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

Local Legal Expert to support National Single Window (NSW) component in Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Project (TTFP) Phase 2

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

Loan No: 94710-ME

Assignment Title: Local legal Expert  

Reference No. MNE-WBTTFP-94710-IC-CS-24-1.1.

December 30, 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: Local Legal Expert.

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 National Consultant (Legal Expert) who will support the Government of Montenegro (the Client) in developing the legal and regulatory framework necessary for the introduction of the National Single Window (NSW) in Montenegro. 

Role of the Consultant:

In developing the legal and regulatory framework necessary for the introduction of the NSW, the selected consultant will:

Work closely with the Client (MoT) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the Project’s Legal Agreement, the Financing Agreement, and the Project Operations Manual (POM),

Engage with various ministries and agencies through their designated Focal Points and Units, facilitating coordination with these institutions and maintaining communication with the World Bank to ensure alignment with broader project goals.

Work in close partnership with other consultants involved in the NSW development, both within and outside the Project Implementation

The Consultant will be responsible for support to the implementation of the Sub-Component 1.1: “Design and Installation of a National Single Window”. The objective of the assignment is to develop the legal and regulatory framework necessary for the introduction and successful implementation of the NSW in Montenegro. This framework will ensure compliance with national laws, international standards, and best practices, thereby facilitating trade, improving interagency coordination, reducing trade transaction costs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of customs and border management processes. The Legal Expert, responsible for developing of the legal and regulatory framework for the National Single Window (NSW) in Montenegro, shall report to the Project Manager.  The Consultant will provide the deliverables, consisting of preparation of the respective NSW law, supporting by-laws, key operational agreements such as SLAs, MOUs, and EULAs, as well as regulations and ordinances to ensure the full operationalization of the NSW.

The Individual Consultant – shall be engaged to implement and follow the Projects assignment on a Part-Time basis (working days).  Upon negotiations, and after the contract signing it is expected that the period over which the Consultant shall provide the Services will be 24 months with the possibility for prolongation. The estimated number of person-days required for the assignment is 336 (part time engagement with an average of 14 working days per months). However, the Consultant is free to propose its own level of effort based on the needs of the assignment as per this Terms of Reference.

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:

• Educational qualifications: University Degree, A Master’s Degree will be considered an asset

• Minimum 15 years of general professional experience;

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in related assignments with customs legislation/ /trade procedures and legislation/transport and logistics procedures;

• Knowledge in the ICT, customs and trade laws in MNE is an advantage;

• Knowledge of European Union Customs laws (Union Customs Code) and the European Data Protection law is highly desirable. Knowledge of institutional and organizational arrangements of import-export operations in MNE is essential;

• Experience in drafting legal documents/laws/bylaws/regulations, etc. will be an advantage;

• Experience working with and/or for the public sector will be an advantage;

• Excellent knowledge of Montenegrin language;

• Good knowledge of English language is requested;

• Proven Computer skills: MS Office tools.

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, 11.1; 3.21 - 3.24; 3.14; 3.16; 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Issued in July 2016, Revised November 2017, August 2018, and 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 (IC) set out in the above-mentioned Procurement Regulations.

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

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form, only by e-mail to the address below and in subject must clearly indicate project name, subject number: (Local Legal Expert / MNE-WBTTFP-94710-IC-CS-24-1.1.)

The deadline for submission is January 15, 2025. 10: 00h.

Ministry of Finance /Technical Service Unit

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

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

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