Expression of Interest (EoI) - Consultancy Services for Providing Certified Drone Pilot and Operator Training for Women in Rwanda

Expression of Interest (EOI)

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR PROVIDING CERTIFIED DRONE PILOT AND OPERATOR TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN RWANDA.

Reference Number: 7000021847

Publication date: 21.08.2026

Introduction

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development; Good Governance; Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development; Digitalization and Digital Economy; and regional projects in the Great Lakes Region.

List of abbreviations

AG Commissioning party

AN Contractor

AVB General Terms and Conditions of Contract for supplying services and work

FK Expert

FKT Expert days

KZFK Short-term expert

ToRs Terms of reference

ICT	Information Communication and Technology
MINICTRISARCAA BLVOS	Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwanda Information Society AuthorityRwanda Civil Aviation Authority Beyond Line of Vision of Sight
UTO	Unmanned Aircraft systems training organizations
UAS PBR NGO TPF UTONST-2GISDOCTPF	Unmanned Aircraft systems Performance based Regulations Non-governmental Organization Training Programme Framework Unmanned Aircraft Training OrganisationNational Strategy for TransformationGeographic information systemDrone Operation CenterTraining Program Framework

Context

Rwanda has established itself as a continental leader in leveraging emerging technologies to accelerate socio-economic transformation, with drone technology becoming an increasingly important enabler across strategic sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, land administration, public safety, healthcare logistics, and disaster risk management.

As drone adoption expands, there is growing demand for skilled and certified drone professionals capable of supporting safe, compliant, and impactful operational deployment.

As part of its institutional mandate, the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) is responsible for building national digital capacity and strengthening public sector readiness through the training and professional development of government officials and public professionals in technology-related programs and emerging digital competencies. This includes facilitating specialized technical training that enhances institutional capability and supports Rwanda's broader digital transformation agenda.

In response to increasing institutional demand and the need for inclusive participation in emerging technology sectors, the "Women in Drone Pilot Training Program" is a targeted initiative aimed at equipping women professionals from public institutions with certified drone piloting skills.

This initiative aligns strongly with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), the ICT Sector Strategic Plan, Rwanda's National Gender Policy, and national commitments to women's empowerment, digital inclusion, and workforce diversification.

While women's empowerment is a central objective, the program is intentionally designed to ensure that training leads to practical operational utilization. The key measure of success will not only be the number of women trained, but the number of women actively applying drone capabilities within their institutional roles after certification.

About the GIZ Digital Transformation Center Rwanda

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. GIZ has worked in Rwanda for over 30 years. The primary objectives between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany are poverty reduction and promotion of sustainable development. To achieve these objectives, GIZ Rwanda is active in the sectors of Decentralization and Good Governance, Economic Development and Employment Promotion, Energy, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

The Digital Transformation Centre is a Rwandan German initiative to develop impact-driven digital solutions in Africa at regional and continental levels. Therefore, it provides advisory services, training for government institutions and local tech companies, and a modern space to boost creativity and collaboration. 

The Digital Transformation Center is also a space dedicated to delivering impact-driven digital solutions, developing the capacities of the local innovation ecosystem, and replicating and scaling up digital solutions at the regional and continental levels. Innovation is implemented at the Digital Transformation Center in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and its implementing agency. The Digital Transformation Center supports public and private sectors in transferring knowledge and skills and developing organizational, structural, and technological capacities. 

The Digital Transformation Center is an innovative hub that provides a range of facilities, including boardrooms, event spaces, and innovation labs. It is a collaborative space for Africans to develop and contribute to digital solutions tailored to the continent. The centre hosts events on current ICT topics, provides training and capacity development opportunities, and facilitates networking among industry professionals.

About the Triangular cooperation for Digital innovation Made in Africa

The project "Triangular Cooperation for Digital Innovation Made in Africa” main goal is to strengthen the application of data-centric digital innovations proudly labelled "Made in Africa" within the framework of triangular cooperation in East and West Africa. The project involves partners from Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire and Germany with inter-changing roles depending on the topic.

In the triangular cooperation, each partner has a different role: a lead partner who primarily contributes knowledge and expertise; a beneficiary partner who derives significant benefits from both financial support and knowledge transfer; and a supporting partner who facilitates exchange processes through facilitation, networking and the provision of financial resources.

