Request for Expression of Interest (REOI)

for Consulting Services (Firm Selection) to Support National Nuclear Programme Infrastructure Development and Nuclear Power Plant Project Management in EthiopiaRef: ENEC/OE/EOI/001

Country: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Project/assignment Title: Consulting Services to Support National Nuclear Programme Infrastructure Development and Nuclear Power Plant Project Management in Ethiopia.

Publication date; February 15,2026

Submission date and time: March 17,2026, 5 PM

.

1. BACKGROUND

The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC), established under Council of Ministers Regulation No. 575/2025, is an independent government institution mandated to implement the nuclear power plant project, promote, and coordinate the non-power peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in Ethiopia. ENEC’s mandate covers nuclear power generation and non-power applications in agriculture, health, industry, research, and broader socio-economic development, in full compliance with international obligations related to nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and non-proliferation.

Within this context, ENEC is strengthening its national nuclear infrastructure and preparing for key programme phases, including infrastructure development, nuclear power plant (NPP) construction, commissioning, and future operation. To support these efforts, ENEC intends to engage highly qualified international consulting firm with proven expertise in nuclear power programme infrastructure development and Nuclear power project management.

The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission hereby invites eligible and experienced international consulting firms to express their interest in providing technical, strategic, and advisory support for: National nuclear programme infrastructure development and Nuclear power plant project management.

The purpose of this REOI is to identify and shortlist qualified consulting firms that may be invited to participate in subsequent procurement stages.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC) with high-level technical, strategic, and advisory expertise to ensure the successful development of Ethiopia’s national nuclear power program. Specifically, the consultancy aims to achieve the following:

1. Programme Governance & Strategic Advisory
   1. Develop a national nuclear roadmap that integrates nuclear power into Ethiopia’s broader energy mix and climate commitments.
   1. Establish risk management frameworks for political, financial, and technical risks beyond project-level oversight.
   1. Advise on regional cooperation strategies.
   1. Advise on environmental sustainability measures (water use, emissions, biodiversity protection).
2. Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Support
   1. Draft and review nuclear-specific legislation and regulations to complement ENEC’s mandate (e.g., liability law, insurance frameworks, nuclear trade regulations).
   1. Provide advisory services on international conventions and treaties (NPT, CPPNM, Joint Convention, Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage).
   1. Support Ethiopia in bilateral/multilateral agreements for technology transfer, waste management, and nuclear fuel cycle partnerships.

• Nuclear Power plant project management
  • Provide specialized expertise, oversight, and control for the complex, long term construction of nuclear facilities
  • Ensure the project is completed safely, on schedule, within budget with stringent national regulatory and international /IAEA/ standards
  • Advise on reactor technology selection (PWR, BWR, SMR, advanced reactors) with comparative analysis of vendors.
  • Advise on grid integration studies to ensure nuclear power aligns with Ethiopia’s renewable energy system.
• Human Capacity Development
  • Develop Nuclear power program human resource development strategy
  • Design academic partnerships with Ethiopian universities to establish nuclear engineering and radiation science programmes.
  • Facilitate international fellowships and exchange programmes with established nuclear nations.
  • Establish knowledge management systems and institutional handover mechanisms to ensure retention of critical expertise, continuity of operations, and long-term national ownership of the nuclear programme.
  • Facilitate targeted training, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer programmes for ENEC and relevant national institutions to strengthen institutional and human resource capacity.
• NPP Safety and Security
  • Support in development of NPP safety and security systems in Compliance with national regulatory requirement and international standards.
  • Provide cybersecurity training for nuclear digital systems and safeguards-related IT infrastructure.
  • Advise on physical protection systems (access control, intrusion detection, perimeter security).
• Communication and stakeholder’s engagement
  • Develop NPP communication and stakeholder’s engagement strategy
  • Support in development of local content strategies to maximize Ethiopian participation in supply chains and workforce.
  • Facilitate public awareness campaigns on peaceful nuclear energy applications.

3. SCOPE OF THE SERVICES

The Consulting Firm shall provide comprehensive technical, strategic, and advisory services to support in the development Nuclear infrastructure and Nuclear power plant project management  of Ethiopia. The scope of services shall be delivered across three interrelated phases and shall be aligned with the IAEA Milestones Approach, international nuclear standards, and best practices for nuclear newcomer countries.

