Phytosanitary Risk Management Consultant
SELECTION FOR CONSULTANTS BY THE WORLD BANK
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
Assignment Title: 1118964 - Western Balkans Trade Logistics Project - Phytosanitary Risk Management Consultant
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
Assignment Title: 1118964 - Western Balkans Trade Logistics Project - Phytosanitary Risk Management Consultant
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The Western Balkans Trade Logistics (WBTL) Project aims to reduce regulatory and administrative barriers to cross border trade in the region through more streamlined export, import and transit procedures; closer and more harmonized inter-agency cooperation in country and between countries, improved data exchange and risk based controls, and wider use of electronic systems for trade-logistics related processes.
The WBTL Project conducted a thorough analysis and mapping of the procedures applied to imports of food and products of animal and plant origin in the Western Balkans region. It has been identified that one of main challenges for trade logistics is frequency of physical examinations, sampling and laboratory testing of products subject to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls. The main reason for such practice is the insufficient use of risk management by SPS inspection authorities, which results in unnecessary delays and additional cost to businesses, especially during import. Another important aspect is the need for streamlining coordination between customs and SPS agencies during the clearance process.
The Western Balkans Trade Logistics (WBTL) Project aims to reduce regulatory and administrative barriers to cross border trade in the region through more streamlined export, import and transit procedures; closer and more harmonized inter-agency cooperation in country and between countries, improved data exchange and risk based controls, and wider use of electronic systems for trade-logistics related processes.
The WBTL Project conducted a thorough analysis and mapping of the procedures applied to imports of food and products of animal and plant origin in the Western Balkans region. It has been identified that one of main challenges for trade logistics is frequency of physical examinations, sampling and laboratory testing of products subject to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls. The main reason for such practice is the insufficient use of risk management by SPS inspection authorities, which results in unnecessary delays and additional cost to businesses, especially during import. Another important aspect is the need for streamlining coordination between customs and SPS agencies during the clearance process.
OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK
The objective of this work is to provide hands-on assistance to SPS agencies in selected countries in the region for practical implementation of the actions for integrating and applying the risk-based approach in the SPS controls in international trade. Implementation of the envisioned tasks and activities will lead to higher effectiveness and efficiency of risk analysis and risk management by the border SPS inspection agencies, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of SPS controls and thereby speeding up the clearance process.
The objective of this work is to provide hands-on assistance to SPS agencies in selected countries in the region for practical implementation of the actions for integrating and applying the risk-based approach in the SPS controls in international trade. Implementation of the envisioned tasks and activities will lead to higher effectiveness and efficiency of risk analysis and risk management by the border SPS inspection agencies, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of SPS controls and thereby speeding up the clearance process.
The scope of work will include the following specific tasks and activities:
1. Tailor made practical trainings on integration of the risk-based approach to SPS inspections in international trade:
1.1. Workshop(s) on practical methods and tools for designing and implementing risk based SPS inspection for the border SPS inspection agencies:
1. Tailor made practical trainings on integration of the risk-based approach to SPS inspections in international trade:
1.1. Workshop(s) on practical methods and tools for designing and implementing risk based SPS inspection for the border SPS inspection agencies:
- Introduction to Risk Analysis
- Food safety and phytosanitary control systems from a statistical view
- Relevant elements of import control regulations for products of animal and plant origin
- Sampling planning
- How to build an import control system
- Application of risk based approach in SPS controls
2. Integration of the risk-based approach to SPS inspections in international trade:
2.1. Establishing a conceptual basis for risk based controls, based on international best practices, which will include:
2.1.1. Assistance in designing a Strategy Paper/Action Plan on integrating risk based SPS inspection in international trade
2.2. Review of appropriate laws/regulations/rules where necessary, to enable the introduction and implementation of risk-based inspections involved in trade
