TERMS OF REFERENCE: LEGAL SERVICES FOR SPARK RWANDA
1. CONTEXT
Spark is an independant non-profit organisation founded in 1994 with its headquarter in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The organisation has been active and operating in Rwanda since its registration in the country in 2011. So far, SPARK Rwanda has successfully implemented a number of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programmes in Rwanda. Based on the positive impact, lessons learnt and networks built, SPARK is keen to continue supporting local partners in Rwanda through enterprise development.
2. ABOUT THE ASSIGNMENT
SPARK is seeking to engage a local law firm to provide legal expertise as needed both in its operations and program implementation.
3. SCOPE OF THE WORK
The Consultant will:
a. Represent SPARK on any legal proceedings.
b. Draft or review Agreements and Contracts with staff, SPARK Stakeholders, and Partners both in the public and private sector ensuring that they are correct. (SPARK key partners include financial institutions).
c. Provide legal assistance in the process of contract negotiations, legal endorsement of performance guarantees or any other guarantee and signing of contract/grants/investment agreement.
d. Provide legal assistance against any litigation arising out of SPARK’s daily business affairs or during contract, grant, or investment administration
e. Interact on behalf of SPARK with relevant government authorities as and when required about contractual, commercial, corporate, and legal matters
f. Provide legal opinion and advice on operational aspects such as any changes in regulation and laws regarding employment, taxes, and other fields relevant to the work of SPARK in Rwanda.
g. Provide direction and support to SPARK in the settlement of any disputes.
4. Timing and Deliverables
The firm will be contracted for a period of one-year renewable based on mutual consent.
Deliverables include:
a. Legal opinions
b. Progress reports on cases/matters being handled.
5. Eligibility Criteria
a. Reputable local legal firm specialising in corporate, commercial, employment law
b. Relevant professional experience – at least 10 years’ experience
c. Registration certificate of the law firm with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
d. A valid copy of Tax Clearance Certificate
e. Must be registered and an active member of the Rwanda Bar Association with good standing.
6. Format of bids
The technical proposal of no more than 10 pages (excluding annexes) should include the following details:
- The firm’s proposed approach in delivering on the tasks outlined on the Scope of Work (SOW).
- Profile of the firm outlining recent experiences on assignments of a similar nature;
- Names and Curriculum Vitae (CV) of personnel proposed (CVs can be annexed)
- References from the firm’s clients for similar assignments accomplished (can be annexed)
The financial proposal; bidders should quote daily fee rates including overheads and taxes and should be in Rwandan Francs.
The successful legal service provider shall be contracted on a retainer basis.
7. Evaluation criteria
| Technical evaluation criteria | Weighting |
| Past experience of the firm in providing legal services as sought by SPARK to local and international organizations in Rwanda both in private and public sector including financial institutions. | 30 |
| Relevant professional experience and qualifications of proposed team | 20 |
| Proposed approach to the Scope of Work | 10 |
| Responses and recommendations from at least three organizations (one in the financial sector | 10 |
| Total Technical Proposal | 70 |
| Total Financial Proposal | 30 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
How to apply:
Interested firms should apply through the email address rwanda@spark-online.org with a clear Subject line TERMS OF REFERENCE: LEGAL SERVICES FOR SPARK RWANDA no later than 5 pm Central African Time (CAT) on 16th December 2021.
