Expression of Interest (EoI) 

Consultancy Services for the Training of Stakeholders on International TiS Categories and Modes of Supply in Rwanda

Transaction no.:7000014566

Project processing number:G-011605-006

Internal order:11605020000

Country: Rwanda 

0. Context

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, Mineral Governance, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region.

Through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany currently provides technical support to the African Union Commission (AUC), specifically to the Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, with its project “African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”. The project’s main objective is to strengthen the framework conditions for intra-African trade. Besides the outstanding topics of AfCFTA Phase I on Trade in Goods and Trade in Services, phase II and III issues, such as Investment, competition policy, Intellectual Property Rights, and digital trade are supported. Furthermore, the involvement of the private sector and civil society is supported. 

To this end, the project pursues a multi-level approach on the continental level working with the AUC DTI and AfCFTA Secretariat, at the regional level supporting Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the national level, specifically in the project focus countries, like Rwanda.

Rationale

International Trade in Services (ITS) Statistics are an essential part of Rwanda's economy. The services sector accounts for 52% of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025. Unlike Trade in Services (TIS), merchandise trade statistics in Rwanda have been significantly standardized within its Regional Economic Communities. Furthermore, Significant gaps in Trade in Services statistics need to be addressed. Due to its complexity, TIS lacks the same level of coverage as merchandise trade, which benefits from long-established data collection systems. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, in collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda, faces difficulties in collecting accurate TIS data due to a lack of methodological understanding among stakeholders who respond to ITS surveys during data collection. 

This ToR entails the need to ensure reliable data quality collected by organizing a Training of Stakeholders on International Trade in Services Categories and modes of supply. The course is intended to improve awareness and knowledge transfer of the relevant members involved in responding to data collection, allowing them to create and implement effective sampling strategies and methodologies. TIS data are used to estimate GDP and BOP statistics, which are critical for policymakers, trade negotiators, and researchers making evidence-based decisions.

Objectives of the Training

The primary objective of this training is to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders who participate in interviews during TIS data collection, to apply effective concepts, methodologies, and improve sampling techniques for trade in services during data collection. Specifically, the training target audience is from NISR, NBR, MINICOM, RDB, RURA, MINECOFIN, MINAFFET, IPOSITA, NPD construction, Association of Cargo and Passenger Transporters, MINICT, City of Kigali, RPPA, Association of Engineers, RHA, RTDA, PSF, RRA, RMB, MTN Rwanda, and Airtel Rwanda, BK, Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd. The training will:

• Introduce to Stakeholders on International Trade in Services statistics and the Balance of Payments: concepts, definitions, and possible sources of data.
• Address common challenges in trade in services data collection, including dealing with non-response and small sample sizes. The services of focus are Professional services, Transport services, Financial Services, Tourism and Travel services, Business services, Manufacturing services, Construction services, and ICT.
• Stage a comprehensive understanding of various sampling methodologies, including probability and non-probability techniques. Stakeholders will participate in revising an existing trade in services sample by advising on the grouping of key individual service suppliers by categories of services

Specific Objectives; 

• Enhanced capacity of Stakeholders to deliver an understanding of international trade in services and data collection compliance.
• Increased knowledge on sector-specific categories and modes of supply.
• Have a solid understanding of sampling methodologies applicable to trade in services statistics.
• Introduction to the trade in services sampling framework tailored to a representative sample.
• Improve Stakeholder awareness, ability to survey response, challenges such as non-response bias, and data estimation complexities.
• Strengthen their skills in using statistical tools and methodologies for analysing trade in services data.
• Contribute to better data quality, ultimately supporting evidence-based policymaking and trade negotiations.
• Establishment of a network of trained professionals for ongoing knowledge exchange.

Table 1. Expected topics to be covered and the target audience for the training

Topic

Introduction to Balance of Payment (BOP): Concepts and definitions.

Introduction to Trade in Services: concepts, definition, categories.

Introduction to GATS and EBOPS.

Categories of Trade in Services: Cross-border supply, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and presence of natural persons.

Sectoral Analysis: Focus on key service sectors such as Professional services, Transport services, Financial Services, Tourism and Travel services, Business services, Manufacturing services, and Construction services, and ICT.

Introduction to Trade in Services Data Collection: Overview of trade in services, classification frameworks, and key data sources.

Fundamentals of Sampling Techniques: Understanding basic sampling concepts, probability vs. non-probability sampling, and sampling errors.

Designing a Sampling Framework: Steps in developing a sampling plan, sample size determination, and dealing with sector-specific challenges.