2.2.1. Review of laws/regulations/rules to identify need for amendments, where necessary (it should be noted that the existing legislation in the SPS area already introduces the risk based controls and any amendments to the existing legislation should be made in order to have more precisely defined processes, following the agreement with the line Ministry)
2.3. Improvement of information/data collection, analysis, transfer and utilization practices necessary for effective risk based controls
2.3.1. Evaluating structure and scope of data sets currently stored at available databases and providing recommendations regarding the use of existing databases, their improvement and creation of new databases
2.3.2. Review current information gathering methods including from BCPs, terminals and other locations
2.3.3. Identify feedback/reporting lines and forms used
2.3.4. Design and adopt information collection templates which capture all information required and allowing quick and simple transfer to risk analysis system
2.4. Establish the necessary framework for risk assessment, including:
2.4.1. Establishing a comprehensive set of risk indicators for identification of risks
2.4.2. Analysis and categorization/classification, and evaluation of risks, in terms of their likelihood and consequences
2.4.3. Based on the above, development of risk profiles, prioritization of risks, range and levels of control
2.4.4. Review, revision and finalization of SOPs/Guidelines for inspectors for effective risk based inspections, as well as monitoring, reviewing and updating risk profiles, to define:
2.1. Establishing a conceptual basis for risk based controls, based on international best practices, which will include:
2.1.1. Assistance in designing a Strategy Paper/Action Plan on integrating risk based SPS inspection in international trade
2.2. Review of appropriate laws/regulations/rules where necessary, to enable the introduction and implementation of risk-based inspections involved in trade
2.2.1. Review of laws/regulations/rules to identify need for amendments, where necessary (it should be noted that the existing legislation in the SPS area already introduces the risk based controls and any amendments to the existing legislation should be made in order to have more precisely defined processes, following the agreement with the line Ministry)
2.3. Improvement of information/data collection, analysis, transfer and utilization practices necessary for effective risk based controls
2.3.1. Evaluating structure and scope of data sets currently stored at available databases and providing recommendations regarding the use of existing databases, their improvement and creation of new databases
2.3.2. Review current information gathering methods including from BCPs, terminals and other locations
2.3.3. Identify feedback/reporting lines and forms used
2.3.4. Design and adopt information collection templates which capture all information required and allowing quick and simple transfer to risk analysis system
2.4. Establish the necessary framework for risk assessment, including:
2.4.1. Establishing a comprehensive set of risk indicators for identification of risks
2.4.2. Analysis and categorization/classification, and evaluation of risks, in terms of their likelihood and consequences
2.4.3. Based on the above, development of risk profiles, prioritization of risks, range and levels of control
2.4.4. Review, revision and finalization of SOPs/Guidelines for inspectors for effective risk based inspections, as well as monitoring, reviewing and updating risk profiles, to define:
- uniform procedures by all inspectors detailing all actions undertaken by inspectors from the aspect of risk management (manner of entering/recording relevant data or completing forms in the information system/databases/reports)
- recommendations for ‘follow-up’ procedures for recording of inspection control results and improvement of the “importers in offence” history track
- amendments to the job descriptions, roles and responsibilities to facilitate risk analysis, if necessary
- needs assessment for additional training of inspectors (computer literacy and implementation of risk management procedures), if necessary
3. Practical assistance in piloting/implementing an effective risk-based SPS inspection system
3.1. Piloting and methodic introduction of risk based inspection (sampling) program, including determination of reasonable rates of levels of physical examination (sampling and testing) with due consideration given to health and safety protection
3.2. Monitor and review results for better understanding the effects of implementing risk-based controls
3.3. Where appropriate create new risk profiles or adjust the existing ones based on the results of monitoring
3.1. Piloting and methodic introduction of risk based inspection (sampling) program, including determination of reasonable rates of levels of physical examination (sampling and testing) with due consideration given to health and safety protection
3.2. Monitor and review results for better understanding the effects of implementing risk-based controls
3.3. Where appropriate create new risk profiles or adjust the existing ones based on the results of monitoring
DELIVERABLES/SPECIFIC OUTPUTS EXPECTED
All proposed task and activities under this assignment should be completed within five months. The specific deliverables under this assignment will include the following:
1. 2-day workshop on risk based SPS inspection
Time: To be organized within 1 month of inception of work.
