Investment advisory and Treasury Management Services - including Fund Mobilization,

Credit Rating, Portfolio Management and related activities

1. Objectives

The objective of this exercise is to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the SDF

for raising funds and possible rates at which SDF can lend to projects including co-financing,

obtaining a credit rating, investing, managing (portfolio management) and fund deployment (for

the different windows- Economic, Infrastructure and Social). This may be carried out by using

the services of a fund manager to diversify the portfolio across geographies (across all 8 SAARC

member states) and across instruments with a view to get higher returns and better portfolio

management, within a given risk framework, and within the applicable rules and regulations.

2. Scope of work

a. Treasury management and investment advisory

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Investment avenues in all eight SAARC

Member States and make recommendations for investments

• Define a long term, medium term and short term strategy for the SDF to manage funds

taking into account SDF rules and regulations ,charter, bye laws, polices and processes,

strategic objectives, existing methodology,and suggest a detailed policy for portfolio

investment of SDF by

o Optimizing the risk-return profile of the portfolio

o Considering appropriate exposure norms / limits, risk limits (liquidity,

credit, market, sovereign and operational risks) and

o Diversification across geographies and instruments and institutions

o Consideration of hedging requirements

o To monitor the performance and makeup of the example portfolios and assess the

requirements of change.

o Exit strategy

• Make investments on behalf of and on the directions of SDF and build a portfolio of

different investment options / instruments taking into account the portfolio investment

strategy / policy

• To devise, review & monitor the investment portfolios and investment avenues, and

advise the management in a professional manner on a periodic basis. To apprise the

management of the continued effectiveness of the investments from time to time.

• Constantly monitor the portfolio to identify any risks and act on the investment decisions

including exiting them(subsequent to reporting to SDF) based on instructions from SDF

• To advise & to give presentation to the management, with a view to monitoring the

continued suitability of the investment strategy of the funds.

• Assist SDF in getting tax and exchange control exemptions (as per SDF Charter and Bye

Laws) for opening bank accounts, making investments and in all aspects of portfolio

management and deployment of funds

• Assist the SDF take necessary approvals of the respective statutory authorities

(Exchange Control Authorities/Central Banks/Securities Regulators etc.) of the member

states so that the SDF may be allowed to make these investments through intermediary

entities, wherever applicable, authorized by the respective rules, regulations and/or laws

of the respective jurisdictions in the member states.

• Assist in obtaining approvals and defining processes/policies for monies of the SDF in

the different member states to ensure it is freely repatriable and remittable between the

different member states as well as to / from the SDF’s primary bank accounts as well as

convertible from one currency to any other currency.

• Assist in filing returns or reports with respective regulators as required for the

investments.

• To assist for ensuring that Funds are held, disbursed and accounted for in a transparent

and efficient manner in line with requirements of the SDF.

• Assist in defining the policy for possible rates at which SDF can lend to projects

including co-financing under three windows of SDF based on cost of funds on a dynamic

basis (both for USD and local currency loans).

• A report on the best international practices followed by similar multilateral organizations

to be provided to SDF.

b. Fund raising/mobilizing

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis for Fund raising/mobilizing avenues in all eight

SAARC Member States including a contextual analysis of the fundraising environment

and funding gaps

• Define a long , medium and short term strategy for fund including an action plan for

raising the funds taking into account the rules and regulations of the SDF , objectives of

the SDF, existing and future proposed projects under the Economic, Infrastructure and

Social Windows from time to time and as per the strategic plan

• Assist the SDF in getting rated by international and national level (credit) rating agencies

to facilitate raising of funds / resources by SDF

• Assist the SDF in raising funds / resources in a most cost effective manner considering

the possible geographies, instruments etc.

• Carrying out the fund raising and treasury management strategies along with the overall

strategic plan for SDF and in sync.

• Assist the SDF in getting regulatory (tax , exchange , etc. ) clearances as per SDF Charter

and Bye Laws and otherwise for raising funds

• Assist the Fund take necessary approvals of the respective statutory authorities

(Exchange Control Authorities/Central Banks/Securities Regulators etc.) of the member

states so that the Fund may be allowed to appoint intermediary entities, wherever

applicable, authorized by the respective rules, regulations and/or laws of the respective

jurisdictions in the member states and outside the SAARC region.

• Assist in filing returns or reports with respective regulators as required for the fund

raising.

• Report needs to be provided on the best international practices followed by similar

multilateral organization.

