Background

Albania’s progress in recent years in respecting and promoting gender equality is highlighted in a series of international commitments as well as domestic legal and policy development and implementation. Since 2008 Albania passed the Gender Equality in Society Law, established the national gender machinery, improved the Law on Measures against Violence in Family Relations, opened the first national shelter for survivors of domestic violence, established the mechanism of coordination and referral of domestic violence cases in several municipalities, evaluated the National Strategy for Gender Equality and Domestic Violence (2007-2010), and approved the revised National Strategy on Gender Equality and against Gender-Based and Domestic Violence (2011-2015). In addition, Albania created a stronger data collection system through conducting Domestic Violence, Time Use and Demographic Health Surveys as well as through approval of a series of gender indicators that will mandate gender disaggregation of public statistics for a number of entities. Starting from mid-2014 Albania built also an online data collection and case tracking system that will produce statistics on the cases handled in an inter-disciplinary fashion in every district. Introduction of the 30% quota of women representation for general election and the 50% quota of women representation in local elections in the Electoral Code and community initiatives in engaging women more intensively in electoral and decision-making processes have opened the door for a greater voice for women’s need. Albania’s reporting in the framework of CEDAW Committee, Universal Periodic Review, Beijing and EU have evidenced certain recommendations and in August 2014 the European Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence entered into force for all CoE Sate Parties.

In light of the above and Albania’s advancement to the EU accession process, considerable and broad-based technical support is needed to ensure the effective implementation of the newly adopted reforms, the recent advances in the country’s legal framework and further alignment of the national legislation, policies and strategies with the EU Gender Equality acquis. The Government of Albania has identified gender equality as a cross-cutting strategic priority in the realization of democratic governance and sustainable development, and the eradication of gender-based violence and domestic violence is among the main national priorities for the advancement of gender equality.

To support Albania’s international commitments to the implementation of international human rights standards, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and development of national capacities the Government of Albania and the United Nations signed in 2011 the Programme of Cooperation 2012-2016. To support Albania’s international commitments to the implementation of international human rights standards, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and development of national capacities the Government of Albania and the United Nations signed in 2011 the Programme of Cooperation 2012-2016. While UN agencies will be required to mainstream gender in all their activities and projects, the Programme also envisages interventions focused entirely or considerably on gender equality issues, organized in the following outcomes:

• 3.1 Parliament and electoral institutions have the capacity to perform core functions
• 3.2 Line ministries and public service delivery institutions are able to mainstream gender and conduct gender responsive planning and budgeting and evidence-based policy making at all levels
• 1.3   Mandated line ministries and state institutions ensure that their practices and policies effectively prevent and address violence (against women and children) in society
• 4.3 National and sub-national government units have the capacity to generate and strengthen investments, employment and livelihood opportunities, especially for youth and women

UNDP intends to implement activities and deliver assistance, particularly under the outcomes mentioned above, building on the results, lessons learned and challenges of the previous UN assistance to GoA’s efforts in addressing gender inequalities, discrimination and violence, in implementation of its international commitments in the area and the National Strategy on Gender Equality and against Gender-Based and Domestic Violence (2011-2015).

Since 2007 and ongoing, UNDP and UN Women (formerly UNIFEM) have supported the Department of Public Administration and the Training Institute of Public Administration (at present Albanian School of Public Administration) with the introduction of induction training modules on domestic violence, gender equality, non-discrimination legislation and the related public officials responsibilities, gender mainstreaming in the public administration work. Furthermore, to support the MSWY (formerly MOLSAEO) in their role to continuously increase the capacities as gender equality employees/ gender focal points and align their responsibilities to the requirements of CEDAW and the improved gender equality legislation, training manuals and toolkits were produced.