2. Strategy Paper/Action Plan on integrating risk based SPS inspection in international trade
Time: To be completed within 1.5 months of inception of work.
3. Review of appropriate laws/regulations/rules, with recommendations, where necessary, for amendments or design of new regulations
Time: To be completed within 3 months of inception of work
4. Matrices with lists of risk indicators, categorization/classification and evaluation of risks, in terms of their likelihood and consequences.
Time: To be completed within 2.5 months of inception of work.
5. Risk profiles and recommendations for prioritization of risks (with list of priority goods, and goods for immediate piloting, where applicable).
Time: To be completed within 3 months of inception of work.
6. SOPs and instructions for inspectors for conducting inspections, and for the operation of monitoring and risk profile updating procedures.
Time: to be completed within 4 months of inception of work.
7. Testing the work or pilot implementation of the designed risk-based SPS inspection system.
Time: to be completed within 5 months of inception of work.
All proposed task and activities under this assignment should be completed within five months. The specific deliverables under this assignment will include the following:
1. 2-day workshop on risk based SPS inspection
Time: To be organized within 1 month of inception of work.
2. Strategy Paper/Action Plan on integrating risk based SPS inspection in international trade
Time: To be completed within 1.5 months of inception of work.
3. Review of appropriate laws/regulations/rules, with recommendations, where necessary, for amendments or design of new regulations
Time: To be completed within 3 months of inception of work
4. Matrices with lists of risk indicators, categorization/classification and evaluation of risks, in terms of their likelihood and consequences.
Time: To be completed within 2.5 months of inception of work.
5. Risk profiles and recommendations for prioritization of risks (with list of priority goods, and goods for immediate piloting, where applicable).
Time: To be completed within 3 months of inception of work.
6. SOPs and instructions for inspectors for conducting inspections, and for the operation of monitoring and risk profile updating procedures.
Time: to be completed within 4 months of inception of work.
7. Testing the work or pilot implementation of the designed risk-based SPS inspection system.
Time: to be completed within 5 months of inception of work.
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED
The WBTL Project is currently looking for the Consultant for Serbia, but will consider expanding similar work to other Western Balkans countries.
The Phytosanitary Risk Management Consultant must have the following key qualifications:
The WBTL Project is currently looking for the Consultant for Serbia, but will consider expanding similar work to other Western Balkans countries.
The Phytosanitary Risk Management Consultant must have the following key qualifications:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in plant health protection or related field. Master/PhD in the stated areas will be considered an advantage.
- Minimum of 15 years of post-graduate experience in the areas of plant health protection or safety of food of plant origin, including relevant experience with border controls of products of plant origin. Working experience in the EU member state in phytosanitary/food authorities or border phytosanitary inspection agencies would be preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of EU food and plant related legislation, Codex Alimentarius and IPPC rules, in particular legislation and rules governing international trade and controls of products of plant origin.
- Experience in and knowledge about the relevant regulatory/institutional environment in the Western Balkan region will be an advantage
- Additionally, the selected Consultant must also have the following experience and skills:
- Statistical analysis and quantitative and qualitative forecasting
- Training experience with quantitative modeling
- Risk profiling, categorization/classification and prioritization of risks
- Risk communication
- Decision analysis and risk management
The Consultant must be proficient in English, have excellent communication and analytical skills, be proficient in report drafting and have excellent presentation skills.
INDIVIDUAL / FIRM PROFILE
The consultant should be an individual.
The consultant should be an individual.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB.
Interested consultants are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through World Bank Group eConsultant2 (https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html)
NOTES:Selection and contracting will normally be made from responses to this notification. The consultant will be selected from a shortlist, subject to availability
The World Bank now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB.
Interested consultants are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through World Bank Group eConsultant2 (https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html)
NOTES:Selection and contracting will normally be made from responses to this notification. The consultant will be selected from a shortlist, subject to availability
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