TERMS OF REFERENCE
Title:
CONSULTANCY TO DELIVER WORK PLAN FOR IMPROVING INFORMATION FLOWS WITHIN THE
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET FOR BELIZE, DOMINICA, GRENADA, GUYANA, JAMAICA, ST.
VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Reference Number: CTCP/6.1/C300/2013/CONS2
BENEFICIARY MEMBER STATES
Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and
Tobago
1. BACKGROUND
The Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have responded to the
economic challenges of globalisation and trade liberalisation by deepening the integration
process through the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
In January and June of 2006, twelve Member States of the Caribbean Community declared
that they had completed the required steps to comply with the requirement of the Revised
Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing the Caribbean Community including the CSME
(Revised Treaty), which was signed in 2001
The Revised Treaty establishes the legal basis for the CSME as defined in Article 1 of the
Treaty. The article provide that the CSME means, “the regimes established by the provision
of this Revised Treaty, replacing Chapters Three through Seven of the Annex to the Revised
Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community and Common Market, signed at Chaguaramas
on 4th July 1973.”
One objective, in accordance with Paragraph 2(a) of Article 78 is the “full integration of the
national markets of Member States of the Community into a single, unified and open
market area”. Other provisions related to the regulatory/administrative practices, procedures
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and processes that have a direct bearing on the effectiveness of operation of the five core
regimes are included in Articles 34 (b), 35, 37 (3)(b), 44 (1)(b), 78 (2), 133 (5), 116 (8), 170
and Article 76 Role of Public Authorities.
The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) continues to be a work in progress.
Extensive actions have been taken by participating Member States to establish the legal and
institutional arrangements for a functioning Single Market. It is also envisaged that the market
arrangements would be supported with some degree of harmonisation of economic and
social policies agreed by Member States.
The benefits from the establishment and operation of the CSM would not materialize in the
interest of the stakeholders unless action is taken to secure these benefits. According to the
Revised Treaty, CARICOM nationals are entitled to establish businesses; provide services;
move capital in accordance with the specific provisions applying to those areas and related
areas under the Revised Treaty. Additionally, “CARICOM skilled nationals” have the right to
travel, live and work in a CSME Member State of their choice.
Integration of this nature requires the implementation and/or extensive reform of legislation
and the regulatory, procedural and administrative arrangements to operate the CSM by the
various institutional and public sector entities. In addition, appropriate systems need to be
established, and education and advocacy need to be undertaken, to ensure that stakeholders
and beneficiaries have access to and participate in the various markets. The reforms are
intended to achieve this improved access.
Under the provisions of Article 23 and 24 of the Revised Treaty, the CARICOM Secretariat,
as part of its mandate from the Community undertook a number of interventions in Member
States to further the implementation of the CSME. One of its interventions is the CARICOM
Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP) funded by the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) under a Contribution Arrangement in 2008 between the
CARICOM Secretariat and the Government of Canada.
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One component of the CTCP calls for widening the scope of participation by stakeholders
and beneficiaries in the process of decision-making, implementation and operation of the
CARICOM Single Market. This component assists in giving expression to Article 26 of the
Revised Treaty which calls for a consultative process which is necessary to enhance the
decision making process in the Community. Without the necessary infrastructure and
stakeholder buy-in of the Single Market processes and operations, there would be no benefits
to be derived.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government have also called for increased
awareness activities for the CSME and research efforts within the Community revealed the
need for public education to be more enhanced, focused and specific to targeted audiences.
Current State of Affairs and Interventions Done in Awareness Building and Public
Education
Member States have given effect to the CSME by incorporating the Revised Treaty into their
domestic law by virtue of the Caribbean Community Act. Alongside the creation of law there
is the need for a robust set of communications and information processes which are critical to
creating the awareness of the laws. Member States for the most part are responsible for
educating their citizens on national policy and law which especially create a new dispensation
in terms of living and accessing a Caribbean reality. However the most recent impact
assessment of CSME public education was presented in late 2010 and revealed that
approximately 60% of almost 4500 respondents had knowledge of the CARICOM Single
Market and Economy (CSME). The study revealed that “…official sources about the CSME
were often inadequately supplied with material that can be shared with the public…”
The following regional initiatives have been done:
(i)
The development of research and diagnosis in defining the market and messages
for rural communities and labour stakeholders;
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(ii)
Training for media and youth stakeholders;
(iii)
Development of a website with social media tools and capacity for content areas
for Member States;
(iv)
Research with recommendations on improving monitoring and reporting on CSME
implementation;
(v)
A practical diagnosis from exposure to the Single Market in operation by tertiary
students from 12 Member States;
(vi)
Publication of booklets on: the Right of Establishment; Social Security within
CARICOM; Movement of Capital; Consumer in CARICOM; Free Movement: Travel
and Work; a CARICOM Handbook for Schools; Competition Commission;
Competition Policy and Law in CARICOM;
(vii)
Advertising campaigns;
(viii)
Country outreach programmes
What remains to be done?
The full and efficient functioning of the CSME requires Consolidation of the implementation
and operation of the CARICOM Single Market
This involves elements of the Built-in agenda such as government procurement, contingent
rights and electronic commerce; strengthening the regional labour market through the
establishment of a CSME labour market information system, improving the framework for
immigration entry and stay throughout the Community; developing the regime for the rights
of establishment through the creation of a Single Jurisdiction for the establishment of
companies; developing the framework for regulating competition and protecting consumers.
All of these areas involve development of the institutional environments and the creation of
systems and procedures to facilitate management and administration at the national level.
Each State needs to introduce regulatory and administrative reforms - consistent with
changes in the legislation that permits access and market entry. These reforms must be
developed within a harmonized framework across all Member States. To do this, the
intervention must enable introduction of new and reform/modification of existing processes,
practices and procedures, which have an impact on the administration of the CSME.
Ultimately the changes/reforms must result in effective services to the Public. The creation of
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these reforms and the continued access to operations within the Single Market must be
connected to awareness and information flows thereby ensuring the participation by
stakeholders and beneficiaries.
While there is an overall CSME public education programme which involves continued
targeted interventions on the operations of the Single Market, there is now need for the
following:
1. The development or enhancement of information flows and channels to express the
Single Market operations, regulatory systems and arrangements;
2. The building of capacity at the national level to sustain information flows and channels;
3. The development of communication products to gain stakeholder buy in is now critical.
As the messages of the Single Market focus on how to operate within a given
structure, stakeholders and beneficiaries are required to understand and participate in
the decision making process. This can only be done through education and awareness
to stakeholders such as the non-state actors;
4. Continued monitoring and evaluation of awareness processes.
2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE, PURPOSE AND EXPECTED RESULTS
2.1 Overall Objective
The overall objective of the Project is to contribute to the deepening of Regional Integration
and in particular to achieve consolidation of the CSME.
The aim of the CTCP is to create more and better opportunities for the people of the
CARICOM region to participate in and benefit from the introduction of the CARICOM Single
Market and Economy (CSME).
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The overall objective of this Consultancy is to provide for a greater flow of information,
including through sustainable channels for distribution of information on regional integration
that facilitates increased participation by stakeholders and beneficiaries.
2.2 Purpose
Component 300 seeks to strengthen the capacity of Member States so that citizens can
better understand the CSME processes including improved harmonized, regulatory and
administrative systems that would enable beneficiaries of the CSME to access their rights
and thus the use of the various CSME arrangements that have been established for the free
movement of Goods, Services, Capital, Skills and the right of Establishment.
This consultancy will facilitate implementation of the recommendations outlined in the country
reports and work plans developed under WBS 311.1 and 311.2 which identified
communications structures and products for improving information channels and flows.
2.3 Expected Overall Impact/Results of Component 300
Increased understanding and greater participation in implementation of the CSME by nonstate actors in the Region
3. ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS
3.1 Assumptions underlying the implementation of Phase II activities
-
Members States support the information channels developed to ensure
sustainability;
-
Prompt approval by relevant decision-making authorities at the national
levels for execution of training;
-
Member States provide necessary resources to support Implementation;
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-
Action taken by stakeholders at the national level is timely
3.2 Risks
Full completion of stated outcomes relies on factors outside this project:
(i)
Political conditions and Economic Climate in the CSME;
(ii)
Difficulties with Member States capacity to implement.
