP 1098 Accra.