Request for Proposals (RFP) – Empowering Localisation: Decolonising Knowledge Systems in the MENA Region

RFP # and project title : RFP 01-2024 : Empowering Localisation: Decolonising Knowledge Systems in the MENA Region

Due Date for Questions : October 3, 2024

• Submission of questions or requests for clarification will only be accepted in writing via email to [email protected] , by 05:00 P.M. Hours local time in Jordan.
• No telephone inquiries will be answered.
• Answers to be shared via email on October 4, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: October 14, 2024 (Start date is subject to change)

Anticipated Period of Performance: Six months from the date of award and contract signature

Award Type: Deliverable Based Contract

Reporting to: Expectation State Project Manager

Location: Amman – Jordan

Context

Expectation State is a purpose driven company, committed to tackling the toughest problems in Emerging States. We provide a different approach to private sector development in our focus countries, offering a specialist vehicle to increase the quantity and quality of investment emerging states attract. We are looking for a consultant, a group of consultants or a firm to work with us, on behalf of Impact Jordan, on Decolonising Knowledge Systems in the MENA Region.

Impact Jordan is a national-level initiative developed over the past two years to support Jordan’s transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Impact Jordan brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to advocate for impact investment across Jordan and the MENA region. Impact Jordan is currently incubated within the Crown Prince Foundation and aims to contextualise and localise the concept of impact to better align with Jordan’s unique economic and social landscape.

Expectation State is a founding member of Impact Jordan and is responsible for providing operational support during this formative stage.

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is providing support to Impact Jordan to generate localised knowledge that can enhance the impact investment ecosystem in Jordan and potentially be replicated across other emerging markets.

Objective of the consultancy

Impact Jordan seeks to develop a comprehensive knowledge product that defines and contextualises the concept of impact specifically for Jordan and the wider MENA region. This product will serve as a foundation for promoting a localised approach to impact within the global network of impact organisations. The project will explore how this localised understanding of impact can inform and enhance impact measurement, management practices, and advocacy efforts.

A key component of the research will focus on the language aspects of localisation, addressing the gap in ‘Arabising’ the concept of impact, which has largely been dominated by English-language literature.

Role

The consultant(s) will play a pivotal role in advancing the Impact Jordan’s mission by leading the development of a knowledge product that contextualises the concept of impact for Jordan and the wider MENA region. The role involves:

1. Narrative Building: The consultant(s) will be responsible for constructing a detailed and coherent narrative of Impact Jordan. This includes documenting the operational processes, selection criteria, challenges faced, and the role of localisation in Impact Jordan’s development. The consultant will also describe the current operational framework that underpins Impact Jordan’s activities.
2. Defining Impact: The consultant(s) will work closely with Impact Jordan members and stakeholders to establish a clear and applicable definition of impact tailored to Jordan’s unique context. This will involve researching and synthesising information to create a definition that can be consistently applied across the region. The consultant(s) will also explore how the localisation of the concept of impact may inform IMM practices. This should include a mapping of existing IMM practices, examining what impact metrics are being used and whether they are localised/tailored to the context of Jordan.
3. Strategy and Advocacy Development: The consultant(s) will integrate the research outcomes into Impact Jordan’s strategic planning, ensuring that the narrative and impact definitions are central to all future activities. This includes developing strategies to enhance Impact Jordan’s advocacy efforts, promoting the localised concept of impact within Jordan and the MENA region.

The consultant(s) will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and contribute to the dissemination of findings through presentations at key regional and international events.

Deliverables

1. Detailed literature review report
2. Interview transcripts and summaries
3. Case studies on impact localisation and IMM
4. Workshop facilitation and reports
5. Final comprehensive report with recommendations
6. Presentation materials for dissemination events

Minimum Qualifications

The following profile describes the skills and experience required for the successful offeror to be considered during proposal drafting and personnel allocation. The offeror should be an individual consultant, a group of consultants or a firm with previous knowledge and experience including:

• Education: Advanced degree in international development, economics, finance, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in impact investment, development finance, or related fields, with a strong focus on emerging markets, particularly in the MENA region.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of impact measurement and management frameworks, with proven experience in contextualising these frameworks for local markets.
• Research Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research, including literature reviews, interviews, and case study development.
• Facilitation: Strong experience in facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagements.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
• Cultural Awareness: Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Jordan and the MENA region.

Instructions for the Preparation of the Proposal

The technical proposal should include the sections with the required details and content as listed in the table below. The sections will be evaluated according to the corresponding evaluation weight and page limitation. Offerors should consider the minimum qualifications (above) when drafting their proposals.

Technical Proposal required sections (pdf format)

Cover Page (1 page)

• Include names of the consultant(s) or organisation(s) involved in the proposal;
• Contact information for the main point of contact, including the individual’s name, title or position.

Methodology (3 pages max- 20%)

A short methodology detailing how you will complete the assignment, demonstrating an understanding of the steps required to deliver the ToRs

Past Performance/References (2 pages max – 10%)

Include previous successful experience implementing similar activities, focussing on prior experience working in advocacy and localisation strategies, impact investment in Jordan and/or the MENA Region. This can be both the organisation and / or the proposed team.

CVs of proposed personnel that clearly describe education, experience, and professional credentials and clear articulation of how the team will work together. (3 pages / CV – 40%)

Financial Proposal (1 page – 20%)

Offeror(s) should submit a financial proposal including the day rates and proposed number of days for each consultant. Costs must be realistic, reasonable and must be valid for 90 days from the date the financial proposal is submitted. ES will review and determine whether the estimated proposed costs elements are realistic and in accordance with the technical proposal.

Interview (20%)

The technical evaluation committee will interview the top three offerors (based on technical and financial evaluation).