Terms of Reference for Subcontractor
PROJECT: Fiji TCF Training and Productivity Support Program (2007-2009)
POSITION: Technical Specialist – Methods / Process Engineering
Background The TCF sector in Fiji is a major export earner and provider of employment opportunities. Concern is shared by both the Governments of Australia and Fiji that it is, however, ill-prepared for a future of ever-increasing competition and diminishing preferential trade arrangements.
In response to this an industry support package with the objective of assisting the industry toward a more self-reliant and sustainable future has been developed. Funded by the Government of Australia, the Fiji TCF Training and Productivity Support Program commenced in January, 2007 and is planned to run through t the end of 2009.
The program adopts a “whole of business” approach, supporting the industry through a substantial process of change by equipping individual firms with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve greater international competitiveness. Gains in productivity and efficiency; quality assurance; social and environmental compliance; supply chain management and market penetration are all targeted. Delivery of the program will be via a series of interventions to address the technical and human resource challenges faced by the industry.
The program commenced with each participating firm undergoing a detailed Operational Audit. These highlighted a number of inefficiencies in the manufacturing processes which negatively impact overall productivity. As most firms do not have the appropriate resources in-house, to address these shortcomings advice and direct hands-on assistance from experienced external technical experts is required.
To secure the best possible outcomes for the industry the task of addressing the manufacturing process deficiencies will be broken into two distinct streams. One stream will focus primarily on development of the skills sets necessary to generate better production line / work-cell outcomes. Such training will have an emphasis on production planning and production line balancing. The other stream will focus on hands-on reengineering of the processes and workflows within production lines / work-cells. Whilst each stream will be resourced separately, there will be a high degree of interdependency between these streams.
Purpose of the Position The purpose of the Technical Specialist – Methods and Process Engineering role is primarily to provide a resource which will work directly with individual firms to address identified shortcomings in current manufacturing operations.
The Technical Specialist – Methods and Process Engineering will be expected to:
? Provide TPSP Team Leader a Briefing Note identifying the typical challenges experienced in enhancing / modifying manufacturing processes, the proposed approach and methods to be employed in the field, and any specific requirements that may be made of participating firms. This will be used to inform other members of the advisory team and in discussions with participating firms. ? Review Operational Audits (completed earlier by other team members) and coordinate work-plan and approach in-country with the Technical Specialist – Production Line Management Skills Training to ensure synergy and consistency in advice / training being provided. ? Travel to Fiji and undertake an intensive round of engagements with participating firms in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Rakiraki documenting recommendations made and / or implemented. ? Maintain regular phone / email communications with TPSP Team Leader for the duration of the technical intervention.
Expected outcomes
The Technical Specialist – Methods and Process Engineering will be accountable for the following:
? Provision of Briefing Note no later than 31 August, 2007. ? Commencement of trip to Fiji no later than 7 September, 2007. ? Conduct and complete advisory engagements with participating firms in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Rakiraki by 19 October, 2007. ? Compile reports as specified in the Reporting Framework below.
Ultimately, the objective of this role is to advise on and deliver solutions to specific technical challenges in the manufacturing processes employed by individual firms, the outcome of which will be improved productivity and / or quality from production lines and work-cells.
Reporting framework
The Technical Specialist – Methods and Process Engineering will report directly to the TPSP Team Leader and will meet the following specific reporting obligations:
1. Informal weekly activity reports to Team Leader 2. Draft report upon completion of the intervention due no later that 31 October, 2007 3. Final version of this report reflecting feedback from TPSP Team Leader no later than 9 November, 2007. Duration
Duration of the position is for the period from the date of appointment until to 31 December 2007, with services to be provided in accordance with the TPSP Implementation Schedule. Up to 42 days professional service will be needed to fulfil requirements of this role in Australia and Fiji.
Remuneration
Professional fee will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Key Selection Criteria
As a minimum, candidates must possess the following:
? a formal tertiary training in a related field, such as methods / process engineering, industrial process design manufacturing / production lines processes ? a minimum of 10 years experience in garment / footwear manufacturing with direct accountability for production line and work-cell design / management / performance monitoring, specifically in an environment of multiple style, small run cycles with frequent machine changes ? demonstrable success in improving production line and work-cell performance in a manufacturing environment in a developing nation context ? a sound knowledge and understanding of issues and challenges faced by firms in the TCF sector in developing nations ? well-developed influencing skills with a strong outcomes orientation ? well-developed teaching, coaching and mentoring skills ? the capacity and preparedness to adopt a very hands-on approach to working with beneficiary firms ? well-developed written and oral communication skills, able to engage effectively at multiple levels and cross–culturally
Desired, but non-essential, skills and attributes
? Previous experience in similar role in other SME development projects ? Previous experience with donor (AusAID) funded development projects ? Specific knowledge of challenges faced by the TCF sector in Fiji ? Membership of a relevant industry body
Selection process
The consultant will be selected on the basis of his/her relevant skills and experience and on the relevance and cost effectiveness of the proposed approach. Particular emphasis will be given to the consultant’s ability to produce practical outcomes for the Fiji firms and ability to recommend effective strategies to ensure increased efficiencies.
Application process Please send: (i) a cover letter including proposed daily fees (1 page maximum); (ii) response to the Key Selection Criteria (3 pages maximum); (iii) a current CV (3 pages maximum) and an outline of the methodology you would use to meet the Purpose of the Position (2 page maximum) to by 5pm, 10 August 2007.
For further information please contact Lyn Harper on +61 3 8676 6831. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
CVs of suitable applicants will be added to the GRM Consultant Database
NB: The successful applicant will need to be able to commence work in Fiji in September, 2007 and be available for up to five weeks.
