International Consultant for Reviewing and Updating the Strategic Documents of the University of Tirana

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UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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AL Home-based; Tirana (Albania)

Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 2 Sep 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

The University of Tirana (UT) is the largest higher education institution (HEI) in Albania. Established in 1957, this public university currently comprises six faculties, two research institutes, one sports department, and one branch located in the city of Saranda. It offers 36 study programs in the first cycle of Bachelor studies, 104 study programs in the second cycle of Master studies respectively (68 Master of Science programs and 36 Professional Master programs), and seven fields of study in the third cycle. Approx. 22,500[1] students are currently enrolled in the various programs. Its academic staff includes 647 lecturers, 339 of whom hold scientific titles.

Based on Webometric, UT is ranked as the first national university in Albania (out of a total 41 universities). Regionally, UT ranks 29th out of 253 universities. It’s 7th on the impact factor ranking.

One distinct objective of the university’s management has been UT’s continued improvement of its research performance and internationalization. The long-term aim is for UT to be one of the most well recognized HEIs in the region. As such, dedicated efforts have been made to include UT in various programmes of the European Commission (such as Tempus, Erasmus Mundus Action 2 [Basileus and JoinEU-SEE projects], IPA, etc.). Successful partnerships have made it possible for UT students, as well as academic and administrative staff to participate in different mobility initiatives. In fact, mobility opportunities like those provided by Erasmus+ have been central to UT’s international strategy as they can help develop strategic partnerships with EU and non-EU HEIs.

To achieve the above, UT has put in place a detailed strategic planning framework. The key documents guiding the process are:

  • The Development Strategy of the University of Tirana 2018-2023, which outlines the main principles and objectives that UT has set out for repositioning its role in society and embracing the so-called universities’ Third Mission[2], and
  • The Strategic Plan for Scientific Research of the University of Tirana 2018-2022, which outlines the actions that UT will take to strengthen research capacities, increase its scientific research output, expand research-focused networking, improve science communication and knowledge sharing, and increase access to and participation in international research fora.
  1. OBJECTIVE

With the afore-mentioned UT strategic documents reaching their completion dates, UNDP is seeking an international higher education expert consultant to support the UT Rectorate and designated working group(s) in the review and update process of both the Development Strategy of the University of Tirana 2018-2023 and the Strategic Plan for Scientific Research of the University of Tirana 2018-2022.

[1] Of these, 13,599 are bachelor students; 1,182 are students of the Integrated Program MSC in Law; 2,611 are students of the Professional Master programs; and 5,051 are students of Master of Science programs.

[2] The Third Mission builds on the universities’ ‘first mission’ of teaching and ‘second mission’ of conducting basic research. The Third Mission is a complex, multidisciplinary, and evolving concept, linked to the social and economic mission of universities in a broad sense. Based on Compagnucci, L. & Spigarelli, F. (2020). The Third Mission of University: A systematic literature review on potentials and constraints. Technological Forecasting and Social Change Volume 161, p.1-30. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162520311100

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant’s role is envisaged as a coach to the UT designated working group(s) on a twofold exercise:

  1. Stocktaking and evaluation of strategies currently in place: the consultant should assist the UT working group(s) in developing and applying a methodology for assessing the results achieved through the implementation of the selected strategic documents. This exercise should take stock of the context around which the strategies were drafted and implemented, as well as develop the right tools for their evaluation.
  2. Support the drafting of the new strategic documents for the 2023-2027 period: The consultant is expected to equip the UT working group(s) with the tools for drafting a comprehensive strategic document, with clear objectives and actions, and accompanied by SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) indicators. Where and if necessary, the consultant should assist the UT working group(s) in holding effective consultations with relevant stakeholders.

In both aspects of this exercise, the consultant is required to provide methodological guidance, technical support, and quality assurance to the strategic document(s) drafting process.

  1. DURATION OF WORK AND DUTY STATION

The assignment is expected to start in September and be completed by December 2022. 30 working days are envisaged. The assignment will be home-based, with 2 possible missions to Tirana, Albania.

  1. EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

The consultancy should result in the completion of:

  1. Two evaluation reports for the Development Strategy of the University of Tirana 2018-2023, and the Strategic Plan for Scientific Research of the University of Tirana 2018-2022, respectively, to be co-written by the consultant and UT working group(s).
  2. The updated Development Strategy of the University of Tirana 2023-2027, and the Strategic Plan for Scientific Research of the University of Tirana 2023-2027, to be co-written by the consultant and UT working group(s).
  3. Methodological note/guide for conducting strategy evaluations in the future,
  4. Methodological note/guide for drafting strategic documents in the future.

