Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

Project Description

RTI International is preparing for an anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP) for a potential USAID-funded local governance program in Uzbekistan. RTI is seeking a technical consultant to support the research and preparation of their proposal response for the above-mentioned program. The consultant will also support in-country capture visits by RTI staff. The anticipated RFP release date is unknown but expected in late 2022 or early 2023.

Position Description

RTI International is solicitating the services of a consultant to support early capture and scoping for the upcoming democracy and governance USAID-funded program in Uzbekistan. The consultant will serve as RTI’s primary point in contact on the ground, will coordinate and participate in meetings, and will support logistics for RTI capture trip in country.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Reviewing key background documents, political news stories, and other research and materials relevant to the proposal effort.
• Responding to written and verbal questions to inform proposal context and design.
• Creating contact lists and summary information on key individual and organizational government, non-government and private sector stakeholders.
• Holding key stakeholder meetings and sharing summary meeting notes and commentary with a focus on identifying potential partners and to identify key challenges and recommendations to meet the objectives of the anticipated program.
• Assisting in planning one or more RTI capture trips including developing a schedule, arranging or logistics, confirming meetings, and providing a background briefing.
• Attending meetings in Uzbekistan with RTI team and participating in meeting debrief sessions.
• Participating in regular proposal design calls and strategy sessions.
• Identifying and writing out potential technical activities that may be part of the proposal.
• Conducting follow-up meetings and suggesting any other necessary follow-up actions, as necessary including securing letters of commitment, requesting additional information, and providing pricing information.
  • Reviewing proposal sections and providing written commentary or tracked change edits.
    • Identifying Uzbek experts who can be part of staffing for the future project.
    • Performing other tasks, as requested.

      A.3 Deliverables

      The Consultant shall provide RTI with the following deliverables on a schedule determined by the Capture Lead or other RTI point person:

      • Detailed technical meeting notes summarizing findings and recommendations on an agreed frequency;
      • Confirmed meeting schedule for in-country travel, with government entities , civil society and private sector, and potential subcontractors/grantees;
      • Written strategy or proposal text, as requested;
      • Proposal text reviews with comments and tracked changes;
      • Recommendations on partners;
      • Recommendations on potential staff;
      • Written responses to capture questions and pricing requests.

        A.4 LOE

        The period of performance will be from June 15, 2022 to October 1, 2022. It is anticipated that the total duration of the assignment will be 20 days (at 8 hours/day = 160 hours). No time will be paid beyond 20 days without written approval of RTI.

        Qualifications:

        • Bachelor’s degree in political science, government, civics, history, or related field; Master’s preferred.
        • 10 years’ experience, preferably with government of Uzbekistan at national or local level
        • Experience implementing and supporting donor funded projects, particularly USAID
        • Strong understanding and networks within local Uzbekistan governance sector
        • Logical and analytical thinker
        • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
        • Demonstrated ability to write reports and analytical documents in English
        • Excellent people skills, and ability to conduct interviews
        • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
        • Demonstrated ability to write reports and analytical documents in English
        • Excellent people skills, and ability to conduct interviews
        • Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines