Acción Contra el Hambre

As part of the EU-GEPP funding programme budget, up to 3 projects have been selected to be grant funded under the programme. The intention is to complete the feasibility stage of the projects development process and progress towards the procurement phase of a solicited PPP contract between a private party and the local government unit (LGU).  All of these LGU’s have undergone basic training on the PPP code of the Philippines and will be supported by the PPP center of Philippines and Expertise France as the development partner.

Expertise France is therefore seeking to appoint a professional and suitable joint-venture company or a corporation internationally or nationally registered with a pool of experts with the relevant competencies and expertise to conduct one to three detailed feasibility studies for the establishment of solid waste management for 3 local government units (LGUs) in order to provide solutions to manage waste disposal and diversion challenges that are currently faced by the 3 municipalities. These Feasibility studies will provide a comprehensive assessment of the project’s viability, covering financial, technical, legal, institutional, environmental and social aspects.              

The 3 selected projects are based in Mindanao region and details about the precise location would be Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, and Zamboanga City.

1. General objective 

The objective of the assignment is to support 3 selected pilot local government units (LGUs) in charge of waste services in the structuring and development of the PPP of the solid waste management infrastructure projects; by conducting detailed Feasibility studies and facilitating the establishment of commercially viable projects in solid waste management PPP, which may also serve as reference for other LGU’s in the country

1. Specific objectives

The technical support will be carried out via knowledge sharing, seminars, trainings, technical studies and LGU’s ’ team mentoring on the operationalizations of the projects. 

Specific objectives are:

• §  Technical support to pilot projects: Determine the technical feasibility of establishing municipal solid waste management projects including waste composition, processing technologies and site suitability
• §  Financial viability: Assess the financial viability, including cost estimates, revenue models and funding mechanisms
• §  Legal, Institutional and regulatory compliance: Evaluate legal and regulatory compliance, taking into account PPP framework, environmental authorizations as well as municipal regulatory frameworks and requirements
• §  Risks analysis: Analyze the potential environmental and social impacts and risks, ensuring sustainable and inclusive project design, as well as key risks (technical, financial, political, environmental) and propose mitigation strategies
• §  Stakeholder engagement: To ensure alignment with local needs
• §  PPP Structure recommendation: Analyse and assess optimum PPP structure by assessing risks using the Generic Preferred Risks Allocation Matrix (GPRAM) and ensuring GEDSI integration in project implementation that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all individuals, regardless of gender, disability, or social status.
• §  Procurement: Develop the necessary documentation for procurement of the project. 

1. Planned activities

The service provider must support the implementation of Output 2 interventions in line with the overall work plan and defined methodology in order to perform the following activities:

Part I: Inception report 

The service provider must prepare an Inception report containing, among others, a detailed plan of approach, methodology and work plan covering a two-months initial period and taking into consideration key findings (e.g. critical issues to be addressed) from a first review of all existing documentation including project concept notes, solid waste management plans among others and covering the first field mission. 

• Activity 1: Field mission and inception report

A first field mission as well as Inception Report should be produced with the following information:

• Review of LGU’s Project concept Notes, Site Mission reports and checklist, and other LGU supporting documentation and data gap analysis,
• General Project Information and Objectives
• Performing a regulatory mapping exercise as per RA11966
• Key observations and recommendations for the implementation of the Feasibility Study schedule and Activities
• Set up of the Document Control and Database management system

The Document Control System shall ensure systematic creation, review, approval, version control, storage, retrieval, archiving, and disposal of Project Documents; provide a single source of truth for all Project Documents; maintain a complete and auditable record of document revisions, approvals, and access history.

The Database Management System shall: support role-based access rights and permissions; allow controlled data sharing and collaboration between Project Participants; be compatible with commonly used industry platforms and file formats; enable data export in non-proprietary formats upon request by the Authority.

