Selection of a consultant to support the implementation of ECOWAS AGOA action plan

SELECTION OF A CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ECOWAS AGOA ACTION PLAN

1. The ECOWAS Commission, within the framework of the execution of its Budget, intends to use a portion of
the budgeted funds to finance the cost for the selection of a consultant to Support the Implementation
of ECOWAS AGOA Action Plan. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the cornerstone of U.S.
commercial relationship in trade and investment with Africa. It was first signed into law on May 18, 2000 and
has now been extended through 2025.

2. The AGOA Specialist assignment is to provide support to public and private stakeholders regarding AGOA
outreach, and export promotion from West Africa to the U.S. He/she will provide support to the ECOWAS
Commission and its Member States in the implementation of AGOA strategies, support to
associations/export agencies on understanding AGOA and US market entry requirements, training for
governments and customs related to the textile visa and direct support to firms needing to file required
export/import documentation to claim AGOA preferences.

3. The overall duration of the contract is estimated at twelve (12) months.

4. The ECOWAS Commission invites all interested, eligible and qualified individual Consultants to submit their
candidacy to provide the services described above. The Consultants must produce a letter of expression of
interest and their curriculum vitae, providing clear information on their experience and expertise with
respect to the assignment (CV, references of similar services demonstrating that they are qualified,
description of their experiences and tasks in similar assignments, availability, etc.).

5. The Consultants will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant set out in the
ECOWAS Revised Procurement Code. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed for the position.

6. The attention of interested Consulting firms is particularly drawn to Article 118 of the ECOWAS Revised
Procurement Code (“Infringements by Candidates, Bidders and Awardees”), providing information on corrupt
or fraudulent practices in competing for or executing a contract. In addition, please refer to the following
specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment as per “Article 1119 of the ECOWAS
Revised Procurement Code.

7. The shortlisting criteria are as follow:
Qualification (20%)
Shall hold a master’s degree in Agribusiness, International Trade, Strategies and Marketing, Trade
Facilitation, or related field.

Experience (70 %)
The candidate must have 10+ years general work experience and 7+ years of progressive specific experience
related to the position.
Must demonstrate of having at least five (5) years of experience with Trade Facilitation projects.
Must demonstrate having previous experience in working with exporters and trade support institutions in
West Africa.
Must demonstrate of having previous experience in promoting AGOA and export to the U.S.

Language skills (10%)
Individual consultants must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in one of three ECOWAS official
languages (English, French or Portuguese). Working knowledge of any other official language of ECOWAS
will be an added advantage.

8. Interested consultants can obtain further information at the e-mail addresses mentioned below during
working hours: 9.00am – 1.00pm, Nigerian Time, (GMT + 1) Mondays through Fridays (except public
holidays): (Abuja Time): sbangoura@ecowas.int with copy to procurement@ecowas.int,
ikkamara@ecowas.int rguira@ecowas.int; ksofola@ecowas.int.

9. Expressions of Interest must be delivered latest by Wednesday August 23, 2023, at 11:00 am (GMT + 1),
Nigerian Time, electronically by e-mail, it must be clearly indicated: “Expressions of Interest for selection
of a consultant to support the implementation of ECOWAS AGOA action plan’’ at the following address.
ECOWAS Commission, Directorate of General Administration, Procurement Division,
Plot 101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro District, Abuja, NIGERIA.
E-mail: sbangoura@ecowas.int with copy to procurement@ecowas.int,
ikkamara@ecowas.int rguira@ecowas.int; ksofola@ecowas.int.

10. This request for EOI can be viewed on ECOWAS’ Website