RE-Advertise: TENDER NOTICE / REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Title of the tender: Recruitment of a Project Coordinator (Individual Consultant)

Method: Two Stage Tendering
Source of Funds: Policy and Human Resources Development Grant

Procuring Entity: Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd
Tender Notice No.: 019/C/GAH/PRC/25-26

Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd (GAH Ltd) invites eligible and qualified candidates to submit their applications for the position of Project Coordinator under the Policy and Human Resources Development Grant (PHRDG), funded by the Government of Japan through the African Development Bank.

The project supports the operationalization and Phase II development of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project (GAHP), including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, and the development of sustainable cold chain solutions. The overall objective is to strengthen agro-industrial development, enhance value chain efficiency, and reduce post-harvest losses in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including an updated Curriculum Vitae and any other relevant supporting documents, in accordance with the detailed Terms of Reference attached to this notice.

Submission Details:

Applications should be submitted in sealed envelopes to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) Head Office, located at Kacyiru. Applications will be opened in the presence of applicants who wish to attend.

The deadline for submission is 03 July 2026 at 1:00 PM (Kigali time), and the applications will be opened on the same day at 1:30 PM at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) Office.

Clarifications:

Any requests for clarification regarding this notice or the Terms of Reference should be submitted in writing to info@gah.rw

Bids will be opened and governed by the internal procurement policy and procedure manuals approved by the GAH Ltd.

Nyagatare, 11June, 2026

Aloysius NGARAMBE

Chief Executive Officer

Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PROJECT COORDINATOR – PHRDG GRANT TO GABIRO AGRIBUSINESS HUB PROJECT (GAHP) & KIVU COLD GROUP (KCG)

1. Background

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) received on behalf of the Government of Rwanda (GoR) a Policy and Human Resources Development Grant (PHRDG) valued at USD 995,000 from the Government of Japan, channeled through the African Development Bank (the Bank). This non-reimbursable grant is strategically allocated to bolster two key initiatives: the operationalization of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project (GAHP) and the Kivu Cold Group (KCG) initiative at GAHP. The specific objectives of the grant are to:

• De-risk Phase II Development: Finance essential feasibility studies and environmental and social assessments (ESAs) necessary for GAHP Phase II, aligning the development with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) framework.

• Structuring the GAHP Phase II into PPP model project: Structuring the PPP transaction structuring advisory services and development of investor promotional pitch decks

• Enhance Cold Chain Logistics: Provide technical and financial support to the Kivu Cold Group for the development and operationalization of sustainable, solar-powered cold storage and logistics solutions, thereby mitigating post-harvest losses within the national agricultural value chain.

The project will be implemented through MINGRI’s executing agency and direct grant beneficiary the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub (GAH) in a period of 12 months. GAH will oversee in collaboration with the Bank the effective delivery of all grant activities. To this end GAH wishes to recruit a Project Coordinator to support management in coordinating implementation of the different project activities. The Project Coordinator will be housed under the GAH Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

2. Objective of the Assignment

The Project Coordinator's primary objective is to oversee, manage, and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of all PHRDG-funded activities under MINAGRI/GAHP. He or she will ensure the effective and efficient delivery of all project outputs within established timelines, budgets, and defined quality standards. This role is critical for maintaining strict compliance with all relevant Bank and GoR policies and fiduciary frameworks. Ultimately, the Coordinator drives the project toward successful completion and achievement of its strategic goals.

Furthermore, the Government of the Republic of Rwanda has already requested USD 130 million in financing from the Bank to prepare the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Phase II project during 2026 and secure the Bank’s Board approval in 2027. Timely completion of all components - especially the feasibility study and environmental and social safeguard studies under this grant project - is critical to achieve this delivery target. In this context, the Project Coordinator will be a full-time staff member, dedicated solely to this project under the supervision of the CEO, GAH, to ensure timely execution of all components under this grant project.

3. Summary of Key Responsibilities of the Project Coordinator

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for leading and managing the daily coordination of all project activities across key partners. This involves preparing and maintaining core planning documents (PIP, Annual Work Plan, and Procurement Plan) and overseeing all consultants and service providers. A crucial function is ensuring effective liaison and communication between all stakeholders (GoR, Bank, KCG, and other partners). Furthermore, the role requires providing support for procurement, financial management, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), ensuring strict adherence to Bank fiduciary standards throughout project execution.

