Three Social Mediators to support the implementation of “Strengthening the social protection response after the earthquake in Albania” Project

Background

The November 2019 devastating earthquake which hit Albania, according to Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, affected more than 200,000 people across 11 municipalities, with 51 fatal cases and 913 people injured, with an estimated material damage of EUR 955 million. Social protection losses, mainly referring to governance, coordination, and disaster management as well as referrals, psycho-social counselling and social care services, are estimated at 623.5 thousand EUR (76.7 million ALL) in the Albanian Post Disaster Needs Assessment Report. The total needs of the sector are estimated at 2.83 million EUR (348.2 million ALL).1 Shocks and risks have important implications for people’s well-being. Not only do they lead to immediate losses in income and increases in poverty rates, but they also have longer-term effects that can be irreversible. As households struggle, they engage in coping behaviors such as selling of productive assets, skipping meals or eating less nutritious food, postponing medical care, and taking children out of school. By preventing people from falling below a critical threshold of well-being, and reducing households’ perception of risk, social protection can prevent transitory shocks from having permanent consequences.

The project will support the Albanian Government and three earthquake impacted municipalities, in designing and translating the policy intent into proper local actions to ensure that men, women, girls and boys living in poverty, or vulnerable situations, intersecting with post-earthquake conditions, have access to integrated, quality social services. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on the following outcome: all women, men, girls and boys, especially those from marginalized and vulnerable groups impacted by the earthquake, are exercising their entitlements to equitable quality services, in line with human rights and there is increased social and economic resilience of earthquake affected communities. The project will contribute to address any of the multidimensional impacts of the COVID-19 and to protect the needs and rights of people living under the duress of the pandemic, with focus on the most vulnerable groups, and people who risk being left behind.

The following areas were identified to support the Government’s efforts in responding to earthquake damages by social protection measures:

Output 1: Increased social and economic resilience of earthquake effected communities.

Output 2: Strengthened transparency and voices.

Duties and Responsibilities

The ESPR project is seeking to recruit three (3) Social Mediators for implementing the social protection response component of the ESPR Project in three Albanian Municipalities, namely Durrës, Shijak and Krujë. The overall objective of this assignment is to support local communities living in these municipalities, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups to fully benefit from the social services schemes and the combination of other additional components assisted by the project. To this aim, the Social Mediators will make sure that members of the targeted communities have equal and full access to social care services and are assisted appropriately in accordance to their needs (immediate and/or long term).

Description of Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in strict collaboration with ESPR Project staff and responsible Municipality structures (particularly Departments of Social Services) the social mediator will be responsible for covering the aspects and meeting the deliverables of ESPR Social Protection Response component.

Duties and Responsibilities

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social studies or related field (i.e., social work, psychology, public health, business, economics, and public policy) is required.
• Master’s Degree in one of the above areas of expertise will be considered an advantage if compatible with the relevant work experience requirements.

Work experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ of progressively responsible, professional-level experience related to social care, social programs, public administration. Experience working with marginalized groups in the targeted area will be considered an asset;
• At least three years of relevant professional work experience as social worker, social mediator or related area of expertise;
• Good knowledge of rules and procedures applicable in the ambit of formal education in Albania and vocation training.
• Good knowledge and expertise on relation with public authorities;
• Experience in mediation and consulting for vulnerable community members would be considered an asset;
• In-depth understanding of challenges facing vulnerable and marginalized communities, especially in the targeted region.

Language requirement:

• Fluency in written and spoken Albanian.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Note: Based on the nature and responsibilities foreseen/assigned to this position, applications from individuals whose families and/or close communities were significantly affected by the November 2019 Earthquake, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evaluation of applicants:

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and the competencies specified above. The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) Responsive, and

b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical criteria specific to the solicitation.

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

Technical Criteria - 100% of total evaluation – max points: 100

Criteria A: Compliant educational background– max points: 30

Criteria B: Relevant experience in social coordination- max points: 30

Criteria C: Professional experience on vulnerable groups’ issues post-earthquake: max points: 40

Application Procedure 

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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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. 
• Completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11)  for Service Contracts (SC) and Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.or latest Curriculum Vitae
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability & Detailed Financial Proposal - please fill in the attached form. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
• Financial Proposal in ALL*- 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. 

*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 past experience in working with them.
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs) or latest CV, 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 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.