The focus is on the societal level, in particular the design of sustainable, cooperative triangular relationships with the aim of creating framework conditions for the application of data-oriented digital innovations, e.g., regulation of drone flights, capacities for data analysis and the use of digital data. Accordingly, the main goal is to strengthen the application of data-oriented digital innovations "Made in Africa" within the framework of triangular cooperation in West and East Africa.

In this context, we are working in 3 key areas:

Use cases of data-driven digital innovations "Made in Africa", with a focus on gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Cross-national cooperation for data-oriented, digital innovations "Made in Africa" between Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire and Germany.
Strengthen the capacities of local actors including local developers, universities, companies and start-ups, governments, and civil society in developing and applying data-oriented civilian use of drones.

Tasks to be performed by the contractor

Objectives of the training Program

Overall Objective

To empower women with certified professional drone piloting skills to strengthen the participation in Rwanda’s operational drone ecosystem.

Specific Objective

The primary objectives of the women drone pilot training program are:

Build certified female drone pilot capacity in public institutions;
Strengthen institutional operational readiness for drone deployment;
Increase practical utilization of drone skills after training;
Advance Women’s inclusion in emerging technologies.

Training Program Components

The training program is designed specifically for female professionals nominated by public institutions. Participants must currently serve roles in which Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) deployment can directly enhance operational effectiveness and mandate delivery.

GIS and mapping specialists
Surveying professionals
Agriculture officers
Environmental and conservation officers
Infrastructure and inspection personnel
Disaster management professionals
Communications and media officers
Data collection and field operations staff

To ensure the sustainable impact of this training, nominating institutions will be required to demonstrate:

Defined Use Case: A clear, strategic justification for the institutional application of drones.
Deployment Strategy: A formal plan outlining how the nominee will be utilized following the completion of the program.
Institutional Support: A documented commitment to supporting the trainee’s post-training utilization and integration of drone operations into their daily professional functions.

Training delivery and Curriculum

The program will be executed using an RCAA-approved professional drone pilot curriculum. The training methodology employs a blended approach, integrating rigorous theoretical instruction with intensive practical flight training to ensure comprehensive competency.

Core Curriculum modules

UAS Fundamentals: Aircraft systems and technical foundations.
Regulatory Framework: Rwandan UAS regulations and airspace compliance.
Safety & Risk: Aviation safety protocols and risk management strategies.
Mission Planning: Operational procedures and strategic mission development.
Practical Flight Training: Hands-on experience focused on Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations.
Emergency Management: Incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Data & Ethics: Responsible drone use, data handling, and ethical standards.
Assessment: Standardized written examinations and practical flight assessments.

Partners

To ensure the success of this capacity-building initiative, a collaborative governance structure has been established to align strategic vision with operational excellence. The following framework outlines the key partners involved in this program, along with their specific roles and responsibilities in facilitating the professional development and deployment of female candidates.

The contractor shall train a cohort of up to 20 participants, comprising 100% women, nominated by participating institutions in coordination with RISA. Prior to training commencement, the contractor shall conduct a baseline assessment of each participant's existing drone piloting competencies and define the target proficiency level against which training outcomes will be measured.

The contractor shall design and deliver a comprehensive drone pilot training curriculum aligned to the defined proficiency standards. Upon completion of training, the contractor shall apply a structured methodology to measure, evaluate, and report on individual and cohort-level skills progression relative to the baseline. All assessment findings, training outcomes, and peer review processes shall be formally documented and submitted as part of the contractor's reporting obligations.

The training should follow standardized certified drone pilot and operator training best practices and the training project will run in agile mode.