Handling Non-Response and Missing Data: Strategies to mitigate non-response bias and improve data completeness.

1. Tasks to be performed by the contractor

The contractor is responsible for providing the following services:

• Inception Report – Detailed methodology, training materials, and schedule.
• Training Modules – Comprehensive training content.
• Training Sessions – Facilitate training workshop, ensuring active participation.
• Practical Exercises – Hands-on activities and case studies for participants.
• Final Training Report – Summary of sessions, feedback, and recommendations.
• Training Certificates – Issuance of completion certificates to participants.

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

Milestones/process steps/partial works	Deadline/place / person Responsible	Criteria for acceptance
Development of Inception report.	From 1st August to 15th August 2026 /Kigali/ Senior Expert and Expert.	Draft inception report submitted.
Kick-off meeting with stakeholders (NISR, BNR, MINICOM, GIZ, etc) and present the inception report (including adjustment to the input from the meeting.	30th August 2026 /Kigali/ Senior Expert, Expert, and key stakeholders	Presentation of the inception report and submission of the final inception report adjusted to the inputs from the kickoff meeting.
Developing and submitting training materials.	15th September 2026/ Kigali/ Senior Expert and Expert	Submission and approval of the Training materials by Key stakeholders (NISR and BNR)
Conducting training.	20th to 25th September 2026/Kigali/ Senior Expert and Expert.	Conduct the training for 5 days.
Prepare and submit of the final report.	30th September 2025 /Kigali / Senior Expert and Expert	Submission and approval of the final report to Key stakeholders

Period of assignment: from 1st August 2026 until 30th September 2026.

GIZ shall hire the contractor for the anticipated contract term, from 1st August 2026 to 31st December 2026

2. 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 tenderer is required to explain its approach for coordination with the GIZ project (1.6.1). In particular, the project management requirements specified in Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) must be explained in detail.

The tenderer is required to draw up a personnel assignment plan (1.6.2) with explanatory notes that lists all the experts proposed in the tender; the plan includes information on assignment dates (duration and expert days) and locations of the individual members of the team complete with the allocation of work steps as set out in the schedule.

3. Personnel concept

The tenderer is required to provide personnel who are suited to filling the positions described, on the basis of their CVs (see Chapter 7), the range of tasks involved and the required qualifications.

The below specified qualifications represent the requirements to reach the maximum number of points in the technical assessment.

Note: Proposes staff /experts should not be current Staff of these institutions: the National Institute of Statistics (NISR) , the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) or any of the above-mentioned targeted public and private institutions.

Senior expert 

Tasks of Senior expert (1)

• Lead the overall design, methodology, and implementation approach for the assignment.
• Provide strategic guidance on international Trade in Services (TiS) concepts, classifications, categories, and modes of supply.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders, including government institutions, national statistical agencies, and private sector actors.
• Oversee development and validation of survey tools, training materials, methodologies, and analytical frameworks.
• Ensure quality assurance of data collection processes, analysis, and outputs produced under the assignment.
• Lead high-level stakeholder consultations, validation workshops, and presentation of findings.
• Supervise and mentor the Expert(s) and ensure timely delivery of outputs in line with the ToRs.
• Lead drafting and finalization of technical reports, recommendations, and dissemination material

Qualifications of senior expert (1)

• Education/training (2.2.1): Master’s degree (or higher) in Economics, International Trade, Statistics, Econometrics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. PhD in a relevant field is an added advantage.

Additional certification/training in Balance of Payments statistics, trade in services statistics, survey methodology, or data analysis are an advantage.

• Language (2.2.2): C2 -level in English
• General professional experience (2.2.3): Ten (10) years of experience in international trade, economic analysis, research, surveys, data collection, statistics, or related fields.
• Specific professional experience (2.2.4): Eight (8) years of experience in trade statistics, economic analysis, and data systems, with demonstrated expertise in Balance of Payments (BOP), Trade in Services (TiS) statistics, Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), survey design, sampling methodologies, sectoral analysis, and capacity building
• Leadership/management experience (2.2.5): 8 years of experience coordinating teams, field activities, or technical assignments.
• Regional experience (2.2.6): Eight (8) years of experience working in Rwanda and/or East Africa with knowledge of regional institutions and stakeholder ecosystems.
• Development Cooperation (DC) experience (2.2.7): 5 years of Experience supporting donor-funded projects, development programs, government assignments, or technical cooperation initiatives is desirable.
• Other (2.2.8): Strong analytical, report writing, and facilitation skills.
• Experience engaging public and private sector stakeholders.

