REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Social Development Specialist with experience in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response within

Education Quality Improvement Project (EQIP)

Republic of Moldova

Education Quality Improvement Project

Credit No. IBRD-95360

Reference No.: MD-MOED-378043-CS-INDV

Assignment Title: Social Development Specialist to provide assistance and advice to MoER on the assessment and management of social risks and impacts within the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), World Bank Group guidelines, and Moldova national legislation during Project implementation.

The Ministry of Education and Research (MoER) has received financing from the World Bank Group toward the cost of the Education Quality Improvement Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for individual consulting services.

Social Development Specialist shall provide assistance and advice to MoER on the assessment and management of social risks and impacts within the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), World Bank Group guidelines, and Moldova national legislation during Project implementation.  The Specialist will be responsible for implementation of proper measures described in project-specific documents including in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan  (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF),  Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), Labor Management Procedures (LMP), SEA/SH Action Plan including stakeholder and citizen engagement mechanisms, the project-level grievance redress mechanism, and compliance with the social standards under ESF (Environmental and Social Framework of the World Bank) during Project implementation.

For more information, please see the Terms of References.

The MoER now invites eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The Consultant should meet the following minimum qualifications requirements:

• Bachelor or equivalent qualification/degree, preferably in social science, gender studies, communications, education, economy or a closely related field;
• A Master's degree in relevant field would be an asset;
• At least 3 years of prior work experience in dealing with education and social development especially in the national, regional, or international context including policy, citizen engagement;
• 5 years of experience would be a strong asset;
• Prior work experience in GBV prevention;
• Understanding of gender equality, child protection, and addressing SEA/SH issues.
• Strong knowledge of Environmental and Social Framework principles and practices and understanding of their implementation mechanisms.
• Expert understanding of Moldovan legislation on social protection, access to information, public consultation, grievances, human rights;
• Strong experience in communication with government partners, education institutions, and local communities;
• Experience in conducting public events (round tables, public hearings, trainings) with stakeholders;
• Proved experience in constructing and implementing stakeholder engagement programs with a range of stakeholders and the preparation of surveys would be an asset;
• Experience in developing awareness materials for projects or institutions;
• Experience in social issues under the Bank Project would be considered a strong advantage;
• Proven track record of supporting, advising, and collaborating with Government entities;
• Fluency in written and spoken Romanian;
• Knowledge of English would be an asset.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers – Procurement in Investment Project Financing. Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services dated November 2020 (hereinafter referred to as “Procurement Regulations”) setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest and with the latest Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants” method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 09 00 to 17 00 hours.

This consultancy is expected to begin in October 2023 and the contract will be signed for a period of 12 months. Subject to Consultant’s satisfactory performance, the contract may be renewed until the Closing Date of the project on December 31, 2029.

The applications should include letter of Expression of Interest, CV, and related recommendation letters, if any.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by September 29, 2023, 16:00 o’clock, Moldova local time.

Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova,

Stefan cel Mare 180, 13th floor, room no. 1307,

mun. Chisinau, Republic of Moldova MD-2004

Tel/fax: 022 23-25-02

E-mail: eqip@mec.gov.md