Firm to Support DECE for managing Child Care Centers

Kingdom of Cambodia Nation Religion King

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) Cambodia Basic Education Improvement Project (BEIP)

Trust Fund Grant No.: TF0C8816-KH

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST For Selection International Firm to Support MoEYS Childcare Centers Operations

Ref: MoEYS-BEIP-CQS-003

I. Background The Cambodia Basic Education Improvement Project (BEIP) was approved by the Board of Directors of the World Bank on August 29, 2025. The Project is funded by an International Development Association (IDA) Credit of US$100 million equivalent and an Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund of US$5 million. It is expected to be implemented over a 5-year period starting in November 2025 and ending in December 2030. The project development objective is to improve learning outcomes in primary education. The project is now seeking an International Firm to Support MoEYS Childcare Centers Operations . The selected firm will provide end-to-end technical assistance to the Department of Early Childhood Education (DECE) for the establishment, operation, and sustainability of 60 childcare centers under the Basic Education Improvement Project, delivering high-quality services for children aged 3 months to 3 years and establishing a foundation for nationwide expansion. II. Contract Duration The Firm will be contracted for an initial period of Twelve (12) months from the contract signing date, with the possibility of extension depending on satisfactory annual performance, the needs of the project, and fund availability. The results of performance reviews will be discussed by the Procurement Review Committee (PRC) when considering contract extensions. III. Scope of Work The selected international firm will support DECE across key operational areas, including:

Start-Up Support: Phased rollout planning, center design, layout, equipment recommendations, and procurement guidance.

Human Resources & Training: Developing job descriptions, pre-service and induction training modules, coaching master trainers, and mentoring center staff.

Operations & Management: Formulating a comprehensive Operations Manual and establishing administrative, financial, M&E, and safeguarding protocols.

Community Engagement: Building strategies for parent involvement and community trust.

Health, Safety, & Nutrition: Establishing dietary guidelines, sanitation protocols, and pre-opening safety audits.

Sustainability & Capacity Transfer: Institutionalizing pre-service childcare training at the Preschool Teacher Training Center (PSTTC) and guiding long-term scaling strategy.

IV. Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required The consulting firm should meet the following organizational qualification and experience criteria: Organizational Experience: At least 10 years of organizational experience in designing, establishing, and managing childcare programs for children aged 3 months to 3 years, including large-scale start-up of childcare or preschool centers. Institutional Support Experience: Demonstrated experience with at least two (2) projects in providing institutional support to/for government agencies (preferably Ministries of Education or equivalent bodies) in developing and operationalizing childcare or early learning services. Systems & Training Development: Proven track record with at least two (2) projects in developing operations manuals, staff training packages, and quality assurance systems for early childhood programs. Community Engagement: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in engaging communities and parents to strengthen trust, participation, and sustainability of childcare services.

Regional Experience: Prior work experience with at least two (2) projects in Cambodia or Southeast Asia is highly desirable.

Skills, Qualification and Experience Required is as shown in the Term of Reference. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. V. How to apply The Cambodia Basic Education Improvement Project (BEIP), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, invites expressions of interest from eligible consulting firms ("Consultants") to indicate their interest in providing the Services. The Firm will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualifications Selection (CQS) / World Bank Procurement Regulations for Borrowers under Investment Project Financing (IPF) dated July 1, 2016, revised September 2023, and the Kingdom of Cambodia's Updated Procurement Manual for all Externally Financed Projects/Programs, promulgated pursuant to Sub-Decree 74 on Promulgating the Updated Standard Procedures for Implementing all Externally Financed Projects/Programs, dated December 2019, and is open to all eligible consultants as defined in the guidelines. In submitting their expressions of interest, interested consulting firms are kindly requested to provide their organization profile, proof of legal status/registration, and detailed project references demonstrating their capacity and experience in similar assignments. Interested firms can obtain the detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment from http://moeys.gov.kh/en/procurement/ or can be obtained via QR code as shown and the Google form link. https://forms.gle/12BZqRW337x2Hb9w8 Expressions of interest must be submitted to the address below by email or hard copy during office hours from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 17:30 hours , Monday through Friday, except public holidays., no later than 07 September 2026 before 17:30 hours: (Cambodia local time) For further inquiry how to apply or you cannot log in to the above online platform, you can contact us at: Project Procurement Unit, Cambodia Basic Education Improvement Project (BEIP), Ministry of Education Youth and Sport (MoEYS). Address: 2nd Floor, Street 380, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang I, Khan Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phone: [contact details removed]/ 23 726 757, Email: [contact details removed], and copy to [contact details removed],

Website: https://moeys.gov.kh/en/p