Background

The purpose of the consultancy is to secure the technical expertise by which capacities and performance of the Economic Departments in targeted Local Governments (LGs) will be substantially enhanced. To this end, a tailored training programme will be designed and delivered, followed by a regiment of limited on-site technical assistance. Both the training and the technical assistance will exploit and build on in-depth assessments conducted in 18 partner LGs, undertaken within the framework of the broader evidence-based Performance Management Analysis (PMA), and administered by the MEG Project during 2016 and 2017. For the purposes of this assignment, a National Consultant for the Development and Delivery of Training and Technical Assistance for Municipal Economic Departments in Prnjavor, Teslic, Gracanica, Gradacac, Tešanj, Tuzla, Kalesija, Doboj and Žepce (Cluster North-East) (hereafter the Consultant) will be contracted. An additional national consultant will be recruited to assist in the development of training and training delivery in the Cluster North-West1.

Objective
The overall objective of the consultancy is the substantial and measurable improvement in the performance of selected LG’s economic departments against PMA results, quantified through assessment scores, across all individual partner local governments. The Consultant will, together with an expert for the Cluster North-West, be responsible for the development of the training program for economic departments and will primarily be tasked with delivering training and technical assistance to the municipalities of Prnjavor, Teslic, Gracanica, Gradacac, Tešanj, Tuzla, Kalesija, Doboj and Žepce. Each targeted LG will benefit from a series of training exercises (no more than three sessions organised at a central location for all LGs in the cluster) as well as from tailor-made technical assistance.

Background Information
Financed by the Government of Switzerland, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Municipal Environmental and Economic Governance (MEG) Project is a newly-launched 12-year intervention in the domain of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project’s overall goal is defined as follows: Local governments, assigned with appropriate competences and finances, have improved their democratic governance, apply sound public policy and performance management systems, and provide public services in an inclusive, effective and efficient manner, particularly those related to economic and environmental sectors. Against this overall goal, three broad lines of action are envisaged:

  • Democratic public policy and sound management processes within local governments (LGs);
  • Provision of high quality public services within the economic and environmental sectors that are responsive to citizens’ needs;
  • Regulatory frameworks at higher government levels enable effective public service delivery.
  • The Project’s territorial focus is on the North-East part of the country (including Una-Sana Canton and Prijedor region) and the North-East region (the wider Doboj-Tuzla area), covering 18 partner local governments: Bihac, Bosanska Krupa, Cazin, Doboj, Gracanica, Gradacac, Gradiška, Kalesija, Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Sanski Most, Tešanj, Teslic, Tuzla, Velika Kladuša and Žepce.

The Project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), the FBiH Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry, the Ministry for Administration and Local Self-Government of Republika Srpska (RS), the RS Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and both entity Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs).
This consultancy will take place within the Project’s Local Governance (LG) component, seeking to achieve significant improvements in the performance of economic departments of partner LGs across the MEG community.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will, together with another national expert, be responsible for the training design and development, and be directly responsible for the delivery of training and limited technical assistance to nine targeted partner LGs: Prnjavor, Teslic, Gracanica, Gradacac, Tešanj, Tuzla, Kalesija, Doboj and Žepce. The level of technical assistance is expected to vary significantly between the target LGs and will be determined by the findings of the relevant PMA reports.
As the basis for his/her work, the Consultant will become intimately familiar with the relevant sections of the municipal PMA reports i.e. results, findings, recommendations and means of verification that are relevant to LGs’ Economic Department performance, as well as with the draft Good Local Governance Framework, developed by the MEG team (BiH-wide consultation process held in March 2017, and subject to further consultations with the stakeholders), and with the Methodology for Performance-based Financial Assistance to MEG partner LG; all of these inputs will be provided by MEG team. The assignment will require coordination with other MEG consultants, especially those working on Public Private Dialogue and Municipal Governance and Citizen Participation. 
The training modules are expected to address the issues and gaps identified in the performance of the economic departments of the selected LGs, while the delivery of training and technical assistance should enable the targeted LGs to bridge the gap to the desired end-states (end of 2017, wherever applicable and if in accordance with the policy planning cycle) as described here:

