Closing Date: 5 pm GMT on 29 March 2024.

Scope of the Requirement

The purpose of this assignment is to develop guidelines for the Commonwealth member countries on how to conduct feasibility to understand which structure, form and format of RIA would be most appropriate for the country. Additionally, guidelines should also be developed for institutionalizing and operationalizing RIA mechanism once an option has been selected for implementation based on the feasibility assessment.

The guidelines will provide a step-by-step approach on how to conduct assessment of institutional, legal, organizational, capacity building, political and administrative buy-in and other relevant factors and requirements while conducting the feasibility assessment. The second part of this assignment will provide guidance on the implementation of RIA once the decision has been made on the centralised or de-centralised options or a hybrid model of RIA. Concerned legal, organizational, human, capacity, financial coordination, and other relevant aspects should be covered.

Scope of service/Specific tasks

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor Regulatory framework and overall guidance of the Head of Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, the selected consultant will:-

  • Conduct a literature review focusing on the existing frameworks of RIA in place in different countries particularly the Commonwealth members. The consultant will focus on the process followed for conducting feasibilities and implementation methodologies for RIA in various countries and the best practices.
  • Based on the literature review, develop an Issue Paper highlighting the issues in implementing RIA, best practices, and proposed structures for conducting feasibility and institutionalization of RIA.
  • Discuss the Issue Paper with Advisor RCC and Cluster lead (Barbados) and incorporate agreed changes.
  • Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders in the Commonwealth member countries where RIA has been implemented or those struggling with implementation or desirous to implement, to identify what works well and what are the potential challenges. Consultations with non-Commonwealth member countries could be conducted to gather better understanding of the mechanism and success factors. 
  • Develop draft of the guidelines and share with the Advisor RCC and present the draft in the meeting of the RCC for feedback and to make necessary revisions and validation.

Following the finalization and validation of the Guidelines, deliver a virtual training for the Commonwealth member countries

Education and Experience

  • At least ten years’ experience working on developing regulatory frameworks, policy analysis, and impact assessments of regulatory frameworks is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, public administration, or related fields is desirable.
  • Practical experience in conducting RIAs is highly desirable. Experience in analysing complex data, assessing risks, and evaluating the effects of proposed regulations would be valued.
  • Proven skills for effective communication and collaboration are essential.
  • Previous experience of working with International Organizations on similar assignments is desirable. Experience in working with Commonwealth members stated in the conducting RIAs will be an asset.
  • A master’s degree in economics, public policy, finance or related field is required 
  • Excellent drafting skills in English

This consultancy assignment is expected to require a Consultant at Band C of the Secretariat’s Technical Assistance Consultants: Corporate Fee Band Table (see Annex 1 Below).

Evaluation Criteria:

Quotes will be assessed based on the evaluation criteria set forth in this document (see Technical Questionnaire and the weightings apportioned to quality/price in terms of reference/RFQ).

Please apply for this contract by submitting a Proposal to: [email protected] by 5pm GMT on 29 March 2024.