FinnOCFINNISH OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS LTD.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS

We offer innovative

solutions

Finnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC) Ltd. is a global consulting firm helping organizations and governments to successfully implement development -and infrastructure projects.

We work in multiple sectors utilizing both well-established and innovative approaches, converting findings into actionable plans and effective management systems.

Established in 2006, FinnOC has a long tradition of delivering projects from feasibility studies to socio-economic and environmental assessments in addition to conducting project monitoring, design and master plans.

FinnOC works with leading development- and funding institutions, governments and local organisations all over the world. We currently have a presence in Europe, Central Asia, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean, and we are constantly growing and expanding.

We help organisations to implement sustainable

development solutions through innovative

social- and environmental consultancy services.

OUR MISSION

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OUR SERVICES

ROADS & TRANSPORT

• Road Asset Management• Construction supervision• Feasibility studies• Road condition surveys• Economic analysis

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY

• Environmental impact assessments• Environmental Management Plans• Renewable energy feasibility studies

CLIMATE CHANGE

• Climate change scenarios• Climate risk and -hazard assessments• Climate change vulnerabity mapping• Climate change adaptation plans

SOCIAL STUDIES

• Social impact assessments• Social research • Safeguards compliance• Gender studies

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SKILLS & INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Skills assessments• Capacity building• Business process mapping• Change management

OUR EXPERTISEROADS AND TRANSPORT

We offer extensive international experience to transport-sector projects in both rural and urban settings. We have developed state-of-the-art Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) in several countries, allowing organisations and governments to maximize their resources available for road management and -maintenance. Our RAMS expertise includes database development, HDM-4, and GIS. We utilise the latest road condition survey tools that significantly reduce the time and cost associated with country-wide mapping of road network condition.

Staying on the leading edge of the industry requires engaging in active research and development and integrating the latest scientific knowledge into our services.

Our specialists actively participate in international expert communities such as the World Road Association (PIARC), enabling us to further the discussion on methods for economic evaluations and appraisals of road projects. This also allows us to embrace the latest best practices in order to utilize them in our work for our clients’ benefit. In 2015, our company was awarded the

Sustainable Development Prize by the World Road Association for developing a model to quantify socio-economic benefits of road projects.

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ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

We have extensive experience in successfully carrying out environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects. Our EIA’s have played a key role in preventing delays, reducing costs, and ensuring smooth implementation of projects for our clients.

We can assist in monitoring the contractors’ compliance of environmental management plans, as well as producing environmental impact assessments for environmental permit applications.

Our environmental experts are skilled in environmental legislation reviews in various regions around the world, and are able to prepare robust environmental management plans accordingly.

Our expertise also covers renewable energy projects, where we have the skill set to prepare comprehensive feasibility studies for solar- and hydropower projects.

CLIMATE CHANGE

In addition to preparing climate change profiles and scenarios, we advise clients from both the private and public sectors on how to make their projects and assets resilient against the impacts of climate change. Our experts can assess, identify and quantify climate risk and vulnerability for development projects, including mapping out climate change vulnerability. We also assess climate hazards, develop climate change adaptation plans which meet legislative requirements, and conduct climate change impact assessments. Our holistic approach in implementing sustainable transport projects also takes climate change into consideration, which generates several co-benefits including improvements in air quality, traffic safety and mobility.

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SOCIAL STUDIES

We deliver high-quality social research utilising a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.

We can help clients who wish to undertake social impact assessments (SIAs) and other social studies needed for preparing for and managing potential social impacts. We also assist with maintaining compliance with national regulatory requirements and international safeguards requirements, helping our clients to prevent and overcome obstacles. We recently worked with the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation (TEKES) to develop a ground-breaking data collection tool for social research. This tool greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of data collection, particularly in remote and challenging research environments.

Gender equality is a key focus of all of our work, and our ambition is to ensure that women are well represented in the research we carry out for our clients. Gender- and women’s studies now form a growing part of our social research portfolio, and we are proud to be able to offer strong expertise in this field.

SKILLS - AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We understand the wide scope of challenges that professionals today face in their fields, and we know how tough it can be to keep abreast of the competition. We believe that continuous education and training creates a platform for institutional change, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced productivity.

