National Consultant – Assess developments and draft the Annual Progress Report 2017 in the employment and skills sector

Background

Albania's vocational education and training (VET) and vocational skills development (VSD) system all too often has failed to equip students with the req­uisite knowledge, competences and skills for a suc­cessful transition into the labour market. This has resulted in an unsuitably qualified labour force, skills shortages and soaring youth unemployment.

UNDP globally and regionally has built a strategic vision that recognizes the importance of creating employment opportunities to addressing both poverty reduction and inequalities and exclusion. Indeed, the first outcome of the recently adopted United Nations Youth System Wide Action Plan focuses on Employment and Entrepreneurship with the intention to ensure greater opportunities for youth to secure decent work and income over the life-cycle, contributing to a virtuous circle of poverty reduction, sustainable development and social inclusion. To support the integration of various youth employment policy objectives through coordinated action, UNDP Albania, in collaboration with other UN agencies has designed and implemented several skill development / employment related interventions.

The ambition of the Swiss funded Skills Development for Employment (SD4E) Programme is to make a systemic contribution to the modernization of Al­bania's VET/VSD system by addressing several key challenges: skills mismatch and unequal access to employment and training services; labour market challenges in rural areas; insufficient governance of funding for employment and training; lack of coor­dination / collaboration in the system; inadequate labour market information; and insufficient quality and relevance of VET and VSD providers and their programmes. The overall goal of the programme is that 'more young women and men in urban and rural areas in Albania are employed or self-employed.' In order to achieve this goal, the programme focuses on four outcomes:

Outcome 1: Improving and diversifying employment promotion measures and advancing their governance

Outcome 2: Improved environment and regulatory framework for up-scaling work-based learning schemes (elements of dual system)

Outcome 3: Quality assurance and accreditation of VET/VSD providers

Outcome 4: Anticipating skills needs in the short and medium term

Recognizing the need to systematically address em­ployment by re-orienting the vocational education and training and vocational skills development sys­tem towards labour market needs, and modernizing and extending outreach of employment services, the Albanian government adopted the National Employ­ment and Skills Strategy 2014-2020 (further referred to as NESS 2020) and its related Action Plan by the Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 818, dated of 26.11.2014. This Strategy is aligned with the Europe 2020 Strategy[1] objectives and targets, which aims at promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as with the South-Eastern Europe 2020 Strategy[2] – Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective.

The NESS 2020 covers four broader strategic priorities:

• Pillar A: Foster decent job opportunities through effective labour market policies
• Pillar B: Offer quality vocational education and training to youth and adults
• Pillar C: Promote social inclusion and territorial cohesion
• Pillar D: Strengthen the governance of the labour market and qualification systems

Within these four strategic priorities, the NESS has identified 16 sub-objectives and 52 actions to be implemented until 2020.

At the request of Ministry of Finance and Economy of Albania UNDP is planning to assess and report progress made throughout 2017 against (i) the targets and measures of the NESS 2020, as well as (ii) the 2017 performance indicators of the IPA Sector Review Contract for the employment and skills sector.

To this end, the SD4E programme, seeks to contract a national consultant to monitor the progress made and deliver relevant report.

[1] http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm

[2] http://www.rcc.int/files/user/docs/reports/SEE2020-Strategy.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

The main objective of the assignment is to support the MoEF with the reporting on progress made throughout 2017 against both the NESS 2020 and, as part thereof, the performance indicators of the IPA Sector Review Contract. Monitoring tools and processes already exist for the annual monitoring of progress under the NESS 2020, which the experts are requested to use. More specifically, the ex-MoSWY with support from the ILO-IPA 2010 HRD project had agreed in the beginning of 2016 on a methodology and prepared an electronic database, templates (fiches) for all NESS 2020 measures, a list of statistical data, and a list of institutions and donors. The electronic platform developed by Communication Progress (Ms Iris Batalli in charge) included all templates for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data and was put on a server in the Ministry. These instruments were used to gather and update, in a structured and efficient manner, information on progress with NESS 2020 implementation. Replies from the different institutions and donor organisations were then analysed and the 2015 NESS Progress report finalised (in May 2016). The inter-institutional, tripartite Integrated Policy Management Group (IPMG), thematic subgroup for the employment and skills sector discussed and agreed to the report in July 2016. The expert can build on these efforts when supporting the Ministry and agencies with the drafting of the next edition of the Annual Report, which will summarise progress made in 2017.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP Programme Specialist and the ETF country manager for Albania, and in coordination with the evaluation Team Leader the Consultant will deliver the assessment and analysis of progress and s/he will organize the work as described below:

1) Methodology review :

• Review, together with MoFE staff, the methodology for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data and agree on the use of specific tools (electronic platform, templates/ fiches…) for monitoring progress on the NESS 2020;
• Assist Ministerial staff with the renewal of the Ministerial Order and the information to be sent to all implementing partners to produce the 2017 Annual Progress Report;

2) Data collection and analysis :

• Collect information from all implementing partners (or make sure all required contributors insert information directly in the database by the set deadline);
• Check data quality, possibly referring back to the contributors if the information was not clear or incomplete;
• Analyse all data received and draft the first version of the 2017 Annual Progress Report (reducing the main text to max. 50 pages, plus annexes), covering also the IPA SRC 2017 indicators and including an Executive summary, in the English language;

3) Main findings and finalization of the annual report :

• Prepare a presentation (slides) in Albanian and English for the IPMG thematic / sector working group to discuss the draft findings;
• After the above meeting, finalise the 2017 Annual Progress Report (ca. 80 pages)

In general, there is an issue of strengthening the NESS 2020 monitoring function of the Ministry and agencies, as well as the use of related monitoring tools. The monitoring work shall be coordinated with the IPMG thematic / sector working group for the employment, skills and social policy sector and with all implementing partners, including donors, who provide inputs to the NESS 2020 implementation. Country stakeholders and implementing partners shall be consulted on their specific contributions in 2017 to NESS 2020 implementation. 

First complete draft of the APR needs to be finalised by mid-May 2018, as it will feed into the compliance review of the IPA Sector Reform Contract, which is scheduled for end May/beginning of June 2018.

The Annual Progress Reports 2015 and 2016 and all relevant documents will be made available to the contractor at the start of the assignment.

Please note that any eventual additional cost (i.e. translation) should be included in the financial offer.

Deliverables	Timeline
1. Monitoring tools reviewed and communication sent	5 March 2018
2. All implementing partners provided information and quality of information checked	19 March 2018
3. Data analysed and 2017 Annual Progress Report including IPA SRC 2017  indicators and Executive Summary drafted;	5 May 2018
4. Presentation for the IPMG thematic / sector working group prepared and the 2017 Annual Progress Report finalised, including the Executive Summary in Albanian and English.	31 May 2018

Competencies

Core Values

Integrity:

• Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of the UN in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.

Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff;
• Additionally, the individual should have an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

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:

• Theoretical and practical familiarity with employment / self-employment / rural employment in a developing country context;
• Demonstrated capacity and expertise in assessing progress and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Effectively and collaboratively work with multiple counterparts (UNDP, MoEF, donors); and
• Meet tight deadlines without compromising on the quality of work, and being flexible;
• Excellent presentation skills;

Required Skills and Experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

Education

• Advanced University Degree in economics, statistics, labour economics, socio-economic studies, business administration, development studies or a closely related discipline.

Work experience

• Substantial technical knowledge on Albanian VET system, policies and employment issues, and at least 10 years of relevant working experience particularly in relation to analysing statistical data on socio-economic development, labour market, employment;
• Systematic information collection and analysis and academic writing skills, evidenced through a list of publications/ reports in the fields of education, social science, economics, employment or other relevant areas;
• Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation of national development programmes, strategies and projects is highly desirable;
• Previous experience/familiarity with UNDP or other UN agencies in a similar assignment is desirable;

Language

• Albanian – native language;
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English.

Evaluation Procedure

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that would take into account 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: Theoretical and practical familiarity with Albanian VET system, policies and employment issues – max points: 35

        Criteria B: Educational background– max points: 15

        Criteria C: Prior experience in systematic information collection and analysis and academic writing skills, on socio-economic development, labour market, employment and/or in monitoring and evaluation of national development programmes, strategies and projects – max points: 20

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

Application Procedure

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

UNDP retains the right to contact references directly. 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.