Phase 1: Preparatory & Contracting Phase

During this phase, the Consulting Firm shall support ENEC in establishing a robust technical, contractual, institutional, and governance foundation for the nuclear power programme by providing the following services:

• Guide ENEC through the IAEA Milestones Approach by reviewing national nuclear infrastructure readiness and ensuring that all relevant infrastructure issues are addressed in accordance with IAEA guidance and international standards.
• Provide strategic and technical advisory services during project development and pre-construction activities
• Prepare and review NPP technical requirements in line with national and acceptable international standards.
• Deliver strategic and contractual advisory services for the review, negotiation, and alignment of key agreements contract, including Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA), Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) agreements, and nuclear fuel supply contracts.
• Advise on procurement strategies, NPP technical specification and employer requirement preparation, vendor qualification, vendor proposal evaluation, and contract management frameworks for the Nuclear Power Plant project.
• Conduct independent technical design reviews of EPC contractor documents to verify compliance with international safety standards, national regulatory requirements, and licensing expectations.
• Provide licensing support to ENEC and relevant national authorities, including preparation and review of licensing documentation and coordination with regulatory bodies.
• Establish and operationalize a Project Management Office (PMO), including the development of governance structures, project controls, reporting systems, and the deployment of digital oversight and monitoring tools.
• Assist in the development of a national localization and industrial participation strategy to enhance local content, supply chain development, and national capacity building.

Phase 2: Construction, Commissioning & Fuel Load Phase

In this phase, the Consulting Firm shall support ENEC in ensuring that construction, commissioning, and initial fuel loading activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with EPC contract requirements and approved designs and standards through the following services:

• Assist ENEC in EPC contract management

• Provide NPP construction supervision and independent quality surveillance services to ensure compliance with EPC contractual requirements, approved designs, ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, and applicable IAEA safety standards (including GS-R requirements).
• Perform independent cost, schedule, and risk control functions, including monitoring project performance, conducting value-for-money assessments, and supporting corrective action where deviations are identified.
• Environmental and social management: Supervision of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) compliance.
• Support ENEC in overseeing commissioning activities, including readiness reviews, system testing verification, and confirmation of compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements prior to fuel loading.
• Provide advisory services on nuclear fuel cycle logistics, including fuel transport, handling, storage, and coordination with fuel suppliers in line with safety and safeguards obligations.
• Provide cybersecurity oversight for digital systems, instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, and safeguards-related information systems to ensure resilience against cyber threats and compliance with international nuclear security requirements.
• Support coordination among contractors, regulators, and national stakeholders to ensure seamless transition from construction to commissioning and operational readiness.

Phase 3: Operation, Maintenance & Long-Term Fuel Cycle Phase

During the operational phase, the Consulting Firm shall support ENEC in achieving sustainable, safe, and efficient long-term operation of the Nuclear Power Plant by delivering the following services:

• Conduct operational readiness and performance audits to verify that organizational, technical, and procedural arrangements meet international nuclear safety and operational standards.
• Provide advisory services on asset management, maintenance planning, and performance optimization to enhance plant reliability, availability, and long-term economic performance.
• Support ENEC in developing and implementing back-end fuel cycle strategies, including spent fuel management, radioactive waste management, and long-term disposal planning in compliance with international obligations.
• Provide advisory support on emergency preparedness and response, including alignment with national nuclear and radiological emergency frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and international notification and assistance arrangements.

4. ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must provide documented evidence to demonstrate their qualification to perform these services. The evaluation will be based on:

• General Experience/ Core business and years in business: at least (10-15) years in the industry, with a focus on nuclear and large-scale power projects.
• Specific / Relevant experience: successful completion of at least two (2) similar NPP management services for the last 10-15 years.
• Technical and Managerial Capability: Availability of appropriate qualified key staff (Nuclear specialist (in reactor technology, Nuclear safety etc.), senior Nuclear, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical engineers, IT and cybersecurity expert etc. with experience on large Nuclear power plant construction and commissioning.
• Proven experience in nuclear programme infrastructure development.
• Experience working with nuclear newcomer countries and familiarity with IAEA guidance and standards;
• Quality Management system: Valid ISO-9001:2015 Certification.
• Joint ventures or consortiums are permitted, provided roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.
  • SELECTION CRITERIA  

Applicants must provide documented evidence to demonstrate their qualification to perform these services. The evaluation will be based on:

•  General Experience/ Core business and years in business: at least (10-15) years in the industry, with a focus on nuclear and large-scale power projects. Client certificate submitted as per format indicated in Annex
• Specific / Relevant experience: successful completion of at least two (2) similar supervision assignments for the last 10-15 years. Client certificates submitted as per format indicated in Annex
• Technical and Managerial Capability: Availability of appropriate qualified key staff (Nuclear specialist (in reactor technology, Nuclear safety etc), senior Nuclear, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical engineers etc with experience on large Nuclear power plant construction. CVs submitted as per format indicated in annex.
• Experience working with nuclear newcomer countries and familiarity with IAEA guidance and standards;
• Proven experience in nuclear programme infrastructure development.
• Financial soundness: Sound financial standing; demonstrated in the last 5 years audited financial statement of the firm.
•   Quality Management system: Valid ISO or equivalent Certification. Certificate to be submitted.