• The first role will be on a continuous basis involving regular dealings with SDF. The

above exercise would require that the firm staff be meeting/interacting periodically with

the SDF team to coordinate respective activities. The selected firm will bear the cost of

any related travel and other related expenses of its staff for such meetings. The second

role would first involve developing a strategy, however raising of funds and obtaining the

credit rating would be subject to approvals from SDF.

3. Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum experience of ten years is a must as investment adviser, fund manager,

merchant banker and for fund raising.

Demonstrated experience of working in SAARC countries or expertise in SAARC

countries

Experience of maintaining portfolio of Multilateral Institutions, MNC’s, Central Banks,

Funds, would be an added advantage

Strong track record of regulatory compliances and having an independent team for

compliance and legal requirements

Ability to create and manage a diverse portfolio , with a wide range of available

instruments across all eight SAARC member countries

4. Deliverables:

Submission of Investment Strategy and fund raising/mobilization strategy

Analysis of the Investment avenues, fund raising/mobilisation and recommendations for

investments/fund raising

Active portfolio management and investment advisory services

Submit a credit rating plan and requirements

Assist the SDF in getting rated by international and national level (credit) rating agencies

Assist in defining the policy for possible rates at which SDF can lend to projects

including co- financing

Assist in meeting regulatory requirements and obtaining exemptions

Presentation to SDF management

Any other deliverable as mandated in the scope of work

5. Other Terms and conditions:

The selected firm will be appointed for an initial period of six months. Extension

of the contract beyond six months will be subject to satisfactory performance as

determined by SDF.

The SDF reserves a right to modify the terms of reference at any point of time.

Proposals are to be sent to the Emails ceo@sdfsec.org, copy to info@sdfsec.org with hard

copies to the address of the secretariat in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Project / Program proposals are invited under Economic and Infrastructure

Windows of SAARC Development Fund (SDF)

Eligibility Criteria for concessional loans:

1. The Project/ Program to be financed by the SDF have to directly benefit at least one more

SAARC Member State. There should be some element of regional connectivity;

2. There should be co-financing/consortium arrangement/ loan syndication. The copy of term

sheet of the Lead Banker/ Co-financiers or indicative terms should be enclosed along with

the Concept Notes/ Detailed project reports. The co-funder may be a commercial bank,

Financial Institution, Multilateral Development Banks/ FIs.

3. Project Proposals may be from areas such as energy, power, transportation,

telecommunications, environment, tourism and other infrastructure areas for financing

under Infrastructure Windows.

4. Non –Infrastructural areas like projects related to trade and industrial development,

agriculture, service sector, science and technology etc, are financed under Economic

Window.

If the Detailed Project Reports are not yet ready, Brief Project Concept Notes/ Project Profiles can

be sent to the Emails: ceo@sdfsec.org and info@sdfsec.org. along with hard copies to the SDF

Secretariat at Thimphu, Bhutan

Listing of Sectorial Experts/ Consultants

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), having its Secretariat at Thimphu, Bhutan, is currently making a roaster of sectorial experts for its 3 windows viz. Social, Economic & Infrastructure windows. The areas of expertise in the different windows shall be as follows:

1. Social Window Education, Health, Agriculture, Social Enterprise, Livelihood, Human Resource Development Rural Infrastructure Development Micro Enterprises Women Empowerment, Social Impact Assessment studies

2. Economic Window:

Trade & Industrial Development, Agriculture, Service Sector Science & technology

3. Infrastructure Window:

Energy ( Renewal/ Non-Renewal Sources ) Power Transportation Telecommunication Environment Tourism

Interested experts are requested to send their CVs along with the basic terms & conditions to the SDF Secretariat. SDF Secretariat shall request for proposals from the selected experts/ consultants as and when required on need basis. The proposals may be sent through email at ceo@sdfsec.org and info@sdfsec.org. For further enquiry, please contact at + 975-2-321152/ 53 or +975- 17140975. To know more about SDF, please visit our website at www.sdfsec.org.

Project proposals are invited under Social Window of SAARC Development Fund (SDF)

Important information for SW funding

1. Funding Sectors:

Proposals may include any of the following sectors:

Poverty alleviation, social development focusing on education, health, human resources

development, support to vulnerable/disadvantaged segments of the society, funding

needs of communities, micro-enterprises, rural infrastructure development etc.

2. Mode of funding will be:

a. Grant plus a capital contribution / co-founding of a minimum of 10% up to 49%

(of the total budget cost) from local stakeholders / community contribution /

implementing agency / respective Government;

b. Co-funding from International organizations;

c. Loans (interest free or with interest)

d. Combination of any above.

