Background

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2[1]) is a continuation of the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1,[2] implemented in the period 2017 - 2020.

 

ReLOaD2 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and youth to actively take part in the decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme is implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, and Serbia.

 

Working across the region, ReLOaD2 enhances capacities of municipalities and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realization of local priorities in line with development strategies.

 

ReLOaD2 in Albania works with 11 partner municipalities[3] and two mentor partner municipalities[4] towards institutionalization of the partnership between these municipalities and the civil society sector. It incites partner municipalities to mainstream public funding for CSOs in a transparent and development-oriented manner, recognizing local needs and embracing a project-based approach. Also, the Action promotes youth engagement and support implementation of youth initiatives and will work on improvement of their economic perspectives in all partner localities.

 

In March 2022 UNDP in Albania and the Minister of State for Youth and Children signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the youth sector in Albania. In this context UNDP Albania is supporting the National Youth Agency of the Minister of State for Youth and Children to adopt and use LOD methodology for the next public call as a transparent mechanism of funding from state budget Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) specialized in youth related issues.

 

In this regard, UNDP in Albania is seeking an experienced consultants to mentor the National Youth Agency in preparing and implementation the public call dedicated to CSOs using the LOD methodology.

 

[1]  https://www.undp.org/albania/projects/regional-local-democracy-programme-western-balkans-reload2

[2] https://www.undp.org/albania/projects/regional-programme-local-democracy-western-balkans-reload

* For the European Union, this designation is without prejudice to position on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. For UNDP all references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the UN Resolution 1244/1999.

[3] Partner Municipalities of ReLOaD2 in Albania:

Six new partner municipalities Kamëz, Kavajë, Kukës, Lushnje, Patos, Sarandë,

Five partner municipalities from ReLOaD1 - Elbasan, Korçë, Lezhë, Përmet Roskovec.

[4] Mentor partner municipalities of ReLOaD2 in Albania: Tirana and Shkodra.

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to support the National Youth Agency in Albania in the process of adoption and use of LOD methodology for the implementation of the public call dedicated for CSOs.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to support the National Youth Agency to prepare all the documentation needed to launch the public call for CSOs.  Specific focus is given to design effective grant schemes, planning and implementation the public call, prepare the Evaluation commission for the evaluation process, setting and applying clear project implementation guidelines for grantees and financial mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2[1]) is a continuation of the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1,[2] implemented in the period 2017 - 2020.

 

ReLOaD2 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and youth to actively take part in the decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme is implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, and Serbia.

 

Working across the region, ReLOaD2 enhances capacities of municipalities and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realization of local priorities in line with development strategies.

 

ReLOaD2 in Albania works with 11 partner municipalities[3] and two mentor partner municipalities[4] towards institutionalization of the partnership between these municipalities and the civil society sector. It incites partner municipalities to mainstream public funding for CSOs in a transparent and development-oriented manner, recognizing local needs and embracing a project-based approach. Also, the Action promotes youth engagement and support implementation of youth initiatives and will work on improvement of their economic perspectives in all partner localities.

 

In March 2022 UNDP in Albania and the Minister of State for Youth and Children signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the youth sector in Albania. In this context UNDP Albania is supporting the National Youth Agency of the Minister of State for Youth and Children to adopt and use LOD methodology for the next public call as a transparent mechanism of funding from state budget Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) specialized in youth related issues.

 

In this regard, UNDP in Albania is seeking an experienced consultants to mentor the National Youth Agency in preparing and implementation the public call dedicated to CSOs using the LOD methodology.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to support the National Youth Agency in Albania in the process of adoption and use of LOD methodology for the implementation of the public call dedicated for CSOs.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to support the National Youth Agency to prepare all the documentation needed to launch the public call for CSOs.  Specific focus is given to design effective grant schemes, planning and implementation the public call, prepare the Evaluation commission for the evaluation process, setting and applying clear project implementation guidelines for grantees and financial mechanisms.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will perform the tasks in close cooperation and under the direct supervision of the ReLOaD2 Project Manager. The following tasks are foreseen:

  1. Preparation of an action plan and timeline for the work with NYA

The expert will prepare an action plan for the support of the NYA. In order to prepare the action plan, several project documents will be consulted such as: the LOD methodology, memorandum of understanding between MSYC and ReLOaD2, internal procedures of NYA, legal framework of NYA, etc. The consultant will work closely with the project team for this task and the staff assigned from the MSYC and NYA. The plan will be shared and agreed with ReLOaD project team before it is considered final.

