Antecedentes

The National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) is the main pillar of the Integrated Planning System (IPS) and guides in the medium and long term the priority development policies of the country. 
The predecessor document of NSDEI 2030, which is the NSDI 2015-2020, it was approved by Decision of Council of Ministers No. 348, dated 11.05.2016 and has already completed its implementation. The NSDI 2015-2020 contains the sets of national high level monitoring indicators and targets (some 50 in total) focusing on EU integration process, as well as SDGs and Agenda 2030, that are aligned with the national development policy frameworks.
The National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) represents the core strategic document of the Government of Albania that combines the EU integration agenda with the country’s sustainable economic and social development goals in the framework of the Agenda 2030. The NSDEI provides guidance for several cycles of the Medium Term Budget Program (MTBP), as well as the allocation of public expenditures, ensuring that policy objectives and indicators are included in budget preparation by all ministries and agencies, as directed by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The NSDEI also provides the guiding axis for all programming of development partner funds, including IPA funding, as an EU funding instrument for Albania, or the country's development strategies that have multilateral (such as WB, UN, etc.) or bilateral donors (such as SIDA, SDC, Germany, Italy, etc.).
The U-PDGG is engaged in the preparation of the NSDEI 2030, which provides for the umbrella document that ensures the prioritization of policies in the medium and long term and serves as a guide and framework for all sectoral / cross-sectoral strategies. In that context, the preparation for the NSDEI 2030 represents a crucial process for the government, and in the same time a real challenge for the DDGG/U-PDGG. The new document of the NSDEI 2030, is expected to reflect recommendations and lessons learned from the previous NSDI 2020, in order to improve the next planning cycle that will gauge the period of 2021-2030. It shall focus on analysing the high level monitoring indicators that gauge the reform progress in priority sectors, the European integration, as well as the SDGs harmonized into the country priorities. The new NSDEI 2030 shall contain policies aligned with the SDGs and Agenda2030 . 
The Albanian Government has already initiated the process of preparation of the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2030, as the predecessor of NSDI 2020, which includes several important phases. Consistent work is coordinated by the Unit of Policies for Development and Good Governance—U-PDGG  (part of the Department for Development and Good Governance) at Prime Minister Office, which is responsible for the preparation of the NSDEI, as well as the coordination of the strategic frame and the monitoring system related to it, for the country.
In the context of monitoring the implementation progress of the NSDI 2020, the NSDI Medium Term Progress Report has been prepared in 2019 with UNDP support, which reflects the progress and results achieved during the period 2015-2018, as well as the challenges in the implementation of reforms within the NSDI II. The Report found out that the NSDI II was implemented at the level of 43%, with respect to objectives and indicators. 
A stock-taking exercise, using the UN Rapid Integrated Assessment tool, on assessing the level of integration of SDGs into NSDEI 2021-2030 and sectoral programmes, took place in 2017. In the second half of 2017, the Prime Minister’s office prepared the SDG Baseline Report, collecting available data on the SDG indicators, and a National Action Plan that outlines how Albania intends to pursue SDGs achievement. The National Baseline Report on SDGs was published in January 2018, with UN Albania support. This report documents Albania’s mainstreaming progress since mid-2016, inter alia in terms of clarifying institutional responsibilities for SDG implementation. It revealed that 140 SDG targets (83% of the total) are directly tied to NSDI 2020 main pillars; and that 134 SDG targets (79% of the total) are directly linked to other national strategic policy documents. 
In 2018 the Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDGs was prepared with the support of UN Albania, involving 6 meetings of the Technical working Group and two meetings of the Interministerial Committee on SDGs that approved the VNR. The VNR was based on a long process of consultations (Nov 2017 – May 2018) with various stakeholders at the national and sub-national level focused on the prioritization and nationalization of SDGs and an overall adaptation of Agenda 2030 for Albania, with linkages to EU integration processes.
A MAPS mission was organized in April 2018, as a joint effort of UN, EU and World Bank, which examined mutual advantages of EU accession process and pursuit of Agenda 2030. The MAPS report (mission findings and recommendations), which was widely shared with the government and other national partners, supports the identification of concrete policy and programming steps needed to accelerate national transitions toward sustainable development. A UNDP prototype SDG dashboard for Albania was developed in 2018, which assessed data availability and SDG progress at the target level aiming to offer the national statistical authorities an additional instrument for SDG monitoring and reporting. In February 2020 the passports of harmonized SDG indicators and medium term targets were prepared, also with UN support. In addition, gender responsive budgeting has been applied for many years by the GoA as a means to strengthen implementation of SDG 5 and other gender related SDG targets.
Furthermore, the visioning phase of the NSDEI 2030, including the SDGs perspective, was carried out in cooperation with the OECD and consisted of meetings and a workshop held in February 2020, based on which the relevant recommendations were prepared by the OECD and the draft Report "Multidimensional Review", which is expected to be finalized within 2021. 
In this view, the methodology for the NSDEI 2021-2030 has been prepared by the Unit for Policies for Development and Good Governance (U-PDGG) and approved by the Decision of Council of Ministers Nr.290, date 11.4.2020. It is based on the principle of full operation of all current mechanisms and processes related to the Integrated Planning System, and the IPSIS system (Information System for Integrated Planning System). 
Another preparatory process for the NSDEI consists in identifying medium-term priorities 2022-2024, which fed into the Policy Priority Document, whose development was coordinated by U-PDGG and approved by Strategic Planning Committee (chaired by the Prime Minister), at the beginning of March 2021. Also, the process of long-term Policy Priorities identification for  2024-2030 is taking place, also coordinated by U-PDGG, in collaboration with the line ministries. 
The UN in Albania, through the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, will support the government in preparing the NSDEI 2030 (2021-2030 through recruitment of a national consultantwho in close cooperaiton with the consultant recruited for the development of NSDEI, will provide the required support to U-PDGG for the costing aspects of NSDEI.  