Duties and Responsibilities

In view of the substantial changes ensuing from EU accession, the recent legal electoral advances guaranteeing equal representation of women in the new municipal councils following Albania’s territorial and administrative reform, there is an increasing need for strengthening leadership skills and performance role in decision-making of councilwomen. A recent UNDP Albania study conducted in 137 local councils in the 12 regions of the country revealed the needs that councilwomen have for increasing their leadership skills in the decision making processes in the local governance. The Albanian School for Public Administration (ASPA) assumes a central role in equipping public administration at both central and local level with the respectively required knowledge and skills for ensuring efficient absorption and application of the gender equality legislation.

To this end, UNDP will seek the services of two national consultants to support ASPA in the following:

• Draft a training module on gendered leadership at local governing bodies encompassing among others leadership-dependant interrelations impacting work efficiency and role genders at municipal councils; councilwomen role in decision making and local policy and strategy; horizontal and vertical communication;
• Prepare an entry and final test measuring participants’ initial knowledge and impact of the training in leadership of councilwomen;
• Prepare sample information folders for trainees, targeting councilwomen;
• Undertake a three-days test run of the drafted module.
• Organise consultancy sessions with the Department of Public Administration (DOPA), ASPA trainers on the customised training module, with the aim to tailor this module to the needs of councilwomen;
• Prepare any additionally required materials, including training agenda, power point presentations, content of participants’ folders, exercises for the training session;
• Critically evaluate and integrate feedback obtained (i) during the test run and feedback of trainees; (ii) from ASPA gender trainers; and (iii) from UNDP.
• Finalise training module and all supplementing materials.
• Participate in coordination meetings, and planning and review sessions with UNDP.

The list of final deliverables:

• A training module drafted on gendered leadership at the municipal councils; sample information folders for training participants, targeting councilwomen; (in Albanian)
• A toolkit for future ASPA trainers, focusing on the newly introduced module (in Albanian);
• A start up and final test for measuring participants’ level of knowledge on leadership role of councilwomen;
• Draft agenda for the training session (in Albanian);
• An overview of the test run of the drafted training module (in Albanian);
• An Outline for each of the planned consultations;
• Power point presentations and exercises (in Albanian);
• A final report (in English) highlighting the expert’s work, outputs, achievements, lessons learned and the proceedings of consultations, including recommendations for the actual application and use of materials developed.

The consultants shall report to the Gender Programme Manager responsible for the respective contract at UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, very good team player, and capacity to deliver as per deadlines.
• Sound knowledge of and familiarity with EU gender policy and legislation is a prerequisite.
• Excellent analytical skills, initiative, sound judgment, results-oriented and efficiency in the assigned tasks;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Meet tight deadlines without compromising on the quality of work, and being flexible;
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communications skills;
• Excellent in pedagogical and training skills

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Gender Equality, and/or Development disciplines. Advanced degree in any of these areas or combination of them is highly preferred;

Work Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of practicing experience in the field of social services development and/or socially responsive governance;
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in gender mainstreaming, gender responsive budgeting, issues of domestic violence and gender equality, including a solid understanding of pertinent legislation and policy;
• Past experience in conducting training sessions for government employees, preferably in cooperation with ASPA;
• Past experience in developing and designing gender training methodologies and modules; and in delivering gender/ gender mainstreaming trainings;
• High level of commitment in supporting implementation of the legislative framework pertaining to gender equality, local government bodies decentralisation and administrative and territorial division;

Language skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English and Albanian.

Evaluation of Applicants:

Individual consultants 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. 35 points:

• Criteria A: Compliant educational background - max points: 10
• Criteria B: Demonstrated knowledge and experience on issues of gender equality - max points: 15
• Criteria C: Considerable past experience in conducting training sessions for a multitude of professionals - max points: 10

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 15 points

Application procedures:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

• A brief presentation explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position, to be entered in the first part of "Resume and Motivation" (max 1000 characters)
• Your word format resume in the following box, under"Resume and Motivation".
• Filled UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs); form to be downloaded at link: http://www.al.undp.org/content/albania/en/home/operations/jobs.html
• lease 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.

How to Submit the 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 UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), 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 (job vacancy announcement);
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

*Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. 

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.