Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology: Infrastructure Development Advisor (IDA) Post

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Infrastructure Development Advisor (IDA)
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology(MECDM)

Location: Honiara
Duration: 12 months (with possible extension based on project implementation needs)
Supervisor/Manager: Deputy Secretary Corporate (DSC) / Permanent Secretary (PS)

Background

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is advancing plans for a multi-million Solomon Islands Dollar Office Complex Project.

This initiative seeks to address the Ministry’s urgent need for a modern, resilient, and climate-smart headquarters that reflects best practices in sustainability, disaster resilience, and green infrastructure.

To support this transformative project, the Ministry is seeking an experienced Infrastructure Consultant (Expression of Interest) to provide technical expertise and guidance throughout the procurement planning phases.

The consultant will play a critical role in ensuring that the project meets national priorities, aligns with international climate and environmental standards, and delivers a facility capable of supporting MECDM’s growing mandate.

The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has allocated SBD millions of dollars in 2025 to advance the project. To ensure timely delivery, priority must be placed on completing the tender process for contractor procurement by the end of 2025, supported by strong technical oversight, transparent procurement, and robust risk management.

The Ministry requires an experienced professional who combines construction management expertise with deep knowledge of government procurement systems, contract administration, and project delivery to drive this process forward.

Rationale For Appointment

The Advisor role is designed for a professional with:

Strong qualifications in construction, project management, or infrastructure development (e.g., Master of Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Civil/Structural Engineering).

A minimum of 15 years’ senior-level experience infrastructure development, procurement, and project management in government and/or donor-funded contexts.

Proven record of leading procurement and tendering processes for high-value projects.

Ability to provide both technical project management(designs, BOQs, contracts) and strategic advisory support (risk management, phased construction, compliance).

Strong leadership and mentoring experience to build the Ministry’s long-term capacity.

Objectives of the Role

To provide expert advice and management support for the successful procurement and contract award of the MECDM Office Complex Project by end of 2025.

To ensure tendering, contract administration, and project oversight meet international best practice, SIG procedures, and accountability standards.

To strengthen MECDM’s institutional capacity in project procurement and contract management for future capital projects.

Scope of Work /Key Responsibilities

Contract & Consultant Management

Oversee and manage the contract with Kramer (design consultant).

Review and finalize technical drawings, BOQs, and specifications to ensure completeness, accuracy, value for money, and compliance with climate-smart building standards.

Advise MECCDMM on contractual obligations, risk allocation, and compliance.

Procurement &Tendering (Priority Focus)

Prepare and finalize tender documents for contractor procurement.

Lead the tendering process in line with SIG standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

Support tender evaluation and contract award, ensuring timely delivery.

Liaise and collaborate with the Central Tender Board(CTB) to ensure compliance with SIG procurement laws and timely processing of approvals.

Ensure that the contractor procurement process is fully completed by December 2025.

Strategic Advisory& Policy Support

Provide advisory notes to the Permanent Secretary and Minister on procurement risks, timelines, and project delivery options.

Recommend phased construction or alternative delivery models if required by budget constraints.

Ensure project alignment with national infrastructure policies, climate-smart standards, and compliance with SIG laws.

Capacity Building

Mentor MECDM staff on project procurement, contract administration, and compliance.

Deliver at least two training workshops for staff on procurement and contract management.

Produce a Procurement Handbook as a knowledge product for future projects.

Assign at least one junior officer to shadow the advisor during the procurement process.

Risk Management& Governance

Develop and maintain a Project Risk Register covering procurement, contractor capacity, and delivery risks.

Establish clear reporting: operationally to DSC, strategically to PS, with regular Minister updates.

Embed risk mitigation into all procurement and contract award decisions.

Deliverables

Inception Report and Work Plan (within first month).

Finalized Tender Documents Package (within 3months).

Tender advertised, bids received and evaluated (by mid-2025).

Contractor selected and contract awarded (by December 2025, in collaboration with CTB).

Quarterly progress reports (technical, risk, procurement updates).

Training workshops and Procurement Handbook (by the end of the contract).

Final Completion Report with lessons learned and recommendations.

Duration

12 months, output-linked and structured into phases:

Phase 1 (0–3months): Finalize designs and tender documentation.

Phase 2 (3–6months): Launch and complete tender process (liaising with CTB).

Phase 3 (6–12months): Contractor selection, contract award, and staff capacity building.

Extension subject to project progress and implementation needs beyond contract award.

Selection Criteria

Qualifications& Experience

Master’s in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or Civil/Structural Engineering.

At least 15 years’ professional experience in infrastructure development, procurement, and program management.

Proven record of managing procurement and tendering for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Skilled in tender preparation, consultant management, and contract administration.

Strong leadership, negotiation, and advisory skills.

Added Value

Dual expertise in construction practice and government administration.

Strong networks across SIG ministries and provincial governments.

Hands-on experience ensuring compliance with SIG procurement systems.

Ability to deliver both technical outputs (BOQs, tenders, contract oversight) and strategic advisory support.

Other Information

Amendments to the ToR may be made during implementation as required.

Advisor will work closely with MECDM, MOFT, MID, Central Tender Board (CTB), and other agencies to ensure coordinated procurement and project delivery.

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Permanent Secretary, MECCDMM

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Advisor, IDA

Date: ___________________