• Full project management and organization information (organizational chart)
• Inception mission key findings, including confirmation of Plan of Approach, Methodology and Feasibility Study Project Schedule with clear Critical Path Milestones outlined. A separate Log for Issues and Recommendations is to be included.
• Draft Monitoring and Evaluation Framework including data collection and alignment with LGUs from inception meetings 
• Cost Breakdown/Payment Milestones and detailed reporting in the next 12 months

Part II: Feasibility study 

The scope of the feasibility study will take into account the pre-feasibility Project Concept Notes that have been produced by the LGU’s including the Technical Checklists, Site Mission Reports and other supporting documentation provided by the LGU. The consultant is to update the information, incorporate into the Feasibility Study Document Control and Database System and fill the necessary gaps in alignment with the Philippines PPP Code and Guidelines (Republic Act No. 11966) including the following phases: 

• Activity 2: Situational analysis

The service provider will conduct an in-depth analysis/study into the current state of waste management across the selected municipalities including the description of available infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions and producing a mapping of the study area. 

The analysis must quantify the waste generation, recycling, and disposal while assessing the capacity of existing municipalities and barangays. This includes an assessment of quantities and types of waste that are generated in the areas accounting for seasonality and a wholly representative sample from within the waste generation and collection areas. The assessment of the existing facilities (both municipal and private) and a description of the services that are provided for the collection, minimization, reuse, recycling and recovery treatment and disposal of waste is developed. Financial and human capital including waste infrastructure and equipment will also be listed and analyzed.

Furthermore, the service provider will benchmark these findings against national and international best practices to establish a clear baseline.

The service provider must analyse and recommend optimum PPP Structure by assessing risks using the Generic Preferred Risks Allocation Matrix (GPRAM) and ensuring GEDSI integration in project implementation that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all individuals, regardless of gender, disability, or social status.

• Activity 3: Needs analysis

Building on the situational analysis, the service provider will perform a Needs Analysis to define the project's scope and ensure it aligns with local and national policies. 

This activity includes: 

• Projecting future waste generation rates based on population growth and industrial activity, existing and future planned waste policies such as EPR legislation (The EPR Law in the Philippines, Republic Act No. 11898)
• Assessing existing financial resources, including historical, present and forecasted budgets for the full value chain of waste collection and management, including capital and operational costs for landfill operations, logistics and human resources, 
• Identifying all current sources of revenue received by the LGU from waste operations, including, amongst others, National Government budget allowances, waste collection fees from residential and commercial tariffs, recyclable material recovered,
• Identifying service delivery gaps, 
• Conducting a Cost-Benefit Analysis and test if the solution has Value for Money to society in socio-economic terms, 
• Reviewing the institutional arrangements in the municipality, including human resources and capacities to develop and implement the project, review of related asset registry and third party service providers, based on the results of consultation of key stakeholders for the project, including informal waste workers and other community service organisations and non-governmental organisations. (The IA’s commitment and capacity must be outlined by establishing the numbers and cost of existing institutional staff that will be affected in each solution option, conducting a skills and experience audit, and establishing the key human resources requirements for the development and implementation of the project)

The result is a comprehensive SWOT analysis that identifies the requirements the solid waste management project must meet to serve the community effectively.

• Activity 4: Project Due Diligence (Legal, Environmental, Health and Safety)

The Service provider performs a rigorous due diligence process to uncover any legal, financial, or technical issues that could impede project closure. 

This includes verifying: 

• Legal requirements for the project including necessary licensing/permitting requirements, 
• Review procurement legislation and outline necessary approvals for PPP processes
• Land tenure review (land ownership and site acquisition risk)
• Environmental compliance 
• Socio-economic issues. 

• Activity 5: Technical feasibly assessment 

This critical phase involves several technical studies. 

• First, the service provider performs a waste characterization study to determine the composition, calorific value, and seasonal variations of the waste stream. 
• Simultaneously, a site selection exercise is conducted to identify potential locations based on proximity to waste sources, landing availability, zoning regulations and geological stability, accessibility to utilities and environmental sensitivity. A preliminary geotechnical and hydrological assessment on the preferred site will be conducted. 
• The service provider will deliver a technology assessment which evaluates and benchmarks various waste processing technologies (such as Material Recovery Facilities, Composting, or Waste-to-Energy, Landfilling) to recommend the most suitable mix in terms of efficiency, costs and environmental impact based on waste composition and local conditions, whilst always applying the principles of adoption of a Circular Economy and the waste hierarchy.
• Finally, a conceptual engineering design for the project is developed, including layout, utility and human resource requirements, and pollution control measures, amongst others. This will include a functional and reference basic design with key design requirements and cost estimated data that will feed into the financial model including asset maintenance and operation of the project concession term.