  • Economic department maintains contacts and provides support to the local business community.
  • Economic department has the necessary human resources in accordance with the LG decision on systematization.
  • Economic department develops and implements its Annual Work Plan (AWP), which is linked to the development strategy.
  • Economic department successfully implements annual work plan (AWP) financially, which is linked to the development strategy.
  • Economic department actively attracts funds from external sources to implement projects for which they are responsible in the departmental annual work plan.
  • Business community is satisfied with the services that are the responsibility of the organizational unit for economic development (business surveys performed).
  • A body comprising representatives of public, private and civil sector (Local Development Partnership) is in place, with a clearly defined mission for participatory decision-making on local development.
  • Local Development Partnership meets at least twice a year.
  • Local Development Partnership is acting proactively and provides suggestions and initiatives to improve the delivery of public services and business environment (PPD consultant will concentrate on this end-state more).
  • The LG bases its business and NGO sector support on an analytical approach; identified needs of target groups and applies internal procedures.

Additionally, the training modules will consider any other matters potentially relevant for the improvement of performance of LG Economic Departments.

Methodological Considerations
The Consultant is expected to design and develop the training program alongside the expert for North-West Cluster.
The total number of training modules is not expected to exceed three and the maximum number of training days for the overall program must not exceed three. Once the training, with its three modules, has been designed and vetted by the Project Team, each partner LG will be matched with the appropriate training module based on their PMA needs and findings. This will be an individual process where the needs of each LG will be reviewed by the Consultant to tailor the training program accordingly, picking and choosing modules as needed. Furthermore, it is expected that no single training event will take more than one day to deliver, whether composed of one or multiple training modules. Training events will take place at a central location in the North-East Cluster for all the relevant participating LGs.
Following each training session, the Consultant will provide technical assistance to economic departments/offices of LGs in the development of relevant outputs (annual departmental workplans, annual departmental reports, needs analysis of target groups, support programmes to private and NGO sector, reports and analyses of comments from participatory events; draft of new decisions and plans which demonstrate that elements from citizen/private-sector comments were incorporated etc.) and guide them through the drafting process. Assistance will be provided on a continuous basis either in person or through phone/email. Follow-up with relevant LG stakeholders will be facilitated by LG FOs.

Timeline
The Consultant is expected to complete the development of the training program by end-May with vetting and confirmation by the Project Team to follow no later than June 15. The training is expected to be delivered in three instalments starting in June and ending in mid-December. Technical assistance will be provided throughout this period.
More specifically, the Consultant will have the following tasks: 

Task 1: Training Program Design and Development
During the training program design and development phase, the Consultant will be working jointly with the other national consultant, preferably in a team setting. As part of this task, the Consultant will become acquainted with the PMA matrix, and corresponding sections of the individual LG PMA reports, draft Good Local Governance Framework developed within the MEG project, and with the Methodology for Performance-based Financial Assistance to MEG partner LG (all these inputs will be provided by MEG team).
The Consultant is expected to:

  • Design and develop training program for enhancing the LG Economic Department and its functions in support to the implementation of the municipal development strategy and the local business community. The training program, with its three modules, must be submitted and approved by the MEG Project Manager for Task 1 to be considered complete.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by end-May 2017 and the level of effort will not exceed 4 expert days.

Task 2: Delivery of training and provision of technical assistance to nine LGs of North-East Cluster
After the submission and approval of the training program, the Consultant will start delivering the training to the LGs of the North-East Cluster. The Consultant will be expected to organise three sessions at a central location with relevant LG representatives, provided with the assistance of the MEG Field Officer (FO), and to independently deliver the material. After each training, the Consultant will provide mentoring support to the trainees in developing the outputs relevant for the specific LG (annual workplans, annual reports, needs analysis of target groups, support programmes to private and NGO sector, reports and analyses of comments from participatory events; draft of new decisions and plans which demonstrate that elements from citizen/private-sector comments were incorporated etc.) that are needed to elevate the score of the LG in any given area. While the Consultant will not be directly asked to produce the documents, or be present throughout the process, he/she will provide templates and substantive inputs and comments, as required (and if possible by phone or email). It is important to note that not all MEG partner LGs require the same level of effort and assistance in each field.
It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by mid-December 2017 and the level of effort will not exceed 20 expert days. 