Soft skills of team members

In addition to their specialist qualifications, the following qualifications are required of team members:

• Team skills
• Initiative
• Communication skills
• Socio-cultural skills
• Efficient, partner- and client-focused working methods
• Interdisciplinary thinking

Expert 2

Tasks of Expert (2)

• Support preparation of training materials and delivery of stakeholder trainings on TiS categories and modes of supply.
• Contribute to the design and testing of survey tools, questionnaires, and data collection instruments.
• Conduct data collection, stakeholder interviews, consultations, and field coordination activities.
• Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpretation of findings.
• Compile, clean, and manage datasets and supporting documentation.
• Support preparation of technical reports, presentations, and workshop materials.
• Coordinate logistics and stakeholder engagement activities related to trainings, consultations, and dissemination workshops.
• Undertake any other technical tasks necessary for successful implementation of the assignment.

Qualifications of expert (2)

• Education/training (2.3.1): Master’s degree in Economics, International Trade, Statistics, Econometrics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.

Additional certification/training in Balance of Payments statistics, trade in services statistics, survey methodology, or data analysis is an advantage.

• Language (2.3.2): C2 -level in English
• General professional experience (2.3.3): Eight (8) years of experience in international trade, economic analysis, research, surveys, data collection, statistics, or related fields.
• Specific professional experience (2.2.4): Six (6) years of experience in trade statistics, economic analysis, and data systems, with demonstrated expertise in Balance of Payments (BOP), Trade in Services (TiS) statistics, Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), survey design, sampling methodologies, sectoral analysis, and capacity building
• Leadership/management experience (2.2.5): 3years of experience coordinating teams, field activities, or technical assignments.
• Regional experience (2.2.6): five (5) years of experience working in Rwanda and/or East Africa with knowledge of regional institutions and stakeholder ecosystems.
• Development Cooperation (DC) experience (2.2.7): 3 years of Experience supporting donor-funded projects, development programs, government assignments, or technical cooperation initiatives is desirable.
• Other (2.2.8): Strong analytical, report writing, and facilitation skills.
• Experience engaging public and private sector stakeholders.

4. Costing requirements

Specification of inputs

Fee days	Number of Experts ( Senior Consultant)	Number of days per Expert ( senior consultant)	Comments
Designation of Senior Consultant one (1)	1	25
Designation of Expert	1	20
Total expert days	2	45

In puts of GIZ or other actors

GIZ will provide or cover the Workshop conference logistics expenses and printing of Certificates of participation (of the workshop) .

5. 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 should be organized 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 

The complete tender must not exceed 4 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 the ToRs must be submitted using the format specified in 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 

Financial Bid; Please calculate your financial tender based exactly on the parameters in the Specification of inputs section .

6. Submission of the offers

Please submit your self-declaration of eligibility using the designated form and your technical and financial bids by 02/07/2026 in English only to RW_Quotation@giz.de.

The offer must be submitted in 2 separated emails in PFD format. The email subject line should be in the form of:

• 7000014566 -TECHNICAL OFFER This includes eligibility documents and technical proposal in two separate PDF files 

1. 700 004566- FINANCIAL OFFER in the format of price schedule provided 

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.

Details of our submission requirements are explained in the enclosed terms and conditions for application. Tenders which are submitted after the deadline, or which do not comply with the terms and conditions for application, will not be considered.

By submitting your tender, you accept GIZ’s General Terms and Conditions of Contract (in the currently valid version).

The tender documents listed below must be submitted in full and as separate documents:

• Completed self-declaration and annexes
• General administrative documents (RDB registration certificat, Tax clearance certificat and VAT certificat)
• Financial bid in the format provided (price schedule)
• Technical bid, including an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) for each expert and concept 

When preparing the financial bid, you must adhere to the requirements of the specification of inputs as set out in the Terms of Reference. The tenders received will be subject to a technical evaluation based on the CV and the concept in accordance with the technical assessment grid (see annex). Only tenders that score over 500 points in the technical evaluation will be accepted for the financial evaluation. Technical bids that fail to reach this cut-off point will be regarded as unsuitable. The technical bid is weighted at 70% and the financial bid at 30%.

7. Annexes

1. General Terms and Conditions of Contract for Supplying Services and Works 
2. Technical proposal template 
3. Assessment grid for the technical evaluation of tenders
4. Self-declaration of eligibility
5. Eligibility assessment grid
6. Price schedule

8. List of abbreviations

AG        ommissioning 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