TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANTS

A. Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

1. Wenzhou is the third largest city in Zhejiang Province, in the Yangtze River Delta, of the
People’s Republic of China (PRC). The city is a major manufacturing hub for consumer and
industrial (supply chain) goods. However, the manufacturing process is energy- and carbon-
intensive. In today’s climate crisis, industries’ green transition is critical to reduce their carbon
emission levels and mitigate climate change impact. In this context, the Wenzhou Finance Bureau
(WFB) requested a technical assistance (TA) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate
the industrial sectors’ green and low carbon transition. The proposed TA will help create the
conditions to establish a digital economy and facilitate the local private enterprises’ transformation
to greater technical and energy efficiencies. The low carbon footprint will contribute to the PRC’s
commitment to achieve carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060 under the
Paris Agreement. The proposed TA will be financed under a 50–50 cost recovery arrangement
with the WFB.

B. Scope of Work

2. The proposed TA assignment will have three outputs. First, the TA will develop a strategy
and roadmap for a comprehensive digital economy in Wenzhou. Second, the TA will develop and
share technical knowledge, including best practices and implementation experiences. Third, the
TA will enhance institutional and market capacity on the digital economy to support green
development in the private sector in Wenzhou.

C. Indicative Consulting Service Requirements

3. The TA implementation will require a team of international and national consultants under
a firm contract and individual contracts. Key experts required are as follows. For the firm contract,
the consulting firm has the flexibility to propose additional non-key experts as deemed necessary
to complete the task, without exceeding the stated total budget. In the firm contract, one
international consultant will act as the team leader to manage the entire TA assignment by working
closely with WFB, ADB, and other TA consultants [including assigned individual consultant(s) and
resource persons] to ensure successful delivery of the required TA outputs on schedule and at
the quality acceptable to WFB and ADB. The Summary Table outlines the positions.

Table 1: Summary Table

Consultant Title Scope of Work Type Inputs
Technical Consultant
1 Digital Economy (Green Overall management of the International 2 PMs
Transition) Expert and Team consultant assignment and
Leader leadership: technical guidance,
advice to the WFB and other
relevant counterparts on the
digital economy development,
and responsibility for the
quality of the consultant team’s
outputs. Leadership in
knowledge development and
institutional and market
capacity development.
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Consultant Title Scope of Work Type Inputs

Technical Consultant
2 Digital Technology Expert Digital technologies and National 3 PMs
related technical backstopping:
digital economy development
that is related to the real
economy. Support the relevant
areas in knowledge
development and institutional
and market capacity
development.

3. Carbon Transition Expert Green and low carbon National 4 PMs

development: carbon transition
strategy, approaches,
technical backstopping.
Support the relevant areas in
knowledge development and
institutional and market
capacity development.

4. Knowledge Development Knowledge development and National 3 PMs

Expert institutional capacity
development: technical
knowledge consolidation and
development; publication
including editing and
translation; and knowledge
dissemination including
workshop and training
development.

5 Implementation Management TA implementation support: National 3 PMs

and Support Expert event organizations and
coordination (knowledge and
training), travels, claims, and
other TA administrative
support.

6 Resource Persons TA technical, implementation, International 3 PMs

and administrative contingent and/or
supports that have not been National
envisaged during the initial TA
design stage.

PM = person-month, TA = technical assistance, WFB = Wenzhou Finance Bureau.

D. Indicative Terms of Reference for Experts of the Firm

1. Digital Economy (Green Transition) Consultant and Team Leader (2 Person-

Months, Intermittent)

4. The team leader will provide the overall management of the consultant assignment,
including technical guidance and advice to the WFB and other relevant counterparts on the digital
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economy development, and be responsible for the quality of the consultant team’s outputs. The
consultant will also lead the technical knowledge development and training work.

Detailed Tasks

(i) Review the work assignment and the technical and administrative requirements and
prepare a comprehensive work plan acceptable to WFB and ADB.
(ii) Meet with and review relevant reports or existing studies from government agencies,
research institutes, academe, development partners, and other organizations to acquire
ground information, avoid duplication of work, complement work already undertaken, and
leverage on lessons learned.
(iii) Organize and conduct a study of domestic and international best practices in the digital
economy for private sector SMEs, including concrete examples of innovative digital
business models applicable to the local context. Countries may include European Union,
Japan, Singapore, and/or the United States. PRC provinces may include Guangdong,
Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
(iv) Manage the technical and analytical work for developing a digital economy strategy and
roadmap to support the green and low carbon transition of private sector SMEs in
Wenzhou. This will include identifying key barriers facing private sector SMEs to adopting
digital solutions, from upstream to midstream to downstream (e.g., from policy and
regulation to institution and system infrastructure and to eventual adoption and application
of the digital economy and technologies at private sector SME level.)
(v) Lead the drafting of the digital economy strategy and roadmap, including the consultations
with central, provincial, municipal, and/or county government counterparts; line ministries;
regulators and supervisory agencies; public institutions; financial and private institutions;
and/or other market participants during the preparation of the market survey and study
and following the completion of the digital economy development strategy and roadmap
for consultations and feedbacks; incorporate feedback and suggestions into the technical
report and other relevant documents; and ensure the quality of outputs.
(vi) Manage the design, development, and implementation of capacity development work,
such as through a physical and/or virtual workshop, conference, and seminar to share the
TA achievements, inclusive of international and national best practices, the PRC
experiences, digital economy innovations, case studies, and other benefits gained under
the TA. The team leader may involve the ADB regional development partners to gain
insights from the PRC experiences.
(vii) Lead the production (from development to publication) of at least one knowledge product
on advanced digital technologies, their adoption, and potential replicability to improve the
operational efficiency and green and low carbon development of private sector SMEs.
(viii) Manage and guide the TA team to ensure close collaboration and smooth implementation
of TA activities.
(ix) Support ADB during consultations and missions. When required, prepare and conduct
presentations for relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.
(x) Be fully responsible for the quality and timely submission of TA deliverables, e.g.,
inception, interim, draft final, and final reports, as well as any progress reports as required
by WFB and ADB. Lead and provide inputs to and deliver the TA consultant team’s interim
and final workshops.
(xi) Perform other tasks in relation to this assignment, as needed.
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Minimum Qualification Requirements

5. The consultant should have at least 10 years of general experience, with at least 3 years
related to the digital economy and green and low carbon development and local government
public finance experience. He/she should have at least a university degree in economics, finance,
computer science, information technology, and/or other related fields from a reputable university.
Experiences with government agencies, international organizations, technology companies,
consulting firms, and/or academic institutions will be preferred. In addition, the consultant should
be familiar with the industrial development of Zhejiang Province, especially Wenzhou city.
Experience in Wenzhou’s industrial development research is preferred. Recent (i.e., past 5 years)
and relevant domestic project research experience is preferred. Having strong English
communication skills is required. The consultant should also have strong motivation and be able
to independently and proactively accomplish assigned tasks.

2. Digital Technology Consultant (National: 3 Person-months,

Intermittent)

6. The consultants will provide digital technologies and related technical backstopping in
relevant digital economy development areas that are internet-related, platform-related, and/or e-
commerce and other services-related. The consultants will also support technical knowledge
development and training work.

Detailed Tasks

(i) Review the relevant work assignment and support the team leader in preparing a
comprehensive work plan acceptable to WFB and ADB.
(ii) Support the team leader in organizing and conducting a study of domestic and
international best practices in the digital economy for private sector SMEs, including
concrete examples of innovative digital business models applicable to the local context.
Countries may include European Union, Japan, Singapore, and/or the United States. PRC
provinces may include Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
(iii) Undertake any scoping work (needs assessment) based on demand or gap analysis,
including identifying gaps and potential issues from upstream to midstream to downstream
(e.g., from policy and regulation to institution and system infrastructure and to eventual
adoption and application of the digital economy and technologies at private sector SME
level).
(iv) Identify and evaluate technical information for innovative solutions (e.g., artificial
intelligence and automation, cloud computing, machine learning, blockchain, internet of
things) that may be relevant to strengthening operational efficiency of private sector SMEs
in Wenzhou.
(v) Work with other consultants, consolidate the available technical information, compare
international and domestic best practices and case studies, and contribute to the
preparation and development of the digital economy strategy and roadmap to support the
green transition of private sector SMEs.
(vi) Support consultations with central, provincial, municipal, and county government
counterparts; line ministries; regulators and supervisory agencies; public institutions;
financial and private institutions; and/or other market participants during the preparation
of the market survey and study and following the completion of the digital economy
development strategy and roadmap; and incorporate relevant feedback and suggestions.
(vii) Contribute to capacity development (e.g., training) and knowledge-sharing work, such as
through a physical and/or virtual workshop, conference, and seminar, to share the TA
 5

