ATEC News

Australian Consulting Services Mission to Manila

March 4-6, 2009

Opportunities with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB)

We are making a final call for participants for the above trade mission to Manila.

A group under the “Tropical Expertise” umbrella will join the national Austrade mission, which will provide you with ways to access projects funded by the ADB and WB. This mission is different to previous years in that delegations organised by the WB will join the ADB delegation so there will be greatly enhanced networking opportunities with people from all over the world. Regional Austraders will also be available for discussions on what is happening in their countries.

To value-add to the Tropical Expertise group from Queensland:

• We will be asking Austrade for a group rate with respect to the participation fee we may be able to get a reduction on the individual fee for you
• Graham Poon will conduct a briefing to mission participants beforehand on what to expect and how to maximise your time in Manila
• Graham Poon will be joining the mission and where possible will be pleased to accompany “Tropical Expertise” members on individual appointments to facilitate discussions with project officers and staff

Please contact Graham Poon on (07) 4040 7100, 0448 951 454 or email graham@kleinhardt.com.au if you have any questions or would like to attend.

Time is quickly running out!

(You can also see more information on the Austrade website at: www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09)

Project Name: Integrated pest management and supply chain improvement for mangoes in the Philippines and Australia (PHT/2003/071)

Project Location: Philippines and Australia

Duration: 4 years (2004 – 2008)

Funding Agency: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

Project Partners: 

• Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries – Queensland (http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au)
• Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (http://www.aciar.gov.au)
• Philippines Council for Agricultural, Forestry, Resources and Research and Development (PCARRD) (http://www2.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/joomla)
• Philippines Department of Agriculture (http://www.da.gov.ph/wps/portal)
• University of the Philippines – Los Banos (http://www.uplb.edu.ph)

Objective

In both the Philippines and Australia, sustainable development of the mango industry is hampered by pest and disease losses, variable productivity, perishability of the fruit, supply-chain deficiencies and market access challenges. This project incorporated two strategies for improving industry sustainability in the Philippines and Australia:

1. Developing improved field management and quarantine monitoring and detection of mango pests, and

2. Working with selected mango supply chains to identify and test areas for improvement.

Field infestations by insects cause losses and damage levels ranging from 10 to 40 per cent, or limit market access, particularly for small-scale farmers. Mango farmers use pesticides, baiting and biological/management strategies, but current measures place too much reliance on chemical controls leading to concerns about excessive pesticide use and high chemical residues in the fruit. The emergence of new pest problems (e.g. fruit spotting bug) also requires attention to ensure the IPM strategy provides reliable solutions otherwise it is unlikely to be adopted by producers or application contractors (the latter are the key target ‘user’ group in Mindanao). Systems approaches that integrate field control with postharvest disinfestation will reduce costs and the risk of disinfestation failures. The project aims to develop pesticide reduction strategies to promote more of a biological approach to managing infield pest problems and identify supply chain problems to improve fruit quality and market access.

Outcomes

• Pesticide reduction strategies were developed to reduce pesticide usage;
• Monitoring systems were developed as a result of studying the population dynamics of key pests;
• Economic threshold levels were developed to be used by growers as a decision support tool for pesticide application;
• Supply chain deficiencies were identified and rectified;
• Market access reopened for exporting mangoes into Japan;
• Workshops, training and extension materials were developed for industry adoption in the Philippines and in Australia;
• Reduced insecticide usage and environmental contamination;
• Reduced chemical residues in the fruit;
• Improvement in fruit quality and lowered costs of production.

For those interested in applying to attend the Trade Mission to Manila, please contact Graham Poon in the first instance at graham@kleinhardt.com.au or phone 4040 7100 or mobile 0448 951 454.

Attached is a flyer from Austrade with further details of the Trade Mission to Manila March 4-6, 2009.

In addition to the information on the flyer, I am pleased to advise:

• Representative officers from the World Bank’s PSLO Network from various countries will be attending with their business groups so there will be opportunities to network with them for international connections. (See http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/…)
• We will be asking Austrade for a “group rate” with respect to the participation fee so we may be able to get a reduction on the individual fee for you.
• Austrade Business Development Managers will also attend from various offices to give information on what is happening in their countries. They will also be available to speak to directly.
• I will be giving a briefing to mission participants beforehand on what to expect and how to maximise your time in Manila.
• I will be attending the mission and where possible will be pleased to accompany “Tropical Expertise” members on individual appointments to facilitate discussions with project officers etc.

As we need to put numbers to Austrade, would you please indicate your interest in participating in this valuable trade mission at your earliest convenience. Replies by the end of this week Friday Jan 16th would be appreciated.

Please get back to me if you have questions whatsoever! I’ll be very pleased to speak to you.

