Background

RESEAL project has been developed as a comprehensive response to the needs for strengthening the Disaster Risk Management systems at all levels in the country. As such, in its entirety, the project contains a multi-level set of priorities around three components: 1) strengthening the DRR framework and capacities at the central level, 2) building DRR local level knowledge, planning and organizational capacities for prevention and response to disasters, and 3) supporting critical needs for DRR infrastructure. The project mirrors several recommendations provided in the recent PDNA following the November 209 earthquake, attempts to support the implementation of the new legislation on Civil Protection sanctioned in the recent Law 45/2019 as well as takes into consideration the present momentum where the main government institution responsible for DRR policy and coordination is under a full redesign and overhaul, being at present in a phase of staffing and internal organization.  

The project also takes into consideration the changing landscape of DRR assistance, where several international actors are coming into play, triggered by the last disasters or speeding up their plans in view of the fragility of the DRR system in Albania. The process of capacity building, to cope with and mitigate disasters, is first a multi-stakeholder issue and solution, and second, it runs in a potentially risk-contained environment, where other disasters may occur along. Following the November 2019 earthquake, Albania is currently under the full impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, while it had to cope with numerous fire disasters during the last summer. This incessant flow of unfortunate events has shown once again the necessity and importance of specific role plays of all governance levels, the important coordination and leading role of the central state and the indispensable role of local governments in the micro coordination, response and care for the communities as well as the existing deficiencies, gaps and shortages that exist in this continuum.

In view of the above, RESEAL project has identified, in agreement with the government counterparts, a well-defined niche that encompasses the soft assistance for enabling cross institutional dialogue for DRR, integration of the DRR perspective into development, and the establishment of the DRR strategic, institutional and operational governance framework at both central and local levels, along with the necessity for capacity building for using these instruments. This is, however, still a wide area of action, and the project remains dynamically adaptable to the opportunities and limitations.

RESEAL project was preceded by two UNDP pilot interventions, contributing to the buildup of the above niche. The first ongoing pilot aims at carrying out a full institutional capacity assessment in terms of the DRR knowledge, roles and complementarities at the central level and the establishment of a National DRR Platform. Both above elements feed into the formulation and finalization of the National DRR Strategy as well as additional central level policy and normative documents that shape the national DRR framework. The second pilot is being implemented in the municipality of Lezha and aims to, in line with the requirements of law 45/2019, develop a replicable methodology and approach for municipalities to have in place local DRR Strategies and Civil Protection Plans as well as capacities to consider DRR in development planning as well as mitigate and cope with disasters when they occur. RESEAL project officially started in July 2020, following the bilateral signing of the project document by the Ministry of Defense and UNDP. From July 2020, both UNDP pilots are considered an integral part of RESEAL, and the pilot results will be the basis for building up the next implementation steps.

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of the assignment is to support and provide technical assistance at National Agency on Civil Protection on development of agency official webpage domain gov.al, which has been approved by National Agency of ITC, incorporate official information, national documents, studies and assessments endorsed by the agency in the field of civil protection and DRR. The webpage will be linked with relevant websites on civil protection and disaster risk reduction (UNDP in Albania, Sendai Framework, UNDRR, EUCPM and other relevant networks), contributing to increase visibility, sharing information, awareness and warning by disseminating, facilitating and providing direct access to official data and their exchange. The consultant will be required to accordingly propose, develop, maintain, assist NCPA official website accordingly to the best practices and based on similar webpages and other relevant platforms and updated it in a timely manner. The NACP webpage will serve as a national official platform for the future developing of e-learning modules in the field of DRR by providing online courses to officials at all levels based on detailed programs and modules contributing to institutional capacity building. The process will be conducted with fully engagement of NCPA communication department and contribute to increase NCPA staff capacity building by developing technical competences and increasing communication skills of NCPA staff. The languages of communication will be English and Albanian.

1. Expected Tasks:

Under the supervision of the project manager and in close cooperation with National Agency on Civil Protection, the expert will be responsible for technical aspects of design, development and maintenance of NCPA webpage and incorporate required information and respective database as per following tasks;

• Conduct an analysis of similar webpages and provide technical recommendations for a sustainable development of the required services by providing proposals to ensure that core and secondary needs are covered based on best practices
• Contribute to the design and development of the webpage, a bilingual, user-friendly, modern and efficient site that will work for all our different audiences.
• Develop the website patters, navigation structure and incorporate device and images when necessary
• Monitor users’ traffic on this site and take necessary actions to increase visibility and webs referencing
• Assist with software and hardware maintenance, update and adoption for this site
• Respond to devices and pc management
• Prepare a User Manual and providing assistance to NCPA staff on website maintenance and update
• Conduct trainings on website management and maintenance
• Support NCPA on website hosting at the National Agency of ICT
• Provide necessary assistance to NACP on social media use by providing technical recommendations and link them with its official webpage

Competencies

Core Values

 - Demonstrating/safeguarding UN core values on accountability, integrity, transparency, mutual respect, professionalism, and results orientation

- Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results

- Displays cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability

- Core competencies

- Able to identify priorities and plan/organize efficiently in line with agreed approach/framework

- Self-initiative and responsibility in carrying out tasks

- Ability to act as a team player and facilitate teamwork in a multicultural environment

- Ability to manage competing demands and meet deadlines

- Excellent communication skills (written, spoken, composing, presentation)

Functional Competencies

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks, including design, planning and implementation of projects or tasks as well as managing data and reporting

Ability to evaluate development technical programs and projects

Result oriented and ability to define problem areas, brainstorm solutions based on evidence, consultations and sound analysis

Ability to deliver under tight deadlines

Proficient with current computer applications.

Required Skills and Experience

The minimum required qualifications as well as the preferred professional and educational assets for the interested candidates are listed below.

• Advanced University Degree or equivalent in communication, IT and /or information resource management fields
• Good knowledge of the IT, OS, SW and HW pertinent to OS;
• Demonstrated experience and success in website development and maintenance
• Good working knowledge to communicate in English and in Albanian.
• Experience in providing relevant consultancy services with a track record of successful work with international organizations in Albania is preferable.
• Proven basic experience with web software tools and respective databases
• Planning and organizing - Proven ability to plan and organize own work.
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively on Website(s)
• Teamwork - Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relationships, both as a team member, with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Experience of virtual teamwork is an advantage.
• Technology awareness - Excellent computer skills.

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. 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. 

*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.