Deberes y responsabilidades

The objective of this assignment is to support the Government of Albania, specifically the Unit for Policies for Development and Good Governance, at PMO, to develop the costing of the National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2021-2030. The NSDEI 2030  will become the main strategic planning document for the country, to be monitored on regular basis by the Strategic Planning Committee against progress measured on a yearly basis and to be updated on a medium term basis.

The national consultant will support the Policy Unit of the DDGG in the preparation of the budgeting and costing frame and options of the NSDEI 2030, including provision of technical, analytical, drafting and editorial assistance. The work will be carried in close collaboration with the consultant recruited for the development of NSDEI 2021-2030 and other consultants made available through UN agencies, including to support effecve gender mainstreaming in the NSDEI.

Under the direct guidance of the Director of U-PDGG, the consultant will support primarily the Unit staff and will collaborate, in different stages of the draft preparation and facilitated by the staff of U-PDGG, with relevant line ministries, ministerial departments and institutions, UN agencies, local government administrations, EU Delegation and EU member states and other relevant stakeholders in the country to submit the following deliverables:

1. Prepare the diagnosis related to the economic development, based on the analysis of the real economy, trade and macroeconomic policies implemented.

1. Prepare and elaborate the Paper on economic growth scenarios, including provision of recommendations for future policies, with respect to NSDEI 2030.

1. Drafting and supporting the preparation of the part 1.10 in the draft NSDEI related to the  macroeconomic and fiscal  tendencies/state of play.

Drafting of the part IV of the NSDEI 2030, related to economic ressouces and macroeconomic and fiscal framework for 2030, as well as the table 2 and table 3 of the draft (that provides for the priority measures and strategic goals costing, as well as costing according to budget programs). The preparation of this part would be based on the above outputs that the expert will prepare.  

1. Prepare the analysis on the costing and budgeting of the NSDEI, based on the existing budget spending analysis (prepared with UNDP Support), scenarios for the NSDEI, including reference to SDGs, etc. Analysis will take advantage of the national budget analysis vs SDGs 2015-2019 conducted recently with the support of UN[1].

1. Support preparations and delivery of debriefings and stakeholders’ consultative workshops organized by PDGG, through preparation of presentations, Notes, etc.

The consultant should carry out the following set of activities:

Methodology and deliverables

Under the direct supervision of the Director of U-PDGG and in close cooperation with the Head of UNRCO,, the Consultant will support the Unit of Policies for Development and Good Governance at the Department for Development and Good Governance with the preparation of the NSDEI III (2021-2030) document and s/he will organize the work as described below:

1. Desktop review (5 working days):

• Review the documents relevat to the assignement, such as the Medium Term Budget Program for 2022-2024, Policy Priority Document, costing of action plans of sector strategies, National Single Project Pipeline, ERP, etc, prepared by the government, as well as other materials prepared by relevant partners, such as Public Expenditure Review for the SDG (finalized in 2021), IMF and WB reports, ,etc. This will serve as the basis for the diagnosis of the NSDEI, in line with the respective methodology, and ensure coherence among different sectors and the individual chapters.

1. Prepare the diagnosis related to the economic development, based on the analysis of the real economy, trade and macroeconomic policies implemented. (15 working days):

• The diagnosis should consider the effects of earthquake and of Covid-19 impact in the national economy. Also, it has to consider the macroeconomic analyses prepared by MoFE, ERP, studies prepared by Bank of Albania, as well as international published reports on economic development and growth scenarios for the country, as well as for the regional and beyond context, such as from international financial institutions (WB, EBRD, BEI, IFC etc), multilateral organizations (EU, UN, UNDP etc), reputed universities (Harvard University, LES etc) as well as other important knowhow institutions (WIIW, etc).  

