Expression of Interest (EoI)
Consultancy To Conduct A Technical Upgrade And Partner Capacity Building On The Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (Cama) Prototype For Building Valuations In Rwanda
Introduction
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. GIZ has worked in Rwanda for over 30 years. The primary objectives between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany are poverty reduction and promotion of sustainable development. To achieve these objectives, GIZ Rwanda is active in the sectors of Decentralization and Good Governance, Economic Development and Employment Promotion, Energy, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

I. Context
Rwanda began its ambitious decentralization reform in 2000 and has since secured a number of important milestones in administrative and territorial organisations as well as an overall contribution to rising levels of access to service delivery, improved social cohesion and internal stability. Nonetheless, despite the notable progress made, there are some challenges to be addressed to ensure successful implementation of decentralization reforms and improved service delivery. Despite the growing role of the districts in delivering services, the resources they generate as well as those made available to them by the central government remain insufficient.

Similar Jobs in Rwanda
Learn more about Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) jobs in Rwanda

In 2018 in one significant attempt to contribute particularly to the ability of local governments to generate own source revenues, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) adopted Law No. 75/2018 Determining the sources of revenue and property of decentralized entities. The law entered into force in 2019 and despite some challenges particularly with respect to the accompanying ministerial orders setting fee parameters, the law still remains the backbone of revenue generation for local entities. Among others, the most notable change was the unification of land lease fees and immovable property tax into a single (albeit composed of the same 2 components) property tax.

GIZ has been supporting the GoR in the development of a prototype CAMA system building on a conceptual model elaborated upon by the International Growth Centre (IGC) together with the World Bank. As of December 2021, a final reiteration of the prototype using machine learning to pinpoint the most determinant variables that predict the market values was developed and presented to the beneficiaries. In addition, a dashboard to visualize the results was also finalized. The CAMA prototype relies heavily on a vast and diverse set of data including satellite imagery. A set of follow up activities were outlined in consultation with the partners. The purpose of this assignment is to support this follow up as outlined below.

II. Objectives Of The Assignment
The overall objective of the assignment is to reiterate a simplified version of the model based on the findings of the machine learning-based approach and to ensure that the beneficiaries (RRA and MINECOFIN) have the technical capacity to replicate and interpret the model. The purpose is to ensure that GoR has the technical knowhow to manage the model prior to its further expansion beyond the pilot area and application as a means to validate self-declarations by taxpayers and/or in the longer term be used as the main tool to determine an appropriate tax rate of buildings.

Specific objectives are:
• To have a simpler final prototype of the pilot area which can be fully and continuously replicated by GoR
• To build the capacity of the main users of the model, specifically RRA and MINECOFIN (and any other potential key users) to both technically replicate the model and use its findings for compliance and tax policy formulation purposes
• To ensure that the likely impact of applying the model is well coordinated with ongoing initiatives of other GoR Institutions and Development Partners (DPs) including for instance in the area of urbanization, urban planning, land use planning, expropriation and other relevant fields of work.
• To support the DGG programme in ensuring the results of the CAMA development process are well integrated into ongoing cross-cutting planning process on which GIZ provides advice to GoR, including in the framework of the Fiscal Decentralization Joint Action Planning.
•
III. Scope Of Work
The consultant or team of consultants shall work alongside three main support areas. Firstly, they shall use the existing model and data sources used to develop and validate a simpler model which can be easily replicated by users and beneficiaries (the GoR). It is expected that this will be done primarily through desk work but close consultation particularly with RRA will be necessary. Secondly, the consultant shall provide up to 2 capacity building events/trainings to the relevant beneficiaries on the technical aspects of the model as well as the analytical implications of its results. Finally, the consultant, jointly with DGG will follow up on relevant discussions in the various GoR and DP fora to ensure that the CAMA work is well aligned with other ongoing initiatives that have a direct bearing on its future use or outcomes (such as World Bank projects in the area of urbanization, policy discussions on the status, roles and responsibilities of secondary cities and other local governments vis-à-vis revenue collection, land use planning, etc.). The consultant or team of consultants shall work in close cooperation and under strategic supervision of the DGG team management and RRA.

