Fundația Centrul Moldo Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT, implementer of the Ma Implic Project on Civic Engagement in local governance Phase II  ( hereinafter “Ma Implic”), funded by the Swiss Agency for Developement and Cooperation (SDC) is inviting the audit companies to submit offers for performing the yearly audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing ISA 805 “ Special Considerations─Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts or Items of a Financial Statement”. 

BACKGROUND  INFORMATION 

Ma Implic project (Phase II) aims to contribute to improved local governance and better access and quality of public services for the population of Moldova. To this end, Ma Implic project supports different stakeholders to improve three fundamental dimensions of a well-functioning local government unit:     

• Partner LPA clusters to manage resources and local development in a more sustainable, inclusive and accountable way (Outcome 1);    

• The Government to promote and coordinate the local government reform in an efficient, effective and transparent manner (Outcome 2);    

• People in partner communities to meaningfully engage in local governance processes and to influence the provision of local public services (Outcome 3).    

Ma Implic Phase II commenced in November 2023 and will run until 31 October 2027.    

Overall budget for 4 years of project implementation is 6.96 mln CHF.  

In addition to the Ma Implic Phase II contract, the donor added an “additional credit” to this project. This “additional credit” is implemented on the basis of a separate budget with a total value of 2.65 mln CHF. This additional credit will be implemented during a period of 29 months (01 August 2024 – 31 December 2026).  

The overall goal of the additional credit is to contribute to the improved access and quality of public services for the rural populations. The activities focus specifically on  

• supporting 4 LPAs to improve their water supply systems with targeted interventions, based on the technical groundwork and investments that have been made in Phase 1 of the Ma Implic project.  

• the improvement of energy efficiency in targeted rural locations, aiming at a reduction of energy consumption through energy efficiency improvement measures.  

More information about the project can be found on the project’s website www.ma-implic.md and the project’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ProiectulMaImplic   

SUBJECT OF THIS TENDER 

Subject of this tender is the audit of the project expenditures for project year 1 (period 01.11.2023 – 31.10.2024) for the Ma Implic Phase II project and the expenditures for the Additional Credit for the period 01.08.2024 – 31.10.2024.  

The audit will be carried out in December 2024 and shall comprise one audit report for both budgets.  

The final report shall be submitted in English not later than January 15th 2025. 

Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract is subject for renewal for a period of up to 4 years as illustrated in the audit schedule below. 

Audit schedule 

 Only audit companies with documented experience in auditing international projects are eligible.  

 Timetable for the submission of offers:

 Eligibility criteria 

 Each offer will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria and the weighting as detailed below. 

Evaluation criteria of eligible offers 

Criteria for evaluation of the Technical offer 

  Criteria for evaluation of the financial offer: 

 The weighting of the criteria for evaluation of technical and financial offers are as follows: 

 Offers must be submitted in hard copy format only. Offers must be submitted using the double envelope system: the outer parcel or envelope shall be marked as: External audit of Fundația Centrul Moldo Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT, Ma Implic project Phase II. This shall contain two separate, sealed envelopes, one bearing the words ‘Technical Offer’ and the other ‘Financial offer’. 

Offers must be submitted by 06 October 2024 (17:00) in English language exclusively to the following address:  Alexei Mateevici 34, MD 2012, mun. Chisinau 

The questions and requests for additional information, inclusive ToR, must be addressed in written form and send to the email addresses daria.rotaru@int.skat.ch with CC matthias.morgner@skat.ch according to the timetable.    

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ)

Service:  Technical consultant(s) in the field of Solid Waste Management, Water Supply and Sanitation, Street Lighting, Roads and Local Transport, Public Infrastructure and Urban Planning

Project name: Project MĂ IMPLIC Phase 2 (2023 – 2027)

Contract duration: August 2024 – October 2027

Contract type:  framework service contract with legal entities (consulting firms)

Indicative starting date: 1^st of August 2024

1. BACKGROUND

The project “MĂ IMPLIC” aims to contribute to strengthening local governance and increasing the population’s access to better public services.  The project will support partners at the local and national levels to improve local governance in three fundamental dimensions:

• First-level LPA groups will be supported in the efficient management of resources and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive local development.
• The government will be encouraged to promote and coordinate local public administration reform in an efficient, effective, and transparent manner.
• Citizens in partner communities will be actively involved in the local governance process and will positively influence the quality of managed public services.