Kindest Regards,

Graham Poon

Senior Business Consultant

Kleinhardt Business Consultants

Ph: (+617) 4040-7100

Fax: (+617) 4041-1166

Mobile +61 (0) 448-951454

E-mail: graham@kleinhardt.com.au

Web: www.kleinhardt.com.au

TRADE MISSION TO MANILA, PHILIPPINES – March 4-6, 2009

Application Deadline: 13 February 2009

Apply now at www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09

Asian Development Bank’s five new core operational areas:

• Infrastructure
• Environment – focus on climate change, liveable cities and complementary actions
• Regional cooperation and integration
• Finance sector development
• Education.

These areas are envisioned to comprise 80% of the Bank’s total annual loan approval by 2012.

Who should attend? 

Consultants with expertise in the above sectors, whether experienced or new to the ADB / World Bank, are invited to apply for this mission.

Companies also seeking to access joint venture opportunities with ADB particularly for infrastructure and capital markets / financial sector projects in Asia may also apply for this mission.

Please note: Places are strictly limited and subject to approval for appropriate participants.

Australian Consulting Services Mission to Manila 2009: Access new opportunities with the Asian Development Bank and World Bank

About this mission:

Join Austrade as part of this mission to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, at the ADB’s headquarters in Manila. This event will provide you with opportunities to become involved in both the ADB and World Bank’s technical assistance projects in Asian markets. The mission will focus on 5 core areas of opportunity identified by the ADB (refer right) and coincides with multi-country delegations from around the
world visiting the ADB and World Bank.

Did you know?
• In 2007, Australian consultants ranked first in ADB project tenders awarded, valued at US$32.37 million in stand-alone Technical Assistance (TA) projects or TAs as part of loans. For stand-alone TA projects, Australians won 13, worth US$20.33 million. Australian consultants have also ranked in the top 2 or 3 positions for the previous several years running.
• The World Bank approved US$4 billion funding for the East Asia and Pacific region in FY 2007. The portfolio of projects for the region as of 30 June 2007 was US$18.9 billion.
• From 2005 – 2007 Australia was ranked 2nd with the World Bank in terms of supplying countries for consultancy services and was awarded US$22.186 million worth of contracts.

How you’ll benefit:
• Learn about the ADB’s new strategic directions and project opportunities from key bank officials and Austrade representatives from other key ODA (Official Development Aid) recipient countries such as Vietnam and India.
• Develop relationships with Bank officials, project managers and Philippine consultants at official sessions, cocktail receptions and tailored one-on-one appointments.
• Increase awareness of your company’s profile and project experience.
• Explore opportunities to partner with a consortium of consultant delegates from Australia and other countries.
• Increase your chances of winning tenders by acquiring a greater understanding of accreditation guidelines and tender submission requirements.
• Receive on-the-ground assistance and advice from Austrade.

Apply now at www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09

Mission program:
The program is subject to change and will be designed to maximise your visit. A more detailed itinerary will be
supplied to interested companies and participants.
* 3 March 2009 Manila Arrive

* 4 March 2009 Manila Mission briefing provided by Austrade
* ADB Plenary Session – Multinational Delegation
* ADB Luncheon
* ADB Sectoral Breakout Sessions – Austrade
* Business Opportunities Presentation – Austrade
* ADB Networking Reception
* 5 March 2009 Manila World Bank Session – Multinational delegation
* One-on-one appointments
* Senior Trade Commissioner Welcome Reception
* 6 March 2009 Manila One-on-one appointments
* 6-7 March 2009 Manila Depart

Participants may also have the opportunity to take part in additional activities in conjunction with other international
delegations. Details and costings to be advised.

Cost of participation:
Total cost Direct costs Austrade service fee
One Delegate – A$2,850
Two Delegates – A$4,370
Three Delegates – A$5,890
Direct cost of A$1,520 per delegate includes:
• marketing costs – communication expenses, official mission booklet
• ground transport for shared activities
• Networking receptions i.e. luncheon, cocktails
• other administrative costs.
Austrade service fee of A$1,330 per company
(7 hours @ A$190 per hour) includes:
• mission coordination
• setting up one-on-one appointments.
• The direct cost and Austrade service fee form part of the total package and you cannot purchase one without the other.
• A minimum of ten (10) registered companies are required for a mission of this scale to proceed. If this number is not reached, Austrade will advice registered participants of an alternative activity.
• If you are part of the New Exporter Development Program, speak to your export adviser about using NEDP hours.
• You may also be eligible to claim some of your marketing and promotion costs associated with this mission through the Export Market Development Grant scheme. For more information visit www.austrade.gov.au or call 13 28 78.

