Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint fiduciary and operational resources (RST11-RST14) to the Reform Support Team (RST) for the National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform (MTSR). The reform aims to improve the accountability, financial performance, and operational efficiency of trading services (water supply and sanitation, electricity, and solid waste management) in South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities. The overarching goal is to enhance service quality, reliability, and financial sustainability, thereby contributing to improved living conditions, economic growth, and job creation in metropolitan areas.

Scope

The scope encompasses the appointment of a company to source and manage four key fiduciary and operational specialists:

• RST11: Environmental, Social and Fiduciary Safeguards Specialist(s)
• RST12: Procurement Specialist(s)
• RST13: Gender and Inclusion Specialist(s)
• RST14: Finance, Operations and Admin Coordinator

The appointed team will support the implementation of the reform by providing strategic technical support, ensuring compliance with environmental, social, fiduciary, procurement, gender, and operational standards, and facilitating capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring activities over an initial period of three years, with potential extension.

Technical Requirements

The technical expertise required includes:

• Environmental, Social and Fiduciary Safeguards Specialist (RST11): Experience in developing and operationalizing Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), supporting compliance with national and international safeguards, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity assessment.
• Procurement Specialist (RST12): Proven experience in managing procurement processes for infrastructure and technical assistance projects within South African public sector frameworks, including planning, bid evaluation, contract management, and advising on procurement reforms.
• Gender and Inclusion Specialist (RST13): Demonstrated ability to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion principles into infrastructure and reform programmes, develop inclusive strategies, and facilitate stakeholder engagement with marginalized groups.
• Finance, Operations and Admin Coordinator (RST14): Skills in financial management, procurement administration, operational coordination, reporting, and stakeholder liaison to ensure efficient programme delivery.

All specialists must have relevant academic qualifications, extensive experience in their respective fields, and a clear understanding of South African municipal and reform contexts. They should also demonstrate the ability to work within multi-stakeholder environments and adhere to compliance standards.

Skills Requirements

• Environmental, Social and Fiduciary Safeguards Specialist: Postgraduate degree in environmental science or social development, with at least 6-10 years’ experience in safeguards, ESMS development, and infrastructure projects.
• Procurement Specialist: Postgraduate qualification in supply chain management, law, or public administration, with over 6 years’ experience managing procurement in government or infrastructure projects.
• Gender and Inclusion Specialist: Postgraduate degree in gender studies, social development, or urban planning, with 5-10 years’ experience in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion in infrastructure or reform initiatives.
• Finance, Operations and Admin Coordinator: Degree or diploma in finance, business administration, or related field, with 10+ years’ experience in financial and operational coordination within large public sector programmes.

All specialists are expected to possess strong technical expertise, practical knowledge of South African policies and frameworks, and excellent stakeholder engagement and reporting skills.