Following a competition launched in December 2023, the Project MĂ IMPLIC selected 14 groups of partner local public authorities (LPAs) from the North, Center, South, and Gagauzia regions for the second phase of the project, The complete list of selected partner LPAs can be downloaded by accessing this link.

More information about the project can be found on the project’s website www.ma-implic.md

The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting, from November 2023 to October 2027. The project covers the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova (except for administrative-territorial units on the left bank of the Dniester River).

2. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

In the scope of this assignment, Ma Implic is looking to contract consulting firms which can provide a pool of individual experts to support project activities in rural LPA groups. Project activities in these LPA groups (comprising between 3 and 9 individual LPA) include (but are not limited to) investments in infrastructure for communal service delivery and local government functions. The main objective of the individual experts is to facilitate the implementation of selected local interventions on water supply and sanitation, public street lighting, solid waste management, roads and local transport as well as technical and consultative expertise of infrastructure construction and/or rehabilitation and urban planning projects.

We expect that at least three individual experts will be required to support the projects in the field of water supply and sanitation;

We expect that at least two individual experts will be required to support the projects in the field of waste management;

We expect that at least one individual expert will be required to support the projects in the field of street lighting;

We expect that at least three individual experts will be required to support the projects in the field of roads and infrastructure construction and/or rehabilitation, urban planning;

We expect that at least one individual expert will be required to support the projects in the field of local transportation.

At this point, the number of individual projects in each of the 14 partner LPA groups is not yet known in detail. Subsequently, the total number of projects in each field is not yet known. The identification of the (ca. 3) priority sectors (types of services) in each partner LPA group will be the result of a participatory analysis and consultation process which the Ma Implic project will facilitate in each of the 14 partner LPA groups.

At the first stage of their involvement the technical consultants will undertake a technical assessment of the current situation of the existing corresponding infrastructure and technical documentation, identifying major issues and determining the most appropriate and well-argued intervention options for each of the target projects. The Consultant(s) will provide technical assistance among beneficiaries in technical evaluation, preparation of interventions for investments, ensuring the compliance of projects with the national normative framework, thus ensuring cost effective capital investment and efficient use of resources. Before the investment phase the Consultant(s) will advise the project team and the beneficiaries on the best applicable solutions and will propose a set of recommendations for each intervention.

At the second stage (Investments) the consultant(s) will be expected to closely monitor the progress of works and supervise infrastructure sites and civil works within the target projects in accordance with technical design, contract requirements and the legislation of the Republic of Moldova. The consultant(s) will also support the project beneficiaries in the process of accepting the final work.

3. PERIOD OF ASSIGNEMENT and SCOPE OF WORK

Consultants for projects in the field of water / sanitation: August 2024 – July 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 40 days for one project.

Consultants for projects in the field of waste management: August 2024 – April 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 10 days for one project.

Consultants for projects in the field of street lighting: August 2024 – April 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 10 days for one project.

Consultants for projects in the field of roads and infrastructure construction and/or rehabilitation: August 2024 – April 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 10 days for one project.

Consultants for projects in the field of urban planning: August 2024 – December 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 20 days for one project.

Consultants for projects in the field of local transportation: August 2024 – December 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to progress of the individual projects. The estimated scope of work is 10 days for one project.

4. ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

The Consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks for each selected intervention (regardless of the sector / type of service)

5. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The technical consultant should have an education and knowledge in civil engineering, water and sanitation, national construction codes and standards, building laws, local transport as well as extensive experience in implementing community development projects. In particular:

• Education: University Degree in civil engineering, water, sanitation or architecture, and/or other relevant area;
• Work experience: at least 3 years of work experience in the field of civil engineering;
• Technical-professional attestation certificate issued by national authority INCERCOM;
• Extensive experience in monitoring/supervision/supporting infrastructure and civil works, preferably street light renovation, water and sanitation networks. Working experience with the community of Ma Implic project (phase I) is an advantage:
• In depth knowledge of national legislation related to the construction works;
• Experience within community development programs is an asset;
• Language skills: excellent command of written and spoken Romanian and Russian is required; knowledge of English is an asset;
• Computer proficiency, including knowledge of MS Office products (Word, Excel, Power Point);
• High level of responsibility and organization capacities, creative approach to solving issues;
• Excellent communication and reporting skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks;
• Capacity to communicate fluently with different stakeholders (civil society, local authorities, local communities, project staff);
• Driving license category B and availability of travel with own car.

6. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Qualified and interested consulting firms are requested to apply.

The application must contain:

a) Company Profile;

b) CVs of involved experts in Romanian or (preferably) English language. Expert CVs shall indicate the education background and professional qualifications of the individual experts, their relevant experience, as well as contact details of the candidate/s;

c) No less than two, but no more than 5 professional references which give information about the work of the company.

d) A Financial offer for a fee per one working day, including all types of expenditures (admin costs, salaries, transportation etc.). The offers must be presented with a 0% VAT exemption applied.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application to info@int.skat.ch , quoting “Technical consultant(s)” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is 27 of July 2024.

Engineering consulting firms are eligible for this assignment. Applications by individual consultants (acting as physical persons) will not be considered.

Interested candidates could have several options to apply: a) for one Lot and  b) for several Lots/all Lots
Applications need to include a clear and unambiguous reference to one or several of the Lots from the list below.

7. AWARD OF CONTRACTS

MĂ IMPLIC Project will first evaluate quotations for compliance with the mandatory requirements/ elements of this RFQ. Quotations that do not contain all mandatory requirements/ elements will not be considered.

Each Lot will be evaluated individually

Evaluation of offers will be performed according to the following evaluation criteria:

The project reserves the right to consider awarding separate contracts for individual Lots or for several, or all Lots to one contractor.

The project may engage in negotiations with bidders for clarification if deemed necessary.

Job Title: Component Manager, Water & Sanitation

Location: Chisinau, Moldova

Duration: Full Time (Until April 2028)

Background:

Fundația Centrul Moldo-Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT (SKAT Moldova) is the implementing entity in the Republic of Moldova of donor-funded projects of SKAT Consulting Ltd., a Swiss consulting firm. Currently, SKAT implements in Moldova two large projects in the area of local government reform (Swiss-financed) and Water and Sanitation Services in rural areas (Austrian-financed). Related to these large projects which have a duration of 4 and more years each, there is one smaller contract (Energy Efficiency in rural areas, until December 2024) and we expect the commencement of another project (focusing on water supply and energy efficiency) in the third quarter of 2024.

About the project and the position:

For a multi-year water and sanitation project in Moldova (ApaSan28), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Skat Consulting Ltd. is recruiting a Component Manager, Water & Sanitation. This new project is a continuation of the successful initiatives ApaSan (2009-2019) and ApaSan+ (2020-2024) led by Skat Consulting Ltd.

The ApaSan28 project aims to address rural sanitation challenges, provide safe drinking water, and promote sustainable decentralized WASH management in Moldova. It targets to enhance the living conditions of rural Moldovan populations by ensuring year-round access to safe drinking water and household sanitation and has an implementation phase of 4 years (May 2024 – April 2028). The project will work together with local public authorities and regional operators and aims to work towards the recognition of decentralized and safely managed sanitation options by authorities as viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions for sanitation in rural Moldova.