Specifically, the coordinator will be responsible for preparation of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Phase II project during 2026 and secure the Bank’s Board approval in 2027. The coordinator will lead preparation of terms of reference for all the studies stipulated under the PHRDG grant, recruitment of consultants, supervision and review of the study reports. He/she will also coordinate all Bank team preparation missions including identification mission, preparation mission and the appraisal missions. He/she will draw mission programs, confirm meeting appointments with all stakeholders, lead preparation of mission aide memoirs, project concept notes and project appraisal report for Bank approval processes. 

Core duties and scope of work for the Project Coordinator

Critical role	Key Responsibilities
Strategic Project Management	Executive Coordination: Drive and manage the daily operations and cross-functional coordination among all partners (GAHP, KCG, MINAGRI, Consultants etc.).
	Planning & Governance: Develop, maintain, and ensure strict adherence to the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), Annual Work Plans, and the Procurement Plan, collaborating closely with the PIU.
Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance	Supervision: Oversee the execution of specialized technical studies, including feasibility analyses, PPP structuring, Environmental and Social Studies, and cold chain operational plans.
	Deliverable Review: Conduct rigorous review of all technical reports and deliverables, guaranteeing alignment with project objectives and mandated quality standards.
	Integration: Ensure seamless cross-integration of the KCG cold storage solution (MoFresh) with broader GAHP activities, conforming to the SAPZ framework.
Fiduciary Compliance & Risk Management	Fiduciary Adherence: Guarantee all project activities strictly comply with Bank’s Procurement and Financial Management Frameworks and Government of Rwanda’s Procurement Rules and Regulations.
	Safeguard Compliance: Enforce adherence to Environmental and Social Safeguards and the Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System.
	Audit Support: Facilitate and support financial audits and procurement reviews, including leading the follow-up and implementation of all audit recommendations.
Monitoring, Reporting, & Communication	M&E Framework: Design and implement a robust M&E system, ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and performance tracking.
	Statutory Reporting: Prepare and submit high-quality quarterly and annual progress, financial, and procurement reports to CEO GAH and MINAGRI for eventual submission to Bank.
	Documentation & Closeout: Coordinate the preparation of the Project Completion Report (PCR) and oversee the final project audit process.
Stakeholder Management & Capacity Building	Primary Liaison: Act as the principal point of contact between GAH, Bank and the respective service providers under the project.
	Engagement: Organize and lead technical review meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations to foster buy-in and coordination.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Deliverables

The Project Coordinator is accountable for timely submission of the following high-quality outputs, critical for project governance and reporting:

Deliverable	Timeline
1. Detailed work plan & implementation schedule	Within 2 weeks of contract signing
2. Updated Procurement Plan and Budget	Quarterly
3. Timely delivery of the GAH Phase II project feasibility studies E&S studies and other studies acceptable to Bank	Quarterly Updates
4. Quarterly progress, procurement, and financial reports	Every 3 months
5. Annual Implementation Report	Annually
6. Project Completion Report (PCR)	At the end of the assignment
7. Records of stakeholder meetings and mission reports	Ongoing and at every end of each engagement
8. Audit and evaluation documentation support	As required
9. Deliver key approval documents and processes, culminating in securing Bank Board approval in 2027	At the end of the project.

5. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing complex development projects, demonstrating strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and an unwavering commitment to fiduciary compliance.

Essential Qualifications:

• Education: A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a closely related field.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience in project management, with a significant focus on development or infrastructure projects.
  • Demonstrable experience in preparing and managing projects funded by Development Partners, like the EU, Bank, World Bank; or other Bilateral Development Partners.
  • Proven expertise in managing Government Externally funded projects.
  • Experience of working with Government Institutions, as Consultant and technical assistance expert 

• Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in project planning tools, M&E frameworks, and results-based management.
  • Demonstrated ability to review and provide guidance on complex technical reports and studies (e.g., feasibility studies, PPP structures).

• Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and diplomatic skills for effective stakeholder engagement across government ministries (MINAGRI, MINECOFIN, RDB), the Bank, and private sector partners.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and build the capacity of a PIU team.