findings and recommendations, inclusive of international and national best practices, new
and innovative digital solutions, case studies, and others.
(viii) Support the development and finalization of at least one knowledge product, provide
specific inputs on advanced digital technologies, their adoption, and potential replicability
to improve the operational efficiency and green and low carbon development in private
sector SMEs.
(ix) Provide any other quality and timely inputs to TA deliverables, such as TA inception,
interim, and final reports, as well as any progress reports as required by WFB and ADB.
(x) Support ADB during consultations and missions. When required, prepare and conduct
presentations to relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.
(xi) Perform other tasks in relation to this assignment, as needed.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

7. The consultant(s) should have at least 8 years of general experience, with at least 2 years
related to digital economy and/or digital technology development. They should have at least a
university degree in economics, finance, computer science, information technology, and/or other
related fields from a reputable university. Experiences in green and sustainable development,
particularly in carbon transition, will be preferred. The international consultant should have
extensive international experience and are proficient in the latest digital economy development.
Having strong English communication skills is preferred. Recent (i.e., past 5 years) and relevant
domestic project research experience is preferred. The consultants should also have strong
motivation and be able to independently and proactively accomplish assigned tasks.

3. Carbon Transition Consultant (National: 4 Person-Months, Intermittent)

8. The consultants will provide technical support and sector leadership in green and
sustainable development with a focus on carbon transition strategy and approaches. The
consultants will also provide support for technical knowledge development and training work.

Detailed Tasks

(i) Review the relevant work assignment and support the team leader in preparing a
comprehensive work plan acceptable to WFB and ADB.
(ii) Support the team leader in organizing and conducting a study of domestic and
international best practices in the digital economy for private sector SMEs, including
concrete examples of innovative digital business models applicable to the local context.
Countries may include European Union, Japan, Singapore, and/or the United States. PRC
provinces may include Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
(iii) Undertake any scoping work (needs assessment) based on demand or gap analysis,
including identifying gaps and potential issues from upstream to midstream to downstream
(e.g., from policy and regulation to institution and system infrastructure and to eventual
adoption and application of the digital economy and technologies at private sector SME
level).
(iv) Identify and analyze green and low-carbon development’s challenges in Wenzhou that
may impede the formulation, adoption or implementation of broader and stronger low-
carbon (e.g., process technology) policies, strategies, interventions, and measures,
holding back investments in low-carbon processing technologies.
(v) Based on the experience, lessons, and good practices identified and summarized in the
market survey and study, formulate a set of practical and effective guidelines and
recommendations on overcoming the low carbon technical, investment, and other barriers.
6

(vi) Work with other consultants, consolidate the available technical information, compare
international and domestic best practices and case studies, and contribute to the
preparation and development of the digital economy strategy and roadmap to support the
green transition of private sector SMEs.
(vii) Support consultations with central, provincial, municipal, and county government
counterparts; line ministries; regulators and supervisory agencies; public institutions;
financial and private institutions; and/or other market participants during the preparation
of the market survey and study and following the completion of the digital economy
development strategy and roadmap; and incorporate relevant feedback and suggestions.
(viii) Contribute to capacity development (e.g., training) and knowledge sharing work, such as
through a physical and/or virtual workshop, conference, and seminar, to share the TA
findings and recommendations, inclusive of international and national best practices, new
and innovative digital solutions, case studies, and others.
(ix) Support and provide inputs to the development and finalization of at least one knowledge
product, provide specific inputs on advanced digital technologies, their adoption and
application, and potential replicability to improve the operational efficiency and green
development of private sector SMEs.
(x) Provide quality and timely inputs to TA deliverables, such as TA inception, interim, and
final reports, as well as any progress reports as required by WFB and ADB.
(xi) Support ADB during consultations and missions. When required, prepare and conduct
presentations for relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.
(xii) Perform other tasks in relation to this assignment, as needed.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

9. The two consultants should have at least 8 years of work experience in green and
sustainable development, with a focus on carbon transition. They should have at least a university
degree in economics, finance, environmental science, and/or other related fields from a reputable
university. Experience with an international organization and an international financial institution
will be preferred. Having strong English communication skills is preferred. Experience in
Wenzhou’s industrial development research is preferred. Recent (i.e., past five years) and
relevant domestic project research experience is preferred. The consultants should also have
strong motivation and be able to independently and proactively accomplish assigned tasks.