Key Responsibilities:

The Component Manager, Water & Sanitation will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Project. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, coordination, and execution of project activities in accordance with the project proposal and donor requirements.
• Maintaining a close collaboration with the Team Leader 
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the yearly plans of operation and subsequent operational and financial reporting. 
• Develop and implement project concepts and strategies, in cooperation with the Team Leader and/or external experts.  
• Adherence to the relevant procedures, rules and regulations 
• Facilitation of seminars, workshops and study tours. 
• Contribute to the elaboration of all required progress reports and any other documents mentioned in the Project Document.  
• Participate in related steering and/or coordination bodies as required.  
• Building and keeping relationships and networking with project partners, main sector stakeholders, communities of practice and other similar and complementary projects on a thematic and operational level; 
• Undertake extensive visits to partner Raions and localities. 
• Enhance community engagement in the villages where water and sanitation projects are implemented to ensure effective beneficiary involvement.
• Liaising with central, regional, and local public authorities, regional water and sanitation service operators, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation.
• Collaboration with internal and external experts (national and international) from Skat Consulting Ltd. (HQ) as well as independent consultants for specific assignments
• Professional monitoring and evaluation of project progress, ensuring timely reporting to the Team leader and stakeholders.
• Project budget monitoring and expenditure control.
• Risk management and mitigation to ensure project goals are achieved within scope, budget, and timeframe.

Qualifications and Skills required:

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to apply by sending the following documents to jesus.bravo@skat.ch  with the subject line “Component Manager, Water & Sanitation”, at latest by July 14, 2024.

• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Motivational letter (in English) which should include a description of your preferred approach to select three villages in Moldova for the development of a new water supply system. Outline the criteria you would use to identify the villages with the highest needs and where the project would have the most significant impact. Additionally, please include your main considerations for a Monitoring and Evaluation plan to ensure the project’s success and sustainability. Adding a paragraph on how your previous experience relates to this analysis will be highly valued.

Kindly note that generic, AI-generated letters (e.g., ChatGPT standard letters) will not be considered. We highly value originality and genuine motivation. Should you find it difficult to provide a personalized letter, it is preferable to submit your application without a motivational letter.

Skat Consulting will ensure confidentiality in the recruitment process. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

For any specific questions or inquiries, please contact jesus.bravo@skat.ch

Job Title: Community Engagement and M&E Officer

Location: Chisinau, Moldova

Duration: Six months (part-time), with the possibility of extension to a full-time position depending on available funding.

Background:

Fundația Centrul Moldo-Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT (SKAT Moldova) is the implementing entity in the Republic of Moldova of donor-funded projects of SKAT Consulting Ltd., a Swiss consulting firm. Currently, SKAT implements in Moldova two large projects in the area of local government reform (Swiss-financed) and Water and Sanitation Services in rural areas (Austrian-financed). Related to these large projects which have a duration of 4 and more years each, there is one smaller contract (Energy Efficiency in rural areas, until December 2024) and we expect the commencement of another project (focusing on water supply and energy efficiency) in the third quarter of 2024.

About the project and the position

ApaSan28 is a Moldovan water and sanitation initiative building on the successes of ApaSan (2009-2019) and ApaSan+ (2020-2024). The project, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), commenced in May 2024 and will run for 4 years. It aims to address rural sanitation challenges by ensuring safe drinking water and promoting sustainable decentralized WASH management at the local level, ultimately enhancing the living conditions of rural populations through year-round access to safe drinking water and household sanitation.

