CONSULTANCY TO REVISE AND UPDATE THE SADC METHODOLOGICAL GUIDELINES AND HARMONISED DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS FOR DISAGGREGATED TRADE IN SERVICES STATISTICS IN SADC REGION;

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS SELECTION)

COUNTRY: Botswana 

NAME OF PROJECT:  REGIONAL STATISTICS PROJECT (RSP) 

PROJECT ID:   P175731

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: CONSULTANCY TO REVISE AND UPDATE THE SADC METHODOLOGICAL GUIDELINES AND HARMONISED DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS FOR DISAGGREGATED TRADE IN SERVICES STATISTICS IN SADC REGION; BW-SADC-563170-CS-INDV 

REFERENCE NUMBER:      SADC/3/5/2/469

DATE OF ISSUE: 2 October 2026 

The SADC Secretariat, through the Regional Statistics Project (RSP) (P175731), has received grant financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. The Project Development Objective is to strengthen the institutional capacity of SADC to produce, disseminate and use quality statistics while increasing regional harmonisation and collaboration. Under the Project, SADC is implementing Component 1: Harmonisation, Quality and Dissemination of Core Social and Economic Statistics.

In view of the above, the SADC Secretariat is undertaking several interventions aimed at strengthening the SADC Regional Statistical System (SRSS) and enhancing the production, quality, harmonisation, dissemination and use of regional statistics. These interventions include technical assistance and capacity building activities in priority statistical areas, including poverty statistics, statistical software and data processing, survey methodologies, national accounts, environment and climate change statistics, statistical communication, quality assurance and harmonised regional statistical guidelines. 

The SADC Secretariat intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant towards the consulting services to revise and update the SADC methodological guidelines and harmonised data collection instruments for disaggregated Trade in services Statistics in SADC region, in support of the objectives of the Regional Statistics Project. 

The SADC Secretariate invites submissions from suitably qualified and interested individual consultants to conduct the training, recruited as individual consultants following World Bank Procurement Regulations dated September 2023.

Title :  Individual Consultancy to revise and update the SADC methodological guidelines and harmonised data collection instruments for disaggregated Trade in services Statistics in SADC Region (1 Position)

Accountable:  Senior Officer, Research and Statistics 

Duration of Assignment:  90 Calendar Days

1. The Objectives of the Assignment 

The overall objective of this exercise is to develop practical guidelines to assist Member States for collection of disaggregated trade in services statistics.

2. Specific objectives

The specific objective of this assignment is to revise and update the current drafts of the SADC Trade in Services (TIS) practical methodological guidelines and harmonised data collection instruments to align with emerging developments in international trade in services statistics and evolving policy needs within the SADC region. In particular, the revised guidelines should incorporate the recommendations obtained from international organizations and experts from Member States, which will be shared with the consultant. 

3. Expected results

The consultant is expected to achieve the following results in the following chronological order:

1. Final version of SADC Trade in Services practical methodological guidelines and harmonised data collection instruments validated.

4. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

This assignment is expected to be carried out by a consultant with in-depth knowledge in trade in services statistics.  The specific profile is provided below:

Qualifications and Skills

1. A minimum of a Degree in statistics, economics or related field. A Master’s degree and above shall be an advantage.

General Professional Experience

1. The Consultant must have at least 15 years of specific experience in undertaking and managing statistical functions in the area of statistics, in particular on external sector statistics.

Specific Professional Experience 

2. At least ten (10) years’ experience in collection, production, and dissemination of SITS at national/international level. 

   1. Experience in the conduct of foreign affiliates surveys and practical experience on using the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services 2010 (MSITS 2010), Balance of Payments Manuals up to version 6 (BPM 6) and Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS); 

   2. Demonstrated experience in the development of SITS guidelines and tools at national/international level; 

   3. Experience in undertaking at least one (1) technical assistance/capacity building in the area of SITS in developing countries, preferably in Africa, as a resource person. 

3. Duration of the assignment

The Individual Consultant will be recruited for 90 Calendar Days.

6. Facilities to be provided by the Client 

       No facilities will be provided since the assignment will be done remotely.

7. Location of Employment

The assignment is commissioned by the SADC Secretariat based in Gaborone, Botswana. However, this Assignment will primarily be executed through desk research and virtually. Therefore, there will be no travelling to the SADC Secretariat offices in Gaborone, Botswana.

8. 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” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

9. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

10. Mode of Application

Interested Individuals Consultants meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of interest, including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates in a written format using a drag and drop electronic tender box by Wednesday, 21st October 2026 on or before 00:00 hours, Botswana local time. No public opening will be heard.

SADC Collab Link: https://collab.sadc.int/s/cEqHMqFtYzeFb9H 

Kindly note that only highly technically scored bidder will be contacted for negotiations meeting.

11. VALIDITY OF THE TECHINICAL PROPOSAL

Your Technical proposal should be valid for a period of 90 calendar days from the date of deadline for submission.

12.  Additional requests for information and clarifications can be made through the address below:

The Procuring entity: SADC Secretariat

Head of Procurement Unit 

Telephone: +267 364 1989 / 3951863

Fax: 3972848

E-mail: mmikuwa@sadc.int 

Copy to: djagai@sadc.int or tchabwera@sadc.int