The time foreseen for this task is 2 working day.

 

  1. Support the NYA performing public calls for CSOs

At least one public call will be organized during the related period of engagement in compliance with the LOD methodology and the NYA legal framework. Support for the public call will envisage analysis of strategic documents while finalizing definition of priorities of the call; preparation of the application package; publication and promotion of the public call; preparation and announcement of info sessions; preparation of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), etc.

The time foreseen for this task is 5 days.

  1. Organize orientation session with the Evaluation Commission

The consultant will provide support to and ensure quality control of the work of the evaluation commission. A one-day specific training/ crash course will be organized for members of the evaluation commission. General procedure and principles of LOD methodology will be presented to evaluation commission members. In addition to the general procedure and key steps during evaluation, the criteria will be presented in detail with practical examples and evaluation exercises.

The time foreseen for this task is 2 days.

  1. Facilitate and mentor NYA during the negotiation process with successful CSOs

The consultant will provide support to negotiation process with awarded CSOs after the notification of results and before the signature of grant contracts. S/he will mentor NYA to identify unclear project elements and present detailed, clear and measurable indicators in the final contract. The consultant will support the negotiation process by identifying discrepancies in the CSOs budgets and include clear budget and workplan in the final contract. Negotiations will be conducted with NYA and awarded CSOs in line with the guidelines of the call.

The time foreseen for this task is 5 days.

 

  1. Update guidelines and facilitate an orientation session for grantee CSOs on project implementation guidelines

The consultant will provide support to NYA for the preparation of Project Implementation Guidelines for grantees. Guidelines should be detailed, clear and inclusive of all relevant information for the Grantees and donor. Guidelines will be prepared in line with LOD methodology principles and NYA legal framework. S/he will present and provide orientation session for grantees on the requirements of the guidelines, by presenting key steps and practical examples. The orientation session programme and relevant materials will be presented to the project team and used only upon its approval. The session will be gender sensitive.

The average number of participants is expected 25- 30 persons. Orientation session delivery should be interactive, encouraging participants to engage, ask questions and discuss. The venue and logistics for the orientation session will be organised by the ReLOaD2 project. In case of COVID19 lockdown and/or movement or gathering restriction imposed by authorities, training might be organised in online format using adequate platforms (ZOOM or similar). ReLOaD2 project will secure technical preconditions for such event in line with needs and in close cooperation with the consultant.

The consultant will be required to organize his/her own travel and accommodation arrangements.

The time foreseen for this task is 5 days.

  1. Reporting

Upon the completion of the deliverables, the consultant will prepare a final report that will include, but will not be limited to: results achieved, number of mentoring sessions organized and number of staff mentored, lessons learned and recommendations, etc. All data presented should be segregated by gender. The draft report should be submitted to the project team, in English language (in MS Word electronic version).

The time foreseen for this task is 1 day.

Deliverables and timelines

Each of the consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

Deliverables (outputs)

No. of days per task

Due date

Percentage

  1. Preparation of an action plan and timeline for the work with NYA

2 days

12 July 2022

10%

  1. Assist NYA performing public calls for CSOs
  1. days
  1. August 2022

25%

  1. Organize orientation session with the Evaluation Commission

2 days

30 September 2022

 

10%

  1. Facilitate and mentor NYA during the negotiation process with successful CSOs

5 days

30 November 2022

25%

  1. Deliver training on project implementation guidelines for grantees

5 days

5 December 2022

25%

  1. Reporting

1 day

10 December 2022

5%

Total

20 days

 

100%

 

[1]  https://www.undp.org/albania/projects/regional-local-democracy-programme-western-balkans-reload2

[2] https://www.undp.org/albania/projects/regional-programme-local-democracy-western-balkans-reload

* For the European Union, this designation is without prejudice to position on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. For UNDP all references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the UN Resolution 1244/1999.

