Background

Although the Government of Albania has been successfully implementing important political, social and economic reforms and the percentage of Albanians living below the poverty line fell from 25, 4% in 2002 to 18, 5% in 2005, Roma and Egyptian (R&E) minority have been all but excluded from the benefits of economic expansion. Regardless of their recognition as minority, Roma and Egyptians are both marginalized and socially excluded communities. A 2011 UNDP Needs Assessment Study shows that 90% of R%E do not have regular working contracts and do not pay social insurance, 42% of Roma and 24% of Egyptians do not possess health cards, and 40.3% Roma and 12.7 % Egyptians are illiterate while 45% of Roma and 38% of Egyptians live in extremely poor housing conditions.
Supporting the Social Inclusion of Roma and Egyptian Communities (SSIREC) project that is funded through a contribution agreement with European Commission aims to further improve the social inclusion of most vulnerable communities consisting of Roma and Egyptians in Albania, with focus in the regions of Berat, Korça, and Vlora. This will be achieved through the improvement of living conditions of R&E communities through Community Upgrading Projects (CUP), capacity building activities aimed to Roma & Egyptian CSOs, support measures targeting Roma & Egyptian entrepreneurs, and assistance to the Technical Secretariat of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth. All of the above will be supported by a comprehensive communication and visibility strategic plan. The methodology selected is based on hands-on support to active participation in community activities and businesses required and selected by the beneficiaries.
The results of the project affecting the target group, are expected to be the following:
  • Participatory local planning through preparation of community development plans and implementation of small scale infrastructure projects in areas inhabited by Roma and Egyptian communities;
  • Strengthening Roma and Egyptian civil society capacity to combat discrimination and improve their successful participation in financial support schemes.
  • Job and entrepreneurship promotion for R&E Communities through provision of vocational training and assistance to businesses run by Roma and Egyptian people.
  • Support the implementation and monitoring of the Roma Decade Action Plan by strengthening capacities of the Technical Secretariat for Roma at MoSWY and facilitating access of Roma and Egyptian communities to the Office of Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination.
  • Raise awareness of R&E community members about policies, strategies and instruments for their social inclusion as well as advocate and promote their acceptance and integration in the mainstream society.

Duties and Responsibilities

Local Community Development Coordinator (LCDC) will work under the direct supervision of UNDP Project Manager based in Tirana and will be responsible for the implementation of programme activities, achievement of outputs and objectives of the programme at the regional and local levels. The LCDC will achieve the outputs by working in close relationship with the Commune/Municipal Heads and will provide technical assistance for the implementation of programme activities to the commune/municipality and the Roma/Egyptian community based organizations.
In close relationship with UNDP and other partners, the LCDC will be responsible for mobilizing local minority communities via community counselling forums ( CCFs) in the region. There will be special efforts made on encouraging greater involvement of women and youth. LCDC will build on local community dynamics and social mechanisms, and involve community volunteers practically by engaging community participation from identifying to implementing the local development infrastructures. LCDC will work on supplementing existing activities and/or creating links with other initiatives to enhance development effectiveness. Activities that LCDC will organize, or participate in, range from direct assistance, to working with different stakeholders linking them towards joint activities, bringing together different social, ethnic and age groups. LCDC will help in building bridges between government and minority citizens as well as fostering a constructive dialogue within the communities and with external government and civil society stakeholders. Specifically, the LCDC will:
  • Be responsible for the successful implementation of all program activities outlined in the program document for commune/municipal level and will be the representative of the program management at the regional level;
  • Fulfil the outputs and objectives of the program at the Commune/Municipal level by working with and through the mobilization of commune authorities (both elected and administrative) and the community people;
  • Empower and support the most disadvantaged groups, and mobilize the community to form the CBOs and support them with technical assistance;
  • Support communities to initiate social infrastructure and community development initiatives (with partnering organizations) and support the communities to identify, prioritize and develop proposals for infrastructure development;
  • Act as a liaison between emerging community initiatives and local authorities;
  • Network and build relationship with local grassroots initiatives; volunteer organizations and NGOs promoting community based services, particularly partner organizations of the project;
  • In collaboration with all partners, the LCDC will be responsible for development and organization of regional level trainings and strategic development initiatives for the commune/municipal authorities and the communities;
  • Prepare the local level quarterly and annual work plan and progress reports;
  • Ensure appropriate documentation of best practices of programme experiences and support the wide-scale dissemination of information;
  • Participate in policy discussions on local level planning, local socio-economic development and provision of social services;
  • Participate in trainings provided by UNDP and partner organizations in order to improve the skills necessary for successful implementation of the project;
  • Provide other services as required by the program management.

Competencies

Professionalism
  • Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to work proficiently with framework supervision, plan own work and meet tight deadlines.
  • Capable to work in a pressured environment and ready to take on a wide range of tasks.
  • Self-motivation and ability to recommend options for resolution of issues.
  • Diversity and conflict resolution skills.
Communication
  • Very good communication skills (spoken and written) with people of different backgrounds, and ability to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.
  • Self-initiative, resourcefulness, tact, and flexibility;
  • Reporting skills.
Teamwork
  • Very good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and a respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education
  • University Degree in social sciences, social work, education, communication and human rights.
Work Experience
  • At least 2 years of relevant experience in working with  Roma/Egyptian ethnic minorities, civil society and/or grassroots initiativesin Korça;
  • Practical experience of working with local administrations or elected authorities for planning and management;
  • Proven skills and field experience in participatory planning, especially involving vulnerable groups;
  • Proven experience in project development in local communities, involving the poor and vulnerable individuals/groups;
  • Proven abilities in computer programmes is required.
  • Previous experience with UNDP or other UN agencies is highly desirable
  • Previous experience in community work;
  • Understanding and compassion for the issues associated with Roma/Egyptian communities.
Language skills          
  • Excellent spoken/written Albanian;
  • Excellent command of English is required;
  • Knowledge of Romani will be an additional asset, but not a requirement.
Evaluation of Applicants
Individual consultant will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max points: 70
Criteria A: Legal experience on protection of human rights – max points: 35
Criteria B: Educational Background– max points: 15
Criteria C: Previous experience in preparing informative materials – max points: 20
Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max points: 30
 
Application procedures
Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:
  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
  • Filled P11 form for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs) - Download here (including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees); please upload the P11 instead of your CV.
  • Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials
Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.
Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
 
How to Submit Application
To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:
  • Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs);
  • Merge your P11, financial proposal and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
  • Click on the Job Title (vacancy); 
  • Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application;”
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents;
  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.