**Apply before 13 February 2009**

Apply online at www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09 to have our country and industry specialists assess whether this mission offers opportunities that are well-matched to your business.

In order to provide the highest level of service to delegates, places are strictly limited. If your application is
successful we will send you an Event Participation Kit with all the information you need to prepare for the mission.

Key contacts: To discuss your participation further, please contact:

Australia:
Garry Mahlberg
Senior Export Adviser
Austrade Sydney
T 02 9390 2909
E garry.mahlberg@austrade.gov.au

Philippines:
Benjie Garcia
Business Development Manager
Austrade Manila
T +632 757 8244
E benjie.garcia@austrade.gov.au

The Australia China Environment Development Program

Details: The Australian China Environment Development Program (ACEDP) is a five-year, $25m Australian Government, AusAID initiative commenced in July 2007 with the objective of supporting and improving policy development in China in the area of environmental protection and natural resources management.  Initially the focus for the program is on water resources and river basin management however inclusion of other high priority areas is a possibility.

The ACEDP aims to facilitate enduring partnerships between Australian and Chinese agencies, institutions and individuals engaged in national environmental policy development and implementation through a combination of high level policy dialogue, capacity building measures and collaboration on discreet activities that demonstrate good environmental governance.

Specific outcomes for the ACEDP will be enduring partnerships between Australian and Chinese agencies involved in policy development on environment, strengthened policy development processes on environmental management, and the successful implementation of pilot activities utilising good environmental governance and practices.

Integral to the success of the ACEDP is ownership by the two partner countries. This is achieved through a joint Australian Chinese annual planning process that determines the strategic direction of the ACEDP.  While the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) ‘own’ the ACEDP, a group of national-level government agencies in both countries constitute its main decision making body.  An independent Environmental Advisory Team (EAT), comprising internationally renowned experts, provides high-level appraisal and review functions and ensures activities are consistent with ACEDP objectives.

Throughout the five years, the program will remain dynamic and flexible in order to respond to emerging environment policy priorities, and provide a unique level of access and engagement between senior levels of Australia and Chinese Government officials.

http://www.acedp-partnership.org/english/Main/Default.aspx

 

 

IDSS will be submitting two tenders in request for implementation of part of the AusAID Australia China Environment Development Program (ACEDP). The titles of the two tenders are:

 

• Public Participation in Social and Environmental Impact Assessment and Basin Water Pollution Control (24 months); and
• Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming (14 months)

 

Both programs are expected to commence in March 2009.

 

For both tenders, IDSS is currently seeking an International Public Participation Specialist to lead implementation of both programs. The candidate must have the following qualifications and/or experience:

1. Experience in implementing international development assistance activities, preferably in China;
2. Experience in developing and managing working visits, attachments, study tours or scoping missions to maximize learning and facilitate change;
3. Experience and expertise in relevant technical areas in Australia and preferably China
4. Cross-cultural competencies, particularly in working with counterpart agencies and government officials in China;
5. Functioning networks with relevant Commonwealth and State Government agencies in Australia.

 

Relevant technical expertise for the Public Participation in Social and Environmental Impact Assessment and Basin Water Pollution Control would require capabilities to meet the aims of the project of:

• Identify needs, challenges and opportunities for improvement in Chinese procedures for the promotion of environmental awareness and participation in Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) and basin pollution control.
• Present, discuss and disseminate new procedures for the promotion of environmental awareness and public participation in Social and Environmental Impact Assessment and basin pollution control.
• Undertake a pilot study of model SEIA procedures in the Lake Tai Basin.
• Establish a pilot environmental community consultative Group (CCG) in the Lake Tai Basin and enable them to promote environmental awareness and support the pilot implementation of model SEIA procedures.
• Evaluate the pilot study (CCGT and SEIA procedures) and disseminate the findings.

 

Relevant technical expertise for the Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming would require capabilities to meet the aims of the project of:

• Design and operationalise the Social Impact Management, Public Participation and Gender Mainstreaming Framework (SP&G) to enhance the capacity of core partner organizations to recognize and incorporate public participation, social impact identification and management and gender equity into their policy formulation and implementation and also mainstream these three aspects in the design and implementation of all relevant ACEDP.

 

The position is approximately 132 days over a 24-month period and would include desk top review work from a home base as well as work in Australia and Beijing and the Lake Tai Basin.

 

Specialists based in China would be preferred, however specialists with a good working background in China, but based in Australia would also considered.

 

The submission date for both tenders is 16 January 2009.

 

 

Request For Tender details: P0020 (PPSB) & P0014 (SI&GM)

 

GHD is seeking qualified service providers to manage the implementation of two activities:

· Public Participation in Social and Environmental Impact Assessment and Basin Water Pollution Control (PPSB),

· Social Impact & Gender Mainstreaming Package (SI&GM).