3. Who may apply:

a. Governmental Organizations of Member States preferably with a commitment of

co-funding / financing ;

b. Not for Profit Non-Government Organizations registered in any of the SAARC

Member States having experience of working continuously for minimum of 5

years in the relevant field preferably with a commitment of co-funding /

financing ;

c. International Organizations with a commitment to provide technical assistance

preferably with a commitment to co finance the SDF funded projects; and

d. Private Sector Agencies registered in any of the SAARC Member States having

experience of working continuously for minimum of 5 years in the relevant field

with a firm commitment to co finance the SDF funded projects.

4. Eligible projects:

a. Projects involving all SAARC Member States;

b. Projects involving more than two but not all SAARC Member States;

c. Projects with significant focus on poverty alleviation in any SAARC Member

State having thematic linkage with more than two SAARC Member States as part

of a sub-regional project.

Detailed Project Development Formats are available at SDF website: www.sdfsec.org. Brief

Project Concept Notes/ Project Profiles can be sent to the Emails: ceo@sdfsec.org and

info@sdfsec.org. along with hard copies addressing to the CEO of the SAARC Development

Fund (SDF) Secretariat at Thimphu, Bhutan.

1

Terms of Reference

For

Website Re-Design, Integrated LAN Portal

and AMC

2

Website Re-Design, LAN Portal and AMC

1. Introduction

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Secretariat was inaugurated by the Heads of

States/Governments of SAARC Member States in April 2010 during the 16th SAARC Summit

inThimphu.

The primary objectives of SDF are:

to promote the welfare of the people of SAARC Region,

to improve their quality of life, and

to accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the SAARC

Region.

SDF has three funding Windows i.e. Social, Economic and Infrastructure.

2. Objectives:

Redesign the Old SDF website with new design strategies to align with the SDF brand.

Restructure the website to focus on usability and navigability by developing an

information architecture that focuses on site users.

Create consistency in website presentation, information and experience, rather than a

patchwork of separate entities.

Remove duplicated and outdated content; implement standards that discourage duplicated

and outdated content.

Implement a Web content management system (WCMS) to allow individual units to

maintain their own content (except for data from authoritative sources) and allow these

content owners to focus more on content and less on its presentation. The WCMS will

provide consistency in look, allow the re-use of content, provide better management and

other features to assist in achieving project goals.

Use plain, common language for website content, introduce "institution speak" when

necessary and immediately define "institution speak" terminology.

Identify authoritative sources for data, utilize those sources for display of data on the

website and implement standards that prohibit the re-creation of data from authoritative

sources.

Improve content relevance and search engine optimization through the creation of clear,

relevant and timely website content.

3. Scope of Work:

Requirements Addressed by the Proposed Solution

3

The following will describe the sub-processes/ activities that address each of these 2 phases:

Phase 1:

Evaluation and documentation of ‘Detailed Scope of work’; include per page Information

Architecture and Framework requirements. The following phase focuses on understanding client

business model and scoping the work involved in the project. The SDF website will be

redesigned and customized to best suite present operations and its focus of work. In addition to

this, the creative design and ‘Information Architecture’ of the project will be finalized at this

phase.

The Firm will work very closely with SDF’s IT Manager and Management to create best

practices for the web re-design, re-development and implementation. Discussions/ deliverables

during this phase would include the following:

• Understanding and finalization of the full list of features required in the website (in addition to

what already exists).

• Information Architecture’, wireframes of the project will be finalized at this phase.

• Finalization of target devices, browser certifications etc

• Testing strategy.

• 3rd party integration (if needed).

Deliverable(s):

Detailed Statement of Work, Map of User Flow and Information Architecture Requirements, Use

Cases, Test cases.

Phase 2:

Website Build, Test and Implementation.

The following phase relies on phase 1 to be approved and completed. The document/(s)

produced by The FIRM and SDF will serve as the basis of software development to be done in

this phase. Detailed project plans detailing testing, CRP’s (conference room pilot), UAT (user

acceptance testing) and moving to production will be defined in this phase. Some of the features

of exposed via website are described below:

SDF Web dynamic menu(s) / sub-menu(s) –

About SDF and others introduces SDF with its goals and objectives in the development

of the lives of people in SAARC member countries.

There will be the overview of the Organization, Key facts, Members, Management

members, Departments and offices.

Member Countries -This section will be about the member countries, the funding by each

country and projects running along with fellow organizations will be feature in this

section.