The contractor shall provide the following work/service:
Work package 1: Preparation and Institutional support
This work package aims to establish the foundational framework and institutional partnerships necessary to facilitate the program’s delivery.
Provide technical and procedural assistance to finalize drone operator certification and regulatory approval with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), under RISA oversight, ensuring full alignment with applicable regulatory standards.
Conduct a pre-program stakeholder mapping and engagement exercise to confirm the roles and responsibilities of all institutional partners, including RISA, GIZ, MINICT, RCAA, nominating institutions, and the training provider.
Organize and coordinate the participant selection process in accordance with RISA's call for nominations, ensuring all selected candidates fulfil the established eligibility criteria.
Develop and administer a pre-selection participant intake form to capture baseline demographic and professional information for all nominated candidates.
Lead logistical planning and coordination for the training, including identification and booking of a technically equipped and suitable training venue, procurement of required supplies, and provision of on-site coordination support, all subject to RISA oversight.
Conduct a pre-training site inspection of the proposed training venue with partners from RISA to verify technical readiness, safety standards, and suitability for both theoretical and practical instruction.
Facilitate the organization and coordination of field visits to the Huye Drone Operations Center (DOC) to support high-quality, practical flight training for all participants.
Develop a risk register identifying potential operational, logistical, and regulatory risks to program delivery, along with proposed mitigation measures for DOC operations, for review by RISA and GIZ.
Work Package 2: Training Design and Curriculum Review
Develop a robust Training Program Framework (TPF) that aligns with national standards and institutional needs, subject to the approval and oversight of RISA.
Develop a comprehensive Training Program Framework for review and formal approval by RISA, GIZ, and relevant institutional partners.
Define target group profiles and training requirements, and establish clear, measurable training objectives and expected outcomes.
Ensure the curriculum design, instructional approach, and learning environment are explicitly gender-responsive, addressing potential barriers to participation and fostering an inclusive and supportive training experience for women professionals.
Design a structured, modular curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skill acquisition, reflecting the competency levels required for certified drone operation.
Define a tiered drone pilot competency framework specifying entry-level, operational, and advanced proficiency standards against which participant progress will be assessed throughout the program.
Develop all required training materials, instructional exercises, and assessment tools to support effective program delivery, in accordance with RISA's direction.
Identify and integrate appropriate simulation tools or e-learning platforms to complement in-person instruction and extend learning beyond contact hours.
Conduct an entry-level competency assessment for all participants prior to training commencement to establish individual baseline proficiency levels.
Work Package 3: Implementation of the Training
Deliver intensive, high-quality instruction for a cohort of 50 participants, ensuring operational discipline and regulatory compliance under RISA's supervision.
Conduct theoretical and practical drone training sessions as outlined in the RISA-approved TPF, ensuring content fidelity and instructional quality throughout.
Organize participants into structured training groups to optimize learning outcomes, and distribute a comprehensive training schedule and participant guide no later than two weeks prior to program commencement.
Procure and manage all required training resources, including manuals, visual aids, and access to approved online learning platforms.
Conduct a mandatory safety orientation for all participants at the start of the program, covering airspace regulations, equipment handling, emergency procedures, and field safety protocols in compliance with RCAA requirements.
Maintain consistent and proactive communication with participants throughout the training cycle to provide necessary guidance, support, and program updates.
Monitor daily attendance, track session delivery against the approved schedule, and ensure timely escalation of any operational issues to RISA.
Provide structured preparation sessions for the RCAA certification examination, including assessments, feedback sessions, and targeted remedial support for participants requiring additional preparation.
Work Package 4: Monitoring and Evaluation & Reporting
Develop and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, subject to review and approval by GIZ, designed to measure both short-term learning outcomes and the long-term impact of training on participants' professional development and operational application of drone skills.
Define a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) covering training completion rates, certification pass rates, skills progression scores, and post-training deployment of drone capabilities within participants' home institutions.
Collect and analyse post-training data through structured surveys, interviews, and performance assessments to inform evaluation findings.
Conduct a post-training follow-up with participants and their nominating institutions after certification to assess the degree to which acquired skills are being applied operationally, and to identify any institutional support gaps.
Prepare an interim progress report for review and validation by all relevant stakeholders at the midpoint of program implementation.
Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing:
Participant feedback and learning outcomes against defined objectives
Assessment results and skills progression data against the baseline
Certification examination results and pass rates
Post-training follow-up findings and institutional deployment status
Documentation of best practices and lessons learned
Recommendations for program replication or scale-up
Final list of certified participants and program participation statistics.

Certain milestones, as laid out in the table below, are to be achieved during the contract term:

Milestones/process steps/partial services	Deadline/place/person responsible
Project kick-off meeting with all stakeholders	1 week after contract start
RCAA certification and regulatory approval finalized	2 weeks after contract start
Implementation of training theoretical and practical modules delivered	1 month after contract start
Field visit to Huye Drone Operations Center conducted	3 months after contract start
Interim progress report submitted and validated by stakeholders	4 months after contract starts
Concluding training sessions and registration for RCAA licensing	5 months after contract starts
RCAA certification examinations completed	5 months after contract starts
Certification event	6 months after contract starts
Post-training evaluation and follow-up completed	7 months after contract starts
Final report submitted and accepted by all stakeholders	7 months after contact starts

Period of assignment: from 15^th September 2026 until 15^th March 2027.

