Consultancy - Prequalification for CE mark certification for SMEs- USAID TRADE

Consultancy - Prequalification for CE mark certification for SMEs- USAID TRADE

We are searching for an experienced Consultancy - Prequalification for CE mark certification for SMEs- USAID TRADE at our Egypt facility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

USAID’s Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) project builds on decades of U.S. investments in Egyptian businesses and economic policy with the aim of substantially increasing Egyptian exports from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The TRADE project focuses on seven selected sectors: engineering products, processed food, home textiles, ready-made garments, chemicals, printing and packaging, and building materials. Through the project, USAID works with the Government of Egypt to improve the trade and investment policy environment and reduce barriers to trade. USAID also partners with business associations and export councils to strengthen the trade services ecosystem for small- and medium-sized exporters and with private companies to help them access new international markets to increase export sales. TRADE tackles many trade and investment-related issues to sustainably increase Egyptian exports and drive economic growth.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The European Union (EU) markets mandate that specific products adhere to certain health, safety, and environmental standards before they can be imported to their markets. The CE mark serves as a certification that signifies a products compliance with the essential requirements outlined by EU directives.

The objective of USAID TRADE is to provide support to beneficiaries, particularly those within the engineering and building materials sectors, to ensure that the products manufactured within these sectors meet these stipulated requirements.

In light of this, a consultant(s) is required to facilitate the pre-qualification processes of the selected SMEs from the pool of USAID TRADE beneficiaries, who require obtaining a CE mark certificate, aiming to assist them in obtaining the CE mark for their products, and thereby facilitating their export to EU markets.

The range of products in the Building Materials sector includes Gypsum, tile adhesives, Acrylic Adhesives, polyester foam, Bitumen products, glass fiber and polymer waterproofing. SMEs in the Engineering sector that produce a variety of products such as cookware, gas cookers, stoves, burners, small appliances, water filters, dispensers, and insulated and thermal products (bottles, bags, boxes) are required to adhere to the same CE mark standards.

SCOPE OF WORK AND TASKS

The consultant(s) will work closely with several SMEs to obtain the CE mark, following the below implementation sequence and phases:

1) Understanding the product: Assess the SME product(s) to identify the relevant EU directives and harmonized standards that apply. To ensure a proper understanding, the consultant must conduct field visits, in close collaboration with USAID TRADE, andsubmit a detailed report, documenting the key findings, observations and outcome of the visits.

2) Guiding through CE compliance: Explain and advise the SME on steps and technical actions required to develop the product for the CE mark obtainment. Moreover, the consultant(s) must walk the SME through the registration processes for the CE mark.

3) Technical file preparation: Support the SME to compile a technical file, which demonstrates the products adherence to regulations. The aim is to assess existing documents related to current products acquiring the CE mark, identify any missing documents/information required by the CE mark to be prepared by the SME and revised by the consultant(s). Therefore, the gap assessment and the action plan will serve to compile the technical interventions and documentation required for the CE mark certification.

4) Testing and certification: The Consultant must advise on necessary tests, help or facilitate setting up testing at third-party labs or even perform some on-site EMC testing.

5) Declaration of Conformity: The consultant will assist in drafting the Declaration of Conformity, which officially declares a products compliance.

6) Adherence to Market access and legal requirements: Ultimately, the consultant needs to ensure the product meets all legal requirements for market access within the European Economic Area (EEA).

DELIVERABLES

1) Gap assessment report: the report shall identify the areas of development of the product that do not currently comply with relevant EU directives and standards.

2) Compliance plan: The plan shall depict all compliance steps required, including testing requirements and documentation needs.

3) Technical file assistance: The consultant may help develop sections of the technical file or provide guidance on compiling it, including the products design, manufacturing processes, and safety and performance requirements.

4) Test reports (if applicable): Test reports from third-party labs or their own on-site testing (e.g., EMC compliance) to be submitted by the consultant

5) Declaration of Conformity (DoC) template: This document officially declares that the product meets EU requirements.

Additionally, and if applicable based on the product nature, the consultant(s) shall also deliver:

• Training materials for SME staff on CE marking requirements.
• Risk management documentation.
• Support in selecting a Notified Body (if required as per the product category).
• Communication with authorities on behalf of the SME (if needed in some cases).

1. 10+ years of experience in Engineering, building materials or any other industrial field, in addition to previous experiences working on SMEs certification processes.

2. A bachelors degree in engineering is a strong plus.

3. Proven experience guiding companies through the CE marking process for similar products.

4. Understanding of the entire CE marking process, including compliance requirements, testing procedures, and documentation needs.

5. Familiarity with the specific challenges and regulations of USAID TRADE sectors of focus (specifically engineering and building materials sectors)

6. Strong knowledge of relevant EU directives applicable to your product and the corresponding harmonized standards

7. Fluency in English, and/or Arabic, (verbal and written) is a must.

Month

0.00 - 0.00

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.