• Activity 6: Solutions options analysis 

The service provider will identify and weigh various technical and financial options for delivering the project. This involves assessing each option’s advantages, risks, and financial impacts through a matrix approach including:

• Alignment of each solution with the concerned LGU,
• Preliminary view of financial impacts, affordability, payment mechanism and funding models,
• Previous discussions with the LGU and other key stakeholders, and solutions analysis for the impact of each option on the socio-economic aspects, 
• Possible technology services and advanced technologies and their potential, 
• Compliances with all local and national relevant legislation and regulations, whilst also aligning to global best practices and regulations,
• Number and estimation of existing institutional staff and estimate of the number of new jobs opportunities
• Private-sector value drivers and main financial and operational constraints companies might face in participating to this project.

The analysis must consider how different technologies might stimulate economic productivity and ensure the project remains commercially viable and attractive to the market, focusing on PPP method to deliver value for money compared with a conventional procurement choice. 

It should examine other spin-off effects and development benefits derived from the project, such as reduced air pollution, improved safety, and energy efficiency attributable to the installation of the project. 

• Activity 7: Service delivery analysis 

This deliverable focuses on how the project should be managed. The service provider evaluates both internal and external service delivery mechanisms, reviewing options previously considered by the municipalities to recommend the most efficient model for the execution of the SWM project. 

• Activity 8: Market and stakeholder analysis 

To ensure the project is bankable, the Service provider conducts market sounding exercises through meetings with private sector players including local communities, junk shops and buy back centers, community service organisations and non-governmental units active in the sector, and industry benchmarks to capture the potential investor’s perspectives of the project.  

This task should also analyze the demand for recycled materials or energy in the LGU, and identify potential off-takers and competitors. 

• Activity 9: Value and risk assessment

A core component of the feasibility study is the comparative assessment of procurement choices. The TA constructs a Public Sector Comparator (PSC)and a PPP reference model to determine which approach offers better Value for Money. 

This involves developing a detailed financial model, including CAPEX and OPEX estimations, revenue stream projections (gate fees, sale of recovered materials, energy sales or carbon credits) and land acquisition costs, operations and maintenance as well as tariff modeling.

A comprehensive risk matrix to allocate costs and responsibilities between the public and private sectors. The cost estimates shall be based on the outcome of the previous deliverables, based on historical data and quotations received from suppliers and similar projects and international suppliers. 

The construction of the PPP reference model will be done by: 

• Confirming the type of PPP and contractual arrangement options (or assess the proposed contractual arrangement)
• Describing the processed PPP project structure and funding sources, closely linked to the project type including aspects of whether the project is most suitable for project or corporate finance funding and likelihood of raising debt and equity, and testing market appetite specific project risks, 
• Developing the core components of the payment mechanism, 
• Incorporating full project life cycle costing, maintenance and operating costs, 
• Calculating and consolidate all costs, 
• Constructing the PPP reference model and explaining all assumptions and indicators. 

An initial Value-for-money test, conducted with the prescriptions of Republic Act (RA) No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines, should: 

• Define in terms of cost, price, quality, quantities and risk transfer or a combination thereof by comparing conventional procurement with a PPP reference model, 
  • Conduct an analysis and estimate the projects NPV, IRR and weight average cost of capital (WACC) which shall be computed on an after-tax-basis in real terms using constant prices, 
  • Convert the cost estimates and financial projections from nominal to real terms, 
• Prepare a Financial Model (Sponsor and Lender case), including Income Statement, Balance Sheet and cash flow Forecasts, highlighting clearly all assumptions made
• Recommend the procurement choice
• Verify the information used and sign off in the feasibility study

• Activity 10: Economic and socio-economic impact analysis 

The service provider evaluates the project’s broader impact on the local economy using a social accounting matrix. Key tasks include assessing: 

• The project’s contribution to GDP, estimation of the economic internal rate of return (EIRR), and the economic valuation of environmental impacts. The assessment of EIRR shall be guided by generally accepted benchmarks for economic viability of public investments, consistent with the principles under the PPP Code and its IRR and relevant national appraisal guidelines, recognizing that acceptable thresholds may vary depending on sectoral context and the project’s social and environmental benefits.
• A sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of changes in project costs, energy quantities, recyclable sales and how implementation delays affect the economic outcome. 