Concept

In the tender, the tenderer is required to show how the objectives defined in Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed) are to be achieved, if applicable under consideration of further method-related requirements (technical-methodological concept). In addition, the tenderer must describe the project management system for service provision.

Note: The numbers in parentheses correspond to the lines of the technical assessment grid.

Technical-methodological concept

Strategy (1.1): The tenderer is required to consider the tasks to be performed with reference to the objectives of the services put out to tender (see Chapter 1 Context) (1.1.1). Following this, the tenderer presents and justifies the explicit strategy with which it intends to provide the services for which it is responsible (see Chapter 2 Tasks to be performed) (1.1.2).

The tenderer is required to present the actors relevant for the services for which it is responsible and describe the cooperation (1.2) with them.

The tenderer is required to present and explain its approach to steering the measures with the project partners (1.3.1) and its contribution to the results-based monitoring system (1.3.2).

The tenderer is required to describe the key processes for the services for which it is responsible and create an operational plan or schedule (1.4.1) that describes how the services according to Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) are to be provided. In particular, the tenderer is required to describe the necessary work steps and, if applicable, take account of the milestones and contributions of other actors (partner contributions) in accordance with Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed) (1.4.2).

The tenderer is required to describe its contribution to knowledge management for the partner (1.5.1) and GIZ and to promote scaling-up effects (1.5.2) under learning and innovation.

Project management of the contractor (1.6)

The bidder is required to explain its approach for coordination with the GIZ project.

The contractor makes available equipment and supplies (consumables) and assumes the associated operating and administrative costs whenever necessary.
The contractor manages costs and expenditures, accounting processes and invoicing in line with the requirements of GIZ.

In addition to the reports required by GIZ, the contractor submits the following reports:

Inception report
Final report after the cohort’s training is concluded.
Attendance list of the participants.

Personnel concept

Team leader

Tasks of the team leader

Overall responsibility for the advisory packages of the contractor (quality and deadlines)
Coordinating and ensuring communication with GIZ, partners and others involved in the project
Personnel management, in particular identifying the need for short-term assignments within the available budget, as well as planning and steering assignments and supporting local and international short-term experts
Regular reporting in accordance with deadlines
Controlling training and monitoring the training quality.
Supervision of the theoretical sessions and practical flights coordination.
Support in finalizing the Monitoring and evaluation reporting.

Qualifications of the team leader

Education/training (2.1.1): Master’s degree in ICT, Aeronautics, Mechanical engineering, Project Management, or similar
Language (2.1.2):C1-level language proficiency in English
General professional experience (2.1.3): 5 years of professional experience in the leading training in the aviation sector
Specific professional experience (2.1.4): 3 years of experience in project management for drone or aviation related training programs.
Leadership/management experience (2.1.5): 3 years of management/leadership experience as project team leader or manager in a company
Regional experience (2.1.6): 3 years of experience in projects in East Africa, of which 2 years in projects in Rwanda.
Development cooperation (DC) experience (2.1.7): N/A
Other (2.1.8): N/A

Short-term expert pool with minimum 3, maximum 5 members

For the technical assessment, an average of the qualifications of all specified members of the expert pool is calculated. Please send a CV for each pool member (see below Chapter 7 Requirements on the format of the bid) for the assessment.

Tasks of the short-term expert pool

Conduct training according to the course outline, covering best practices in drone piloting techniques applicable in different scenarios, including take-off, navigation, landing, and emergency procedures.
Provide participants with training materials, including drone operation manuals, safety guidelines, training slides, quizzes, and simulated flight exams.
Perform assessments to evaluate trainee proficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects of drone piloting.
Provide participants with customizable templates and checklists for drone operation, maintenance processes, and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications of the short-term expert pool
Education/training (2.6.1): 2 experts with bachelor’s degree in aeronautics, engineering or related field, 1 expert with bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, Business administration or related field.
Language (2.6.2): 2 experts with C1-level language proficiency in English
General professional experience (2.6.3): 2 experts with 3 years of professional experience in training or teaching adults, preferably in a technical or aviation-related field.
Specific professional experience (2.6.4):
1 expert with 3 years of professional experience in providing theoretical courses about drone piloting.
1-2 experts with 2 years of experience in instructing multi-rotor operations.
1 expert with 2 years in experience in instructing fixed wing and BVLOS operations.
1 expert with 3 years of experience in administration and finance
Regional experience (2.6.5): 2 experts with 3 years of experience in Eastern Africa (region), 2 experts with 3 years of experience in Rwanda.
Development cooperation (DC) experience (2.6.6): N/A
Other (2.6.7):
Relevant certifications in drone operation and aviation (e.g. RCAA Remote Pilot Certificate).
Additional certifications such as certified flight instructor or Certified drone pilot trainer are highly desirable.

