Feasibility Study Consultant -Feasibility Studies for the Establishment of Regional Intergovernmental Transdisciplinary Research Centres of Excellence

The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on 29 January 2020 by Latin American, Caribbean, African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Pacific Island countries at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in Djibouti.

As set out by its Constitutive Charter, the purpose of the OSC is to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world.”

The OSC acts, therefore, as an instrument of intellectual, technical and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States as well as its Associate Members.

The OSC was established, as the instrument to achieve the collective vision of Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE) for all, on 29 January 2020.

1.Introduction

The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified local consultants to conduct feasibility studies supporting the establishment of Regional Intergovernmental Transdisciplinary Research Centres of Excellence. The studies will focus on Latin America (specific state to be identified) and Africa, especially The Gambia and other Western African countries.

The objective is to assess existing research policy frameworks, physical infrastructure, endogenous research capacities, financial requirements/needs, research landscape, and potential policy and practice focal areas based on national/regional priorities and advantages. These centres will play a crucial role in enhancing research capacities, addressing regional challenges, and supporting national development priorities.

The deliverables will include a detailed report covering Western African Countries including Gambia, and two countries in Latin America. Interested consultants are invited to submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided.

2. Objectives of the Study:

2.1 The main objectives of research in Gambia and other Western African Countries are as follows:

• Conduct a desk-based review of existing information and sources on the demographic and socioeconomic composition of Western African countries including Gambia.
• Identify potential policy and practice focal areas aligned with national/regional priorities and regional advantages.
• Determine the financial needs for establishing and operating an ICTR in Gambia.
• Review existing information and sources on Gambia and other Western African countries, including climate communication, education, environment, agriculture, health, and endogenous technology.
• Examine the impact of research on the policies of the Government of The Gambia and Western African countries.
• Explore new initiatives that can support sustainable development in Western African Countries.

2.2 primary objectives of these feasibility studies in Latin America are as follows

• Assess the readiness and feasibility of establishing Regional Intergovernmental Transdisciplinary Research Centre of Excellence in Latin America.
• Collect data and insights on existing research landscape, research policy frameworks, physical infrastructure, endogenous research capacities, and financial requirements/needs.
• Identify potential policy and practice focal areas based on national/regional priorities and advantages.
• Analyse the research landscape and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Collect and present data and insights for the establishment and operationalisation of the research centres.

3.Scope of Work:

The individual consultant shall undertake the following tasks, especially for Latin America:

Scope

Desk Review/DataCollection/Validation:

• Review existing literature, research policies, and available data related to research capacities, infrastructure, focal areas/needs, and financial requirements in the selected countries.
• Conduct interviews, surveys, and consultations with relevant stakeholders in Western African countries and two countries in Latin America to gather information on research landscape, policy frameworks and needs, infrastructure, and existing capacities.

Assessment:

• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the currentresearch landscapes in the mentioned and selected countries and regions.

Identify Focal Areas:

• Identify potential focal areas for policy and practice,aligned with both national and regional priorities and advantages.

Financial Requirements:

• Determine the financial needs for establishing andoperating the research centres.

Feasibility Analysis:

• Provide a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility for establishing the Regional Intergovernmental Transdisciplinary Research Centres of Excellence.

4.Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

4.1Feasibility Study Report: A comprehensive report for each region covering all aspects of the feasibility study, including findings, analysis, recommendations, and a proposed action plan for the establishment of the research centres. The report should be structured as follows:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Existing Research Landscape
• Regional Advantages
• Policy and Practice Focal Areas
• Financial Requirements
• Country Analysis (for the selected countries)
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Recommendations
• Validation
• Conclusion

4.2 Presentation: A detailed presentation of the findings and recommendations to the OSC.

5. Qualifications and Requirements

The individual consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience

• Proven experience in conducting feasibility studies related to research and academic institutions.
• A team of experts with relevant expertise in research policy, finance, and/or regional development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the African and Latin American research landscapes.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Experience in engaging with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Expertise in conducting stakeholder consultations and data collection.
• A track record of delivering high-quality and comprehensive reports.
• A strong understanding of research policy frameworks, infrastructure, and capacities in Africa andLatin America.

6.Terms and condition

1. Any proposal submitted will be regarded as an offer by the individual consultant/firm/agency, but it does not constitute or imply the acceptance of the proposal by OSC. Thus, OSC will be under no obligation toaward a contract to any consultant/firm/agency as a result of this RFP.
2. OSC strictly enforces a policy of zero tolerance on proscribed practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, unethical or unprofessional practices, and obstruction of OSC vendors and it requires that all Proposers/vendors observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and contract implementation processes.
3. Proposers/vendors shall not offer gifts or hospitality of any kind to OSC staff members including recreational trips to sporting or cultural events, theme parks or offers of holidays, transportation, or invitations to extravagant lunches or dinners.

7.Timelines

The consulting work will be carried out for six months April 2024 to September 2024.

8.Confidentiality

The Proposer agrees that they will not disclose, divulge, reveal, report or use, for any purpose, any and/or all confidential information which they have obtained. The obligations of confidentiality will apply during the term and will survive indefinitely upon termination if proposer is awarded the contract. Any/all written and oral information as well as audio-visual materials disclosed, convened, or provided by this Organisation to the Proposer constitute confidential information regardless of whether it was provided before or after the date ofthis RFP or how it was provided to the Proposer. The Proposer acknowledges that the wrongful use or disclosure of confidential information may result in irreparable harm for which there will be no adequateremedy at law. In the event of a breach by the consultant/firm/agency, this Organisation may immediatelyterminate the contract without liability to the other party and may bring an appropriate legal action to enjoinsuch breach and shall be entitled to recover from the consultant/firm/agency reasonable legal fees and cost in addition to other appropriate relief.

9.Intellectual property

All intellectual property and related materials that are found, gathered, developed, or produced under this agreement, will be the sole property of Organisation of Southern Cooperation. All work will remain unique,original, and free of any plagiarism. Upon termination of the project, the Proposer shall assign and transferto the OSC the rights and permissions to re-produce, republish and re-print any/all materials or substances, audio-visual and textual/written work prepared by the consultant/firm/agency in any format for this Organisation or any/all work deemed appropriate by this Organisation. The use of the intellectual property bythe Organisation will not be restricted in any manner. The Proposer will be responsible for any and/or all damages resulting from the unauthorised use of the intellectual property.