For the inception phase of ApaSan28, expected to last until December 2024, Skat is seeking a Community Engagement and M&E Officer. This role is part-time and temporary (6 months, starting in July 2024) with the potential to transition into a long-term position based on project needs, performance and available funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement:
  • Facilitate community meetings and workshops in the targeted villages.
  • Engage with local public authorities (LPAs) and regional operators to enhance their involvement and cooperation.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase community awareness and participation in the project’s activities.
  • Address community concerns and feedback, ensuring they are reflected in project implementation.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
  • Develop a comprehensive M&E plan for the project, based on the existing logframe
  • Prepare and supervise the baseline survey (including gender analysis) to be conducted during the inception phase
  • Collect and analyze data on project indicators, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  • Prepare regular reports on project progress, challenges, and successes.
  • Conduct field visits to monitor the implementation of project activities.
• Capacity Building:
  • Support the training of local authorities and communities on decentralized sanitation and water management.
  • Assist in strengthening the capacities of municipalities and operators for improved management of water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Communication:
  • Maintain regular communication with the project team, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
  • Ensure clear and transparent dissemination of project goals, progress, and outcomes to all relevant parties.

Qualifications and skills required:

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to apply by sending the following documents to jesus.bravo@skat.ch  with the subject line “Community Engagement and M&E Officer”, at latest by July 14, 2024.

• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Motivational letter (in English)

Kindly note that generic, AI-generated letters (e.g., ChatGPT standard letters) will not be considered. We highly value originality and genuine motivation. Should you find it difficult to provide a personalized letter, it is preferable to submit your application without a motivational letter.

Skat Consulting will ensure confidentiality in the recruitment process. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

For any specific questions or inquiries, please contact jesus.bravo@skat.ch

Task refers to MĂ IMPLIC Output 2: LPA groups produce models for joint public service delivery which are available for replication

Initial contract duration:                       April 2024 – December 2024
Initially expected workload:                up to 23 working days

1. BACKGROUND

The Project on civic engagement in local governance “MĂ IMPLIC” (Phase 2: November 2023 – October 2027) aims at ensuring that the rural population of Moldova has equitable access to quality public service provision and at supporting the government of Moldova in the implementation of the local government reform. The project is implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd., a Swiss consulting firm, and is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Skat Consulting Ltd, and its project implementation unit, a Moldovan-registered non-profit organization, implement donor-financed projects for a period of more than 10 years in Moldova already.

The project supports project partners at local and national levels. National activities support government institutions in implementing Public Administration Reform, and here especially the Local Government reform. At the local level, the project supports capacity development, civic engagement, and improvement of public service infrastructure in rural communities. In the 2^nd phase, MĂ IMPLIC aims to support groups (“clusters”) of rural LPAs which will jointly deliver better public services and improve governance processes.

Phase 2 of the MĂ IMPLIC Project will consolidate the results obtained in Phase I but will also broaden the area of interventions by providing support for LPAs in executing several functions assigned to them. Thus, in addition to improving communal services, the project will contribute to the development of other public services, such as administrative public services or public services for local and/or regional economic development.  

At the local level, the project will support ca 10 groups of partner communities in the development of Service Improvement Plans (SIP). The SIPs will be developed in the 2^nd half of 2024 (this process may extend until early 2025). The SIPs outline a complex of activities comprising procurement of equipment/ works, community engagement (i.e., service user relations), O&M plans for improving the performance of the Service Provider, financial aspects (tariff calculation and collection, as well as acquisition of other sources of financing for further investments) and capacity development measures for LPA staff and personnel of the service provider organisations.  The SIPs will be adopted by the respective local councils. The scope of activities outlined in the SIP is not limited to activities which are related to/or financed by the MĂ IMPLIC grants.

Following the adoption of the SIP by the local councils, the project will sign Grant Agreements with each of these groups of partner LPA. The partner LPA groups will receive a grant in the amount of up to 250,000 CHF. The implementation of the grant (i.e. the procurement) will be done by the LPA, with the support of the project. The procurement procedure shall be done in accordance with SDC procurement rules which is provided in art. 5 Exceptions, let. m: “according to the specific procedure of an international organization” of Law 131/2015. We must assume that partner LPA groups will be not very familiar with this procedure which requires different procedures than the standard public procurement procedure rules of the Republic of Moldova. Support to the LPA groups in the application of this procedure in practice will therefore be crucially important to ensure LPA ownership and accurate implementation of the procedures.