4. Scope of Work
4.1.1 General Description of Assignment
This project involves the contracting of a firm or consortium to assist the CARICOM
Secretariat to implement activities set out in National Work Plans/Technical Action Plans for
each CARICOM Member State in accordance with these terms of reference. The consultant
will in particular be required to identify and recruit a set of experts who will prepare required
documentation, visit the Member States, meet with government and non-government
stakeholders, and in consultation with them plan and organize delivery of technical
assistance , training and other services .The activities to be performed by the consultant must
achieve the following ;
Result 1: Short Term Technical Assistance
Delivery of short term technical assistance to bolster the capacity within
the CSME focal point Ministry and involves coordination of result areas and the
delivery of some activities. This assistance will also be specifically responsible for
producing some of the channels which will be sustained at the national level. These
are at least ten Work Site Meetings per Member State; regular press releases;
creation of content for csmeonline.org. The worksite meetings should focus on the
following CSME regimes and areas among others:
a) Free movement of skills/persons;
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b) The Right of establishment;
c) Free Movement of services;
d) The movement of capital;
e) The free movement of Goods
f) The regional Government procurement framework;
g) The CARICOM Complaints Procedure;
h) Recommendations for harmonized standards, practices and procedures for access
to the CSME
Result 2: Spokespersons Training
Delivery of a training module and training to build capacity for stakeholders and
beneficiaries. This session will see at least thirty persons including the CSME Focal
Point and persons from CSME Line Ministries being exposed to training for creating
and enhancing the flow of information via presentations to stakeholders.
Result 3: Media Training
Delivery of a module and training to at least twenty media workers in each Member
State on the operations of the CSME and professional training specific to the craft. The
sessions are recorded for future editing.
Result 4: Schools CSME Education Programme
The review and delivery of a training module and national training seminars on the
CSME and influencing curricula. These seminars will expose at least 30 educators in
each Member State to the CSME and tools for teaching the operations of the CSME in
classes. There should be further development of activities and material linked to the
curricula and syllabi for CXC and CCLC, Social Studies, Cape Caribbean Studies. The
training should provide information and approaches to developing more open attitudes
to regional integration and the CSME aimed at building awareness of and accessing
opportunities for young people.
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4.1.2 Geographical area to be covered
Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines,
Trinidad and Tobago
4.1.3 Target Groups
(i)
Ministries such as: Finance, Trade, Education, labour, Immigration, Customs,
Investment, Tourism;
(ii)
Statutory Bodies such as Bureau of Standards, Accreditation Bodies, Social
Security Bodies, Coalition of Services Industries;
(iii)
Other Government Institutions performing CSME functions;
(iv)
Media workers, private enterprise, labour, youth, Non Governmental Organsations
Administrative departments and units within Government Ministries, statutory bodies and
non-state institutions involved in the administrative process relating to the specific regime will
be targeted:
5.
I.
METHODOLOGY FOR DELIVERY OF ACTIVITIES
Inception Phase
The Consulting Team would be required to meet with the CSME Unit of the CARICOM
Secretariat in order to clarify issues regarding project implementation. The Consultant would
be required to submit an Inception Report to the CSME Unit that speaks in detail about the
proposed schedule and methodological work plan to execute and complete consultancy.
The Consultant will be required to review a number of relevant documents to inform the
inception report, which include, but are not limited to the following:
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Core Documents
-CTCP Component 300 Country Studies (2009-2011) for Belize, Grenada,
Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
-Work Plans for Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
-
Impact Assessment Report on CSME Public Education (2010);
-
CSME Schools Resource Kit;
Additional Documents
-
Report on The Appraisal Of The State of Implementation of The
CARICOM
Single
Market
Arrangements
mandated
by:
The
Conference of Heads of Government of The Caribbean Community
-
Interim Report for CISP/CSME/R1/6.1/SER09.10- Consultancy to
Upgrade and Install Best Practices in Two Member States (Antigua and
Barbuda, and Suriname)
-
The CTCP Reports for Component 100: The Harmonisation and
Standardisation of Administrative Practices and Procedures; and
Component 200: Enhancing the Effective Functioning of the Services
and Labour Markets through Standardised Licensing Certification and
Mutual Recognition of Licenses and Certificates.
-
The Frame Work Regional Integration Policy
(FRIP) on Public
Procurement for Government;
-
Studies and reports on the Free Movement of Skills;
-
Studies and reports on the Free Movement of Services and the Free
Movement of Capital
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II.
Implementation Phase
a. Engagements in Member States
1) Establish contact and a working relationship with the CTCP National
Coordinator and other officials in the Ministry with responsibility for
coordinating project implementation.
2) Engage key stakeholders in the Line Ministries such as the Ministry of
Education in the individual Member States
3) Present Work Plans and facilitate confirmation
4) Agree to work schedule for delivery of technical assistance
5) Initiate and complete each activity set out in Section 4.as required by these
terms of reference.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
The Consultant would be required to report to the contracting agency, the CARICOM
Secretariat. The Consultant would be required to produce and submit the following reports
throughout the life of the consultancy:
-
Inception Report
-
Mid -Term Progress Report
The Consultant would be required to submit this report to the CARICOM
Secretariat at the half way point of the consultancy. The Consultant is
expected to provide a status update on the activities completed and
outstanding and also submit documentation regarding expenditure.
