Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure a Project Management and Administration Service for the Culinary Workplacement Opportunity targeting unemployed trained youth. The service aims to facilitate work readiness, placement, and potential employment of beneficiaries within the wine training programme implemented in Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces over a three-month period (February-April 2026). The service provider will also develop exit strategies, manage stipends, and ensure compliance with relevant policies and reporting requirements.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Identifying and engaging relevant host employers for the training program.
• Conducting work readiness training and induction for beneficiaries.
• Placing trained beneficiaries in suitable establishments, ensuring rotation aligned with their qualifications.
• Negotiating at least 20% permanent employment opportunities upon completion.
• Developing exit plans with pathways to employment for non-retained beneficiaries.
• Distributing uniforms and administering stipends, UIF, and COIDA payments.
• Submitting claims, milestone reports, and project close-out reports in line with EPWP requirements.
• Monitoring risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Implementing geographical spread of beneficiaries in specified areas within Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Technical Requirements

The service provider must:

• Enter into a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Tourism.
• Provide a list of identified host employers with signed commitment letters.
• Conduct work readiness and induction sessions.
• Place and rotate beneficiaries in relevant establishments, ensuring at least 20% permanent employment opportunities.
• Develop and submit an exit plan with employment pathways.
• Distribute uniforms and manage stipend payments supported by attendance registers.
• Administer UIF and COIDA payments for active participants.
• Submit progress and financial reports, including claims and milestone achievements.
• Develop risk management plans and report on emerging risks.
• Provide a comprehensive project close-out report.

Skills Requirements

The bidder must demonstrate:

• Experience in project management, particularly in youth employment and training programs.
• Capacity to coordinate with multiple stakeholders including host employers and government departments.
• Knowledge of EPWP guidelines, stipend administration, and compliance reporting.
• Ability to develop and implement exit strategies and employment pathways.
• Skills in risk management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Administrative competence in handling payments, attendance, and documentation.
• Proven track record in managing similar projects within the tourism, hospitality, or wine training sectors.