Technical Expert in Chromium Recovery and Tanning Process Op...

SMALL ENTERPRISE CENTER

Short term assignment- Terms of References 

Technical Expert in Chromium Recovery and Tanning Process Optimization

1.0 Background:

 The Small Enterprise Center (SEC) Association is a Palestinian non-profit organization that started in 2002 as a project within the framework of GIZ Private Sector Development Project. In 2008, SEC officially registered as an independent non-profit organization governed by the Palestinian Law of Charitable Associations and Community Organizations No.1 for the year 2000. SEC began with an office in Ramallah and has grown to be a leading national organization serving Palestinian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and social enterprises (including cooperatives).

Through a strategic partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Global Communities (GC) is implementing the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine (SMCGP) program. The 44-month program aims to improve the conditions necessary for increased competitiveness and growth of MSMEs, contributing to inclusive sustainable economic development, including better income generation and productive employment with decent working conditions, particularly for women and youth. The SMCGP adopts the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach by employing facilitative approaches with learning at its core. SMCGP will target the creative industries sector which comprises three sectors including Furniture, Footwear and Leather, and Handicrafts.

Within the framework of the sub-agreement signed between the Global Communities and the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) to Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine Programme funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), SEC is seeking for an expert to support the optimization of chromium recovery and the tanning process in the local leather tanning industry

SEC invites qualified Palestinian individual experts to submit technical and financial proposals.

2.0 Questions and Requests for Clarifications:

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this ToRs may be submitted no later than, Wednesday 25th of  September  2024  (Ramallah  Local  Time)  by  email  to

  [email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions, requests for clarifications and the responses thereto that SEC believes may be of interest to other offers will be circulated to all TORs recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by SEC will be considered official and carry weight in the ToRs process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of SEC, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this TORs.

2.0 Purpose of this assignment:

SEC is seeking technical and financial offers from qualified experts to support the optimization of chromium recovery and the tanning process in the local leather tanning industry. This project aims to strengthen the leather industry's sustainability by addressing environmental challenges associated with chromium waste, improving the tanning process, and developing feasible solutions for waste management.

The consultant will conduct research, analyze current practices, explore alternatives, and provide actionable recommendations that enhance tanning efficiency, reduce environmental impact through an enhanced chromium recovery method, and reuse of recovered chromium while maintaining leather quality and will support the HLSC to sing MOUs with international R&D center or/and local technical institutions to help in providing solutions for the chromium recovery.

• Expert’s key responsibilities:

 The consultant/expert will collaborate closely with SEC staff, Global Communities (GC), Hebron Leather and Shoes Cluster (HLSC), the Palestinian Federation of Leather Industries (PFLI), and other relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment. The main activities include:

1. Analyze Local Tanning Process:

Conduct a rapid assessment (desk review and on-site meeting and filed visits) to analysis the local tanning and chrome recovery processes, highlighting gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

2. Evaluate Chromium Recovery Plant:

Provide observations and analysis on the current local chromium recovery plant and process and provide analysis on the strengths and weaknesses in the recovery process, particularly focusing on technical efficiency and environmental compliance.

3.Tanning Process Optimization:

Present a comprehensive plan for optimizing the tanning process in local factories, drawing from global benchmarks, with a specific focus on improving energy efficiency, tanning efficiency and reducing resource usage.

4.Chromium Recovery and Reuse Solutions:

Recommend strategies for chromium recovery. Consider treatment options based on global best practices and desk research. Additionally, a study on mixing fresh and recovered chromium could help maintain leather quality.

5. Networking and Knowledge Transfer:

Initiate networking with relevant international R&D institutions for further study, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer to enhance local capabilities in sustainable tanning practices.

6.Applicability of the proposed solution:

Meeting with related stakeholders including local authority to consider their concerns on the proposed solutions.

• Main Deliverables:

The expert will be responsible for submitting the following deliverables in English:

1. Tanning and Recovery Process Analysis Report:

Detailed analysis of the local tanning and chrome recovery processes, highlighting gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

2.Tanning Process Optimization Plan:

An actionable plan for optimizing the tanning process based on global best practices, including energy and tanning efficiency improvements and resource reduction.

3. Signing MOUs with relevant international R&D institution with HLSC 

4. Chromium Recovery Plan:

A proposed plan for chromium recovery, including recommendations for prototype trials to validate the recovery process, with detailed steps for implementation.

5. Recommendations on Alternatives to Chromium Tanning:

A document outlining viable alternatives to chromium tanning and their potential for adoption by local factories.

6. Final Report:

A comprehensive final report summarizing all findings, recommendations, and steps taken during the assignment, including a roadmap for future action.

7.     List required lab tests to finalize the technical recommendations for the committee to develop.

• Qualifications and Work Experience of the Expert:

The expert should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental science, or a related
• At least 7 years of proven experience in the leather tanning industry, particularly in chrome recovery and sustainable tanning
• Demonstrated experience conducting similar assessments or R&D assignments related to environmental management in industrial
• A strong network of contacts with global institutions in the leather tanning or environmental sustainability sectors.
• Proven ability to lead pilot studies for industrial optimization

5.0 Duration of Appointment:

The expected level of effort for this assignment is approximately 15 working days, to be completed by. 31st of October by the latest.

6.0 Logistic Support for the Consultant:

SEC and HLSC will provide the consultant with planning meetings and organizing focus groups if needed.

7.0 Confidentiality Clause:

All research findings and recommendations produced during this assignment are confidential and intended solely for the use of the R&D committee. No information may be disseminated or utilized for any purpose without prior approval from the committee to ensure the integrity and privacy of the project.

8.0 Deadlines for Submitting CVs and Technical and Financial Offers:

The deadline for submitting CVs, and Technical and Financial offers by latest Monday 07 of Oct 2024 (Ramallah Local Time)

Kindly send the offers to SEC email: [email protected]