R&D Group, in partnership with Hybrid Designs and the Mastercard Foundation under the EDGE Program, is seeking a qualified consulting firm to facilitate the development and implementation of supportive regulations and policies for Ethiopia's outsourcing industry.

TENDER INVITATION: RE-ADVERTISEMENT Assignment Title: Consulting Assignment: Outsourcing Regulation, Policy & Strategy Development Tender Reference No.: R&D/EDGE/RFP/008/2026 Issuing Organization: R&D Group (in partnership with Hybrid Designs and the Mastercard Foundation under the EDGE Program) Re-advertisement Date: August 17, 2026 1. Background & Purpose The Entrepreneurship in the Digital and Gig Economy (EDGE) Program is seeking a qualified consulting firm to facilitate the development and implementation of supportive regulations and policies to drive the growth of Ethiopia’s outsourcing industry. The consultant will work closely with policy experts, public sector stakeholders, the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association (EOA), and program teams to identify regulatory gaps, benchmark global best practices, and draft policy recommendations. 2. Scope of Work The 45-day consultancy assignment involves six primary tasks: Task 1: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across public and private sector actors. Task 2: Map out and engage key policy and industry stakeholders. Task 3: Research international best practices in established outsourcing markets. Task 4: Identify policy and regulatory gaps (e.g., Special Economic Zones for service export, subsector licensing). Task 5: Draft policy and recommendation documents aligned with global best practices. Task 6: Organize and deliver a high-level validation workshop with key policymakers and private sector representatives. 3. Key Deliverables & Payment Terms Payment % Milestone / Deliverable Disbursement Condition 30% D1: Inception Report (methodology, needs-assessment plan, stakeholder map, work plan) Approval by R&D Group within 5 working days. 30% Mid-term report reflecting final research inputs Approval by R&D Group within 5 working days. 30% D2: Final Policy & Recommendation Documents Approval of submitted document. 10% D3: Delivery of High-Level Validation Workshop(s) & proceedings report Acceptance of workshop proceed