Design and implementation of the strategic key market activities focused on trade enhancement with Romania

Project: P177895 - MSME Competitiveness Project Reference: MD-CEP-542550-CS-CQS Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES: Design and implementation of the strategic key market activities focused on trade enhancement with Romania REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT Sector: General industry and trade sector IDA Credit No. 71740 IBRD Loan No. 94230 Project ID No. P177895 Reference No. MD-CEP- 542550-CS-CQS The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Project (MSME) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include performing the services necessary to strengthen the presence and performance of Moldovan products in the Romanian market through a trans-sectoral promotional campaign covering multiple export-relevant sectors, implemented through integrated promotional, media, commercial activation, and communication actions grounded in a robust market study, enabling evidence-based strategic decision-making and impact evaluation on consumer perception and purchasing behavior. The assignment will be implemented in the period June 2026 - July 2027. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this request for expressions of interest . The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (required qualifications and experience of the firm, but not individual experts’ bio data). This assignment requires a Consultant, which may be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with demonstrated experience in the implementation of integrated promotional campaigns and the capacity to conduct market research, develop evidence-based strategies, and implement promotional actions on the Romanian market., that meets the following requirements: Strong familiarity with the Romanian consumer market, including purchasing behavior, retail environment, and media landscape, supported by prior project experience in Romania. Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in market research, consumer insights, and sociological studies, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Proven track record of successfully implementing at least two (2) similar assignments over the past three (3) years, on the Romanian market, involving market research and consumer behavior analysis; and/or design and implementation of integrated B2C promotional campaigns, including retail activation components across multiple channels (online and offline). Availability of a multidisciplinary team of experts, including, at a minimum: Market research specialists (quantitative and qualitative) Communication and branding experts Digital marketing and social media specialists Creative design and content development experts Media planning and buying specialists Video editor, etc. Proven experience in defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), including reach, engagement, conversion, and brand awareness, and in producing structured analytical reports. Previous experience in assignments financed by international organizations (e.g., World Bank, EU, UN agencies) will be considered an asset. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection” method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications; but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. The Expression of Interest shall clearly state the name of the Consultant (individual Firm, Joint Venture or sub-consultancy). The Consultant shall provide relevant references (assignment name, Client, time frame, the role of the firm (main Consultant/Partner in JV/sub-consultant, contract amount, tasks performed etc.) to confirm its experience and qualifications. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by April 20, 2026, COB. Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competit