Background

The maritime sector is rapidly increasing in the past years, as a source for further economic development and international cooperation. The Government of Albania has made progress in maintenance and infrastructure of port facilities in line with the Sector Strategy, priorities stipulated in the Government Program, the National Transport Plan, the National Strategy for Development and Integration and the Medium-Term Budget Plan.

Supporting data from INSTAT show that in 2017 compared to 2016, the volume of freight loading and unloading in Albanian ports has increasing by 7.1 %, the number of passengers travelling by sea line is increasing by 16.9%, the goods exported by sea represent 62.8 % of the total transport as well as goods imported by sea represent 48.6 %.

Maritime transport is primarily concerned with the transport of freight and passengers by sea. The sector is associated with many other activities such as ship agency, chartering and brokering, maritime labour and education, multimodal and intermodal transport and related services.

Cooperation on various services notably those linked to the capacity building in the public sector and better coordination of planning activities is needed for preparing the ground for better marine and maritime governance and services.

Objective of the assignment:

Increasing governments efforts on promoting the establishment of maritime cluster and coordination between such clusters 

Maritime Cluster organizations and their activities would have a significant impact to the Albanian economy. Albania has made a remarkable progress on upgrading and repairing roads, rail and maritime infrastructure, especially the one linked with the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor and Corridor VIII. Meanwhile, the lack of important Albanian ports is evident in the "List of Sea Ports in the Core and Comprehensive Networks".

The General National Plan 2015 - 2030 highlights the strengthening of capacity and functions of the main existing ports-Shengjin, Durrës, Vlora and Saranda, on the basis of studies that will ensure the differentiation of functions and technical projects for the implementation of adequate conditions.

Implementing maritime policies and developing maritime clusters is in the interest of the European Union as well, mostly because of the significant role that maritime transport and offshore services has in the European economy. 

Duties and Responsibilities

In Albania there are no maritime clusters and the government will need to consider the support of different activities under maritime clusters. Mapping of relevant local maritime clusters, incentives and tools to support their development at least at the first steps of their inception is considered as an open opportunity for further support from regional economic initiatives.

The main tasks are:

-          Study analysis of the potential to develop a Maritime Cluster in Albania considering the following:

(i) specialization and perspectives

(ii) gaps in existing national legislation

(iii)promotion of research, development and innovation

-      Develop the guidelines to establish at least one maritime cluster in Albania (Aquamarine, Tourism, Fishery or Transport)

-          Build a permanent database on economic facts and figures with the perspective of maritime cluster and the role in the future. This should consider at least 50 companies to reach the critical mass needed to establish a cluster.

-          Undertake a national workshop on the role of Maritime Cluster and potentials for Albania.

-          Provide a set of trainings on addressing Albanian Maritime Cluster development and capacity-building.

-          Participate in a National Regional Conference on Maritime Cluster: key strategies and successful factors for developing and making more competitive the maritime sector in Albania.

-          Support in the establishment of at least one Maritime Cluster in Albania.

-          Other duties as required by the project coordinator

 The national consultant will work together with an international consultant on the Tasks.

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 favoritism.

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

• Thorough understanding of disability issues, human rights, social inclusion and social services
• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
• Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;

Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Financial Studies and/or Legal Studies or related field.

Work Experience

• At least seven (7) years of work experience in business and investment policy, supporting activities for the development of the private sector in Albania.
• Good knowledge of business climate, SMEs, private sector related to maritime industry transport, tourism development, and other relevant experience in the private sector. 
• Previous experience with the Norwegian Institutions and or Nordic countries is an advantage.
• Previous experience with Maritime Institutions and private sector is an advantage.

Language

• Excellent oral and written communication 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: Work Experience – max points: 30
• Criteria B: Good knowledge of Ports, private sector related to marine transport, tourism development, aquaculture and other relevant experience in the private sector.  – max points: 20
• Criteria C: Educational background– max points: 20

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