Project Cycle Management Assistant Trainer

Background

An integral part of the EU accession agenda is to promote the inclusion of civil society and further development of participatory democracies in the region. All the Western Balkan (WB) countries/territories face challenges specifically related to the lack of collaboration between the government and civil society. Also, lack of transparency of existing public mechanisms for support of non-governmental organizations (NGO), mainly at the local level, is perceived as one of the main obstacles for development and functioning of credible civil society. Local governments in the WB are one of the key funding providers for NGOs and absence of a conducive financial environment is one of the main challenges civil society is experiencing in the current period. NGOs still largely depend on funding by foreign donors while the government funding mechanisms, which could represent an important alternative support, lack accountability and transparency. 

All the WB countries/territories, and local self-governments consequently, use similar models for funding of NGOs from public budgets, where common challenges relate to insufficient transparency and/or clear criteria of the selection processes. These uncompleted and often discriminatory models limit the reinforcement of the position and importance of civil society and hamper further development of participatory democracies in the WB Region. 

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) is a continuation of the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1 implemented in the four-year period 2017 - 2020.

ReLOaD2 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and youth to actively take part in decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), North Macedonia, Kosovo?, Montenegro and Serbia. 

Working across the region, ReLOaD2 will enhance capacities of local governments and civil society organisations (NGOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realisation of local priorities in line with development strategies.

ReLOaD2 in Montenegro will through competitive process select 5 partner clusters of local governments and will focus on institutionalization of interaction between local governments and NGOs. It will incite partner local governments to use public funding for NGOs in a transparent and development-oriented manner, recognising local needs and embracing a project-based approach. Also, the Action will promote youth engagement and support implementation of youth initiatives and will work on improvement of their economic perspectives in partner localities.

The total budget of the ReLOaD2 is EUR 12.63 million, while Montenegrin component is EUR 1.84 million. The Project duration is 48 months (2021 – 2024). Project implementation period started  on January 1, 2021.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the assignment: The purpose of the assignment is to strengthen capacities of partner municipalities under the project to implement transparent and project-based disbursement of public funds to NGOs in line with national regulation, LOD methodology  and in line with best PCM practices and responding to their capacity gaps. In this context, it is essential to enhance the capacities of local administration in terms of the entire Project Cycle Management (PCM) for efficient grant awarding and provide tailor-made trainings. The knowledge acquired through trainings will also improve mutual cooperation and promote partnerships between LSGs. Moreover, it will enhance their knowledge necessary for efficient project implementation and absorption of different funds. 

In this regard, a Project Cycle Management Assistant Trainer (PCM Assistant Trainer) will be engaged to support PCM Lead Trainer in delivery of training programme composed of four modules, conducted jointly with Lead Trainer. Trainings will be organized for representatives of ReLOaD2 partner local self-governments (LSG) joined in 5 clusters of municipalities.

The objective of the consultancy is to support Lead Trainer in delivery of training programmes for municipal staff in line with curricula developed based on Training Needs Assessment prepared by the ReLOaD Project Team. 

The training programme will consist of 4 modular trainings to 5 clusters of partner municipalities of ReLOaD2 Programme in Montenegro (selected in next project phase).

Training curriculums composed of 4 training modules will be organized separately for each cluster of municipalities, while some clusters of municipalities with small number of training participants (municipal staff) could be joined in one training programme session, depending on situation. Also, if situation with COVID 19 pandemic would not allow organization of trainings i in-person, they will be organized in an on-line format.

To this end, PCM Assistant Trainer will be engaged to support Lead Trainer and will work under the coordination of Lead Trainer. 

The training programme will consist of the following modules and would be composed of theory, case studies, work in groups, peer to peer learning:

1. Advanced PCM module (the first part), including but not limiting to following topics:- Stages of PCM (theory), from the angle of municipality as a donor;- Planning and Programming (theory and work in groups), from the angle of municipality as a donor,- Mapping of EU and other funds relevant for NGOs (theory, map of relevant donor sources),

2. Advanced PCM module (second part), including but not limiting to following topics:- Preparation of the Project Logical Framework Matrix (theory and work in groups), from the angle of municipality as a donor,- Implementation, monitoring and evaluation (theory, case studies, peer to peer), from the angle of municipality as a donor- Preparation of joint projects with NGOs and other LSG.