Task 3: Final Report
The Consultant is expected to submit the final report for the consultancy by the end of the assignment. The report will include major findings and recommendations for the LGs in his/her area of responsibility.

It is envisaged that this task will be delivered by 15 December 2017, and the level of effort will not exceed 1 expert day.

Deliverables and timelines
The consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

Task 1: Training Program Design and Development

  • Together with the Consultant for North-West Cluster (tasked with 4 expert days also), design and develop a training program for enhancing the LG Economic Department and its functions in supporting the implementation of LG development strategy, and supporting the local business community.

The training program, with its three modules, must be submitted and approved by the MEG Project Manager for Task 1 to be considered complete - end-May 2017, (4 expert days)

Task 2: Delivery of training and provision of technical assistance for nine LGs of North-East Cluster

  • The Consultant will be expected to organise three sessions at a central location with relevant LG economic departments’ representatives, provided the assistance of the MEG Field Officer (FO), and to independently deliver the material - Training delivery 1, end June, 2017 (1 expert days);
  • The Consultant will be expected to provide mentoring support to the trainees in developing the outputs (relevant for the specific LG) that are needed to elevate the score of the LG in any given area, and will be expected to deliver all the relevant outputs (i.e. annual departmental workplans, annual departmental reports, needs analysis of target groups, support programmes to private and NGO sector, reports and analyses of comments from participatory events; draft of new decisions and plans which demonstrate that elements from citizen/private-sector comments were incorporated etc.) - Training delivery 2, end August, 2017 (1 expert days);
  • Collect and submit lists of the participants for each of the training sessions delivered - Training delivery 3, end October, 2017
    (1 expert days);

Acceptance of all deliverables from the Task 2, mid-December 2017 (17 expert days).

Task 3: Final Report

  • The Consultant is expected to submit the final report for the consultancy by the end of the assignment. The report will include major findings and recommendations for the LGs in his/her area of responsibility -  15 December 2017 (1 expert day).

Competencies

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.

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.

Partnering and Networking:

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

Results-Orientation:

  • Plans and ensures quality results to meet established goals.

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.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

  • Strong analytical skills;
  • Strong presentation skills;
  • Advanced writing skills;
  • Strong facilitation and coordination skills;
  • Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
  • Initiative and sound judgment.
     

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

  • University degree in economics, business administration, public administration, development studies or a related field.

Experience: 

  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in economic development, local development, business development, work with LG administration, work with partnership groups, focus groups, vulnerable groups etc. specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Minimum 3 years of proven experience in training development and training delivery;
  • Experience in analysis, definition and implementation of local development policies, programs and budgets particularly relevant for the local level;
  • Understanding of LG responsibilities, Council/Assembly functioning and Economic Department mechanisms at local level of government;
  • Proven experience in facilitation and coaching of government employees, businesses, NGOs;
  • Proven experience in training of LG administration on local development issues;
  • Proven presentation skills;
  • Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly in English and in the languages of BiH peoples (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian);
  • Proven familiarity with MiPro methodology.

Language requirements: 

  • Fluency in English and official languages of peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Other: 

  • Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

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%;

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

  • For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
  • Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for technical criteria assessment would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical 70% :

  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in economic development, local development, business development, work with LG administration, work with partnership groups, focus groups, vulnerable groups etc. specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Weight: 20%, Maximum points: 20;
  • Minimum 3 years of proven experience in training development and training delivery; Weight: 15%, Maximum points:15;
  • Experience in analysis, definition and implementation of local development policies, programs and budgets particularly relevant for the local level; Weight: 15%, Maximum points:15;
  • Proven experience in facilitation and coaching of government employees, businesses, NGOs; Proven experience in training of LG administration on local development issues; Weight: 15%,  Maximum points:15;
  • Proven familiarity with MiPro methodology; Weight: 5%, Maximum points: 5;

Financial: Weight: 30%,Maximum points:30;