Background

The assignments are expected to be carried out during a six month period (2 June 2022 – 30 November 2022) with the respective amount of days for each field of expertise:

1. Water and Transport (50 working days) – 1 Position
2. Local and Rural Development (40 working days) – 1 Position
3. Social Services (40 working days) – 1 Position
4. Environment, Forests and Greening (30 working days) – 1 Position
5. Delegated Functions (30 working days) – 1 Position
6. Legal Framework (30 working days) – 1 Position

Build upon the results of the two preceding STAR projects, in September 2020, UNDP Albania launched a new phase of multi-donor initiative in support to the advancement of decentralization and local government reform, STAR3 – Sustaining and Advancing Local Governance Reform.

The overall aim of the STAR3 is to strengthen local government effectiveness and efficiency through enhancing the supporting framework, consolidating systems, standards and organizational capacities in place, expanding and sustaining service delivery innovation and best practices, and institutionalizing local government accountability to women and men for enhanced participatory governance. 

Being a multi-donor project and a direct support to Ministry of Interior as the central institution responsible for advancement of local governance reforms, the project was considered as the most appropriate modality to support the drafting process of the new cross-cutting Strategy for Decentralization and Local Governance given also the experience accumulated from the project during the three phases of assistance implemented in support to Local Governments.

A formal request of the Ministry of Interior, approved from the project partners, enabled the initiation of the assistance for the drafting process of the new National Cross-cutting Strategy for Decentralization and Local Governance. The assistance encompasses support with expertise and know how during a well-designed process which aims at ensuring adequately informed decision-making engaging a wide range of stakeholders at local and national level.

The present experts will support the Ministry of Interior/ASLG technical working group to carry out an in depth analysis of all functions of local governance based on Law 139/2015 “For Local Self-Governance” including desk review of the inputs to be provided from different partners, Civil Society Organization (CSOs), line ministries, agencies, etc. In addition, experts are required to contribute to the process of identification gaps under the strategic directions, measures and their prioritization measures.

Experts are required to contribute to the following specific areas of the decentralization and local governance action plan:

• Infrastructure and Public Services
• Social Services, Social Protection, Culture and Safety
•  Agriculture, Rural Development and Local Economic Development
• Local Finances
• Local Public administration, continuous education and challenges related to engagement of adequate Human capacities
• Democracy and Integration
• Standards of decentralized governance

Duties and Responsibilities

The Infrastructure and Public Services at local level Expert will work under the supervision of the STAR3 Project Manager and in support to the Director of ASLG as the chair of technical group for the drafting process of the strategy. The main duties and expected results will include the following:

• Contributing to the drafting process of the new National Cross-cutting Strategy of Decentralization and Local Governance (NCSDLG). 
• Carry out the analysis for delegated functions/services as specified in the Law 139/2015 “For Local Self-Governance” and at other sectorial laws and by laws by specifying the gaps, measures and their prioritization under the 5 strategic directions of the NCSDLG, including desk review of the inputs to be provided from different partners, Civil Society Organization (CSOs), line ministries, agencies, etc.
• Detail the methodology of the analysis and providing detailed reports with findings, proposed measures, and supporting arguments.
• Working with MoI/ASLG working group on decentralization strategy and with other line ministries based on their field of expertise.
• Contribute to the brainstorming and consultation process in collaboration with the strategic direction moderators/facilitators.
• Participating in working group meetings (core team) and in other meetings with all actors involved in the specific area (specific brainstorming, consultation and validation meetings).

3 - Deliverables

The Local Governments Expert is expected to provide the following deliverables:

Competencies

The Infrastructure and Public Services at local level Expert must possess or satisfy the following criteria:

• 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
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in project and team work
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal capabilities
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm about project goals
• Accountability for achievement towards fulfilling programme and component aims and objectives
• Accountability for management of time and task completion
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines
• Proficient with standard computer applications.

Required Skills and Experience

The preferred educational background and minimum required qualifications for the interested candidates, include the following.

Education:

• An advanced university degree preferred in public administration, economics, political science, law or a similar field.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of professional experience in a public or private sector in areas related to local governance, decentralization, law enforcement or management.
• Demonstrated professional experience in development project management and/or institutional development.
• Expertise and knowledge of local government institutions is an obligation. Advanced knowledge on the above mentioned specific area is considered as an advantage.

Language requirements:

•     Good communication and report-writing skills in English and Albanian.

6 – Schedule of payments

UNDP shall make payments to the Consultant after acceptance by UNDP/STAR3 of the deliverables, and in accordance with the following schedule of payments:

Application Procedure 

Interested applicants MUST specify exactly which of the 6 areas of expertise they are applying for.

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.

• 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(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.