Background

*The candidates who have previously applied (announcement 74384) do not need to re-apply

Albania’s progress in recent years in respecting and promoting gender equality is highlighted in a series of international commitments as well as domestic legal and policy development and implementation. Since 2008 Albania passed the Gender Equality in Society Law, established the national gender machinery, improved the Law on Measures against Violence in Family Relations, opened the first national shelter for survivors of domestic violence, established the mechanism of coordination and referral of domestic violence cases in several municipalities, evaluated two National Strategies on Gender Equality and against Domestic Violence [respectively National Strategy for Gender Equality and Domestic Violence (2007-2010), and National Strategy on Gender Equality and against Gender-Based and Domestic Violence (2011-2015)] and approved the third National Strategy for Gender Equality 2016-2020 and its Action Plan. In addition, Albania created a stronger data collection system through conducting Domestic Violence, Time Use and Demographic Health Surveys as well as through approval of a series of gender indicators that will mandate gender disaggregation of public statistics for a number of entities. Introduction of the 30% gender quota and 50% gender quota in Electoral Code for general and local elections respectively and community initiatives in engaging women more intensively in electoral and decision-making processes have opened the door for a greater voice for women’s need. Albania’s reporting in the framework of CEDAW Committee, Universal Periodic Review, Beijing and EU have evidenced certain recommendations and in August 2014 the European Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) entered into force for all CoE Sate Parties.

To support Albania’s international commitments to the implementation of international human rights standards, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and development of national capacities the Government of Albania and the United Nations signed in 2016 the Programme of Cooperation 2017-2021. While UN agencies will be required to mainstream gender in all their activities and projects, the Programme also envisages interventions focused entirely or considerably on gender equality issues, organized in the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: State and civil society organizations perform effectively and with accountability for consolidated democracy in line with international norms and standards.

Outcome 2 – All women, men, girls and boys, especially those from marginalized and vulnerable groups, are exercising their entitlements to equitable quality services, in line with human rights; and more effective and efficient investments in human and financial resources are being made at central and local levels to ensure social inclusion and cohesion.

Outcome 3 - Economic growth priorities, policies, and programs of the GoA are inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive, with greater focus on competitiveness, decent jobs and rural development.

UNDP intends to implement activities and deliver assistance, particularly under the outcomes mentioned above, building on the results, lessons learned and challenges of the previous UN assistance to GoA’s efforts in addressing gender inequalities, discrimination and violence, in implementation of its international commitments in the area and the National Strategy on Gender Equality and its Action Plan (2016-2020).

More particularly, based on output 1.5 and output 2.5 of the current PoC, UNDP will a) raise awareness of all municipalities regarding the legal obligations pursuant to the law on the measures against violence in family relations and CoM Decision No. 334, dated 17.02.2011, “On the establishment of the national referral mechanism for the treatment of domestic violence cases and its way of functioning”; b) support the establishment of the Coordinated Community Response models (CCRs) or so-called Referral Mechanisms against DV (based in the above mentioned CoM Decision), in 4 new municipalities; and c) support strengthening the existing CCRs in Gjirokastra, Roskovec, Patos, Dibra, Bulqizë and Prrenjas; d) assist knowledge sharing among new and existing CCRs; e) support 2 municipalities to develop and/or  implement local engendered plans pursuant to the Gender Equality Action Plan in line with the new National Strategy on GE and GBV and its Action Plan (2016-2020); e) draft, consult and finalise the basic standards for the emergency crisis centers in four municipalities of Saranda, Permet, Pogradec and Roskovec.    

Following the implementation of the above mentioned outputs and having in mind the previous challenges faced by the local government finance officers to easily access and use additional financial resources i.e. through implementation of different donor supported’ projects, Gender Programme has decided to organize a professional training to increase the effectiveness of such types of intervention and will seek the services of an expert to conduct a training with finance local government specialists.

In close collaboration with the two national experts of CCRs, the trainer will customize the agenda and the training module according to the specific needs. The training will aim to increase capacities of these specialists in preparation and implementation of budget project proposals and to increase their participation in the entire process of implementing the project. Specific attention will be paid to the identification of effective procedures to use the project funds and increase collaboration and coordination with the local CCR coordinator and the procurement municipal office.

To this end, UNDP will need the services of a local government finance expert.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will focus on the following:

1. Review the existing regulations and legal framework on local budget implementation with particular focus on the duties and responsibilities of the finance employees within the municipalities.
2. Prepare a training module and sample folders for participants targeting the specific audience: finance employees within municipalities.
3. The training module should be focused on specific issues related with diversification of financial  resources, key principles for preparation of specific budget proposals focused on issues of gender equality and actions against gender based and domestic violence, key challenges related to cost-effectiveness implementation of such kind of project activities, introduction of specific proposal and reporting formats, etc.
4. Draft training agenda and prepare power point presentations, handouts and all the necessary materials to be used from the participants and meet the two UNDP Experts on CCRs to discuss needs accordingly and coordinate with them if needed for the preparations of the training.
5. Conduct a two days training session for 20 municipal employees (CCR local coordinators and financial specialists).

The list of final deliverables:

• Upgraded training module and sample participant folder (in Albanian)
• Final agenda for training sessions (in Albanian)

• A final report (in English) highlighting the expert’s work, outputs, achievements, lessons learned and the proceeding of the training sessions, including recommendations for future similar interventions. 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical skills, initiative, sound judgment, results-oriented and efficiency in a multi-tasking environment
• Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude, ability to work in multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work under pressure in complex situations
• Ability to work in an independent manner, set priorities and organize the workflow efficiently
• Willingness to travel around the country to coordinate, attend and monitor project activities
• Full working knowledge of English, including excellent writing and presentation skills
• Fluency in Albanian
• Very good computer skills and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic qualification/Education

• Education Degree in Finance, Economics or related fields.

Work experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience.
• At least 7 years of experience in working with finance issues and local government.

Language skills:

• Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in English and Albanian is required.

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

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.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

• Criteria A: Compliant educational background - max points: 35
• Criteria B: Demonstrated knowledge and experience as per the respective ToRs - max points: 15
• Criteria C: Experience in working with finance issues and local government - max points: 20

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points.

Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. 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-please fill in the attached form...http://www.un.org.al/doc/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Letter%20to%20UNDP.docx
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Download here.
• Financial Proposal in ALL* - specifying a total lump sum in Albanian Lek  for the tasks specified in this announcement.  The attached template may be used - http://www.un.org.al/doc/Financial%20Offer%20template.doc Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account 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:

How 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);

• 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.

• 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

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. Qualified women and individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.