The study must focus on several key developmental pillars:

• Prioritizing skills transfer, talent development, and human capacity building, aligned to GEDSI inclusion
• Assessing the project's role in local manufacturing, industrialization, and the transformation of spatial land-use.
• Specifically measuring contributions to job creation, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
• Providing decision-makers with a view of the project's potential to drive technology transfer and productivity improvements

Activity 11: Stakeholder engagement analysis with project structuring – Stakeholder Engagement Plan

In addition, the service provider shall provide a Stakeholder Engagement plan and perform an in-depth analysis of each of participating organisations involvement in the project (Stakeholder Engagement Study), including the public and private sectors and formulate an appropriate project structure based on the participating LGU, including regulatory requirements, funding and operating model. It shall assess the following: 

• Job creation opportunities vs potential displacement of informal waste workers, 
• Opportunities for youth, women and disabilities in waste management, 
• Waste and salaries; 
• Community benefit-sharing 
• Activity 12: Draft Procurement and Project Implementation plan 

The service provider develops a detailed roadmap for the project’s rollout, including a Procurement Plan that sets out timelines and strategies for the SWM projects. The service provider is tasked with developing a plan that demonstrates the municipality have the necessary budget and capacity to undertake the procurement. This plan must explicitly set out the timelines, processes, and strategies for the bidding phase.

The service provider must develop a Procurement plan demonstrates that the implementing agency has the capacity, resources, and governance mechanisms to carry out the PPP procurement process. At minimum, it should include:

• Project Timeline & Milestones: Clear schedule from project preparation to approval and contract implementation
• Budget Confirmation: Proof of sufficient funds allocated to support the project through procurement and implementation.
• Risk Management: Identification of potential challenges with strategies for mitigation.
• Procurement Approach: Best practices and procedures tailored to the project’s type and structure.
• Governance & Decision-Making: Defined processes for institutional oversight and approvals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Identification of stakeholders and their role in the PPP process.
• Project Team: Clear assignment of functions and responsibilities.
• Information Disclosure: Categories of data to be shared with bidders and how these will be prepared.
• Approvals: List of required internal and external authorizations.
• Detailed Schedule (e.g., GANTT Chart): Covering procurement documentation, land acquisition, environmental studies, and related approvals.
• Contingency Planning: Measures for deviations in budget or timeline.
• Bid Evaluation: Defined process and evaluation teams.
• Quality Assurance: Systems for reviewing procurement documentation.
• Audit Trail: Mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Integrity Safeguards: Security, confidentiality agreements, anti-corruption measures, and conflict-of-interest declarations.

An Implementation Plan will outline every step from financing and civil works to equipment procurement and synchronization, providing a tentative schedule of milestones including: 

• Outlining the steps for financing, facilities management, civil works, construction, and the procurement and synchronization of equipment and furniture’s
• Establishing a tentative timeline for when key milestones should be achieved.
  • Providing a detailed methodology explaining how the requirements of the Scope of Work will be achieved systematically. This includes an activity plan that specifies:
  • The approach (how tasks will be done and by whom).
  • -      The specific project resources required.
  • -      An itemized budget breakdown directly linked to the expected deliverables.

                    Activity 12: Final Procurement Strategy and Procurement Plan

The service provider should incorporate the outcomes of stakeholders consultations, which are to be carried out in line with PPP Center guidelines. The identified stakeholders may include facility users. The team are responsible for : 

• Identify consultation needs and prepare data collection tools
• Conduct consultations with stakeholders 
• Synthetize their feedback and propose recommended revisions, 
• Review and present the existing draft of the Porcurement strategy and plan

                 Activity 13: Draft Bid Documents and Concession Agreement

Based on previous results and recommendations, the consultant will draft a complete set of bid documents and the concession agreement in line with the applicable national PPP Code. The bid documents will define the procurement structure, eligibility criteria, evaluation methodology, risk allocation, and key contractual obligations. The concession agreement will translate the agreed structure and risk distribution into a binding contractual framework between the LGU and potential private partners.

