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: Project manager

Reference No. MNE-WBTTFP-94710-ME-IC-CS-24-4.1

  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: Project manager. The Loan Agreement for the implementation of the Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Project (TTFP) under Multiphase Programmatic Approach (PHASE 2) in Montenegro (Project) was signed on 13 February 2023 and its closing date is 30 April 2028. The Project’s development objective is to reduce trade costs and increase transport efficiency in Montenegro. The key benefit will be more efficient processing of international trade and transport documentation for both traders and the administration. Such efficiencies will enhance the transparency of transactions and reduce duplications and overlaps. The envisaged significant cost savings are expected to result in lower transport costs, reductions in GHG emissions associated with the decrease in truck idling time, reduced administrative costs to trade, and finally in increased competitiveness on regional and global markets.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is the umbrella ministry under which the transport sector falls and will serve as the lead implementing body for the project and is responsible for forming and the recruitment of the PIU staff. The MoT and TTFP_Phase 2- PIU will be supported by the TSU of the Ministry of Finance in FM and procurement functions of the Project. In addition to MoT, there are several other beneficiaries of the Project:

a.       Ministry of Maritime Affairs

b.       the Customs Administration (CA);

c.       the border police under the Ministry of Interior;

d.       the Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro;

e.       the Port Authority of Bar, along with the Port of Bar.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) needs the technical services of the Project Manager which will be responsible for the technical and administrative management of the TTFP project. The main responsibility of the Project Manager shall be to coordinate and supervise on behalf of       the Ministry, the activities of the Project stakeholders and coordinate and supervise work of the consultants hired under the Project so that the Project is implemented according to the Project Operational Manual and Loan Agreement. This will require close collaboration with all actors involved in the Project. The Project Manager shall ensure that all Project plans, Project documentation and reports are prepared in a timely manner (and according to the  Project work plans and the Project Procurement Plan), and communicated to the Bank, the MoT and other stakeholders. The Project Manager will also work closely with the Technical Services Unit (TSU), established under the Ministry of Finance, responsible for providing core procurement and financial management services under grants, credits and loans financed by the World Bank and other relevant organizations.

The Project Manager – shall be engaged to implement and follow the Projects activities on a full-time daily basis (8 hours per day, from Monday to Friday). The consultancy is expected to start the latest in February, 2025 and continue up to end of April, 2028. Successful management of the TTFP 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 (“Consultant”) 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. (CV, description of similar assignments performed, experience in similar conditions, letters of recommendation, etc.). 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.

The criteria for selection are following:

Qualification (mandatory) criteria:

University Diploma (minimum 4-year University Degree); 

Minimum 5 years of general work experience

Proven experience in Project management on at least 2 donor-funded projects

Experience with the procurement procedures on at least 2 donor-funded projects.

Computer skills MS Office (Excel Word Power Point), Internet, and database;

Experience in transport and infrastructure projects will be considered as an asset

Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail, strong time management/ prioritization skills.

• Written and spoken fluency in English is essential; Knowledge of the local language will be considered as an asset.

*Experience with, and knowledge of the World Bank procedures will be considered as an asset. 

Evaluation criteria:

• At least 5 years of experience in the project implementation (contract management and administration);

• Experience related to EU transport development, strategic planning and pre-accession policies and procedures;

• Working experience with local authorities dealing with transport, trade and custom;

• Previous experience of working with international financial institutions and donors on similar projects.

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: (Project Manager / MNE-WBTTFP-94710-ME-IC-CS-24-4.1.)

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

Ministry of Finance /Technical Service Unit

Attention: Mr. Zoran Mijović,

Senior Procurement officer

Address: Studentska 2 A Floor

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

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