• Language: Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda (written and spoken) is mandatory. A working knowledge of French will be an added advantage

6. Award process 

a. The award process at technical stageshall follow the table below:

General criteria	Description	Marks
Educational Qualifications and Overall Suitability	Relevance and level of academic and professional qualifications, and overall alignment of the candidate’s profile with the assignment requirements.Marks details:-Relevant degree =5 marks-Professional qualification in project management such as PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Chartered Project Professional (ChPP). =5Marks-Certificate of availability :2marks	12%
Relevant Professional Experience and Technical Expertise	Demonstrated experience in managing development partners funded projects; proven capacity in coordinating technical studies, supervising consultants, and similar assignments. Marks details: Six (6) satisfactory completion certificates demonstrating successful management of development partner-funded projects of similar size, scope, and complexity within the last eight (8) consecutive years. (22 marks)  Five (5) good completion certificates in managing development projects, within the last eight (8) consecutive years. (20 marks)  Four (4) good completions in managing development parters funded projects within the last eight (8) consecutive years. (16marks)  Three (3) good completions in managing development parters funded projects within the last eight (8) consecutive years (12 marks) Two (2) good completion in managing development parters funded projects within the last eight (8) consecutive years (8 marks) One (1) good completion in managing development parters funded projects within the last eight (8) consecutive years (4 marks)	22%
Regional Experience	Knowledge of the African context, particularly experience working in Rwanda or similar environments. Marks details: Submission of two (2) satisfactory completion certificates for assignments successfully completed in EAC member state other than Rwanda. (6 marks) Submission of one (1) satisfactory completion certificates for assignments successfully completed in EAC member state other than Rwanda. (3 mark)	6%
Methodology	Quality of the methodology proposed 20 points; Demonstrated understanding of the Terms of Reference, objectives, scope of work, key challenges, and expected outputs– 5 points Quality, appropriateness, and practicality of the proposed methodology and approach for delivering the assignment– 10 points Realistic and well-structured work plan, including timelines, milestones, and alignment with expected deliverables– 5 points	20%
Interview	Interviews shall form an integral part of the technical evaluation process. Following the submission and preliminary evaluation of the technical proposals, shortlisted candidates shall be invited to attend an interview. The interview will be conducted prior to the opening and evaluation of the financial proposals and will contribute to the candidate’s overall technical score. Only candidates who achieve the minimum required technical score, inclusive of the interview assessment, shall proceed to the financial evaluation stage.	40%
Total	100%

Only consultants who achieve a minimum technical score of 80% shall qualify for the financial evaluation stage. Financial proposals of consultants who fail to attain this threshold shall neither be opened nor considered for evaluation.

For evaluation of the financial bids, GAH Ltd will use the below formula, combined scores: 

𝑆=(𝑇𝑠×𝑇𝑤100) +(𝐹𝑠×𝐹𝑤100) where: 

S=Final score 

Ts= Technical score 

Fs= financial score 

Tw = weight of technical score (80%) 

Fw = weight of financial score (20%) 

Tw + Fw = 1 

the financial score of each bidder is calculated as follows: 

𝐹𝑠=(𝐿𝐹×100𝐹𝑖)

Lf= The Lowest Proposal; 

Fi = The proposal to be evaluated. 

The minimum technical qualifying score shall not be less than 80%. If the bidders obtain the same combined scores, the tender is awarded to bidder with the lowest financial offer 

7. Eligibility

The position is open to nationals. Interested applicants are encouraged to send an updated Curriculum Vitae, as well as a full proposal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

8. Remuneration

The Consultant will receive a monthly lump sum taxes inclusive. No additional benefits or per diems will be paid. The Consultant is responsible for his/her own health insurance, accommodation and transport costs.

9. Duty Station

The indicative duty station of the consultant will be based at MINAGRI with regular travels to Gabiro Agribusiness Hub.

NB: 

1. GAH Ltd reserves the right to cancel the procurement process at any stage prior to the signing of the contract, without incurring any liability to the bidders;
2. GAH Ltd shall communicate with candidates at each stage of the selection process upon receipt of the necessary no-objection from the Implementing Unit and the Project Funder, where applicable.

Consultancy key details:

Location: Kigali, Rwanda (with frequent travel to project sites – Gabiro Agribusiness Hub).

Duration: 12 months (renewable based on performance and project needs).

Consultancy Type: Individual Consultant (Full-time).

Funding Source: Policy and Human Resources Development Grant, Government of Japan, administered by the African Development Bank.

Executing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

Project: Implementation Unit: Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project.

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