Background

Background Information
Public administration reform is a long-term process in which Kosovo has embarked with the aim of improving institutional functioning and for providing good services to citizens, businesses and government. While the development of this process has started since the post-war, its materialization has commenced with Public Administration Reform Strategy, launched in March 2007. A subsequent evaluation of PAR implementation assessed that only about 35% of the planned actions had been implemented in each field. Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) proceeded with Action Plan update, which was approved by the Government in August 2009. To support the implementation of the Action Plan, MPA created the Department for Management of Public Administration Reform and European Integration (DMPAREI) in 2009.
 
In September 2010, the Government of Kosovo approved the revised Strategy on Public Administration Reform 2010-2013. The slow implementation process of the Strategy necessitated the updating of the Public Administration Reform Strategy Action Plan, which was approved by the Government in May 2012 and covers the 2012 – 2014.
 
The Strategy update has its foundation on the newly created political context, and the need to foster public administration reform in conformity with demands for efficiency, effectiveness and Europeanization of administration. The new Strategy paves the way not only for the convergence with the overall European integration process; it also sets the objectives for administrative reform at central level, and identifies mechanisms for coordination and monitoring of the Strategy implementation.
 
Objectives of the Strategy are:
  • Policy management;
  • Legislative drafting;
  • Ethics and transparency;
  • Communication with and participation of citizens;
  • Budgetary planning;
  • Budgetary execution;
  • Internal control and auditing;
  • Public procurement;
  • Organization of the public administration;
  •  Human resources management and development;
  • Rationalization of the electronic administrative processes (e-governance);
  • Electronic government (e-Government).
These objectives affect all public administration sectors; the coordination triangle for the implementation of the Strategy are the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Public Administration.
The new Public Administration Reform Strategy re-emphasises the importance of coordinating, assessing and monitoring mechanism of PAR through the Inter-Ministerial Public Administration Reform Commission (IC-PAR), chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. IC-PAR, as a high political decision-making body focuses its activities in achieving three goals: a) effectiveness, efficiency and the Europeanization of public administration in Kosovo, b) ensuring the implementation of functional review recommendations; c) talking political decisions to provide the mandatory power to public development policies regarding the overall PAR process.
 
The Strategy on Public Administration Reform 2010-2013 and the Public Administration Reform Strategy Action Plan 2012 – 2014 necessitate the review and evaluation of achievements and planning for the next phase. In this respect, there is a need to accelerate the implementation of activities and finalization of tasks and projects of the PAR Strategy and related Action Plan; there is also a need for a reflective analysis of achieved results. The analysis will provide a sound basis for transformation of the public administration reform into a permanent process of modernization, leading to qualitative, efficient and democratic development of the public administration.
 
Objectives of Assignment

Guide and accelerate the implementation of the PAR projects/activities through provision of high-level policy advice for the Inter-ministerial Commission on PAR and the Minister for Public Administration, including technical support to the Director of Department for the Management of PAR (DMPAR).

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work
 
The Chief Technical Advisor will provide strategic advice and expertise related to the following:
  • The implementation of the commonly agreed projects with MPA:
  • Continuation of the project of establishment of the Public Administration Inspectorate, according to the approved “Law on Administrative Inspection”, and implementation of related programme;
  • Continuation of the project “Better Regulation (SCM, RIA and Elimination of Administrative Obstacles) according to the 2013 Annual Programme;
  • Continuation of the project “Mandatory Training and Certification for Selected Civil Service Categories”;
  • Continuation of the project “Integrity Planning” (amendment of legislation and  implementation of integrity plans),
  • Continuation of the project “Common Assessment Framework (CAF)”
  • Initiation of a Master’s study programme in Public Administration in cooperation with Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA) and the “Transformation of KIPA into a Research and Higher Education Institution”

Impact Assessment of PAR Action Plan as a platform for a revised PAR strategy modernization 2014 – 2020

  • Standpoints and guidelines for the transformation of the public administration reform into a permanent process of modernization, leading to qualitative, efficient and democratic development of the public administration during the 2014 – 2020

Review and amend the current legal framework on civil service and draft new laws as required

The expansion of PAR projects to the public sector and categories of public employees that are not civil servants

  • Concept of laws and/or regulations related to the expansion of PAR projects to the public sector and categories of public employees that are not civil servants (concept of the “Law on Public Services”, “Law on Public Institutions”).

