Background
Albania has committed to strengthening the rule of law and human rights through its ratification of international and regional treaties and its adherence to the 2030 development agenda. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights recognize equality before the law and before the courts and rights to a fair trial, to free legal assistance in criminal matters, to liberty and security of the person and to property as well as freedom from discrimination, protection of which are key elements of strengthening the rule of law. Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the 2030 Development Agenda sets the goal of peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions as crucial to development. Furthermore, Albania recognizes that enhancing rule of law institutions’ capacity through transitional justice processes helps provide truth, redress, and a voice to victims that establishes an authentic foundation for lasting peace and development.
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 (PoC) 2017-2021. More particularly, the PoC envisages interventions organized in Outcome 1: State and civil society organizations perform effectively and with accountability for consolidated democracy in line with international norms and standards.
Duties and Responsibilities
UNDP is providing technical expertise to strengthen the Albanian Authority on Access to Information on the former State Security Service. The Albanian Authority on Access to Information on the former State Security Service (hereafter referred to as the ‘Authority’) is established by the law (No. 45/2015) on the right to information on the files of the former state security services during communist times – Sigurimi. Its mission is to provide access to those files and preserve the record of oppression in order to educate the public and support the democratic values of justice, truth, reconciliation, and responsibility for future generations. The Authority embodies the European Parliament’s call to keep alive the memory of the past, since there can be no reconciliation without truth and remembrance; reconfirms Albania’s stand against totalitarian rule of any form or ideological background; and respects the European values of human rights and dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.
The “Remembrance to heal and prevent” initiative aims at providing support to the Authority’s work of documenting the crimes of communism, including contributing to justice through the established patterns of remembrance aiming at shedding light on past crimes; supporting the process of identifying and recovering the remains of Sigurimi victims; and facilitating public dialogue on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and transitional justice.
Part of this mission entails an examination of the rules, norms, rights, practices and customs of the use of labor during the communist regime. This is an area study that is yet to be uncovered and brought to light. Its significance lies in the fact that labor constituted a core element in the building of socialist realism through industrialization, collective farming, penal or forced labor, and the so-called “volunteer activities.” In this context, labor in communism is a multifaceted concept that was often used as a means of repression and control.
The planned interventions include:
Performing research on the concept of "forced labor" under communism, its evolution during various historical periods and its use for disciplinary and punitive purposes. This will enable scholars to produce analytical documents that help public reflection in the past and encourage open discussion of the communist past and its consequences;
Organize an open day in a major University to expand the understanding of the Communist past in Albania. Survived communist victims and/or their affected families will be involved as resource persons during these open days;
Establish a platform of cooperation with various research institutes, museums and archival institutes that address the topic of dictatorship and have relevant documents for the Tepelena Memorial place;
Collect all relevant documents and start their indexing process.
Therefore, UNDP is seeking the services of two experts, one jurist and one historian to support the Authority in establishing a research framework and pattern necessary for a National Forced labour Camp Memorial Place.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Programme Manager, the direct supervision of the expert that is supporting the implementation of the project “Remembrance- to heal and prevent” and in coordination with the Authority, the qualified experts will perform the following responsibilities:
- Formulate a research framework for examining the concept of labor during the communist regime, its evolution, and legacy;
- Support the Authority in preparing a dialogue mechanism and process in order bring together involved civil society and researchers from Academia and victims who have survived from detention and labour camps during communism to conceptualize the first National Labor Camp Memorial in Tepelena. Through this remembrance place, the project aims to establish a pattern for all forced labor camps in Albania, which will serve for public reflection.
- In collaboration with the Authority and UNDP, organize a conference that invites domestic and international scholars, journalists, survived victims of communism and organization interested in human rights and the communist legacy to discuss the Albanian experience in the infamous labor camps and the effect on women and children. The Conference will also include an open day in a major University to expand the understanding of the Communist past in Albania.
Expected Deliverables
- A research framework drafted for examining the concept of labor during the communist regime, its evolution, and legacy (by April 30)
- A good practice put in place with all marerials relevant for a National Labor Camp Memorial, including three research papers/anthology/ collections of memoirs following a consultative process with Academia and civil society (by June 30)
- A conference organized to discuss the Albanian experience in the infamous labor camps and the effect on women and children.
- Open day organized with major Univeristy students (by September30)
Competencies
Core values:
- Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
- Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Core Competencies:
- Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to pose questions, listen, evaluate and capture opinions, suggestions and comments, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different stakeholders;
- Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs, and matching them to appropriate solutions;
- Demonstrated analytical and practical skills on issues related to private sector.
Functional Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills (written, spoken, composing, presentation) and networking;
- Political and cultural sensitivity and commitment to UNDP’s development objectives in the country.
- Ability to generate creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations
- Strong technical and practical knowledge in issues related to the private sector and the relationship with state institutions on labour and employment
- Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary teams
- Excellent interpersonal skills and objectivity
Required Skills and Experience
Education/Academic qualifications
- Advanced University degree in history, law, social sciences or related degree.
Work experience:
Strong research skills, with experience of at least 7 years in history, law related areas.
Language requirements
- Full working knowledge of English, including excellent report writing and presentation skills in Albanian and English.
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: 30
Criteria B: Demonstrated knowledge and experience as per the respective ToRs - max points: 15
Criteria C: Extensive experience in research - max points: 25
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:
A brief presentation explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position, to be entered in the first part of "Resume and Motivation" (max 1000 characters)
Your word format resume in the following box, under"Resume and Motivation".
- 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 both be part of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Submit the Application:
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
Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
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.