The expert will : 

• define the procurement approach, 
• prepare draft bidding documents, including instructions to bidders, evaluation criterai, draft technical schedules, and transation timelines, 
• develop the draft concession agreement, including key schedules and annexes 
• Ensure consistency between the bid documents and the concession agreement.

• Activity 14: Draft of Feasibility Study 

All findings are compiled into a high-quality, comprehensive Draft Feasibility Study Report. This report must be accompanied by an executive summary and a PowerPoint presentation for the project decision-makers and Steering Committee members. 

• Activity 15: Final feasibility study 

After an initial period of review and consideration of comments from the project's technical team and the Project Steering Committee provided within 45 days, the completion of the study will be managed by the service provider and conclude with a close-out meeting with the submission a Final Feasibility Study Report, summarizing the assignment's outcomes and handing over all project property. 

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Geology, Civil engineering or Geotechnical engineering. 
• At least 5 years of professional experience in geotechnical engineering, including soil investigations and foundation design for infrastructure projects; 
• Experience with landfill or environmental infrastructure is preferred.
• Experience in Philippines is required.

Qualifications and skills 

• Strong knowledge of PPP models, public procurement mechanisms, and waste management infrastructure projects  
• Have conducted feasibility assessments and financial/economic analyses of infrastructure projects,
• Strong communication and facilitation experiences in delivering trainings, workshops, and technical assistance.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes, including public authorities, private sector actors, and development partners.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required and local Philippines languages preferred – (required for the social engagement expertise)

General professional experience 

• At least ten (10) years of experience in providing consulting services for large infrastructure projects and/or building construction. 
• Proven experience in advising local government units (LGUs) or public agencies on waste management strategies, PPP project structuring, and policy development.
• Experience in technical capacity building, including the design and facilitation of workshops, seminars, and peer-learning events.
• Experience in working with international donors and public-sector institutions on infrastructure or waste management projects.

Specific professional experience

• At least 5 years of direct experience in solid waste management infrastructure projects, including experience with projects with a CAPEX worth over €10 million
• Previous experience in similar or infrastructure projects in the past 5 years    with preference for projects undertaken and aligned with the Philippines PPP Code
• Experience in supporting or advising national or local PPP Implementing Agents municipal authorities, or public institutions on PPP project identification, design, or implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in the integration of informal waste workers (IWW) into municipal solid waste management systems is an asset.
• Experience working in the Philippines, Europe or Southeast Asia is strongly preferred. 

Remuneration and Payment Modalities. The Consultant’s remuneration shall be commensurate with their experience, technical expertise, and the complexity of the assigned materials. Applicants are required to submit a detailed financial quotation indicating proposed daily rates and/or per-output rates, as applicable. Payments shall be made on a per-output basis and shall be processed only upon the submission, review, and formal acceptance of agreed deliverables. Approved payments shall be processed within fourteen (14) working days from receipt of complete billing documentation and satisfactory validation of outputs by Action Against Hunger.

Work Modality and Location. This is a hybrid engagement. The Consultant must have a stable and reliable internet connection and the flexibility to work outside standard hours when required to meet short turnaround timelines and project deadlines.

Delays and Quality Assurance. In the event of delays attributable to the Consultant, Action Against Hunger reserves the right to apply liquidated damages equivalent to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the gross monthly contract value for each calendar day of delay, or, where applicable, one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the relevant time-based rate. Liquidated damages shall be capped at a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total contract value. All services and deliverables must meet the quality, accuracy, and professional standards of Action Against Hunger, which reserves the right to reject or request revisions to any outputs that do not meet these standards.

Equipment, Compliance, and Insurance. The Consultant shall provide all equipment necessary to carry out the consultancy, including laptops, recording devices, mobile phones, and internet connectivity. All outputs must comply with Action Against Hunger’s Branding and Visibility Guidelines and organizational policies, including those on Data Protection, Safeguarding (PSEA and Child Protection), Gender Equality, and related compliance frameworks. The Consultant is engaged as an independent contractor and is solely responsible for securing and maintaining any required insurance coverage at their own expense. Action Against Hunger shall not be liable for any injury, accident, loss, damage, or incident incurred by the Consultant in the performance of their duties, whether on-site, off-site, or during travel related to the assignment.