4. Knowledge Development Consultant (National: 3 Person-Months,

Intermittent)

10. The consultant will provide technical and non-technical knowledge development for both
digital economy, inclusive of digital technology, and green development, editing, translation, and
publishing.

Detailed Tasks

(i) Review the relevant work assignment and support the team leader in preparing a
comprehensive work plan acceptable to WFB and ADB.
(ii) Support the team leader and the consultant team in collaborating in the technical digital
economy space including market survey, report preparation, government and market
consultation, and the need for knowledge and capacity development.
(iii) Provide strategic direction and technical inputs to support the TA team and ADB in
preparing for, organizing, and participating in virtual and/or in-person knowledge-sharing
workshops, forums, conferences, and other awareness-raising events. Inputs may include
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effective branding and communication strategies for the TA’s knowledge products, and
social media packages, if needed.
(iv) Assist in distilling key messages and crafting the storyline for communication materials to
promote understanding of digital solutions in business processes and production methods
of private sector SMEs.
(v) Support the TA team and ADB with the creation of knowledge packages by developing
more engaging written and graphic content, such as blogs, infographics, and cover
images, for more accessible and effective dissemination via social media or other
communication channels.
(vi) Develop media campaigns for communication and knowledge dissemination activities,
leveraging social media and other knowledge-sharing platforms to maximize visibility and
impact of TA work.
(vii) Assist in conceptualizing, developing, and finalizing the preparation of relevant knowledge
products and solutions based on the technical inputs from the other consultants; manage
the knowledge development process; and lead the publication and other knowledge
dissemination efforts. The work includes review, consolidation, editing, revising,
translating, and finalizing knowledge products and other communication materials.
(viii) Support the institutional and market capacity development process through the
consolidations and development of relevant training materials based on the TA
implementation progress and knowledge and experiences gained.
(ix) Identify strategic opportunities (e.g., events, written and multimedia products) for sharing
the TA outputs and deliverables with other ADB developing member countries and for
knowledge exchange.
(x) Provide quality and timely inputs to TA deliverables, such as TA inception, interim, and
final reports, as well as any progress reports as required by WFB and ADB.
(xi) Support ADB during consultations and missions. When required, prepare and conduct
presentations for relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.
(xii) Perform other tasks in relation to this assignment, as needed.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

11. The consultants should have at least 6 years of work experience with an international
organization and another similar institution in knowledge development. He/she should have at
least a university degree in a relevant field from a reputable university. Experience in sustainable
development and information technologies will be preferred. Having strong English
communication skills is preferred. The consultants should also have strong motivation and be able
to independently and proactively accomplish assigned tasks.

5. Implementation Management and Support Consultant (National: 3

Person-Months, Intermittent)

12. The consultant will provide TA management, implementation, and administration support
to help achieve the TA objectives, including monitoring TA progress and milestones; managing
TA consultants (e.g., output deliverables, claims and payment); maintaining government and/or
client relationship; coordinating and supporting knowledge and other events; translating and
editing reports; supporting regional cooperation and integration work; and performing other
related tasks.
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Detailed Tasks