Main tasks for the consultant include:

  • Preparation of a work plan which outlines the overall process for supporting the UT working group(s), including a clear indication of the timing and type of contributions expected from the UT working group(s) in key moments – within two weeks from signing of the contract,
  • Development of strategy assessment/evaluation methodology and coaching of UT working group(s) on its application – within 6 weeks from signing of the contract,
  • Co-production of the two evaluation reports – within 2 months from signing of the contract,
  • Development of methodology for drafting of strategic documents and coaching of UT working group(s) on its application – within three months from signing of the contract,
  • Co-production of the updated strategic documents – within four months from signing of the contract,
  • Biweekly reporting on the progress of the assignment.
  1. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS/REPORTING LINES

The International Consultant will work closely with the designated UT working group(s). In matters of daily work, the International Consultant will work in coordination with the designated UT representative (group lead). The International Consultant will report to the designated UNDP staff.

  1. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
  • Instalment 1 – 10% of total, upon the satisfactory delivery of the work plan – within two weeks from signing the contract;
  • Instalment 2 – 40% of total, upon the satisfactory delivery of the Methodological note/guide for conducting strategy evaluations and the two evaluation reports – within two months from signing the contract;
  • Instalment 3 – 50% of total, upon the satisfactory delivery of the Methodological note/guide for drafting strategic documents, and the updated Development Strategy of the University of Tirana 2023-2027 and the Strategic Plan for Scientific Research of the University of Tirana 2023-2027 – within 18 December 2022.

Competencies

Core Competencies and Critical Success Factors:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity,
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgement,
  • Self-development, initiative-taking,
  • Act as a team player and facilitate teamwork,
  • Communicate effectively, facilitate, and encourage open communication in the team,
  • Creating synergies through self-control,
  • Managing conflict,
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others,
  • Informed and transparent decision-making.

Functional Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and team management skills,
  • Good knowledge and expertise in drafting strategic documents in the education sector, and particularly higher education,
  • Good skills in analysing/evaluating public policies and programmes, including monitoring and evaluation systems,
  • Sound understanding of public governance structures in the education sector.
  • Strong communication and drafting skills (written, spoken, composing, presentation).

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in education, education management, public management, policy analysis,
  • A doctoral degree in the above-mentioned fields will be considered an asset.

Work Experience

  • At least 10 years of experience in projects and/or research related to higher education management, institutional frameworks and/or cross-institutional coordination with a particular focus on education systems,
  • Previous experience in contributing to drafting policies and strategies in the education sector, especially higher education,
  • Previous experience in supporting the internationalization of higher education institutions,
  • Experience in working in the Western Balkans will be considered an asset,
  • Demonstrable ability to deliver high-quality results within strict deadlines,
  • Analytical judgment, results-orientated, and efficiency in a multi-tasking environment.

Language

  • Fluency in English.

Evaluation Procedure

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that would consider both the technical qualification of Individual Consultants as well as their financial proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate whose offer:

  • Is deemed technically responsive / compliant / acceptable (only technically responsive applications / candidates will be considered for the financial evaluation)
  • And has obtained the highest combined technical and financial scores.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max 70 points

Criteria A: Advanced university degree in education, education management, public management, or policy analysis; A doctoral degree in the above-mentioned fields will be considered an asset – max 15 points.

Criteria B: Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience, particularly in education management and contributing to drafting policies and strategies in the education sector, especially higher education; Previous experience in supporting the internationalization of higher education institutions, particularly those in the Western Balkans, will be an asset – max 20 points.

Criteria C: Methodological proposal for the strategy review and update – max 35 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max 30 points

Application Procedure

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

The application should contain:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability & Detailed Financial Proposal - please fill in the attached form. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
  • Example: (kindly refer to the example below when filling out the Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

[INCORRECT] An all-inclusive daily fee of [state amount in words and in numbers indicating currency]

[CORRECT] (Select Here and elaborate) [X] A total lump sum of [state amount in words and in numbers, indicating exact currency], payable in the manner described in the Terms of Reference.

  • Filled P11 form or CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)

  • Financial Proposal in USD*- Specify a Total Lump Sum in United States Dollar for the tasks specified in this announcement. The attached template may be used - Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser) Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services).

  • Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

  • Beneficiary contact details (next of kin)

    • Beneficiary's Contact Person's Name:
    • Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms):
    • Address:
    • Telephone:
    • Email:

*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

  • Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs).
  • In the P11 Form make sure to include Email Addresses of the Persons who are willing to provide References on your experience in working with them.
  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.
  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement).
  • Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above).

  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Due to large number of applications, we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.undp.org