Background

Purpose

To provide expert support to the UNDP to establishing and functioning of the Air Quality Accelerator (AQ Accelerator) as part of the Pillar 3: Depollution of the environment with a strong focus on air quality, and Pillar 4:  4: Protecting and investing in biodiversity and ecosystems, under the project “EU for Green Agenda in Serbia”.

Objective

To support results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the project activities necessary for establishing and supporting work of AQ Accelerator.

Background Information

UNDP Serbia supports the Government of Serbia to comply with international conventions and European Union regulations on climate change, adaptation and mitigation, emission-reduction, and promotion of the transition to low-emission and climate-resilient development.

The European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans offer a blueprint for joint action to tackle the challenges of the green transition. The Green Agenda was shaped into regional action through the Sofia Declaration and the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans 2021 – 2030.

The green transition requires a cross-sectoral approach and broad societal participation to trigger transformative change. In line with this ambition, the “Green Agenda for Serbia” project funded by the EU, was designed to build broader engagement and participation. The project objective is to contribute to the efficient, inclusive, and sustainable implementation of the Green Agenda by improving the strategic and legislative framework, co-financing the implementation of innovative pilot projects, and mobilizing additional financing for scale-up investments. In this way, the project will contribute to the green transformation of the economy and society in Serbia. The project will also contribute to the decarbonization of the economy and achievement of the Paris Agreement goals, reducing environmental pollution (air, soil, and water) and support the alignment of Serbia’s regulatory framework with the EU acquis in following five pillars of the Green Agenda:

1. Climate action, decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and green industries;
2. Circular economy for resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis;
3. Depollution of the environment with a strong focus on air quality;
4. Protecting and investing in biodiversity and ecosystems;
5. Sustainable food systems for sustainable rural livelihood.

UNDP developed and applies mechanisms for selection and technical support of pilot projects, through Innovation Challenge Calls and Acceleration process – in close cooperation with the EU Delegation and relevant institutions.

Under the Green Agenda project, the Challenge Call for Proposals for Innovative Solutions for the Green Transition of the Serbian Economy was open from February 23 until May 12, 2023. In total, 12 application were submitted for pillar 3, and 10 applications for pillar 4 of the Call. Evaluation process will determine the number of projects to be been selected for „acceleration“ phase, and most mature projects will be selected for co-financing. UNDP is looking for mentors who will suport the selected projects’ teams in the acceleration phase.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work:

The Consultants shall, under direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager, provide expert support to the UNDP team in the organization and facilitation of the Air Quality Accelerator, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Preliminary evaluation of applications was conducted, which resulted in selection of seven projects for acceleration under pillar 3, and also seven projects for acceleration under pillar 4.

Under pillar 3, two out of seven projects are located in Belgrade, and other projects are located in, Mataruska Banja, Krusevac, Petrovac na Mlavi, Cacak and Novo Milosevo.

Under pillar 4, three out of seven  projects are located in Belgrade, and other projects in Titel, Pancevo, , Vrsac and Sremska Mitrovica.

Note: Additional locations might be confirmed after final evaluation process is completed.

The Consultants shall conduct at least one one-day site visit to each team during contract duration  and ensure regular at least bi-weekly consultation. Consultants shall submit two progress report for each of the teams, as well as a Final Report for each team, in line with the Report Template provided as an Annex to this ToR. Consultants shall be responsible for mentoring and supporting each team assigned in order to achieve project defined milestones and successfully transform project ideas into mature projects and ready-made solutions. Consultant will provide mentorship services and guiding and advising the teams for the purpose of transforming project ideas into mature projects and solutions ready for implementation. Also, under direct supervision of the UNDP team, the Consultant will identify required complementary technical assistance that the teams may require and facilitate the provision of such assistance through the AQ Accelerator.

This mentorship will also include: capacity building support during at least one hybrid general workshop for all teams, sharing of good practices, exchange of data and information, provision of expert assistance in preparation of project related technical documentation, solving open issues and challenges (such as for example those related to permits etc.), testing of the proposed technical solutions/prototypes, organization of matching and pitching events and linking with financing institutions and mechanisms to support implementation and blending of resources. Due to different types of stakeholders (local self-government, academia, public and private companies) specific acceleration support may be needed and provided also by other institutions in order to develop ideas into mature project proposals (all project documentation developed) ready for co-financing.