 

The PPSB is to develop procedures for enabling and promoting public awareness and participation in both social and environmental impact assessment (SEIA) and river basin water pollution control for the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection. It will be conducted in two phases over two years. Phase 1 involves research, dialogue, design and dissemination of appropriate SEIA models; Phase 2 involves a pilot study to test the application of the model in the Lake Tai Basin, evaluation and revision, followed by dissemination and policy recommendations.

 

The SI&GM is designed to operationalise the Social Impact Management, Public Participation & Gender Mainstreaming (SP&G) Framework by strengthening the capacity of all four Chinese program core partner agencies in identifying, addressing and mainstreaming public participation, social impact mitigation and gender equity issues in all aspects of national policy formulation and implementation. The SI&GM package will deliver workshops in China, organise Australian study tours and work attachments in Australia and build local capacities through an extensive training program.

 

It is anticipated that the two activities will commence in March 2009. The PPSB will be completed within 24 months. The SI&GM will be completed within 14 months.

 

Selection will be on a competitive, one step basis. The closing date for submission of both proposals is 5:00pm Friday 16 January 2009.

 

All interested parties should notify Ms Casey Feng via email mei.feng@acedp-partnership.org of their interest to tender in order to receive future tender notifications or any potential addenda for this tender opportunity.

 

Request For Tender – P0002 (Lake Tai)

 

GHD is seeking qualified service providers to manage the implementation of the Lake Tai Water Pollution Treatment activity. Lake Tai is approximately 2400 km2 – the third largest lake in China but the most important in terms of population density and contribution to the national GDP. China has identified Lake Tai as a priority in the 10th (2001-2005) and 11th (2006-2010) Five Year Plans. Following the severe algae outbreak of 2007, China’s National Development and Resource Commission (NDRC) developed a comprehensive restoration program that has been approved by the State Council.

 

The Lake Tai Water Pollution Treatment activity will support the implementation of the Tai Lake Restoration Plan and good governance and decision-making for IRBM. It is anticipated that the activity will commence in March 2009 and will be completed within 18 months. Selection will be on a competitive, one step basis.

 

The closing date for submission of this proposal is 5:00pm Friday, January 30, 2009.

 

Other International Short Term Roles:

Other international roles that IDSS is interested in sourcing candidates for include:

• International Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming specialist required for 22.5 days to assist in project inception, Australian study tour on public participation plus assistance with Chinese work attachment in Australia. Work will be at home base, Australia and China. This role only supports the Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming, which is 14 months in length.

 

• International Information, Education and Communication specialist required for 10 days to assist with a workshop on promoting environmentally sound behaviour in Beijing. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Vietnam. This role only supports the Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming, which is 14 months in length.

 

• International Adult Participative Training Specialist required for 10 days to conduct training courses on public participation, social impact management and cross-cutting gender issues in the context of water pollution at the local authority level. This role only supports the Social Impact and Gender Mainstreaming, which is 14 months in length.

 

 

Language education pilot project – Kiribati

Agency: AusAid

Closing date for tender: January 10, 2009 @ 2pm

Time frame for delivery: It is anticipated that the project will commence in May 2009 and will continue over 12 months.

Details: AusAID0833. AusAID is seeking a contractor to undertake the following development project in Kiribati:

Kiribati Ministry of Education – Language Education Pilot Project (LEPP)

The Pilot Project requires the successful bidder to work with the Kiribati Ministry of Education and Kiribati Teachers College. The Pilot Project is expected to raise the knowledge and skills of personnel in language education and assessment, specifically in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The project has the following main components:

·         Baseline Data Collection – testing approximately 1400 teachers and other education personnel, for English language proficiency and any existing TESOL/ Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) competencies and qualifications / training;

·         TESOL Training of Trainers (TOT) Course – planning and delivering a TESOL TOT Course for a group of 40 staff from the Kiribati Teachers College, the Curriculum Development Centre and the Basic Education Division;

·         TESOL In-Service Teachers Course – planning and implementing the TESOL In-Service Teachers Course for approximately 60 teachers (20 primary generalist teachers and 40 junior secondary ESL English as a subject area teachers); and

·         Review of the TESOL TOT Course and TESOL In-service Teachers Course.
Implementation requires a Team Leader predominantly based in Kiribati who is supported by suitably qualified short term staff.

Contact: Selection will be on a one step basis. All enquiries should be addressed to: Penny Bond by email KiribatiLanguageEducation@ausaid.gov.au  or facsimile +61 (02) 6206 4885

 

Those interested in any of the contracts outlined above can contact Graham Poon in the first instance at graham@kleinhardt.com.au or phone 4040 7100 or mobile 0448 951 454.