Consultancy for Technical Proposal ICA (SciPhage SAS - MAPBIO+)

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

General Information

Name: Consultancy for the technical proposal of a methodology for the registration of biobased zootechnical additive and a case study with bacteriophages to be presented to Instituto Colombiano de Agricultura (ICA) (SciPhage SAS – MAPBIO+)

Project: CO038 Just Rural Transition in Colombia – Bio Rural

Output: CO038-E1-3

Duty Station: Remote/Bogotá

Contract Duration: (26) May 2025 - (4) November 2025

Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 109 days– deliverable based

Consultant: Level 3

Total Fees: USD 24,000

Project background

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. Together with global products and services, these in-country programs focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to “countries” development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities, which build a solid theoretical and empirical basis for green growth while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers and creating the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.

GGGI has been working with the Government of Colombia to advance green growth policies and green investments through strategic partnerships such as with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Treasury and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others. Since 2014, GGGI has supported the DNP in its objective of advancing a green growth vision and transition plan for Colombia that can help climate goals and SDGs achievement. GGGI supported the development of the Green Growth Taskforce led by DNP (2016-2018), which produced solid and relevant information for the design and concertation of the Green Growth Policy- GGP (adopted using CONPES 3934 of 2018).

One strategic axis of the GGP aims to promote the sustainable use of natural capital, which includes bioeconomy as one key strategy to foster the low carbon economy through adding value to generate products, processes, and services based on responsible use of biodiversity and biomass. In that regard, GGGI supported the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation - MinCiencias, the National Planning Department, and other stakeholders in the technical design and concertation of the National Bioeconomy Mission “Para una Colombia Potencia viva y diversa: hacia una Sociedad impulsada por el conocimiento”.

Besides, GGGI was awarded by the UKPACT program in 2021 Colombia to develop the project “Accelerating the development of new bioeconomy businesses and enhanced capacities for green jobs promotion and increased climate action ambition from policy implementation and integration”, in which a Bioeconomy Accelerator Mechanism was created to enhance the capacity of bioeconomy business and strengthen the capability of MinCiencias to meet their target of 126 and 500 bioproducts endorsed by 2022 and 2030, respectively: Complimentarily, a knowledge-sharing component to disseminate case studies, lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations.

GGGI with MinCiencias support, designed and launched 2019 the Bioeconomy Projects Acceleration Mechanism – MAPBIO, which aims to provide technical assistance to accelerate bioproducts in the last mile. The first call for proposals received 26 proposals evaluated through a multicriteria analysis; the mechanism supported four bioproducts. After successfully implementing MAPBIO 1.0, GGGI was awarded an extension project for scaling up MAPBIO and developing further activities with MinCiencias and INNpulsa. The current call pro proposals MAPBIO 3.0 received were focalized in the Pacific and Amazon region and received 12 submissions and selected 2. In total, we have successfully supported 20 bioproducts to contribute to the national goal of reaching 500 registered bioproducts by 2030.

As part of the UK PACT Bio Rural project, GGGI has selected the company SciPhage SAS and its initiative, “Phage science and technology Sciphage SAS, precision biotechnology for the control of bacterial infections in animal health”, as a beneficiary of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call. This selection secures support for SciPhage SAS bioproduct acceleration processes during the 2025–2026.

SciPhage SAS has identified a significant opportunity in organic additives for bacteria control in the poultry industry, offering a biotechnological alternative to antibiotics. The project focuses on preventing Salmonellosis in birds by advancing the formulation, production, certification, marketing, and internationalization of SalmoFree®—an organic nutritional additive that uses bacteriophages to control Salmonella precisely. This innovative product reduces the need for antibiotics, enhances production parameters, and improves food safety.

Objectives of the assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a technical and regulatory methodology for obtaining registration of innovative biobased products with the competent authorities, classifying them exclusively as zootechnical feed additives. This process will focus on the use of phages (bacteriophages) as the active ingredient, seeking approval within the current regulations of the Instituto Colombiano de Agricutura (ICA). This is done to support SciPhage SAS in obtaining registration for the SalmoFree® bioproduct as part of the acceleration of the MAPBIO+ 2024 program.

