Apex Consulting (General Profile)

APEX CONSULTING

COMPANY PROFILE

January 2019

Version 1.0

Apex Consulting Sana’a - Republic of Yemen P.O. Box 16123 Phone: +967-1-244 822 Fax: +967-1-269 285

E-mail: info@apexconsultingRestricted -me.com © Apex Consulting www.apexconsulting -me.com P a g e | ii

Apex Consulting - Profile

Table of Contents

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF APEX CONSULTING ...... 3

APEX GEOGRAPHICAL EXPERIENCE ...... 3 APEX QUALIFICATIONS, CAPABILITIES, AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCES ...... 3 Experience in Third Party Monitoring (TPM) and Independent Verification (IV) ...... 3 Experience in M&E, Research, and Market Assessments ...... 5 Experience in Support for Cash Transfer Programs (CTP) including Verification of Beneficiary Registration ...... 9 Experience in Social and Economic Issues in Yemen ...... 9 OUR CLIENTS ...... 10 Multilateral/Bilateral Organizations ...... 10 Government ...... 11 Private Sector ...... 11

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Brief Description of Apex Consulting Apex Consulting (Apex) is a professional services firm with extensive experience in research and management consultancy. It was founded by a group of highly respected professionals with broad expertise across multiple business functions and industries. Today, Apex is managed by a team of highly qualified partners, and it has offices in Sana’a – Yemen.

Apex is a specialized team of professionals with a wide range of competencies in Third Party Monitoring (TPM), Independent Verification (IV), social and economic research, public surveys and polling, support for Emergency Cash Transfer programs, public administration reform, strategic management, and IT. Apex has worked with numerous clients in the donors’ community, and the private and public sectors, and it particularly has a long solid track record in the management and implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) projects.

Apex Geographical Experience Apex’s geographical experience spans the Middle East, West Africa, East Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia. Since its founding, Apex has continued to add highly motivated and experienced consultants to the team, enabling the firm to solidify its reputation as a world-class professional services provider.

From our global experience and outreach, we have gained access to national, regional, and international expertise. We have proven access to a network of high-quality experts, consultants, and support staff with skills relevant to our assignments and who have been successfully working together on many high profile, sensitive, and complex projects.

Apex Qualifications, Capabilities, and Relevant Experiences Apex Consulting has extensive experience in managing and conducting large, complex, and sensitive Third Party Monitoring (TPM) and Independent Verification projects, social and economic research projects, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) projects. Our expertise includes the following areas:

Experience in Third Party Monitoring (TPM) and Independent Verification (IV) We have strong experience in designing and implementing TPM and verification projects as an Independent Verification Agent (IVA). This includes the following [Physical, Technical, and Safeguard Verification of Project Implementation, Distribution Monitoring (DM), Beneficiary Outreach Monitoring (BOM), and Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM)]:

Designing and implementing TPM and verification projects as an IVA This includes undertaking multi-sectoral project monitoring and quality assurance across all Yemen; establishing and agreeing on desired outputs, outcomes, and impacts; establishing specific and measurable indicators; agreeing on sources of information; establishing monitoring protocols; conducting monitoring visits; and reporting key findings.

An established local monitoring and verification network up and running in all of the governorates This network will provide our clients with a continuous “eyes on the ground” presence. Thanks to our established networks for monitoring and verifications. We have the capacity to rapidly mobilize qualified and skilled field teams who possess excellent experience, knowledge and skills with respect to data collection and humanitarian operations.

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Strong experience and track record with donors and Implementing Partners Apex has worked with numerous clients in the private and public sectors, and it particularly has a long solid track record in the management and implementation of international development programs and projects. We have ongoing strong relationships with the international donor community. We have been working with many donors including members of the World Bank Group (WBG), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), several organizations of the United Nations (UN), including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and several European agencies, including the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). From these interactions, we have an understanding of the donor agencies’ priorities and programs. Beyond this, we have been selected to carry out large-scale projects for major international donor organizations in many countries around the world.

Experienced and diversified teams that include Yemenis in all positions, which enables our team to continue to work on-ground even under the most extreme circumstances We have a very strong on-the-ground presence in Yemen. This will enable us to dedicate the time and resources necessary to make the implementation of the project successful. Our team members can continue to work on the ground even during conflicts and post-conflict situations. Our team members can travel freely in all over Yemen, which is a strong advantage under the current situation. While many firms evacuated their staff and stopped their activities in Yemen, Apex continues to work as usual in Sana’a and in all of the other governorates.

Ability to mobilize rapidly Thanks to our established networks for monitoring and verifications. We have the capacity to rapidly mobilize qualified and skilled field teams who possess excellent experience, knowledge and skills with respect to data collection and humanitarian operations.

Excellent record of delivery on numerous projects From small-scale diagnostic reviews to complex multi-million dollar programs. Our strong Project and Program Management Units ensure that project delivery is maintained at the highest standards.

Database, Mapping, and Data Management Capacity We have state-of-the-art equipment and software. We have experienced staff that is capable of entering, cleaning, verifying consistency, and editing collected data and then presenting it to the client in clearly labelled databases. We use Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and Optical Mark-Up Recognition (OMR) software and equipment for automatic data entry, which speeds up data entry, reduces human errors, and increases the overall quality of data. We use the SurveyCTO, an Open Data Kit (ODK) hosting platform. SurveyCTO is a product that helps to capture, transport, and process data during interviews. It is designed for filed interviews with no connectivity. This product is user-friendly, secure and flexible. SurveyCTO is widely used in almost 50 countries. Some of the features are: Almost zero down time Continuous backups Ability to preview and fill out the forms online Automated monitoring of data quality Online help Extensive library of sample forms Supports audio recording

Our consultants have strong experience and in-house expertise in using geo-spatial databases that can help map the scope of ongoing and completed projects. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is revolutionizing third party monitoring. ICTs can help increase inclusiveness and reach. ICTs are useful in reducing the time and costs needed for collecting and analyzing data. Most TPM tools can use ICT for data collection and analysis, and translation of data into information. Therefore, ICT is not considered a separate tool, but a means for enhancing TPM.

Analytical Capacity and Data Processing Experience We have a team of professional and experienced analysts who are able to analyze the collected data and write descriptive and analytical reports. We use STATA and SPSS packages for data analysis. Most of our consultants, including the ones proposed in this proposal, have advanced statistical knowledge. They have applied this knowledge for several years in more than 60 research projects.

Report Writing Capacity

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Our analysts are accomplished in writing both analytical and descriptive reports. Through our subject matter experts, these reports are enriched with targeted and actionable recommendations.

Experience in M&E, Research, and Market Assessments Apex Consulting is very experienced in the areas of M&E, household and enterprise surveys, public opinion surveys, SMEs, and social and economic research. We have conducted numerous large-scale quantitative, qualitative, and mixed- mode research projects (more than 60 projects) for various donors (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank, IFC, FIAS, DFID, USAID, GIZ, US Embassy, and IOM), government clients, and prestigious private sector clients.

Our expertise includes the following areas: Designing M&E Frameworks and Plans Our consultants are experienced in various M&E tools such as the European Union’s Logical Framework (LogFrame) and the USAID’s Performance Management Plans (PMP). This includes establishing and agreeing on desired outputs, outcomes, and impacts; establishing specific and measurable indicators; agreeing on sources of information; and devising detailed plans for M&E activities.

Research Design and Instrument Design Our consultants have strong experience in designing research studies. This includes qualitative studies (e.g., focus groups, in-depth interviews, case studies, observation), and quantitative studies (including determining sample size, sampling techniques, etc.).

Fieldwork Capacity We have the capacity and experience to conduct large-scale surveys and research studies through our full-time experienced field managers, supervisors, monitors, verification agents, and interviewers.

Data Management Capacity We have state of the art equipment and software, and experienced staff capable of entering, cleaning, verifying consistency, and editing collected data and then presenting it to the client in clearly labelled databases. We use Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and Optical Mark-Up Recognition (OMR) software and equipment for automatic data entry, which speeds up data entry, reduces human errors, and increases the overall quality of data.

Report Writing Capacity Our analysts are accomplished in writing both analytical and descriptive reports. Through our subject matter experts these reports are enriched with targeted and actionable recommendations.

Index Computation We have vast experience in computing economic and social indices. For example, in recent surveys we have conducted for the IFC, the World Bank, and GIZ we have developed, computed, and visually presented to various stakeholders several indices and sub-indices. Examples include the following: Local Business Environment Index (Enterprise Survey Index) Client/Beneficiary Satisfaction Index Administrative Simplicity Index Corruption Index

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Government Efficiency/Effectiveness Index (both local and central governments) Return on Taxes Paid Index Also most of our surveys for the private sector entail developing, calculating, interpreting, and presenting satisfaction and competitiveness indices.

Standards and Professional Codes The research practice of Apex Consulting is fully compliant with the ISO 20252:2006 international standard. This standard establishes the service requirements for organizations and professionals conducting market, opinion and social research. This standard covers quality management system requirements, managing the executive elements of research, data collection, data management and processing, and reporting on research projects. Apex Consulting is also fully compliant with the following International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)/ European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR) Codes of Conduct: International Code of Marketing and Social Research Practice International Code of Mystery Shopping Studies International Code of Customer Satisfaction Studies International Code of Tape and Video Recording and Client Observation of Interviews and Group Discussions International Code of Interviewing Children and Young People

The table below summarizes a list of projects we have successfully executed. More project references can be provided on request.

Project Client Brief Description Mode Sample Size TPM: For the UNDP The objective of this TPM is to assist Quantitative More than 100 Provision of Third The Yemen Emergency Crisis Response and Qualitative verification Party Monitoring Project (YECRP) in accurately capturing, and TPM Agent Project: verifying, and cataloguing data on activities in 13 Yemen Emergency implemented activities. The specific governorates Crisis Response objectives are: Asset verification, Project (YECRP) quality of implementation in terms of (2018 – 2020) selection, satisfaction, and delivery methods, as well as assessment of the immediate impact of the implemented activities, fiduciary aspects of the implemented activities, and assessment through various procedures including interviews and survey with beneficiaries of the project and report on the impact of the work on the targeted communities. TPM: Long Term Food and The objective of this TPM project is to Quantitative More than 180 Agreement for the Agriculture undertake technical, social, and and Qualitative verification Provision of Third Organization of environmental safeguards verification and TPM Party Monitoring the United to deliver verifiable data to the FAO on activities in 7 (TPM) Services to Nations (FAO) the existence, quality, and progress of governorates Assess its projects through activity verification Implementation and and output monitoring. Impact of the Yemen Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Restoration and Enhancement Project (SAPREP) (2018 – 2020)

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Project Client Brief Description Mode Sample Size YOFMP Third Party USAID (in The Objective is to provide Yemen Quantitative More than 90 Monitoring (2016- cooperation with OFDA and FFP Monitoring Project and Qualitative verification 2017; Yemen) IBTCI) (YOFMP) with third-party monitoring and TPM of and reporting about humanitarian activities activities in Yemen that are funded by Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Office of Food for Peace (FFP) within USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). The tasks of this project aim to increase accountability, as well as improve program learning within and among the IP teams. For eight months, Apex conducts approximately 13 site visits each month to a range of OFDA and FFP-funded project sites across all governorates of Yemen, and regularly submits reports that measure progress in project-defined outputs and activities. YOFMP Third Party USAID (in The Objective is to provide YOFMP Quantitative More than 144 Monitoring (2015- cooperation with with third-party monitoring of and and Qualitative verification 2016; Yemen) IBTCI) reporting about humanitarian activities and TPM in Yemen that are funded by Office of activities U.S. OFDA and FFP within USAID’s DCHA. The tasks of this project aim to increase accountability, as well as improve program learning within and among the IP teams. For seven months, Apex conducts approximately 18-20 site visits each month to a range of OFDA and FFP-funded project sites across all governorates of Yemen, and regularly submits reports that measure progress in project-defined outputs and activities. Third Party USAID/YMEP The primary objective of this project Quantitative More than 100 Monitoring was to objectively monitor USAID and Qualitative USAID funded activities in five governorates in activities Yemen and to determine whether the USAID intervention produced the proposed stabilization, development, and quality of life impact for the resident communities. M&E: Microfinance Yale University The objective of this project was to Quantitative 1,000 Graduation Pilot (USA), Social conduct a baseline survey and data households Project (MGPP) Fund for entry for the microfinance graduation and 2,000 Endline Survey Development pilot project in 50 communities in individuals (Yemen), and Yemen. (Total of 3,000 Social Welfare questionnaires Fund (Yemen) ) M&E: Microfinance Yale University The objective of this project was to Quantitative 1,000 Graduation Pilot (USA), Social conduct a baseline survey and data households Project (MGPP) Fund for entry for the microfinance graduation and 2,000

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Project Client Brief Description Mode Sample Size Baseline Survey Development pilot project in 50 communities in individuals (Yemen), and Yemen. (Total of 3,000 Social Welfare questionnaires Fund (Yemen) ) Demand for Social Fund for As part of the Promotion of the MSME Quantitative 635 MSMEs Microfinance in Development related Finance Sector project, the and Qualitative 8 focus group Yemen and KfW objective of this survey is to help discussions existing MFIs identify and explore the actual clients’ needs in order to ensure maximum outreach to the poor and people in need for microfinance services, and to provide information about existing and new products and services on demand by current and potential clients. Monitoring and International The objective of this assignment is to Qualitative NA Evaluation for Al- Labor review and modify the monitoring and (Qualitative) Amal Microfinance Organization evaluation system at Al-Amal Bank (Yemen) Microfinance Bank.The intervention includes the development of M&E tools, scorecards, indicators, and instrumentsfor the bank. Cost of Compliance World Bank An enterprise survey of large, small, Quantitative 1,800 Survey - Yemen (FIAS) and medium enterprises in Yemen on enterprises tax issues. Enterprise Survey: World Bank An enterprise survey of small Quantitative 950 Small Enterprise (FIAS) enterprises in Yemen. enterprises Profitability Survey - Yemen Enterprise Survey: World Bank (IFC) An enterprise survey of small and Quantitative 100 IFC Ventures medium enterprises in Yemen. and Qualitative enterprises Enterprise Survey: GIZ An enterprise survey of large, small, Quantitative 1,500 Local Business and medium enterprises in Yemen on enterprises Environment Survey local business environment. (Phase II - 2012) Enterprise Survey: GIZ An enterprise survey of large, small, Quantitative 1,150 Local Business and medium enterprises in Yemen on enterprises Environment Survey local business environment. (Phase I - 2009) Higher Education World Bank A survey of the satisfaction level of Quantitative 8 public Quality university students and their and Qualitative universities, Improvement employers in the targeted university 12 programs, Project (HEQIP) programs. 550 students, and 30 employers Branding Survey SabaFon GSM Branding and brand equity survey in Quantitative 1600 2006, 2007, 2008, Telecommunicati the mobile telecommunications individuals and 2009 ons market in Yemen. Assessment of the UNICEF (Yemen) An assessment of the Communication Quantitative 15 schools Communication Campaign by Business Alliance Group and Qualitative Campaign by on Promotion of Girl’s Education. Business Alliance Group on Promotion of Girl’s Education

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Experience in Support for Cash Transfer Programs (CTP) including Verification of Beneficiary Registration Our team is currently carrying out a mega-scale Support Project for Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Program in Yemen. This project has been launched by key donors to deliver emergency safety net support to Social Welfare Fund (SWF) beneficiaries. The program, which consists of two payment processes, is taking place in the 22 Yemeni governorates in the 333 districts. In this program we are providing support for around 1.5 million beneficiaries; we provide direct operational support to beneficiaries during the Payment Process in terms of verification and grievance management and redressal. Our responsibilities include:

▪ Develop a communication plan and protocol to clarify, amongst other things, the responsibilities for each party involved in this program; coordination and communication among parties participating in the program (i.e., Client, Payment Agency, Field Facilitation Organization, Apex Consulting (the Beneficiary Support (BS) and Grievance & Redressal (GR) Organization), Third Party Monitoring (TPM) Organization, and the Technical and Administrative Support Organization (TAS)). The plan also addresses when each service provider is expected to commence its respective work including fieldwork. The communication plan and protocol is the road map for the engagement management and activity coherence of the ECT program. ▪ Establish BS&GR sites strategically located close to payment sites to allow beneficiaries ease of access to the payment site while limiting the risk of disruption at the sites; equip the sites with laptops with the offline software and beneficiary list, paper-based Grievance Forms, stationery and materials. ▪ In addition to the BS&GR sites, establish a 24 hour call center aimed at providing ECTP beneficiaries with an avenue to register grievances or any other complaints related to the quality of service provided. ▪ Inform the ECT beneficiaries of the program rules, rights obligations and various mechanisms in place for project implementation including the procedures for verification of eligibility, updates, and registering grievances including the type of grievances anticipated, the procedures to manage the cases presented and the protocols to solve them. ▪ Verify the eligibility of ECT beneficiaries to receive the cash benefit in compliance with the procedures stipulated in the BS&GR technical manual. ▪ Update of beneficiary Information limited to current address (from Governorate to Village/Locality), phone number, presented ID number and type. ▪ Receive grievances and apply recommended protocols for their resolution and answer any questions or clarification of doubts to beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries that might arise during Project implementation. ▪ Ensure uniformity of the process throughout the Districts where the Project is being implemented.

