REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

Name of Project: “Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Phase 2” (TTFP)

Loan No: 94710-ME

Assignment Title: Trade Facilitation Specialist

Reference No. MNE-WBTTFP-94710-ME-IC-CS-24-4.1.4

   October 15, 2024

The Government of Montenegro has received financing in the total amount of USD 15,000,000.00 (equivalent) from the World Bank, toward the costs of the “Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Phase 2” (TTFP) project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan towards payment for Consulting services under the Contract for Individual Consultant: Trade Facilitation Specialist

The Program Development Objective for the MPA is to reduce trade costs and increase transport efficiency in the Western Balkans- Six Countries. Montenegro, with one of the two gateway ports to the Western Balkans, holds a critical position for the landlocked countries of the region as well as along the TEN-T corridor and linkages to the broader European region. Given its advanced progress, towards EU membership and developed road transport infrastructure, Montenegro stands to gain significantly from efficiency gains provided by the TTFP in the country and in neighboring countries through increased road and rail connectivity and enhanced trade integration.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) needs the technical services of the Trade Facilitation Specialist who will be responsible for  preparation of all necessary Terms of reference ToR/Technical specification in close cooperation with beneficiaries for the engagement of experts/companies from different areas for the implementation of Component 1 of the TTFP Project,  planning, monitoring, controlling and providing technical advice on all the NSW, trade and customs-related activities to ensure their incorporation in alignment with international good practices. This specialist role is crucial for integrating these processes with international standards and best practices, thereby enhancing the efficiency and compliance of Montenegro's trade facilitation systems. The scope of work of The Trade Facilitation Specialist shall include, but not be limited, to the following three parts: Project Analysis, Improvement and Stakeholder Collaboration:

The Trade Facilitation Specialist will work closely with the MoT, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the NSW, trade and custom related activities of the project are align with the requirements outlined in the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the Project's Legal Agreement and Financing Agreement, and the Project Operations Manual. The NSW and Custom Specialist, always aligned with the Project Menager and in collaboration with the other Project Officers, shall interact and liaise with different ministries through their focal points, units and agencies and also a number of other external bodies, contractors, consultants, World Bank, partners, and other agencies in the Western Balkans at the same time. Creativity, initiative, analytical capacity and team work are therefore required to cope with such diverse demands and actors, which makes working experience in the Region desirable and similar working experience on an international transport policy operation is desirable.

The NSW and Custom Specialist – shall be engaged to implement and follow the Projects activities on a full-time or part-time daily basis (working days, from Monday to Friday). Upon negotiations, the contract will be signed for a period of 1 year with the possibility of renewal till the end of the project implementation (April 30, 2028). The consultancy is expected to start not later than beginning of November, 2024 and includes an initial probation period of 3 months. Successful management of the project requires a dynamic person, with excellent communication skills, who is ready to work in a team and contribute to a positive team spirit.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained upon request at the e-mail address given below.

The ‘’MoT’’ through the Technical Service Unit, now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that have     required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Individual consultants may be offered through the firms or other organizations, but the only qualifications of the individual consultant will be the basis of selection. Contract will be signed with proposed individuals. Successful management of the project requires a dynamic person, with excellent communication skills, who is ready to work in a team and contribute to a positive team spirit.

The criteria for selection are as follows:

Qualification (mandatory) criteria:

University Diploma in Economics, Law, Engineering, Information Science, Information Technology or any relevant discipline (where a university degree has been awarded on completion of a minimum of four years of study in a university or equivalent institution);

Relevant experience in NSW, Customs, Trade Facilitation, Transport Management;

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential (written and spoken in Montenegrin desirable);

Computer literacy is essential;

Working experience with local authorities dealing with trade and custom will be considered an advantage.

Evaluation criteria:

Additionally, ‘’MoT’’ may decide to conduct an interview with shortlisted candidates in order to additionally verify required qualifications of candidates.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020. setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the above-mentioned Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the e-mail address below.

Expressions of interest (CV or resume with Cover letter) must be delivered to the address below (Via email only) clearly indicating the subject reference number: MNE-WBTTFP-94710-ME-IC-CS-24-4.1.4 and sender’s details, by October 29, 2024 12:00h, local time.

Ministry of Finance /Technical Service Unit

Attention: Mr. Zoran Mijović, Senior Procurement officer Street Address: Ul. Studentska 2A Floor/I

City: 81000 Podgorica Country: Montenegro Telephone: + 382 20 201 695

E-mail: zoran.mijovic@mif.gov.me