IV. Expected Deliverables
1. A simplified CAMA prototype (informed by the latest self-declared data to be provided by RRA)
2. An updated dashboard to visualize the results of a simplified CAMA as compared to self-declared data
3. A detailed reporting documenting a step-by-step guide to the process of replicating the simplified prototype
4. Facilitation of up to 2 capacity building events for beneficiaries
5. Monthly reports with brief updates on policy developments in areas of work with direct bearing on the CAMA work or the use of its outcomes
6. A final technical report (to be approved by GIZ) which should include at least:
• An executive summary of the rationale for the assessment, the approach and methodology applied, the main results
• An assessment of the implications of the model and a meaningful proposed way forward for the expansion of the model beyond the pilot area
7. Regular debriefs (up to 3) with DGG and partners (RRA and where applicable MINECOFIN) on the progress of work

V. Assignment Duration
The assignment will be accomplished in a period of 70 days and must be completed by 30.11.2022.
Working days Number of days
Reviewing existing documentation 2
Obtaining, preparing and analysing the latest self-declared property tax data to be shared by RRA 5
Development and validation of a simplified model 25
Updating dashboard to visualize CAMA model results against latest self-declared data 5
Step-by-step report on the model development 5
Preparation and Facilitation of up to 2 capacity building workshops 10
Monthly progress reports 3
Debriefing meetings with DGG and partners 5
Participating in meetings and documenting their results on cross cutting issues with a bearing on the CAMA prototype or its use 6
Final Report 3
Integrating comments by GIZ and partners on final report 1
TOTAL 70

VI. Reporting Requirement
The consultant will work in close collaboration with a technical team composed of delegated persons from GIZ and partners and will be under the direct supervision of a staff member from GIZ. It is expected that the consultant reports on a bi-weekly basis verbally and briefly (30 mins) to the technical team of GIZ and that he/she is in close contact with his direct supervisor from GIZ and counterparts in the GoR. All written reports shall be produced in the English language.

VII. Profile Of The Consultant
At least Master’s degree in Geography combined with Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Public Financial Management or similar with a demonstrated experience of using geodata for taxation purposes.

VIII. Required Skills And Experience
The consultant must fulfil the following skills:
1. Strong technical skills in the use of complex data (particularly geodata) with a minimum of 10 years of working experience in the field
2. Proven experience in applying GIS in the field of property taxation
3. Proven experience in developing and applying statistical models
4. Proven understanding in the use of IT systems in government particularly in the areas of land use management and taxation
5. A demonstrated understanding of the property tax policy and key stakeholders in Rwanda
6. Proven experience in providing capacity building on complex technical topics to a diverse audience in a clear and understandable manner
7. Documented prior experience working with GoR stakeholders specifically RRA.
8. Familiarity with the specific CAMA prototype in Rwanda would be considered a distinct advantage.
9. Knowledge of other key actors active in the area of property taxation or local revenue generation would be a distinct advantage
10. Full working proficiency in English.

IX. Evaluation and Submission of EOI
The Expression of Interest will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Individual profile,
• Relevant experience,
• Your strategies to assure agility, flexibility, and responsiveness,
• Personnel offer
• Financial offer.

The EoI should contain the following:
• For Technical Proposal:
• A cover letter showing expression of interest;
• Technical offer, with brief description of why you as a consultant would be the most suitable for the assignment, relevant expertise, and a detailed clear methodology and your approach to complete the assignment and timeframe;
• A CV indicating educational background / professional qualifications with proof, all relevant experience with proof, as well as your contact details (email and telephone number);
• A portfolio of proven previous work with similar functionalities or a certificate of completion.
• Business /company registration certificate
• Tax clearance certificate

Financial Proposal:
The Financial Proposal indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs. The cost must be in Rwf and VAT excluded.
Please submit electronically your EoI (technical & Financial offer) in 2 separated emails and should be in PDF files to this email: RW_Quotation@giz.de until latest 30th May 2022
Please you must write on each email subject this sentence: EOI number 83409344 submission of technical/financial offer, without this sentence, your offer may not be considered
Hard copies are not allowed this time
GIZ reserves all rights