Specific Objectives:

1. Technical regulatory diagnosis and definition of objectives

Review of the national and international regulatory framework applicable to phage-based bioproducts: These frameworks will be reviewed to establish the mechanisms and conditions already established in other countries for their approval and under what type of classification.

Identification and classification of specific requirements for registration as a zootechnical feed additive under current regulations.

Inventory of key stakeholders, including the entity to which they belong, their level of influence in the decision on the approval of the regulatory proposal, and their current and achievable position in seeking approval.

Understanding the respective positions and objections of the identified key stakeholders regarding bacteriophage technology and their unfavorable position regarding its classification as a zootechnical additive. With these stakeholders, outreach strategies and dynamics will be established, if necessary, which may include specialized roundtables and technical decision-making groups, among other strategies.

Identification of regulatory barriers classified by key stakeholder.

Finally, this phase seeks to define the objectives to be achieved in the regulatory, competitive, and social areas, among others, to achieve the main objective, distinguishing these objectives in a way that encompasses not only the regulatory aspect.

2. Development of the methodology and document on barrier mitigation

Stakeholder Map: A visual representation that helps identify and determine the priorities of different stakeholders regarding the company's actions or objectives. It includes the key actors involved in receiving and reviewing the regulatory proposal that would allow the registration of phages as a zootechnical additive. The stakeholder map will allow the visualization and classification of the different actors involved in the review process of this regulatory proposal for phage-based bioproducts, based on the diagnosis previously made.

Influence map: Identifies individuals and groups with the power to make key decisions and includes each actor's position and arguments, as well as the best channels for communicating with them. The map shows the interaction that different key actors have with the other identified actors.

3. Recommendations Development of methodology for the presentation of the proposal to the ICA to implement the regulatory route

Strategies for mitigating identified regulatory barriers, classified by key stakeholder: A defined action plan seeks to determine the actions deemed necessary to address key stakeholders whose position on the proposed regulatory acceptance is unfavorable, and to allow for the establishment of regulations that permit the registration of phages as a zootechnical feed additive. These strategies may include specialized panels, workshops, and/or strategic meetings with experts, addressing technical, regulatory, and administrative objections.

Preparation of a technical document with the established regulatory route proposed to key stakeholders, defining the essential milestones for the acceptance of this regulation for the future approval of the registration of phages as a zootechnical additive and the possible regulatory registration flow, with details of the specific steps and requirements for the presentation and preparation of the Regulatory Dossier.

Identification and assessment of compliance with the technical and administrative requirements demanded by the ICA, in accordance with current regulations.

Assistance in defining the relevant documents for the application for registration as an additive and additional ICA requirements in accordance with current regulations.

Documentation of the case study, compiling information on the methodology and its respective execution in the different phases. The challenges faced and solutions implemented will be included, as well as lessons learned and suggestions for similar future processes. Based on the case study, a regulatory pathway will be presented to accelerate the submission of innovative bioproducts in the zootechnical additive category to the ICA.

Deliverables and payment schedule

The expected outputs are the following:

(1) Work Plan

The consultant will develop a comprehensive work plan detailing objectives, metrics, timelines, and key stakeholders for implementation. This document will include clearly defined goals, measurable outcomes, schedules, and roles for all activities, ensuring alignment with SciPhage SAS's objectives and broader business strategy.

(2) Development of the methodology and document on barrier mitigation

Document detailing the technical regulatory diagnosis and defining objectives:

Analysis of the national and international regulatory framework applicable to products containing bacteriophages.

Report on regulatory precedents from the ICA and other relevant agencies.

Discriminated objectives.

Detailed plan of regulatory barrier mitigation strategies classified by key stakeholder, including specialized roundtables, workshops, and strategic meetings.

Mitigation plan execution report.

(3) Technical regulatory diagnosis and definition of objectives

Document included:

Mapping of key actors.

Stakeholder influence map updated after interventions.

Proposed mitigation strategies.

Regulatory pathway presented to key stakeholders, defining the essential milestones for registration approval and the proposed regulatory registration flow.