The expansion of the PAR projects to the municipal level

  • Concept of laws and/or regulations related to the expansion of PAR projects to the municipal level (concept of the “Law on Public Services”, “Law on Public Institutions”).
Expected Results
 
Results should be in line with UNDP’s PAR Annual Work Plan for 2013, and include:

Implementation of the commonly agreed PAR projects

  • Establishment of the Public Administration Inspectorate, according to the legal framework and implementation of related programmes;
  • Completion of the project “Better Regulation” (SCM, RIA and elimination of administrative obstacles);
  • Completion of the project “Mandatory Training and Certification for Selected Civil Service Categories”;
  • Completion of the project “Integrity Planning” (amendment of legislation and implementation of integrity plans);
  • Implementation of a Master’s study programme in Public Administration in cooperation with Kosovo Institute for
  • Public Administration (KIPA) and the “Transformation of KIPA into a Research and Higher Education Institution”

Initiation of the Impact Assessment of PAR Action Plan with the aim of developing and providing strategic guidance on the transformation of the public administration reform into a permanent process of modernization, leading to qualitative, efficient and democratic development of the public administration during the 2014 – 2020

Delivery of concept papers for the expansion of PAR projects to the public sector and public employees who are not civil servants
 
Delivery of concept papers for the expansion of PAR projects to the municipal levels
 
Deliverables / Final Products Expected
  • Inception Report: further steps in the implementation of the commonly agreed projects for PAR (agreed with MPA for the 2013). Due date: end of March 2013
  • Report “Impact Assessment and Current State of Public Administration in Kosovo 2010-2013”. Due date: end of July 2013
  • Report “Transformation of the reform into a permanent process of modernization and development of Kosovo public administration as a new strategy for 2014-2020”. Due date: end of September 2013
  • Concept papers for the expansion of PAR projects to the public sector and categories of public employees that are not civil servants. Due date: end of October 2013
  • Concept papers for the expansion of PAR projects to the municipal level. Due date: end of December 2013
  • Final report documenting the implementation of the contractual obligation including home based deliverables. Due date: end of February 2014
Institutional Arrangements and Other Considerations
  • UNDP support to the public administration reform is concentrated in the Ministry of Public Administration. Activities/projects which fall within the remit of the ministry but affect other government institutions are implemented in cooperation with institutions, where the ministry acts as a liaison/facilitator;
  • The Governance Programme Analyst will directly supervise the Chief Technical Advisor to ensure timely discharge of duties and responsibilities as per the ToRs;
  • The Chief Technical Advisor will cooperate closely with the immediate beneficiaries, i.e. the Minister for Public Administration, and the Director of Department for the Management of PAR (DMPAR), who will also provide final approval for all outputs. Cooperation and regular contact with indirect beneficiaries is also required;
  • The Chief Technical Advisor is required to report on quarterly basis on the progress of support and identify areas which require additional attention or re-direction of efforts;
  • The assignment comprises of home based and Pristina based work, with possible travel in the region.
Price Proposal and Schedule of Payment

The estimated time for completion of the assignment/delivery is ninety days (90) days, which includes home and Pristina based days, for the duration of the contract.
 
All applicants, together with the relevant application documents, must also submit a financial proposal on a lump sum basis for each deliverable. Please note that the lump sum must be all inclusive, i.e. it must include all costs (professional fees, travel cost, living allowance, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the consultant. The contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost component. Please note that each deliverable may necessitate more than one trip to Pristina.
 
The CTA may be required to attend meetings outside of duty station. It is estimated that up to six work days may be required for which the fee must be calculated, in addition to the lump sum for each deliverable. The fee will be paid only if and when such travel takes place. In such circumstances UNDP Kosovo will prepare the Travel Authorisation to cover the flight ticket and living expenses based on the prevailing UNDP rate for the country where the meeting/s take place.
 
The criteria for selection of the Best Offer will be based on a combined scoring method – where the qualifications, methodology, and professional experience will be weighted a maximum of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a maximum of 30% of the total score.
 
Payment schedule is based on delivery.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalisms:

  • Demonstrate sensitivity, tact and diplomacy

Respect for Diversity:

  • Is culturally sensitive and demonstrates appreciation for different cultures and practices

Team Work:

  • Flexible and prepared to pursue goals through teamwork
  • Capability to integrate into existing multicultural team
  • Capability to work in coordination and strategically with existing project team and Project Manager

Planning and Organizing:

  • Candidate should be able to organized work effectively ensuring goals, and targets are met on time

Accountability:

  • Willing to take responsibility, act professionally at all times, and make sure tasks are fully completed

Creativity:

  • Must use creativity to adapt work plan to timeframe and to local conditions

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • PhD in Law, Public Administration, or a related field
Experience:
  • 10 years of relevant experience at the international level
  • Theoretical knowledge of and practical experience in public administration
  • Specialized knowledge on Public Administration legislation, organization, Governance, TQM, RIA, SCM, HRM (civil service and salary system) in public and municipal administration
  • Substantial experience at a senior level in public governing organizations or institutions
  • Familiar with Kosovo’s public administration, particularly the reform process; experience in Kosovo on public administration a distinct advantage
  • Previous experience as a CTA/senior advisor to a government; experience in the region a distinct advantage
  • Proven ability to provide strategic level advice and prepare policy documents
  • Excellent ability to write reports, prepare and deliver presentation, provide training, plan and coordinate activities
Language:
  • Fluent in English; Albanian and/or Serbian is desirable