5.2 Individual consultants are selected on the basis of their qualifications for the assignment. They shall be selected through comparison of qualifications of at least three candidates among those who have expressed interest in the assignment or have been approached directly by the Borrower. Individuals employed by Borrowers shall meet all relevant qualifications and shall be fully capable of carrying out the assignment. Capability is judged on the basis of academic background, experience and, as appropriate, knowledge of the local conditions, such as local language, culture, administrative system, and government organization.

5.3 From time to time, permanent staff or associates of a consulting firm may be available as individual consultants. In such cases, the conflict of interest provisions described in these Guidelines shall apply to the parent firm.

5.4 Individuals may be selected on a sole-source basis with due justification in exceptional cases such as: (a) tasks that are a continuation of previous work that the consultant has carried out and for which the consultant was selected competitively; (b) assignments lasting less than six months; (c) emergency situations resulting from natural disasters; and (d) when the individual is the only consultant qualified for the assignment.