Background

Please note that UNDP is not in the position to accept incomplete applications - please make sure that your application contains all details as specified below in this notice.

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. Introduction of the 30% gender quota and 50% gender quota in Electoral Code for general and local elections respectively 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 (Istanbul Convention) entered into force for all CoE Sate Parties.

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:

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;

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;

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).

More particularly, based on output 1.3, UNDP will a) raise awareness of all municipalities regarding the legal obligations pursuant to the law on the measures against violence in family relations and CoM Decision No. 334, dated 17.02.2011, “On the establishment of the national referral mechanism for the treatment of domestic violence cases and its way of functioning”; b) support the establishment of the CCRs in 6 new municipalities in Gjirokastra, Roskovec, Patos, Debra, Bulqizë and Prrenjas; and c) support strengthening the existing CCRs in Kavaja, Saranda, Përmet, Burrel, Tirana and Ersekë;

To this end, UNDP will need the services of two national consultants to coordinate community response to GB&DV and address gender inequalities at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of UNDP Programme Manager the incumbent will:

• Participate in UNDP-LGUs negotiations and prepare necessary documentation with a view to finalize agreements between UNDP and local CCR members.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to local government units in building their CCR mechanisms, in mainstreaming gender and developing or implementing gender equality action plans, including but not limited to: orientation and advice to gender equality employees, input to local Memoranda of Understanding, and response to LGUs and other local CCR member inquiries over proper implementation of their agreements with UNDP.

• Organise and conduct 8 regional roundtables for establishing and strengthening the CCRs with the participation of representatives from municipalities, all other CCRs members in those existing and functioning CCRs and regional directorates of state social services;

• Organise and conduct project activities such as training sessions, advocacy campaigns, round tables etc. as required in the selected municipalities;

• When applicable assist the Programme with preparation of terms of reference and other actions necessary for recruitment of consultants on CCR and gender mainstreaming-related interventions.

• Liaise regularly with local partners and visit project sites for monitoring and assistance purposes.

• Provide input to narrative reports highlighting the process, major outcomes and lessons learned from the interventions undertaken within the reporting period

• Work closely with contracted consultants and/or organizations, providing technical guidance and resources to them, as well as monitoring their activities with a view to ensure quality outputs.

• Prepare promotional materials and suggest creative ideas to increase visibility of the project achievements and UNDP contribution in achieving gender equality and reducing domestic violence

• Interact with UN agencies and the government counterparts in the framework of this Programme.

• Other tasks as assigned by the Programme Manager and Cluster Manager.

The list of final deliverables:

• A system of coordinated community response built and implemented effectively in six new municipalities, and where applicable in surrounding communes, evidenced by number of cases managed, online database filled, MOUs signed, protocols adopted, meetings organised and impressions of beneficiaries.

• A strengthened system of coordinated community response built and implemented effectively in six municipalities with existing CCRs, and where applicable in surrounding communes, evidenced by number of cases managed, online database filled, MOUs signed, protocols adopted, meetings organised and impressions of beneficiaries.
• Upgraded training modules and sample participant folders for the participants in training/round tables/workshops envisaged as per these ToRs.

• Draft agendas for training sessions/workshops/round tables;

• Gender analysis reports for local policies of municipalities highlighting issues of concern and potential areas of mainstreaming gender equality or of undertaking women’s empowerment initiatives and

• Monthly reports (in English) highlighting the consultant’s work, outputs, achievements, lessons learned, list of stakeholders met, pictures of activities organised, including financial information regarding activities implemented

• A final report (in English) highlighting overall progress of the CCR in the municipalities, steps taken to build and consolidate the system, barriers encountered, lessons learned and recommendations for future similar interventions.

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:

• Analytical skills, initiative, sound judgment, results-oriented and efficiency in a multi-tasking environment
• Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude, ability to work in multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work under pressure in complex situations
• Ability to work in an independent manner, set priorities and organize the workflow efficiently
• Willingness to travel around the country to coordinate, attend and monitor project activities
• Full working knowledge of English, including excellent writing and presentation skills
• Fluency in Albanian
• Very good computer skills and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• University degree preferably in development-related disciplines (international development, gender and social studies, law, economics, public administration or any other social science related to development).
• Advanced degree in any of the above mentioned areas is preferred

Work Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience working particularly in collaboration with local government units in implementation of gender equality and violence against women projects.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of gender mainstreaming, gender-specific interventions and inter-disciplinary response to domestic and gender-based violence.
• Strong commitment and contribution in advancement of women’s rights, achievement of gender equality and eradication of violence against women
• Good knowledge and understanding of United Nations System and particularly the role and mandate of UNDP is desired

5. 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: 10
• Criteria C: Considerable past experience in working with different stakeholders in a multi-disciplinary approach to respond to GB&DV and gender inequalities at the local level - max points: 15

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

6. 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  and signed 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

Please upload the signed P11 instead of your CV.

• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the  attached form...
• Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement in local currency. 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 signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability, 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.