(4) Final Report

The consultant will deliver a comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy's outcomes. This report will include:

Regulatory Pathway Implementation Document

Diagnostic report on compliance with the technical and administrative requirements demanded by the ICA based on current regulations.

Implementation timeline for the proposed flow with its respective activities and deliverables.

Relevant documents for the application for registration as an additive and additional ICA requirements.

Case study document compiling information on the methodology and its execution in the different phases, including challenges faced, solutions implemented, lessons learned, and suggestions for future similar processes.

Deliverables, timeline, and payments

Payment

Deliverables

Deliverables Description

Target Completion Date

Amount (% of total fee)

Payment 1

(1) Work plan

A detailed work plan outlining methodology, timeline, milestones, validation meetings, and deliverables.

Within four (4) weeks after the signing of the contract.

30%

Payment 2

(2) Development of the methodology and document on barrier mitigation

Document detailing the technical regulatory diagnosis and defining objectives:

Within eigth (8) weeks after the signing of the contract.

20%

Payment 3

(3) Technical regulatory diagnosis and definition of objectives

Document included:

Within twelve (12) weeks after the signing of the contract.

30%

Payment 4

(4) Final report

Comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy's outcomes. This report will include:

Within twenty (20) weeks after the signing of the contract.

20%

NOTE: The final two payments are contingent upon the submission of meeting minutes demonstrating that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Minagricultura) or the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) have indicated their willingness to recognize zootechnical nutritional supplements containing phages as approved additives

Reporting Arrangements

The Consultancy reports to the Bioeconomy Associate under the technical guidance provided by the SciPhage SAS Company. The consultant's work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning and weekly short face-to-face (or virtual) meetings for prioritizing activities, all of that previous consensus with the Contract Supervisor. In this review, meetings will tackle subjects such as the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.

Deliverables will be produced in Spanish, by GGGI's formatting requirements, and submitted with proof of editable file back-up (e.g., .docx, .pptx) in the GGGI SharePoint system. Additionally, the consultant will deliver one monthly brief in English explaining the activities developed the month before and for any other deliverable, if so requested by the Project Manager. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective.

The Global Green Growth Institute (\"GGGI\") is committed to transparency, accountability, and openness in the organization. In case of any doubt, please refer to our Whistle Blower policy in the link:

http://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

Suggested methodology and competence requirements

The consultant should follow the specific methods provided by the Contract Supervisor.

The consultant will best use both primary and secondary sources of information to develop activities defined under the contract objective.

The consultant will be responsible for providing transparent financial information regarding expenses incurred for conducting field visits, orientation meetings, webinars, or workshops.

Expertise required

(MANDATORY) Degree in veterinary. A specialization in senior management is desirable.

Complementary training in Animal Welfare is preferred.

(MANDATORY) At least fivee years of professional experience related to animal health and safety.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Experience related to the registration of veterinary supplies, animal feed, and additives at the Instituto Colombiano de Agricultura (ICA) is preferred.

Experience as a delegate in management positions within the ICA and participation in technical committees in the livestock sector is preferred.

(MANDATORY) Demonstrated experience in formulating normative and regulatory strategies for veterinary products submitted to the ICA.

Demonstrated experience in formulating normative and regulatory strategies for bacteriophage-based products is preferred.

(MANDATORY) Specific knowledge of biobased products formulated with bacteriophages and their application in animal health.

(MANDATORY) Knowledge of good manufacturing practices (BMP) certification systems and national and supranational regulations.

Experience working with international institutions, the private sector, and government institutions is an asset.

Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills; capacity for synthesis, presentation, and communication; and strategic thinking skills.

Organized with excellent time management.

Proven ability to work with teams and collaborate.

Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to tasks.

Administrative information

• Selection method / process: Open Competition.

• Timeline of the selection: Consulting start May 26 approximately.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

Social and sustainability safeguards

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e. the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of \"Leaving No One Behind\" in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia's Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI's Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI's Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI's Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI's policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

ANTI-Fraud and Safeguard

GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI’s anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI’s operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Lastly, within the framework of UK PACT Colombia's projects with GGGI and their respective activities, the following reporting channels from FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) are available to GGGI suppliers and consultants: