REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION)

Project Name: National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French in Rwanda / Plan National pour l’enseignement et l’apprentissage du français au Rwanda (NPFR)
Source of fund: MINEDUC/AFD

Grant Agreement Number: CRW105901R

Submission deadline: Refer to Umucyo

Assignment Title: Consultancy service to offer career guidance to students for future employability using French language







1.	PROJECT BACKGROUND
Recognized by the 2003 Constitution, French is one of the 4 official languages in Rwanda. Language of instruction until 2008, it was replaced by English upon Rwanda's membership to the East African Community (EAC). In 2016, French was reintroduced as a foreign language, without adapting the teaching methodology, and without including it in the national examination for public schools. Consequently, the level of French proficiency at the end of public secondary school does not allow for professional or academic integration of the Rwandan students in French speaking contexts. 

In response to the October 2018 Council of Ministers' decision to promote the use of French across all sectors, a National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French in Rwanda (PNFR) was formulated. The PNFR addresses the identified gaps for teaching French as a Foreign Language (FFL) at all levels of education: from primary to higher education in general and technical institutions. The main objective of the Plan is to equip young Rwandans with communicative skills in French, allowing them to interact efficiently in French in a professional and academic environment.

To reach this goal, the studies conducted identified as a priority the adaptation of the methodology for teaching FFL: innovative content and techniques, contextually relevant, and geared towards real-world application. The PNFR will address this priority through (1) pre-service and in-service teachers training in French language and methodology, (2) facilitated access and development of adequate material and resources for teaching and learning FFL, (3) the development of the use of French in link with professional skills to enhance employability. 

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) officially endorsed the plan on April 1st, 2022, (The Grant Finance Agreement was signed on the 18th of February 2022) and it is set to conclude in June 2026. MINEDUC is responsible for overseeing and supervising the implementation of the project.

2.	ASSIGNMENT SCOPE
Rwanda is actively investing in human capital development to align workforce skills with national priorities and regional economic integration. As part of this effort, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is being strengthened to ensure graduates possess skills that match labor market needs. French, as one of Rwanda’s official languages, offers a strategic advantage in fields such as international trade, diplomacy, tourism, and regional mobility. However, francophone-related employment opportunities—both within Rwanda and in neighboring countries—remain under-documented and underutilized.

Career guidance counselors in Rwanda Polytechnic’s network play a crucial role in connecting students with viable career pathways. Yet, access to consistent labor market intelligence, structured employer engagement, and practical guidance tools varies across institutions and districts. At the same time, employers often lack formal channels to communicate workforce needs to TVET institutions.

This consultancy seeks to strengthen Rwanda Polytechnic’s career guidance system with a focus on francophone employability. The selected service provider will work with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and its affiliated institutions to:
1.	Produce evidence-based insights on francophone labor market opportunities and emerging skills needs.
2.	Build the capacity of career guidance counselors to interpret labor market data, liaise with employers, and guide students effectively in French.
3.	Develop and apply tools and approaches for sustainable employer engagement and student mentoring.

Partner institutions will include Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), and the Higher Education Council (HEC). Direct beneficiaries include career guidance counselors, francophone companies, and district analysts, while TVET students will be the ultimate beneficiaries through improved career guidance, enhanced employability, and stronger connections to the labor market.

3.	BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TERMS OF REFERENCE:

The consultancy will be structured around four mutually reinforcing components designed to improve the alignment between TVET career guidance services and labor market opportunities where French language proficiency is an advantage:
1.	Labor market analysis and skills forecasting – Conducting a national and regional assessment of francophone-related employment opportunities, identifying high-demand sectors, occupations, and geographic “hotspots” for the next 3–5 years, and producing occupational profiles to inform guidance.
2.	Capacity building for career guidance counselors – Training counselors to interpret labor market data, use skills forecasting tools, engage with employers, and support students in preparing professional documents and interviews in French.
3.	Private sector engagement – Establishing and strengthening partnerships with employers in key sectors, developing an employer engagement toolkit, and facilitating sectoral consultation workshops to link training with employment needs.
4.	Mentoring and practical workshops for students – Supporting counselors to deliver mentoring sessions, simulation exercises, and employment forums that connect students directly with employers and enable them to apply their skills in realistic professional contexts.

The consultant will collaborate closely with Rwanda Polytechnic, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), and partner institutions to ensure that activities are relevant, sustainable, and embedded within existing systems. The expected outcome is a strengthened institutional capacity to guide students toward realistic and high-value career opportunities, with a particular emphasis on sectors where French proficiency enhances employability.

4.	TENDER REQUIREMENT & REGISTRATION

The project seeks a consulting firm or a joint venture with at least 5 years of relevant experience. The transfer of knowledge through training workshops will be essential for the sustainability and continual use of the new tools.
The shortlisting criteria / required documents are:
1.	Experience: Demonstrated experience in labor market analysis, career guidance, employability programs, or related capacity-building initiatives, ideally in francophone contexts and/or in Africa. At least one similar assignment within the last 10 years.
2.	Certificate of company registration issued by Country of registration with business-related activities.
3.	Submission of EOI Letter
4.	Signed statement of integrity
	The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued to the shortlisted consulting firms whose EOIs are most qualified to the assignment. The shortlist of selected firms will be between 4 and 6.
	All EOI can be written in English or French and must be submitted on the deadline set by the e-procurement system. EOI will be opened on the same day in the e-procurement system.
	Joint ventures are allowed.
	The REOI is published on both e-procurement systems: AFD’s dgMarket and Rwanda Government’s UMUCYO. Bidders are required to submit their bid only on UMUCYO.
	Bidders are required to register with Rwanda’s e-procurement system (UMUCYO) on the following website Rwanda On-Line E-Procurement System (umucyo.gov.rw).
	For this specific REOI, the bidders can contact RPPA (Rwanda Public Procurement Authority) on the following e-mail address e-procurement@rppa.gov.rw for registration and submission of their EOI. 
	The candidates who are blacklisted are not eligible (Each candidate will undergo a check of UN, EU, France and World Bank financial sanctions lists)
For further information regarding the tender, interested eligible bidders can enquire through UMUCYO e-procurement System and through the following e-mail address: info@mineduc.gov.rw