Tasks

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager, in consultation with Project Coordinator, and Project Analyst, Consultants shall complete the following tasks:

Consultant for mentorship for pillar 3 – Air Quality (LOT 1) (1 position)

Consultant for mentorship for pillar 4 – Biodiversity (LOT 2) (2 positions)

Consultant for mentorship for pillars 3 and 4 – Business Planning (LOT 3) (2 positions)

Task 1 – Providing continuous support to pillar 3 Accelerator teams in the cluster

• Act as a resident mentor to cluster (between 6 and 8 teams for LOT 1, between 3 and 5 teams for LOT 2 and between 5 and 7 teams for LOT 3) at the beginning of incubation process) and provide guidance and structure to reach defined goals;
• Organize assessment of each team’s support needs in order to develop both universal and specific programmes for each team;
• Conduct monthly 1-on-1 sessions with each team online (minimum of two hours per month for each team) to assess their progress/needs;
• Visit each of the teams at least once during contract duration, for in-depth analysis of their business as usual, understanding of their business opportunities and development of their business plans and business models. NOTE: As noted above, projects among Consultants shall be distributed upon selection of Candidates, regarding their experience and expertise;
• Prepare Plan of Acceleration Activities for each of the supported teams (between 6 and 8 teams for LOT 1, between 3 and 5 teams for LOT 2 and between 5 and 7 teams for LOT 3);
• Deliver at least one hybrid 2-hours workshop (lecture & exercise) for all the teams from the Accelerator, on the topic of consultant’s expertise, relevant for development of Project Documents of all the teams.

Task 2 – Organize and communicate with teams, other consultants and external mentors

• Communicate with teams in the group;
• Exchange information related to team’s progress with other lead mentors and share progress updates;
• Develop the mentorship network for the acceleration program and work with other consultants, external mentors to make the acceleration teams successful;
• Identify external consultants with specific domain knowledge needed by Acceleration teams;
• Identify team’s need for universal educational programmes covering topics of general entrepreneurship, business plan, market research, feasibility study, fundraising, financial accounting, marketing/PR and provide support in delivering trainings.

Task 3 – Track and report progress of Accelerator teams

• Reflect teams’ advancement in two Progress Reports for each of the teams (1-2 pages per team), including updates on reaching defined milestones for each team. UNDP shall provide report template;
• Prepare Final Evaluation Reports for each of the teams. Evaluation Report should contain: Background Information, Air Quality improvement, Target Market, Competition, Technical documentation, Financial structure and Sustainability.

Task 4 – Support in technical documentation preparation

• Support at least two project teams in preparation of project proposals (as a part of Performance Based Payment agreement, template to be provided by UNDP) containing required project/business documentation and secured co-financing and completing the Project Document.  This may also include merging of two or more project ideas and teams together either within mentor’s own group or across different groups, if so, decided by some project teams.  UNDP shall provide Project Document template.

Deliverables and timelines

The Contractor will be responsible for the following deliverables:

Important notice: All deliverables have to be quality reviewed and accepted by the UNDP Project Manager. None of the materials, reports, designs, brochures and articles produced under this Contract will be used, released, and/or disseminated without prior approval by UNDP.

Competencies

• Ability to summarize and systematize complex information and present findings clearly;
• Ability to develop business documents;
• Ability to produce technical reports;
• Excellent analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work;
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates excellent presentation skills;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
• Computer literacy;
• Strong training/facilitation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications:

Consultant for mentorship for pillar 3 – Air Quality (LOT 1)

Education:

• BSc University degree in engineering, environmental sciences, or other relevant area;
• MSc will be considered as an asset.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of working experience in the field of air quality and/or energy efficiency/management;
• Knowledge of cutting-edge air quality technologies;
• Experience in providing mentorship and conducting trainings and/or lectures;
• Proven experience in innovative solutions;

Language:

• Fluency in Serbian and English language

NOTE: For LOT 1, one position is positions is envisaged, for a consultant with a background in engineering and/or environmental sciences with experience in air quality sector.

Consultant for mentorship for pillar 4 – Biodiversity (LOT 2)

Education:

• BSc University degree in forestry, biology, chemistry, agriculture, or other relevant area;
• MSc will be considered as an asset.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of working experience in the field forestry and/or biodiversity;
• Knowledge of cutting-edge technologies in forestry/biodiversity sectors;
• Experience in providing mentorship and conducting trainings and/or lectures;
• Proven experience in innovative solutions;

Language:

• Fluency in Serbian and English language

NOTE: For LOT 2, two positions are envisaged, one position for a consultant with a background in forestry management, and one position for a consultant with a background in biodiversity sector.

