Expressions of Interest for contracting a Consulting Firm for the Implementation of a Supplier Development Pilot Program in Suriname

Contracting Institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business en International Cooperation
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Financing Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Abstract: Expressions of Interest for contracting a Consulting Firm for the Implementation of a Supplier Development Pilot Program in Suriname
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Contract / Bid no.: SU-L1056-P00107 – 3.5.1
Extended deadline: May 15, 2026

The Republic of Suriname, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (FIEPP, project no. SU-L1056), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following objectives:
The objective of this consultancy is to design and implement a pilot programme aimed at supporting businesses in Suriname — with special emphasis on women-owned and women-led enterprises — to integrate into the supply chains of large domestic and international corporations operating in Suriname. The programme shall be scalable and incorporate capacity-building, market linkages, mentorship, and policy recommendations to foster an enabling business environment.

The consultancy is expected to last for a period of six (6) months from the date of contract signing, with the implementation programme designed to run over no longer than six (6) months. At the end of the consultancy, participating supplier companies and supporting buyer corporations shall be aligned and ready to commence implementation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation now invites eligible consulting consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Specifically, Consultants should have proven experience in providing a full range of services The consulting firm (or consortium) must therefore demonstrate a proven track record in the design and implementation of supplier development, SME competitiveness, and local content programs in developing or emerging markets. The firm should combine international experience with a solid understanding of the Surinamese or regional business environment.

The firm shall demonstrate:
• At least 10 years of experience in SME upgrading and supply-chain integration assignments.
• Experience in addressing A2F challenges for SME’s
• Proven capacity in training, mentoring, and coaching SMEs, including women-owned or women-led enterprises.
• Experience in market linkage and buyer engagement, and facilitation of SME access to finance.
• Strong internal capacity for monitoring and evaluation, communications, and stakeholder outreach.
• Ability to field a multidisciplinary team with appropriate sectoral expertise and ensure meaningful in-country presence during implementation.
Key Experts


1.1 TEAM LEADER
• Advanced degree in Business, Economics, or related field
• 10+ years’ experience in business development and supply chain management
• Experience in emerging markets and supplier linkage programs
• Knowledge of Suriname business environment and its key players an advantage
• Experience in promoting gender-based business development programs an advantage

1.2 SUPPLY CHAIN AND PROCUREMENT EXPERT
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related field
• 7+ years in procurement and supply chain management and business support programs
• Experience working with SMEs and large corporations
• Experience in developing supplier development training programs
• Experience in developing SME coaching and mentoring programs

1.3 FINANCIAL INCLUSION SPECIALIST
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a related field
• 7+ years experience in SME financing and investment readiness.
• Specific experience on women’s financing needs is an added advantage
• Experience working with banks, microfinance institutions, and impact investors

1.4 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Media, PR or related topic
• 5 years’ experience in marketing and PR including promotion of programs using social media
• Good network among local media owners, journalists and influencers

1.5 LOCAL COORDINATOR
• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related subject
• At least 5 years experience in business facilitation, logistics, and stakeholder engagement in Suriname
• Good network across the business community
• (International) Project Management Certification would be an asset
• Digital Transformation Specialist
• Business Compliance & Certification Expert
• Regulatory & Market Access Consultant

The Expression of Interest (EOI) does not have a specific format or template, but should include:
i. a properly signed Letter of Interest (LOI) from the firm to participate in the assignment;
ii. profile of the firm (including evidence of the requisite expertise and skills);
iii. list of similar assignments executed during the last five (5) years;
iv. proof of legal status of the firm.

Short lists shall comprise firms with a wide geographic spread not fewer than five (5) and not more than eight (8) eligible firms (GN-2350-15).

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the policies set out in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (GN-2350-15), and the process is open to all eligible consultants as defined in those policies.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultants Quality Selection (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09.00 to 15.00 hours Suriname Time (SRT).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form by email to the address fiepp-bids@sita.sr
by May 15, 2026 before 15.00 hours SRT.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation
Attn: Ms. Melissa Chin, Program Manager
Program Execution Unit
Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Address: Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA)
Brokopondolaan #97, Corner Mr. Jagernath Lachmonstraat,
Paramaribo, Suriname