4

Project, Funding and Operations - Will display the projects supported by SDF and details

of the future projects on the implementation list. The page will show the funding window

used for different projects.

Newsroom and Publications – News about the most recent events in SDF . Will display

videos and albums for better understanding of SDF functions

FAQ, Documents etc. – A few static pages with set of documents, queries about SDF and

its functioning. o Publications, Tenders, Enquiry & Others - Information about different

opportunities at SDF and others.

The non-functional requirements for the SDF web are:

Accessibility –The webpage should be accessible from any device. The images, audio

and video formats should be displayed properly.

The redesigned webpage will be tested as per recommended guidelines/standards for

making contents accessible and will follow the best practices for making it mobile

friendly.

Content - The content in the website will focus on the following and will work with all

content-writers and the SDF media to demonstrate the following - a) Date – The content

publication dates to be visible clearly on every update, modification, every time the

content is published b) Coverage – Prominent headings to illustrate an outline of the

content, the navigation within the website as per UI/UX standards c) Objectivity –

Defining the statement of purpose and identifying the potential audience for the

webpages.

Accuracy - Cross checking and verify / validate the source of information. Also checking

of spelling , grammar , facts and consistency within the website.

Search Engine Optimization – SEO will allow you to position your website properly to be

found at the most critical times .

Linking to social network sites and creating widgets as per your requirement.

Responsive Design, compatible for viewing on any desktop (PC), laptop, smart devices

and smart phones (iPad, iPhone, android phone and tablet).

Standard Browser Compatible (IE 9+, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).

Making the website 100%search engine friendly.

Improve the website loading time.

Additional non-functional points that needs to be added -

Mobile friendly pages

Check in Google Webmaster Tools Account for Messages Pertaining to Mobile Usability

NO usage of flash, use of standard Fonts for the content on the site

Optimize Your Images

Use Mobile-Centric 404s

5

4. Eligibility Criteria:

Previous experience in similar assignments for a minimum period of five years.

Demonstrated minimum experience of 5 years working in SAARC countries/ region or

expertise in SAARC countries

Experience of working for Multilateral Institutions, MNC’s, Central Banks, Funds, would

be an added advantage

Having an independent in-house team with expertise in developing cloud based web

systems.

5. Deliverables

Comprehensive Website, LAN Portal, AMC and plan for the SDF covering all issues

provided in the scope of work

Complete set of Documentation inclusive of System specifications, Languages, tools,

credentials, settings and Flow diagrams.

6. Other terms and conditions

The SDF reserves a right to modify the terms of reference at any point of time.

7. Submission of proposal

If the proposals are sent by email the financial proposal shall be password protected and

the password shall be separately called for by SDF in due course.

If the proposals are sent by DHL courier the Technical and Financial proposals should be

sent separately in sealed envelopes.

Last date of submission of proposals is 24th April, 2016, 5:00 PM (BST) at the following

address:

Chief Executive Officer

SAARC Development Fund

3rd Floor, BDBL Building

Norzin Lam

Thimphu (Bhutan)

Tel:+975-2-321152/53,

Mobile No: +975-17140975

Email: ceo@sdfsec.org and info@sdfsec.org

1

Terms of Reference

For

Supply & Installation of Video

Conferencing System in SDF Premises

2

Supply & Installation of Video Conferencing System in SDF

Premises

1. Introduction

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Secretariat was inaugurated by the Heads of

States/Governments of SAARC Member States in April 2010 during the 16th SAARC

Summit in Thimphu.

The primary objectives of SDF are:

to promote the welfare of the people of SAARC Region,

to improve their quality of life, and

to accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the

SAARC Region.

SDF has three funding Windows i.e. Social, Economic and Infrastructure.

2. Objectives:

The SAARC Development Fund Phase looking for a Video Conference solution to allow itself to

communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions called 'visual

collaboration' to be install one of the Video Conferencing facility at Head Office at Thimphu,

Bhutan for meetings and online conferences with its stakeholders based across 8 member states

with no restrictions of end-to-end facility installed at their premises. The video conferencing

should enable to meet with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders, regardless of locations

or a compulsion of an end to end solution. The system must be capable for meetings to be joined

from the desktop, laptop or a mobile device having internet access from a vast geographical

area within SAARC region.

A full detailed solution of the VC system having multiple screens to join our virtual meeting

room with freely distributed hyperlinks/auto-run scripts/applications/add-ons using their

desktop, laptop and mobile devices. Moderate or fast internet to participate in a meeting, share

content and discuss.

3

3. Scope of Work:

The scope of work for the firm shall be to provide a WebRTC (Web based Real-Time

Communication) Platform video conferencing solution that are not resident by using a software

application but is available through the standard web browser as a quick Add-on. Solutions

such as but not-limited to Adobe Connect, Cisco WebEX, Citrix Online, Microsoft Lync, IBM

LotusLive or other Web based Multipoint VC can be accessed by going to a URL sent by the

meeting organizer. The system will be installed at SDF Board room with another Display in

CEO's room.

Multipoint VC: Simultaneous videoconferencing among 10 or more remote points

should be possible by means of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU). This bridge will

interconnect calls from several sources (in a similar way to the audio conference call).

All parties shall call the MCU, or the MCU can also call the parties which are going to

participate, in sequence. There are MCU bridges for IP and ISDN-based

videoconferencing. The MCU should be defined as a pure software, a combination of

hardware and software, stand-alone hardware devices, or they can be embedded into

dedicated videoconferencing units.

The MC controls the conferencing while it is active on the signaling plane, which is

simply where the system manages conferencing creation, endpoint signaling and in-

conferencing controls. This component negotiates parameters with every endpoint in

the network and controls conferencing resources. While the MC controls resources and

signaling negotiations, the MP operates on the media plane and receives media from

each endpoint. The MP generates output streams from each endpoint and redirects the

information to other endpoints in the conference.

Security Measures: Detailed security features, with their capabilities, usage, logging

can be attached to the virtual "room" and also to be provided in documentation and

training.

Browser Support: The browsers and mobile applications with Real-Time

Communications (RTC) capabilities via simple APIs. The high-quality RTC applications

to be developed for the browser, mobile platforms, and IoT devices, and allow them all

to communicate via a common set of protocols. The WebRTC should be supported by

Microsoft, Google, Mozilla and Opera, amongst others.

Add-in/on: The user will be required to download a piece of software, called an "Add

In" to enable the browser to access the local camera, microphone and establish a

connection to the meeting.

4

Equipment:

Full High Definition Videoconferencing Codec, High Definition Camera (dual) (2no's),

Microphone (2no's), Remote Control with all accessories / cables etc (2no's).

The equipment should be state of the art, desktop based HD video conferencing system with

built in camera and minimum 55” HD LCD display (2no's), 16:9 aspect ratio, microphones, 2 no

of built in stereo speakers & integrated dial key pad from the same OEM.

The display should also have the ability and necessary interfaces to be used as a PC screen.

MultiPoint Control Unit (MCU) (Web based control system for communication)

Recording and Streaming Server (for backup and Bandwidth allocation/management)

Additional Features & submissions: License cost & renewal plan (10-15 simultaneous users),

Simultaneous user capacity, Linux/Mac OS/ Windows compatibility, Audio/Video/Chat quality

& support, Upload/share/download documents (ppt, xlsx, docx, pdf etc), Mobile device

support, screen/desktop sharing, Security features & access, encrypted communication,

breakout sessions, Attend/host meeting from a mobile device, recording & streaming

capabilities.

4. Eligibility Criteria:

Previous experience in similar assignments for a minimum period of five years.

Demonstrated minimum experience of 5 years working in SAARC countries/

region or expertise in SAARC countries

Experience of working for Multilateral Institutions, MNC’s, Central Banks,

Funds, would be an added advantage

Having an independent in-house team with expertise in developing VC

solutions.

5. Deliverables

Design, plan, supply, installation, implementation and training for the

SDF covering all issues provided in the scope of work

Complete set work flow, management and other related documents to be

submitted.

5

6. Other terms and conditions

The SDF reserves a right to modify the terms of reference at any point of time.

The supplier shall provide proper breakup of costs for equipments, installation

costs, taxes or any other cost components.

7. Submission of proposal

If the proposals are sent by email the financial proposal shall be password

protected and the password shall be separately called for by SDF in due

course.

If the proposals are sent by DHL courier the Technical and Financial

proposals should be sent separately in sealed envelopes.

Last date of submission of proposals is 24th April, 2016, 4:00 PM (BST) at the

following address:

Chief Executive Officer

SAARC Development Fund

3rd Floor, BDBL Building

Norzin Lam

Thimphu (Bhutan)

Tel:+975-2-321152/53,

Mobile No: +975-17140975

Email: ceo@sdfsec.org and info@sdfsec.org

Kindly contact the SDF IT at harris@sdfsec.org or 00975-17140743 for any clarifications on the

Scope of work and technical specifications.