• EVALUATION CRITERIA AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL WEIGHT

General experience of the consulting firm	40
Proven experience in nuclear programme infrastructure development.	10
Experience working with nuclear newcomer countries and familiarity with IAEA guidance and standards	5
Core business and year in business: at least (10-15) years in the industry, with a focus on nuclear and large-scale power project	25
Specific/relevant experience	55
2.1 Evidence of 2 large nuclear power plant project management and successful completion (2 client certificate)	30
2.2 Evidence of permanently employed qualified key staff as stipulated in section 5	25
Completeness and relevance of the firm document submitted	5

• Qualification points: After having completed the evaluation of the pre-qualification documents, a short list of consultants, which achieve 70 points or more, will be established. The list will be limited to the five best placed consultants. Short-listed firms will be invited to submit a technical and financial proposal. Consultants who will not be prequalified will be informed accordingly

7. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must provide documented evidence to demonstrate their qualification to perform these services, including:

• General Experience/ Core business and years in business
• Specific/ Relevant experience in similar assignments including list of successfully complete projects.
• Technical and Managerial Capability including available qualified key personals and related CVs.
• Financial capability: Audited financial statement for the last 5 years
• SUBMISSION FORMAT

Interested applicants must submit the EOI in the following format:

• Submissions must be clearly marked “Expression of Interest for Consulting Services to Support National Nuclear Programme Infrastructure Development and Nuclear Power Plant Project Management in Ethiopia.”
• Cover letter: Clear letter of expression of interest (signed by authorized signatory).
• Company profile and Registration documents: Structure, size, location of offices and incorporation certificates.
• Experience Credentials: Details of similar projects completed; including value and duration (Name, Scope, value, Role, duration)
• Key staffs’ profiles: CVs of key personnel (Reactor and safety specialists, Nuclear engineering, Senior engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical), IT, QA/QC expert, Project management, Environmental and social expert.)
• All document pages are initialled (by authorized signatory) and sealed.
• Language: All documents should be in English.
• Declaration of integrity /Eligibility: signed statements regarding non-bankruptcy and compliance with ethical standards.

• SUBMISSION DEADLINE
• Expressions of interest must be submitted in person or through   email (preferably through email) to the address below on March 17, 2026 before 5 PM/ 17:00. Late submissions shall not be accepted. 
• Office Hours for Delivery: [8:30 – 17:00 Monday–Friday]
• ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION

All Expressions of Interest must be delivered to the following address:

#	Name	Address
1	Att. Dr Anteneh Tesfaye Director, Corporate administration Cell phone: +251926322829	Kirkos sub city, wolosefer Ethio-china street, HQ building (INSA Compound); Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission Postal Code – 1CpIAW. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Email: Please send to both email address: enec.et2026@gmail.com Anteneh.tesfaye@enec.gov.et   After submission through email, please confirm with phone number: +251926322829 Dr. Anteneh Tesfaye
2

8.DISCLAIMER

Submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute a commitment by ENEC to invite any firm to submit a proposal, nor does it imply any obligation on the part of ENEC to proceed with the assignment. ENEC reserves the right to modify or cancel the process at any stage.

ETHIOPIAN NUCLEAR ENERGY COMMISSION

ANNEX A: FIRM INFORMATION

 TABLE 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1	Name of the consulting firm
2	Country
3	Address
4	Phone Number
5	Fax Number
6	Email Address
7	Address of Other Offices, if any
8	Name and Designation of the Contact Person
9	Legal Status (please Provide certified copies of Registration)
10	Registration number
11	Place of Registration
12	Principal place of business
13	VAT Registration number Provide certified copies

 TABLE 2 – COMPANY EXPERIENCE

1	Starting Month/ Year
2	Ending Month / Year
3	Client
4	Description of services
5	Contract Amount Remarks (Provide documentary evidence)

 TABLE 3 – SIMILAR EXPERIENCE

1	Year
2	Client
3	Description of services
4	Contract Amount
Remarks (Provide documentary evidence (*)) Please include copies of completion certificates issued by former clients and / or performance appreciation / evaluation letters from former clients providing their contact details and approval to contact them

4 TABLE 4 – ONGOING COTRACTS

1	Client
2	Description of Contracts
3	Location
4	Amount
5	% of Completion (Provide documentary evidence)

TABLE 5 – FINANCIAL SOUNDNESS/ ADEQUACY OF WORKING CAPITAL

1	Source of credit line
2	Amount
Remarks (Provide documentary evidence) Please provide proof of financial competency and audited financial statements for the last three financial years.

TABLE 6 – LIST OF PERMANENTLY EMPLOYED STAFF

1	Name
2	Designation Qualification
3	No. of Years of Experience Provide an organizational chart and detailed CVs for key management and technical personnel in the Organization

 TABLE 7 – ANY OTHER INFORMATION

In addition to the required information, firms may provide brochures and other related documents:
I, the undersigned, warrant that the information provided in this form is correct and, in the event of changes, details will be provided as soon as possible:	Name/signature/date: