Introduction
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) is pleased to invite interested qualified consultants to submit an offer for the provision of the services described below as per requirements set out in this Request for Offers.
Data privacy considerations: By expressing their interest and submitting a complete file, consultants explicitly consent that the necessary information contained in the submission documents will be used to process the application. Consultants acknowledge that the information provided will be checked against a series of criteria, including (and only if applicable) legal constraints as per funding agreements. The information collected by the GICHD is directly related to the GICHD’s need to process the information the consultants submitted adequately. Examples of the data we request include name, title, organisation, address, work experience, etc. For more information about data protection or the applicants’ rights, see the GICHD data protection notice (Data protection notice | Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (gichd.org)).
The GICHD seeks to promote gender balance and diversity among staff and consultants.
The time-frame and content of the project that the consultant will support is subject to change.
Successful bidders will be contacted to discuss specific contractual matters following the deadline for submissions.
RFO Terms:
By participating in this RFO (e.g., by submitting an offer), you agree to the following terms:
- This RFO is not a contractual offer and does not create any obligation on the part of GICHD to award a contract or to accept any offer. GICHD reserves the right to reject any or all offers, to withdraw or amend this RFO at any time, or to cancel the procurement process without providing reasons and without incurring any liability towards the participants.
- GICHD shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by the participants in connection with the preparation or submission of an offer.
- GICHD is under no obligation to provide feedback or explanations regarding the selection or rejection of any offer.
- Evaluation of offers will be at the sole discretion of the GICHD.
- GICHD reserves the right to negotiate the terms of any offer or contract, including price, scope, and timelines, with any participant.
- This RFO and any related process shall be governed by the laws of Switzerland and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Geneva, Switzerland.
Reference number: RFO/2026/GHD (01) Project number :1007
Posting date: 10 March 2026; Deadline for submission of offers: 22 March 2026, 23:59, CET Time Zone
Country of deployment: Remote
Currency: The offer shall be presented in Swiss Francs (CHF) or Euros (EUR)
Language: The offer shall be submitted in English only
Submit to: g.darlow@gichd.org - p.basto@gichd.org
Specification of services
Provide research support to a project team conducting research on technologies and methodologies designed to mitigate the effects of blast and fragmentation arising from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations in urban environments.
Key responsibilities include:
• Literature review: conducting a comprehensive mapping of existing technologies and methodologies intended to reduce blast and fragmentation impacts in EOD operations, as well as in other relevant sectors (e.g. urban construction and planning, mining and quarrying, and port construction).
• Data collection: supporting the testing and evaluation of selected emerging or novel technologies and methodologies to determine their applicability and performance in relevant operational settings.
• Data analysis: assessment of existing technologies and methodologies for suitability, effectiveness, and operational limitations, including selection of those to be subject to trials.
• Reporting: consolidating research findings, including the results of trials and evaluations, into comprehensive and coherent sections of the reports.
• Dissemination: contributing to the Mine Action Innovation Hub Technical Sub-group on protective works, including active participation in technical discussions and the provision of subject-matter input.
Bidder language – all bids must be submitted in English
Delivery Dates of the Services - Anticipated workload of maximum 50 days delivered no later than 30th November 2026, with most workload between 1st April and 30th August.
Other requirements
The team or individual must demonstrate:
• A strong technical background in the physics of blast and fragmentation as well as respective protective works;
• direct experience related to explosive ordnance is desirable but not mandatory.
• Consultant(s) shall hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Explosives Engineering, or an equivalent qualification,
• a minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience in the testing, evaluation, and applied research of explosive engineering systems and methodologies.
Proposal Submission
The consultant shall provide a coherent, structured, and clear offer in response to the request submitting the following elements:
- Concise narrative proposal outlining the consultant’s professional qualifications, experience and ability to meet the GICHD needs.
- Financial proposal outlining the total cost of services, with a breakdown of key cost components, including professional fees and any anticipated expenses.
- Proof of consultant’s official registration and legal address.
- Consultant’s CV (two pages maximum).
Pricing
The consultant shall only provide the cost of their services by day and for entire duration of services. Equipment such as laptops with word processing software are not covered by the GICHD and should be included in the consultant services at no extra cost.