(i) Review the relevant work assignment and support the team leader in preparing a
comprehensive work plan acceptable to WFB and ADB.
(ii) Support the team leader and the consultant team in all relevant aspects of the
administration and implementation backstopping.
(iii) Based on the TA paper and the implementation work plan, ensure the timely and effective
delivery of the planned TA outputs and the achievement of the overall TA objectives by
managing the TA consultants and work plan.
(iv) Monitor TA progress and milestones and work with TA consultants to ensure timely and
satisfactory output deliverables for review by ADB and WFB.
(v) Provide seamless communication and coordination among ADB, TA consultants, WFB,
and/or other relevant (e.g., market) stakeholders.
(vi) Support TA knowledge development and dissemination work, including event
organizations, report editing and translation, outreach programs, publications, and/or
other related tasks.
(vii) Provide regional cooperation and integration support in areas of stakeholder coordination
and communication, event organization, knowledge development and dissemination, and
others.
(viii) Provide any other necessary TA implementation and administration work, including travel
arrangements for the consultant team, payment and expenses claims, disbursements, and
reimbursements, among others.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

13. The consultant should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience. He/she should
possess at least a university degree. Experience in participating in international and national
project implementation is preferred. A good command of English is required. The consultant
should also have strong motivation and be able to independently and proactively accomplish
assigned tasks.

6. Resource Persons (International and/or National: 3 Person-Months,

Intermittent)

14. The resource persons will provide any additional short-term based, specific, contingent
TA technical, implementation, and/or administration supports that are not initially envisaged
during the TA design to help achieve the TA objectives, including as technical advisor(s) and/or
speaker(s) to provide backstopping in digital economy areas, TA implementation consultant for
any additional TA implementation matters, and TA administration assistant for any additional
miscellaneous activities.

Detailed Tasks

(i) Provide any additional technical backstopping that is related to development of digital
economy in Wenzhou, such as acting as advisor(s) for any specific technical areas that
are not covered under the existing TA consultant arrangement.
(ii) Provide any technical and/or keynote speech(es) as prominent speaker(s) during the
knowledge sharing and/or training events.
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(iii) Provide any additional technical and knowledge development support that cannot be
covered under the existing TA consultant arrangement, such as on regional cooperation
and integration and other contingent areas.
(iv) Provide any market- and sector-based feedback during the TA report review and
commenting process, such as acting as a peer reviewer(s), at technical roundtables,
and/or at stakeholder conferences.
(v) Provide any other technical, knowledge, TA implementation, and TA administration-
related work as determined between ADB and WFB based on the TA implementation
needs and progresses.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

15. To be determined individually per demand during the TA implementation.

E. Implementation Period

16. December 2023–December 2026

F. Outputs, Reports (deliverables), and Milestone Payments

Table 2: Consultancy Deliverables and Milestone Payments

Deliverable Activity Target Date Payment
Preceding (from NTP)
Payment
Inception report, inclusive of (i) a proposed work plan, Accepted 8 months 20%
approach, and methodology in undertaking TA activities; (ii) a by WFB
desk (comparative) study on international and domestic best and ADB
practices and approaches to digital economy and
identification of gaps; and (iii) a preliminary structure of digital
solutions for the green transition of identified private sector
SMEs in the PRC. The proposed work plan must be
approved before any other work is allowed to proceed.
Interim report, inclusive of (i) a draft annotated outline of the Accepted 14 months 25%
digital economy strategy, work plan, and roadmap; (ii) at by WFB
least one knowledge product, such as a policy brief and/or a and ADB
digital economy pamphlet(s) to be developed, published,
and/or disseminated to facilitate the digital economy sector
development; and (iii) at least one brainstorm session and/or
another knowledge and/or training event.
Draft final report, inclusive of (i) the proposed draft digital Accepted 24 months 30%
economy strategy and roadmap; (ii) at least one major by WFB
knowledge-sharing event and multisector stakeholder and ADB
consultations on the proposed digital economy strategy and
roadmap; and (iii) at least one targeted technical training,
corporate and professional development, and/or other in-
house and external training to build the capacity of the
Zhejiang Provincial Government, Wenzhou Municipal
Government, and other public and private institutions and
private sector SMEs on digital economy development.
Final report that summarizes all the TA implementation work, Accepted 36 months 25%
including a technical report that has been consulted and by WFB
revised to reflect the results of the consultation process, and ADB
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capacity development, knowledge development, among

others, that have been completed according to the ADB TA
paper design and monitoring framework. All the completed
work needs to be attached to the final report.
100%
ADB = Asian Development Bank, NTP = notice to proceed, PRC = People’s Republic of China, SMEs = small and
medium-sized enterprises, TA = technical assistance, WFB = Wenzhou Finance Bureau.