-
Final Report
-
The Consultant would be required to submit and present this report to the
CARICOM Secretariat at the end of the consultancy. The Consultant is
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expected to provide a status update on the activities completed and also
submit documentation regarding expenditure.
These reports are to be submitted and presented to the CARICOM Secretariat for
consideration and approval.
7. Project Implementation Timeline
Period of Implementation
The maximum period of implementation is 5 calendar months commencing on the date
agreed between the contracting agency and the consultant. Within this period the consultant
must complete all of the work and submit the final report two weeks before the end of the
period of implementation.
The indicative timetable for the work is as follows:
Sub-
Products
Work
component
All
Assignment
Days
1. Inception Report
2. Report to include:
-
detailed Work
5 days
Lead
Communication
s Specialist
Implementation Plan
-
Training Programmes
3. Budget:
-
Equipment costs for
recording any
assimilation exercises
during training;
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324 –
Determine and
prepare
appropriate
information
dissemination
formats and
publications
322- Promotion
and adoption
by national
stakeholders
1. Short Term Technical Assistance
100 Days
to deliver in Jamaica and Belize:
-
Lead
Communication
Coordination and
s Specialist
logistics of at least ten
worksite meetings in
each Member State;
-
Development of CSME
awareness plan for
Belize
-
Coordination and
logistics of
spokespersons and
media training;
-
Creation of structural
and development plan
for the Government
Information Service in
Belize as a channel
and information
generator for CSME
Information Flows
-
Coordination and
logistics for CSME
Education Programme
in Schools;
-
development of content
for csmeonline.org;
324 –
Determine and
prepare
appropriate
2. Short Term Technical Assistance
to deliver in Guyana:
-
100 Days
Communication
s Officer 1
Coordination and
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information
dissemination
formats and
publications
322- Promotion
and adoption
by national
stakeholders
logistics of at least ten
worksite meetings;
-
Coordination and
logistics of
spokespersons and
media training;
-
Coordination and
logistics for CSME
Education Programme
in Schools;
-
national CSME public
education strategy for
the Ministry of Foreign
Trade and International
Cooperation ;
-
development of
content for
csmeonline.org;
324 –
Determine and
prepare
appropriate
information
dissemination
formats and
publications
322- Promotion
and adoption
by national
stakeholders
3. Short Term Technical Assistance
100 Days
Communication
to deliver in Dominica, Grenada
s
and St. Vincent and the
Officer 2
Grenadines:
-
Coordination and
logistics of at least ten
worksite meetings in
each member State
-
Coordination and
logistics of
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spokespersons and
media training in each
member state;
-
Development of CSME
Public Awareness
Campaign Plan for
Grenada
-
Coordination and
logistics for CSME
Education Programme
in Schools;
-
national CSME public
relations and education
strategy for Dominica;
-
development of
content for
csmeonline.org;
4. Short Term Technical Assistance
to deliver in Trinidad and Tobago
-
100
Communication
s Officer 3
Coordination and
logistics of at least ten
worksite meetings in
each member State
-
Coordination and
logistics of
spokespersons and
media training;
-
Coordination and
logistics for CSME
Education Programme
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in Schools;
-
development of content
for csmeonline.org;
5.
331 – Prepare
core of
national
trainers
332 – Execute
Training
Programmes in
12 Member
States
1. Spokespersons and Media
75 days
Training
Lead Expert
Communication
15 travel
s Specialist
days,
30 fee
days,
30 per
diem days
323 – Design
and/or improve
information
channels
321Preparation of
Individual
Country
Technical
Implementation
and
Operational
Plans
332- Execute
Training
Programmes in
12 Member
States
1. The development of content and
323 – Design
and/or improve
information
channels
321Preparation of
Individual
Country
Technical
1. CSME Education Programme in
15 days
messages for the worksite
Trade and
Commerce
meetings and teacher training.