3. Methodology for transparent disbursement of public funds to NGOs, NGOs – Decisions of Criteria and Allocation of funds to NGOs, including but not limiting to following topics:- Principles of transparent allocation of funds to NGOs – LOD Methodology, EU principles, MNE principles (theory),- Legal framework in Montenegro (theory),- UNDP Assessment of existing mechanisms for disbursement of public funds to NGOs in Montenegro and Detailed Assessments for new ReLOaD2 LSG (theory),- Research on Local Youth Policies,- Process of amending local Decisions on criteria and manner of allocation of funds to NGOs in ReLOaD LSG and its implementation (theory and work in groups).

4. Cooperation with NGOs, including but not limiting to following topics:- Strategic, legal and institutional NGO framework (theory),- Models and practices of cooperation with NGOs (peer to peer, case studies),- Basics of communication, building a trust and participation of NGOs (theory, case studies),- Identification of priorities of NGOs support in line with local strategic priorities and preparation of sector analyses (theory, work in groups).

As previously mentioned, carrying out of the task will require support to the Lead Trainer in conducting and facilitating at least 16 two-day modular trainings in Montenegro (venue costal and north region), which will require constant presence at the trainings (with overnights). 

Job content:

Under the supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the Assistant Trainer will support PCM Lead Trainer in delivering below listed results: 

- Support Lead Trainer in delivering at least 16 two-day trainings (one two-day training for each training module for each cluster of municipalities, while it is expected that two clusters of municipalities would be joined due to low number of participants\staff) for representatives of ReLOaD2 partner LSG (up to 50 participants in total). - During each training session selected consultant will take active role in all activities both organisational (preparation of training venue, sorting material, preparation participants list, etc...) and administrative (tests from candidates, processing results, etc.).

The expected results:Under the supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the national consultant is expected to support Lead Trainer in delivering the following results: 

• Training delivered based on agreed curricula;
• Preparation of final gender sensitive report on all activities undertaken under this assignment, highlighting main results during each training (collecting all relevant information such as participants lists, participants feedback on delivered training, discussion points, comments, suggestions, etc).

Timing and reporting: The national consultant is expected to work in Montenegro and home based during the assignment duration (1 September 2021 – 31 December 2021). The national consultant will be responsible for written regular reporting to the UNDP Project Manager, and it should contain sufficient detail and information that would allow for the appraisal of the effectiveness to date of the assignment’s activities. 

Tentative timetable of activities will be as follows (and finally agreed with the selected contractor upon the finalization of the procurement process):

Deliverables (outputs)

• Conduct an analysis/assessment of all relevant legislation and documents in the area of public administration and local self-government, non-governmental organizations, local self-government and NGOs financing, project cycle management (PCM) and LOD Methodology (September 2021 – 2 days).
• Support to preparation of the training programme curriculum (September 2021 - 1 day)
• Support in delivering the trainings: (September 2021 - December 2021)

Module 1: Advanced PCM I (September 2021 - 8 days)Module 2: Advanced PCM II (October 2021 - 8 days)Module 3: Methodology for transparent disbursement of public funds to NGOs (October\November 2021 - 8 days)Module 4: Cooperation with NGOs (November 2021 - 8 days)

• Support in reporting (December 10, 2021 - 2 days)

Time duration and travel: The national consultant will be engaged under individual contract, for total of 37 consultancy days, in the period 1 September 2021 – 31 December 2021. National consultant is expected to work from home and elsewhere Montenegro, pursuant to the work plan of assignment’s activities. The travel and accommodation costs for the trainings venues should be included in the lump sum figure.

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: 

• University degree in Social Sciences, preferably in law, economy, public administration, whereas advanced university degree would be an asset;

Experience: 

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience; 
• Thorough understanding/knowledge of national and local administrative system in charge of coordination and allocation funds to NGO;
• Proven expertise and experience in the area of PCM trainings. Knowledge of project application preparation, PCM and monitoring and evaluation of projects is an asset.
• Relevant experience in training local governments and NGOs in Montenegro is an asset; 
• Strong presentation skills;
• Advanced writing skills,
• Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations regarding civil society sector.
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
• Initiative and sound judgment.

Language: 

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Montenegrin is a requirement; 

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 10%; Relevant previous experience 20%; Substantial knowledge/Required competencies 30%; Required language 10%);
• 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 August 5, 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".