1. Prepare and elaborate the Paper on economic growth scenarios, including provision of recommendations for future policies, with respect to NSDEI 2030. (10 working days):

• The paper should consider including policies on how to incentivize production and exports’ based economic model, FDIs, fiscal policy, as well as other policy proposals including green economy perspective, in line with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and respective commitments for the country..

1. Drafting and supporting the preparation of the part 1.10 in the draft NSDEI related to the  macroeconomic and fiscal  tendencies/state of play. (5 working days):

• The expert would have to support the MoFE in preparing the information, by drafting as well important parts of the subchapter 1.10 as agreed with U-PDGG.

1. Prepare the analysis on the costing and budgeting of the NSDEI linked with SDGs and other important perspectives; (15 working days):

• The analysis should assess the robustness of the Strategy against different economic scenarios as an important feature of the NSDEI and to facilitate the selection of better policy options. The expert will ensure to reflect the impact of the most recent fiscal and economic challenges facing Albania (including growth and poverty reduction, fiscal policy, public debt and debt dynamics, the structure and composition of Albania debt, and sensitivity to shock allied with the primary deficit, growth, exchange rate and interest rate, etc) as well as the implications of the earthquake and covid 19 situation.
• The expert will work closely with the DDGG, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, to assist these core institutions to identify and apply the most suitable costing options for the various policy options that they select under NSDEI. This will be carried out in line with the relevant processes under the MTBP and particular attention will be paid to including costing of cross cutting strategies, NSPP etc. The expert will also liaise closely with other consultants working on issues linked with NSDEI 2030.
• The expert will prepare costing scenarios, considering also the resource allocations under the MTBP 2022-2024, existing budget spending analysis (supported by UN), scenarios for the NSDEI, etc.
•  identify any potential financial gaps and provide for options to cover gaps.
• explore the trends and patterns in investment of public resources towards achievement of SDG goals to understand the extent to which commitment towards policy goals is substantiated in government behaviour through targeted incremental interventions: assess what are the cost determinants for each SDG.
• The expert will prepare presenations for the options related to economic models and the costing of NSDEI 2030, at the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) led by the Prime Minister for decision making. The expert will organise the necessary documents and participate in this presentations. Based on the decisions provided by the SPC, the expert will draft the chapter on the macro framework and budgeting of the NSDI.

1. Drafting of the part IV of the NSDEI 2030, related to economic ressouces and macroeconomic and fiscal framework for 2030, as well as the table 2 and table 3, according to NSDEI 2030 methodology (5 working days):

• The preparation of this part would be based on the above outputs that the expert will prepare.  

1. Support preparations and delivery of  Debriefings for the decision making bodies (as SPC) and stakeholders’ consultative workshops (5 working days):

• The expert is expected to support the preparation of respective presentations and debriefings’ materials, that would be necessary for the communicating the draft to decisionmaking level (as SPC or other commitees) and stakeholders.
• The expert will support the revision of the draft by reflecting stakeholders’ comments.  

All relevant documents will be made available to the contractor at the start of the assignment. Please note that any eventual additional cost (i.e. translation) should be included in the financial offer.

 Deliverables

[1] Budget Analysis of SDG Related Spending in Albania: 2015 - 2019 | United Nations in Albania

Competencias

Core Values

Integrity:

• Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of the UN in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.

Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff;
• Additionally, the individual should have an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Core Competencies:

Communication:

• Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.

Planning & Organizing:

• Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly.

Organizational Awareness:

• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.

Teamwork:

• Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.

Functional Competencies:

• Theoretical and practical familiarity with policy and strategic planning/ monitoring/ sustainable development/ European integration;
• Demonstrated capacity and expertise in assessing progress and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Effectively and collaboratively work with multiple counterparts (UN, GoA, donors); and
• Meet tight deadlines without compromising on the quality of work, and being flexible;
• Excellent presentation skills;

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree in economics and finance, or a closely related discipline.

Work experience

• Substantial technical knowledge on macroeconomic and fiscal policy planning and assessment, and at least 7 years of relevant working experience particularly in relation to analysing economic and growth scenarios, spending/expenditure reviews, and/or expenditures related toSDGs;
• Systematic information collection and analysis and academic writing skills, evidenced through a list of publications/ reports in the fields of sustainable development policies, European integration process, policies impact assessment, or other relevant areas;
• Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation of macroeconomic and fiscal policy, as well as  expenditure framework analysis for Albania,is highly desirable;
• Internationally conducted assessments and/or stadies on macro-economic policies, fiscal policy, expenditure reviews on different sectors, for Albania, would be an advantage. Previous experience/familiarity with UN agencies in a similar assignment is desirable;
•  
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English.

Evaluation Procedure

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that would consider 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: Education Background – max points: 20

Criteria B: Relevance of work experience – max points: 30

Criteria C: Expertise in conducting UNDAF evaluations/and or other programme reviews - 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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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)
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)

• Financial Proposal in ALL*- 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. 
• Technical proposal – specifying the methodology which the consultant will employ to conduct this assignment.

*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 past 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 are able to 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.