We offer capacity- and skills assessments as well as a full range of training plans and -services. Capacity assessment takes into consideration the goals, structure, resources, performance and culture of your organisation. Training methods are adjusted to the learning objectives, available resources as well as the target audience.

Whatever the business challenge, our experts can analyse and facilitate the change and development your organisation requires.

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OUR VALUESWe offer sustainable solutions by addressing both social and environmental aspects in all of our projects. This approach allows our clients to achieve maximum results with a long-term impact.

We never compromise on the standards of our work and the quality of the results that we deliver. Always on target, always on time.

EXPERIENCE

We have a true global presence and local knowledge. Wherever your projects are, we will be there too.

We build lasting relationships with our clients by working closely together with them throughout the project implementation.

SUSTAINABILITY

QUALITY

Our experts are leading professionals in their industry sectors, and together we have experience from over 30 countries.

GLOBAL REACH

CLIENT COMMITMENT

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Global presence, local knowledge.

Every year thousands of surveys are carried out to collect data on people’s lives worldwide. Data collection in the field is labour-intensive and slow especially in low-income country context. Typically, data collection needs to be completed and the data analysed before any results can be received.

To combat this, FinnOC developed a survey tool that enables the data collector or the respondent to feed responses directly into the system, which analyses them immediately. Data collectors in the field can have instant access to the survey results, which in turn enables them to verify the results by further queries, leading more accurate data. The tool enables more cost-effective as it decreases work needed by up to 70 % compared to some traditional data collection methods. The new survey tool has been successfully used for socio-economic research in Papua New Guinea.

OUR PROJECTS

Family Sexual Violence (FSV) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) have long been recognized as serious societal issues affecting mainly women and children in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This project, commissioned by the Mineral Resource Authority and the World Bank, aims to investigate the prevalence of and drivers to FSV in communities where extractive industries operate.

FinnOC was assigned to undertake formative research, a baseline and a follow-up impact assessment on the drivers of FSV. Through interviews and discussions with both women and men in selected communities, FinnOC will be mapping current FSV interventions at these localities, identifying gaps in the provision of FSV related services as well as providing recommendations to address these gaps.

Drawing from these considerations and recommendations, the goal is to improve FSV survivors’ access to Family compassionate care in Papua New Guinea. The findings from the research will be used to implement regional and global models for community engagement to change norms around FSV and to contribute to eventually eradicating the destructive behaviour.

Investigating drivers to family sexual violence in PNG

Developing a survey tool for data collection in low-income countries

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Focus area: Social studies / Gender Country: Papua New GuineaYear: 2017-2018Client: Mineral Resource Authority/World Bank

Focus area: Social studies / ResearchCountry: GlobalYear: 2017Client: Finnish Funding Agency for innovation

The Highland Region Road Improvement Investment Program is a comprehensive 10-year (2008-2018) program to upgrade, rehabilitate and maintain roads in the Highlands Highland of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The project comprises of 13 road sections or subprojects, which are being implemented in four tranches.

FinnOC was appointed to carry out the socio-economic impact study (SIS) as well as to conduct independent monitoring of all 13 subprojects. The SIS includes baseline, mid-term and impact phases, aiming to identify positive and negative socio-economic issues and impacts arising from

the project. As the Independent Monitoring Organisation (IMO) it is FinnOC’s responsibility to monitor the implementation of the project’s resettlement framework and plans and to ensure that ADB’s social safeguards are being duly observed.

The overall goal of the project is to support economic growth by improving rural access to market centres. Further goal is also to facilitate access to social and education facilities in the region. The economic and social benefits of a comprehensive road transport network will contribute to poverty reduction in the Highlands region.

Conducting socio-economic impact study and monitoring social safeguards in PNG

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Focus area: Social studies Country: Papua New GuineaYear: 2014-2018Client: Department of Works / Asian Development Bank

Years of inadequate road maintenance in Saint Lucia has resulted in pronounced deterioration of the road network. To counter this, the Government of Saint Lucia wanted to implement comprehensive Road Maintenance Management and Road Asset Management systems, and appointed FinnOC to assist in this task.

Over six years, FinnOC will be establishing a computer-based GIS road management information subsystem and a Road Asset Management System using HDM-4 modelling. This includes adapting, installing and applying

a model for central preparation of road work programs, budgets and long-term plans of all road expenditure, works and system trends.

As a result, the Government of St. Lucia will have a sustainable source of information for managing their road system and the tools for enhanced programming and budgeting of the road network maintenance/rehabilitation. The economic challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change will also be addressed.

Developing a GIS-based road maintenance management system in St Lucia

Focus area: Roads & Transport / Skills & Institutional Development Country: St. LuciaYear: 2018-2024Client: Government of Saint Lucia/ Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour

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As a landlocked country, Tajikistan is heavily reliant on transport corridors for investment, job creation, trade, and ultimately economic growth and poverty reduction. ADB is supporting the Government in improving and upgrading one of the country’s key roads, which forms an important part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) corridors.

FinnOC is responsible for assisting the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), located at the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan, in supervising the construction. FinnOC will assist the PIU in checking and approving the contractor’s detailed designs, construction- , quality assurance- , resettlement- , and environmental management plans. FinnOC will also provide support for developing systems for inspection and compliance, payments, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

Improving the ailing transport infrastructure will remove a significant barrier to the country’s economic and social development. In addition to upgrading a key national road and improving road safety in the country, the project aims to strengthen capacity at the Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry of Construction in Myanmar wanted to develop an effective road asset management system (RAMS) for their country, as well as to improve the capacity of their staff.

FinnOC reviewed the country’s past and on-going road asset management activities, and in consultation with the government and other development partners, designed and implemented a comprehensive road asset management system.

All in all, the project involved preparing a detailed inventory of road assets and their condition, analysing maintenance and rehabilitation needs, establishing an asset management database and information system, developing a mechanism for prioritising road maintenance and training the staff to effectively manage the system.

Focus area: Roads & Transport / Construction supervisionCountry: Tajikistan Year: 2017-2020Client: Asian Development Bank

Project management and contract supervision for road improvement in Tajikistan

Developing Road Asset Management Program in Myanmar

Focus area: Roads & Transport / Skills & Institutional Development Country: MyanmarYear: 2013-2016Client: Ministry of Construction / Asian Development Bank

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CONTACT USWith FinnOC’s support, the client will be able to proceed with the installation of solar panels while addressing the potential effects to the surrounding environment. The project is expected to drastically improve the power supply in the country, enabling businesses and individuals to have better access to electricity.

Zimbabwe faces consistent power shortages, and the national supply is heavily reliant on coal and water resources while the potential of solar power remains largely untapped. In order to increase sustainable power generation throughout the country, Oxygen Africa is implementing a rooftop solar panel project.

FinnOC was commissioned to prepare environmental and social impact assessments for 246 rooftop locations for the proposed solar panels. The potential impacts are assessed through comprehensive research and stakeholder consultations. The assessment covers a variety of components including detailed air quality, hydrological, sociological, civil/mechanical engineering assessments, as well as a review of policy and legal framework.

Focus area: Environment & Energy / Social studies Country: ZimbabweYear: 2018Client: African Development Bank /Oxygen Africa

Conducting environmental and social impact assessments for a solar power project in Zimbabwe

The National Roads Administration (ANE) in Mozambique wanted to increase their capacity to address the serious threats posed by climate change to the country’s road network. FinnOC was commissioned to strengthen the capacity at ANE to plan for climate change and to mainstream climate change adaptation into their processes.

In addition, the project involves carrying out a vulnerability assessment for the country’s road network, financial and economic assessments, climate-proofing a road in the Nacada corridor as well as designing a Road Asset Management System (RAMS).

The long-terms results are expected to contribute towards improving the overall condition of the country’s road network and enabling economic growth through increased national and regional connectivity.

Building capacity towards climate-resilient road sector in Mozambique

Focus area: Roads & Transport / Climate Change / Skills & Institutional Development Country: MozambiqueYear: 2018-2021Client: National Roads Administration (ANE) / Nordic Development Fund

CONTACT USFinnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC) Ltd.info@finnoc.fiTel. +358 40 483 5533www.finnoc.fi

Registered office:

Metsärinne 7 B04220 KeravaFinland

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REGIONAL OFFICES

EUROPEHelsinki, Finland

CAUCASUS/CENTRAL ASIAAlmaty, Kazakhstan

ASIA-PACIFICPort Moresby, Papua New Guinea

AFRICAMaputo, Mozambique

CARIBBEANCastries, St. Lucia

All enquiries: info@finnoc.fi

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FinnOCFINNISH

OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS

LTD.