Local Expert to Support Legal and Procurement Aspects of Design of a Comprehensive Implementation DIM to NIM Transition Strategy, Contextualized Implementation Guidelines and Capacity Development Framework

Background

UNDP Montenegro is about to launch the implementation of two new projects with Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 Programming Cycle funding allocation for Montenegro. Namely, the projects “Strengthening Montenegro’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Adaptation Activities Transparency Framework” and “Biodiversity Mainstreaming into Sectoral Policies and Practices and Strengthened Protection of Biodiversity Hot-Spots in Montenegro”, with total value exceeding 4 million USD.

For the first time, both projects will be implemented in with the framework of UNDP’s National Implementation Modality (NIM), with the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial planning and Urbanism acting as an Implementing Partner (IP).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a focus on developing national systems and capacities and utilizing them for the implementation of GEF - UNDP supported projects while the guiding principles of the process is determined by UNDP Program and Operations Policies and Procedures, in particular the document titled, “National Implementation by the Government of UNDP Supported Projects: Guidelines and Procedures”.

Considering the above mentioned context, the UNDP Montenegro is seeking services of local expert to support legal and procurement aspects of design of a comprehensive implementation DIM to NIM transition strategy, contextualized implementation guidelines and capacity development framework that will guide the Montenegro CO and the Implementing Partner in transition of the above projects’ implementation modality from ‘direct implementation’ by UNDP to ‘national implementation’ by the Implementing Partner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Context of the assignment: 

Overall objective of the process is to design a comprehensive implementation modality transition strategy, contextualized implementation guidelines and capacity development framework that will guide the Montenegro CO and the Implementing Partner in transition of the above projects’ implementation modality from ‘direct implementation by UNDP to ‘national implementation’ by the Implementing Partner. The guiding principles of the assignment should be aligned with the applicable UNDP Program and Operations Policies and Procedures , in particular the document titled, “National Implementation by the Government of UNDP Supported Projects: Guidelines and Procedures,”  (hereafter referred to as the NIM Manual). The NIM Manual is based on UNDP rules and regulations approved by the UNDP Executive Board. The NIM Manual provides corporate guidance, procedures, rules and regulations to be observed by UNDP and national counterparts for the national implementation of UNDP supported projects. One of guidelines stipulations is that when the capacities of the government Implementing Partner are proven and tested, as validated by the capacity assessment, the government regulations, rules and procedures shall apply to project implementation to the extent that they do not contravene the principles of the Financial Regulations and Rules of UNDP. In case of a contradiction between this Guidance Note and the NIM Manual, the latter will prevail.

As previously indicated implementation modality is currently being transitioned from ‘direct implementation’ by UNDP to ‘national implementation’ by the Implementing Partner. Within this context the international expert will be engaged for the preparation of comprehensive implementation modality transition strategy, contextualized implementation guidelines and capacity development framework. 

Objective of the assignment: 

This advertisement aims, as a form of support to the work of an international leading expert, to provide the services of a local expert who would provide input on the legal and regulatory framework concerning the procurement, recruitment process and applicable regulations relevant to projects implementation.

Expected results of the assignment:Building on preparatory phases of both projects, already prepared Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) micro-assessments, Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT), capacity assessments and consultations the service provider is expected to continue to build on findings of these.  The consultant, taking into consideration content of approved projects, is expected to provide following results: 

Design a conceptual framework for the analysis under the assignment. Determine the policies/legislation to be reviewed through analysis of approved project documents and planned work plans, procurement plans and budgets, and identify applicable legislative and regulatory roles and processes. Conduct a review/analysis of the current legal and regulatory framework applicable for implementation of abovementioned projects and its compliance with UNDP relevant regulation.Gather information from relevant sources/institutions/ministries/departments particularly Ministry of Ecology, Spatial planning and Urbanism. Analise and interpret the results and discus initial results with lead expert, Formulate results as inputs for the process of preparation of the design a comprehensive implementation modality transition strategy, stocktaking and capacity gap assessment exercise relying on consultations with IP, UNDP personnel, recruited project management teams, and any other relevant partners.

Expected Deliverables of the assignment:

Time duration: The assignment should be implemented during the period from 1 October 2021 until 25 December 2021, for15 consutlacny days. 

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• At least a master’s degree would be considered as an asset, 
• Legal or economy educational background, or relevant experience for implementation of described tasks. 

Experience:

• At least 5 years professional experience with project implementation, project management, monitoring, evaluation, monitoring of  rules and procedures implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government partners and other stakeholders, 
• Experience with the usage of various systems analysis methods and techniques would be considered as advantage. 

Language:

• Knowledge of Montenegrin language.
• English language knowledge would be an asset.

Other:

• Excellent social, communication skills and writing skills. 

Criteria for selection:

Combined Scoring method will be used. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: (i) responsive, compliant, acceptable, and (ii) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Technical criteria weight - 70% (Background and education -100 points, Relevant previous experience - 200 points; Substantial knowledge/Required competencies - 350 points; Required language - 500 points);
• Financial criteria weight - 30%.

Only offerors obtaining a minimum 490 points for technical criteria will be considered for the financial evaluation. For more information on procurement methodology for Individual Contractors, please refer to Procurement Notice.

Application procedure:

Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications by September 19, 2021 by using the Apply now button. The application should contain CV or P11 that can be downloaded at https://www.me.undp.org/content/montenegro/en/home/jobs.html. Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file.

Only the short-listed applicants will be contacted and requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work envisaged in the section "Description of Responsibilities".