The tenderer must provide a clear overview of all proposed short-term experts and their individual qualifications.

Costing requirements

Specification of inputs

Fee days	Number of experts	Number of days per expert	Total	Comments
Designation of TL/key expert/short-term expert pool	1	30	30
Designation of TL/key expert/short-term expert pool	1	150	150	150 days will be split between the members of the expert pool
Other costs	Number	Price	Total	Comments
Flexible remuneration.	1	RWF 5.000.000	RWF 5.000.000	A budget of RWF 5.000.000 is foreseen for flexible remuneration. Please incorporate this budget into the price schedule.Use of the flexible remuneration item requires prior written approval from GIZ.
Transport Allowance	20	RWF 200.000	RWF 4.000.000
Refreshment	20	RWF 90.000	RWF 1.800.000	The budget covers the following items: Water, coffee and snacks.
Class 3 Aviation Medical Certificate	20	RWF 200.000	RWF 4.000.000	A medical certificate of class 3 is a requirement for all the personnels working in the aviation sector. (Medical assessment & Certification)
RCAA charges	20	RWF 130,000	RWF 2.600.000	A budget of RWF 2.600.000 is foreseen for Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority charges which include document evaluation and document review charges as per Drone charges in Rwanda
Training Equipment	20	RWF 500.000	RWF10.000.000	A budget of RWF 10.000.000 is foreseen for purchasing training equipment.Training equipments include: Battery & power management systems GPS-Navigation devices Remote controllers Propeller kits Range extenders & antennas

Workshops, events and trainings

The contractor implements the following workshops/study trips/training courses:

180 expert days implementation of the training and facilitating the in practical for the cohort. More details on other tasks are mentioned in the table of milestones above.

Inputs of GIZ or other actors

GIZ and/or other actors are expected to make the following available:

Final list of trainees validated by RISA/GIZ
Logistics support such as training space when needed

Requirements on the format of the tender

The structure of the tender must correspond to the structure of the ToR. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept (Chapter 3) should be organised in accordance with the positively weighted criteria in the assessment grid (not with zero). The tender must be legible (font size 11 or larger) and clearly formulated. It must be drawn up in English (language).

The complete tender must not exceed 12 pages (excluding CVs). If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment. External content (e.g. links to websites) will also not be considered.

The CVs of the personnel proposed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the ToRs must be submitted using the format specified in the terms and conditions for application. The CVs shall not exceed 4 pages each. They must clearly show the position and job the proposed person held in the reference project and for how long. The CVs can also be submitted in English (language).

Please calculate your financial tender based exactly on the parameters specified in Chapter 5 Quantitative requirements. The contractor is not contractually entitled to use up the days, trips, workshops or budgets in full. The number of days, trips and workshops and the budgets will be contractually agreed as maximum limits. The specifications for pricing are defined in the price schedule.

Eligibility criteria

The bidder must be an accredited Unmanned Aircraft systems training organizations (UTO) with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (proof is required).

Submission of offer: The Expression of Interest should contain the following:

Technical Proposal:

A cover letter expressing your interest in this assignment
Registration Certificate issued by RDB
VAT certificate issued by RRA
Evidence of tax clearance issued by RRA
Technical Proposal (attached template for technical proposal MUST be used)
Up to date CVs of proposed experts
Completed Self declaration of eligibility

Financial Proposal: Financial offer indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs as described in the specification of inputs.

Your EoI has to be submitted in 2 separated emails to RW_Quotation@giz.de until 06/09/2026

1.The technical offer has to be submitted in PDF format and as attachment to the email with the subject: Technical offer 7000021847

2.The financial offer has to be submitted in PDF format and the price must be in Rwandan Francs and VAT excluded (if applicable) and as attachment to the email with the subject: Financial offer 7000021847 (you must use attached price sheet- Fill only Daily Fee Rate for the experts in GREEN Colour- Other budget lines are fixed).

If the emails exceed the default email size of 30MB, offers can be exceptionally submitted through https://filetransfer.giz.de/

Offers submitted through any other sharing platform, as google documents or similar will not be considered.

Offers submitted in hard copy will not be considered.

GIZ reserves all rights.

Annex: