Practical Advisory Services for the Improvement of Social Inspection Activities

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Country: The Republic of Uzbekistan

Implementation Agency: National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Name of Project: “Innovative Social Protection System for Inclusion of Vulnerable People” (INSON)

Financing Agreement No. 7555-UZ / Grant Agreement No. TF C4589-UZ

Assignment Title: Practical Advisory Services for the Improvement of Social Inspection Activities.

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): UZ-INSON-CS-QCBS-2.1.1.2.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Innovative Social Protection System for Inclusion of Vulnerable People (INSON) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Consulting Services (“Services”) include the development and implementation of an enhanced system of state oversight, monitoring, and evaluation in the field of social protection in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Consultant shall provide technical assistance to the National Agency for Social Protection and the Social Inspection in developing a unified oversight methodology, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), monitoring and evaluation tools, and recommendations for improving the regulatory and legal framework.

The assignment will include the review of international best practices, the introduction of risk-based and digital oversight approaches, the development of data analytics and artificial intelligence-based solutions, the training of Social Inspection personnel, and support for the pilot implementation of the new oversight system in selected regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

All activities shall be carried out in accordance with international standards in the field of social protection and shall support the ongoing social protection reforms of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The overall duration of the assignment is six (6) months.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following link:

https: //docs.google.com/document/d/1birP8bR5iYo4z5JNTRC28VlYFFhPTtHa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104755491226149341341&rtpof=true&sd=true

The National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information (including description of relevant assignments and references from previous clients) demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: General Experience

At least 10 years of consulting experience in public administration, social policy, social protection, or related fields. Experience in implementing technical assistance projects financed by international organizations (World Bank, United Nations, European Union, UNDP, UNICEF, ADB, and others). Experience working in Central Asian, Eastern European, or other countries with similar social protection systems will be considered an advantage.

Specialized Experience in Oversight and Inspection Activities

At least three successfully completed projects involving the reform, analysis, or improvement of state oversight, supervision, inspection, or regulatory systems in the social sector, public administration, or related fields. Experience in developing regulatory and methodological documents, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), checklists, oversight procedures, service standards, and monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Experience in institutional analysis and the delineation of responsibilities among government agencies. Experience in piloting newly developed methodologies under real-world conditions in collaboration with government institutions.

Experience in Social Protection and Social Services

Demonstrated experience in the provision, regulation, or oversight of social services for vulnerable population groups, including older persons, persons with disabilities, orphans, survivors of violence and human trafficking, low-income families, and other vulnerable groups. Knowledge of international standards and best practices in social service delivery, protection of service users’ rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. Experience working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and non-state social service providers.

Experience in Training and Capacity Building

Experience in designing and delivering training programs for civil servants, inspectors, and social sector professionals. Experience in developing training and methodological materials, including manuals, presentations, and practical guidance tools. Experience in evaluating training effectiveness through pre-training and post-training assessments.

Experience in Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence

Experience in developing concepts and recommendations for the digitalization of oversight and supervisory activities, including risk-based approaches, analytical platforms, and early warning systems. Knowledge of personal data protection principles and the ethical application of artificial intelligence in public administration will be considered an advantage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality- and Cost- Based Selec