15 fee
Guidance and advice on Trade in
days
Specialist
Goods, Movement of Services,
Right of Establishment, Movement
of Capital and other regimes and
projects for the operating of the
Single Market
35 days
Curricula
Schools. The delivery of training
8 travel
Development
activities in Jamaica, Belize and
days
Specialist 1
Trinidad and Tobago with at least
26 per
two workshops each in Jamaica
diem days
and Belize. In Jamaica and Belize
26 fee
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Implementation
and
Operational
Plans
332- Execute
Training
Programmes in
12 Member
States
one workshop should be done in
days to
the capital and another population
review,
centre
develop
and
deliver
module in
collaborati
on with
Ministry of
Education
and other
Stakehold
ers
2. CSME Education Programme in
35 Days
Curricula
Schools. The delivery of training
to deliver
Development
activities in Guyana, Dominica,
module in
Specialist 2
Grenada and St. Vincent and the
collaborati
Grenadines
on with
Ministry of
Education
and other
Stakehold
ers
1. Preparation and Submission of
3 days
Lead Expert-
Progress Report to CARICOM
Communication
Secretariat
s Specialist
1. Submission and presentation of
5 days
Lead Expert-
Final Report upon completion of
Communication
Consultancy to the CARICOM
s Specialist
Secretariat
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TOTAL WORK
DAYS
573 Days
8. CONTACTS
The CARICOM Secretariat CSME Unit will be responsible for management and coordination
of this project.
Project organisation will consist of the following structures:

The Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration will retain policy
oversight for the project as part of the CTCP and will report the performance of the
project to Executive Management.

Day-to-day supervision of the activities of the Project is the responsibility of the
Programme Manager, CSME;
Support will be provided by:
1.
2.
3.
The Senior Project Officer, Technical action Services Unit
The Senior Technical Officer, CTCP
Administrative Officer, CTCP
9. Budget
The maximum budget available for this consultancy is CAD$394,838.00.
10. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Key expert 1: Communications Specialist (Team Leader) the team leader will be
responsible for overall project coordination, facilitating the spokespersons training; media
training; creation of structural and development plan for the Government Information Service
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(GIS) in Belize as a channel and information generator for CSME Information Flows; and
bolstering coordinating capacity within the Focal Point Ministry in Belize and Jamaica.
Qualifications and skills
At least a first degree in Mass Communications, Media, Journalism, Marketing, Public
Relations or related field
General professional experience
At least ten years experience in a mass communication environment, advertising agency or
public relations firm
Specific professional experience
At least five years experience in developing messages and delivery strategies including
workshops/seminars on Caribbean development issues
Key expert 2: Communications Officer: who will be responsible for bolstering the capacity
in the CSME Focal Point Ministry in Guyana; delivering work site meetings; coordinate the
logistics for all training; uploading content to csmeonline.org;
Qualifications and skills
At least a Diploma in mass communications, media, journalism, marketing, public relations or
related field
General professional experience
At least five years experience as a senior staff in a media house; Government Information
Agency or Advertising Agency;
Specific professional experience
At least three years experience developing and delivering communications products
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Key expert 3: Communications Officer: who will be responsible for bolstering the capacity
in the CSME Focal Point Ministry in Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
development of a public awareness campaign plan for Grenada; delivering work site
meetings; coordinate the logistics for all training; uploading content to csmeonline.org;
Qualifications and skills
At least a Diploma in mass communications, media, journalism, marketing, public relations or
related field
General professional experience
At least five years experience as a senior staff in a media house; Government Information
Agency or Advertising Agency;
Specific professional experience
At least three years experience developing and delivering communications products
Key expert 4: Communications Officer: who will be responsible for bolstering the capacity
in the CSME Focal Point Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago for delivering work site meetings;
coordinate the logistics for all training; uploading content to csmeonline.org;
Qualifications and skills
At least a Diploma in mass communications, media, journalism, marketing, public relations or
related field
General professional experience
At least five years experience as a senior staff in a media house; Government Information
Agency or Advertising Agency;
Specific professional experience
At least three years experience developing and delivering communications products
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Key expert 5: Trade and Commerce Specialist: who will be responsible for researching
and developing the content for the worksite meetings and other input from the CSME regimes
and projects.
Qualifications and skills
At least a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
General professional experience
At least eight years experience in public administration relating to the business aspects of
Government Trade;
Specific professional experience
At least three years promoting business and trade on behalf of Government as a consultant
or public servant
Key expert 6: Curricula Development Specialist: who will be responsible for reviewing and
updating module and facilitating training session for educators in Belize, Jamaica and
Trinidad and Tobago.
Qualifications and skills
At least a degree in education or equivalent qualification in education theory and methods,
General professional experience
At least five years as a teacher trainer
Specific professional experience
At least three years experience assisting teachers to use curricula creatively.
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Key expert 7: Curricula Development Specialist: who will be responsible for reviewing and
updating module and facilitating training session for educators in Guyana, Dominica,
Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Qualifications and skills
At least a degree in education or equivalent qualification in education theory and methods,
General professional experience
At least five years as a teacher trainer
Specific professional experience
At least three years experience assisting teachers to use curricula creatively.
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