[3] Partner Municipalities of ReLOaD2 in Albania:

Six new partner municipalities Kamëz, Kavajë, Kukës, Lushnje, Patos, Sarandë,

Five partner municipalities from ReLOaD1 - Elbasan, Korçë, Lezhë, Përmet Roskovec.

[4] Mentor partner municipalities of ReLOaD2 in Albania: Tirana and Shkodra.

 

Competencies

a. Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time;
  • Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
  • Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
  • Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

b. People Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
  • Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
  • Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behavior;
  • Respects individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
  • Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

c. Partnering and Networking:

  • Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
  • Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

 d. Results-Orientation:

  • Plans and ensures quality results to meet established goals.

e. Communication:

  • Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
  • Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
  • Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

f. Job Knowledge and Expertise:

  • Strong analytical skills;
  • Advanced writing skills,
  • Proven skills in conducting researches, interviews, and reporting,
  • Conceptual and practical knowledge of policy development, with specific focus on public budgets,
  • Ability to review data, identify and adjust discrepancies,
  • Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations regarding civil society sector,
  • Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently,
  • Initiative and sound judgment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Master’s degree in public policy, political science, or a related economy, law, or social science field.

Experience

  • Minimum five years in policy development and/or analysis of the public institutions in Albania.
  • Relevant experience in project application preparation, PCM and monitoring and evaluation of projects.
  • Proven knowledge of the civil society sector in Albania is considered an asset
  • Experience in usage of MS Office and online tools.
  • Relevant experience in training/mentoring representatives of public institutions in Albania will be considered an asset.
  • Previous experience in delivery of trainings for EU/UNDP will be considered and asset

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Albanian

 

Evaluation Procedure

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that would take into account both the technical qualification of Individual Consultants as well as their financial proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate whose offer:

  • Is deemed technically responsive / compliant / acceptable (only technically responsive applications / candidates will be considered for the financial evaluation)
  • And has obtained the highest combined technical and financial scores.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max points: 70

Criteria A: At least 5 years of working experience in policy development and/or analysis of the public institutions in Albania. Relevant experience in project application preparation, PCM and monitoring and evaluation of projects. Proven knowledge of the civil society sector and youth in Albania is considered an asset (Relevant experience in training / mentoring representatives of public institutions and previous experience with UNDP is an asset) - max points: 50

Criteria B: Educational background: •     Master’s degree in public policy, political science, or a related economy, law, or social science field.  – max points: 20

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max points: 30

Application Procedure 

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. 

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. 
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability & Detailed Financial Proposal - please fill in the attached form. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
  • Example: (kindly refer to the example below when filling out the Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

[INCORRECT] An all-inclusive daily fee of [state amount in words and in numbers indicating currency]

[CORRECT] (Select Here and elaborate) [X] A total lump sum of [state amount in words and in numbers, indicating exact currency], payable in the manner described in the Terms of Reference.

IMPORTANT: Applicants that possess a NIPT Please Clearly State if your Financial Offer is VAT INCLUDED or VAT EXCLUDED

  • Filled P11 form or CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
  • Financial Proposal in ALL (Albanian Lek)*- Specify a Total Lump Sum in Albanian Lek for the tasks specified in this announcement. The attached template may be used - Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser) Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services). 
  • Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport. 
  • Beneficiary contact details (next of kin)
    • Beneficiary's Contact Person's Name:
    • Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms):
    • Address:
    • Telephone:
    • Email:

 

*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application. 

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). 
  • In the P11 Form make sure to include Email Addresses of the Persons who are willing to provide References on your experience in working with them.
  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability 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. 

Due to large number of applications, we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process. 

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.