Consultant for mentorship for pillars 3 and 4 – Business Planning (LOT 3)

Education:

• BSc University degree in economy, finance, business administration, law, or other relevant area;
• MSc will be considered as an asset.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of working experience in the field of economy, finance, business administration;
• Knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and innovation;
• Experience in providing mentorship and conducting trainings and/or lectures;
• Proven experience in innovative solutions;

Language:

• Fluency in Serbian and English language

NOTE: For LOT 3, two positions are envisaged, both with a background in business administration, economics and/or finance, with experience in business development and budgeting.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Application Procedure:

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit their applications via UNDP Web site: UNDP in Serbia under section “Jobs” no later than 18 June 2023.

Application should include: 

• CV in English language containing date of birth, contact information (home address, phone number, e-mail) and timeline of work experience (including description of duties).  
• Offeror’s Letter confirming Interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) Assignment. Can be downloaded from the following link https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-07/confirmation.docx. The Offeror’s Letter shall include financial proposal specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement with a breakdown of costs (Offeror’s Letter, including Annex 2, Table A: Breakdown of costs & Table B) Breakdown of costs by deliverables).
• The applicant is required to indicate in the Offeror’s Letter for which LOT they are applying. If the applicant is applying for more than one type of services, this should be clearly indicated in section A) of the Offeror’s Letter. 

In order to apply please merge above listed documents into a single PDF file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.

The shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide copies of diplomas and any other certificates providing evidence of their education and experience in relevant fields.

Any request for clarification must be sent by standard electronic communication to the e-mail vacancy.rs@undp.org. The procuring UNDP entity will respond by standard electronic mail and will send response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants.

Financial Proposal:

• Lump sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (USD), and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days- Annex 2, Table A: Breakdown of costs & Table B: Breakdown of costs by deliverables).

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel and field visits to selected municipalities: Belgrade, Mataruska Banja, Krusevac, Petrovac na Mlavi, Cacak, Novo Milosevo, Sremska Mitrovia, Pancevo, Vrsac and Titel. Please refer to Scope of Work for additional information regarding locations for pillars 3 and 4.  In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

Evaluation

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, 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.

* Technical Criteria weight; 70%

* Financial Criteria weight; 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Additional Information:

• Individual Contract (IC) will be applicable for individual consultants applying in their own capacity.  If the applicant is employed by any legal entity, IC would be issued upon submission of Consent letter from the employer acknowledging the engagement with UNDP. Template of General Conditions on IC could be found on: Template of General Conditions on IC could be found on: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-07/General_Conditions_for_Individual_Contracts.pdf 
• Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) will be applicable for applicants employed by any legal entity. Template of RLA with General Terms and Conditions could be found on: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-07/PSU_Individual%20Contract_Model%20Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement.docx

In the case of engagement of Civil servants under IC contract modality a no-objection letter should be provided by the Government entity. The ‘no-objection’ letter must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status (if applicable), and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. If the previous is not applicable ‘leave-without-pay’ confirmation should be submitted.

Engagement of Government Officials and Employees

• Government Officials or Employees are civil servants of UN Member States.  As such, if they will be engaged by UNDP under an IC which they will be signing in their individual capacity (i.e., engagement is not done through RLA signed by their government employer), the following conditions must be met prior to the award of contract:

          (i)       A “No-objection” letter in respect of the individual is received from the Government employing him/her, and;

          (ii)     The individual must provide an official documentation from his/her employer formally certifying his or her status as being on “official leave without pay” for the duration of the IC.

• The above requirements are also applicable to Government-owned and controlled enterprises and well as other semi/partially or fully owned Government entities, whether or not the Government ownership is of majority or minority status.   
• UNDP recognizes the possibility that there are situations when the Government entity employing the individual that UNDP wishes to engage is one that allows its employees to receive external short-term consultancy assignments (including but not limited to research institutions, state-owned colleges/universities, etc.), whereby a status of “on-leave-without-pay” is not required.  Under such circumstance, the individual entering into an IC with UNDP must still provide a “No-objection” letter from the Government employing him/her.  The “no objection” letter required under (i) above must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any.  The said document may be obtained by, and put on record of, UNDP, in lieu of the document (ii) listed above.