In each payment process: ▪ We are hiring around 2,000 officers, screeners, call center agents, and supervisors. ▪ We are responsible for setting up (and managing) fixed and mobile BS & GR sites in all of the 333 districts. ▪ We make sure that all equipment, materials and logistics needed for the Beneficiary Support and Grievance Redressal fieldwork are obtainable in time. This includes, but not limited to: o Laptops and tablets (more than 1200 laptops), printers, stationary, etc. o Call center equipment needed for the G&R o Printing all tools and manuals needed for the fieldwork o Arrange logistics including transportation and accommodation

Experience in Social and Economic Issues in Yemen In addition to their strong experience in the technical aspects of conducting large scale studies, our consultants also have a deep understanding of Yemen (business enabling environment, education, private sector development, local administration issues, labour issues, and taxation). For example, we have completed the following projects:

Private Sector Development (Yemen): The objective of this project was to explain and characterize private sector performance by providing a comprehensive description of (a) The environment firms face; and (b) Public policy, and

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the way the political economy of state-business relation may or may not constrain progress on formulating, articulating, and implementing reforms. The findings enabled the project team to articulate a reform package that took into account regional diversity.

Restructuring the Ministry of Industry and Trade (at the national and sub-national levels) (Yemen):We led the restructuring project of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which is one of the most important government agencies in charge of economic development. Our responsibilities in this project included the following: Project management Facilitating the development of a mission, values and principles for the ministry Helping the Ministry to develop strategies and action plans Designing the new organization structure (including job descriptions, salary/incentive systems, performance evaluation systems, and assessing training needs) Advising the minister on Human Resources and Information Technology matters Provide Training on Strategic Planning and Management

Tax Mapping and Inventory (at the local and national levels) (Yemen):The overall objective of this project was to simplify the administration of taxes in Yemen, by addressing the General Sales Tax, and Income Tax procedures. In this project we were mainly responsible for developing detailed maps for all of the administrative tax processes and identifying inefficiencies/bottlenecks in existing administrative systems and priority areas for re-engineering.

Tax Simplification Program (at the local and national levels) (Yemen): In this four-year program, we assembled a team of highly qualified national and international experts to address the following issues: Tax Procedures for Income Tax and GST administration Income Tax specific policy issues (legal framework and administrative procedures) GST specific policy issues (focus on administrative procedures) Proliferation of sub-national taxes, licenses, and fees Developing and implementing a roadmap/strategy to improve the structure/efficiency of the Tax Authority Initiate the rollout of the reformed architecture of the tax authority to reflect the streamlined administration system Design and roll-out of new SME taxation system (i.e., definition, legal and administrative roadmap for potential roll-out in the future)

Design and implementation of revenue reform and modernization programs throughout the world. Apex provided technical assistance on Public Administration Simplification in all five East African countries, Somaliland, Liberia, Gabon, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

Our Clients Apex Consulting has worked with numerous public and private organizations in the region and globally. Below is a partial list of our clients.

Multilateral/Bilateral Organizations United Nations Development Program (UNDP) - Yemen UNICEF – Yemen The World Bank - Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Oman Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - Yemen International Finance Corporation (The World Bank Group) - Yemen and UAE Foreign Investment Advisory Service (The World Bank Group) – Rwanda, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Yemen, Central Asia, Liberia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Gabon, and Kenya International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Yemen

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Government Social Fund for Development - Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Yemen and 55 other countries Shoura (Consultative) Council - Yemen The Tax/Revenue Authorities – Yemen, Tanzania, Rwanda, Liberia and Bangladesh Ministry of Industry and Trade - Yemen The General Corporation for Property Development and Investment (Shibam Holding) – Yemen Ministry of Higher Education - Yemen General Investment Authority (GIA)- Yemen Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands - Yemen USAID - Yemen

Private Sector Procter & Gamble - Yemen Yemen Liquid Natural Gas (YLNG) - Yemen PepsiCo - Middle East Exxon Mobil - Yemen Al-Futaim Group (MAF Properties) - Saudi Arabia Jones Lang LaSalle - UAE Hayel Saeed Anam Group- Nadfood - Yemen Benchmark International - Lebanon Al-Rahabi Group - Yemen MAM International - Yemen TransYemen Logistics- Yemen Fuchs Lubricants - Yemen SabaFon GSM Telecom - Yemen EMKE Group - UAE ENOC Lubricants - Yemen and UAE Bin Shaihon Group - Saudi Arabia Marico Industries India LTD. - UAE

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