CALL FOR CONSULTANTS - FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Consulting and lecturing services for the project “Reducing irregular migration to the EU by strengthening the capacity of migration-related structures in the Western Balkans”
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.1. Project countries
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
1.2. Contracting Authority
HILFSWERK INTERNATIONAL
1.3. Project background
From January to July 2020, 11,264 illegal border crossings into the European Union took place via the Western Balkans flight route, the only two multi-used flight routes in the same period were via the Central and Eastern Mediterranean. Illegal border crossings are a major challenge for people on the run, but also for transit and first-receiving countries.
These transit countries often lack the capacity to deal with irregular migration in a targeted and, above all, joint manner. This favours people smugglers, and once in the destination country, the migrants' expectations are often not met. The uncontrollability of migration harbours massive dangers.
Cooperation between border and security authorities as well as migration-related institutions in the Western Balkans is difficult, there is hardly any coordinated action against irregular migration.
The project “Reducing irregular migration to the EU by strengthening the capacity of migration-related structures in the Western Balkans”, which is co-financed by the Asylum, Migrations, and Integration Fund and the Federal Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Austria, is a regional project that aims to build capacities and enable networking and cooperation for migration-related structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia in the area of irregular migration. This goal is achieved through regional meetings, roundtables, and training for security and border structures, as well as provision of translation tools for easier communication with migrants.
The project locations for implementation are selected in such a way that the right target groups and thus the project objectives are reached.
This project is implemented by Hilfswerk International, its representation office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its project partner, Association for Help and Development HAJDE.
2. OBJECTIVE, PURPOSE & EXPECTED RESULTS
2.1. Overall objective
The overall objective of the project "Reducing irregular migration to the EU by strengthening the capacity of migration-related structures in the Western Balkans” is to contribute to better cooperation in the Western Balkans to reduce irregular migration to the European Union.
Specific objective:
- The specific objective is to strengthen migration-related structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro through capacity-building.
2.2. Purpose
The purpose of this contract is as follows:
- Provision of expert services in participation of thematic regional conferences on the subject of irregular migration;
- Provision of expert services in participation of thematic regional conferences on the subject of asylum seekers, readmission, and security structures;
- Provision of expert services in working with vulnerable groups and children in contest of migrations;
- Provision of expert services in working with criminal offenders and with victims of trafficking of human beings;
- Provision of expert services in participation of thematic regional conferences on the subject of Gender mainstreaming in migration.
2.3. Results to be achieved by the consultant/expert
Provided strong support and contribution to projected efforts in irregular migration, asylum- seekers and readmission, border management, security structures and strengthen the capacity of the relevant government institutions to adequately respond to the situation regarding irregular migrants, especially in measures with a large number of migrants and asylum-seekers, with an emphasis on the regional aspects of coordination, cooperation with an aim at reducing irregular migrations.
The expert will ensure transfer of best practices and know-how in the area of managing irregular migration, asylum-seekers, readmission, and border management, development of contemporary services, etc. and therefore represents a valuable example of the advanced system in EU countries.
Contributions and recommendations to the work of Expert Working Group and the project Baseline Study development.
3. ASSUMPTIONS & RISKS
3.1. Assumptions underlying the project
N/A
3.2. Risks
N/A
4. SCOPE OF THE WORK
4.1. General
4.1.1. Description of the assignment
Provision of consultant expert services in participation of thematic regional conferences on the subject of irregular migration.
4.1.2. Geographical area to be covered
Western Balkans
4.1.3. Target groups
Relevant local governance representatives from all levels, i.e. state level BiH Ministry of Security, BIH Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BiH Service for Foreigner’s Affairs, BiH Border Police, FBiH Ministry of Internal Affairs, RS Ministry of Internal Affairs, Montenegro Border Police, Montenegro Ministry of Internal Affairs, MARRI, North Macedonia Ministry of Internal Affairs, North Macedonia Border Police, Serbia – Commissariat for migrations and refugees, IOM, UNHCR, and other migration related institutions and organisations (at least 50 participants).
4.2. Specific work
The contractor is responsible to contribute in thematic conferences on the subject “Action against irregular migration in the countries of the Western Balkans” and present models of good and bad practices in countries in the region and the EU about all aspects and challenges, knowledge and exchange of valuable experiences to relevant institutions at all levels of government that deal with irregular migration, asylum-seekers, refugees, readmission on positive and negative aspects, as well as on possibilities, ways and importance of fostering the local policies that would reduce irregular migration at the institutional level. Contractor will in particular, through his/her presentation and participation in the group discussions provide insight in his/her country into:
- Irregular migration and management of irregular migration
- Asylum-seekers;
- Readmission;
- Security structures;
- Work with vulnerable groups;
- Examples of practices and legal framework for punishment of perpetrators of the criminal department for smuggling of migrants;
- Any other relevant action as agreed with the Contracting Authority.
The contractor will provide recommendations for agenda of the thematic conference and propose topics to be discussed.
The contractor will provide a report that shall contain sufficient description of presented topics, conclusions and recommendations.
4.3. Project management
4.3.1. Responsible body
Body responsible for managing the Project is Hilfswerk International (The Contracting Authority).
4.3.2. Management structure
The Contractor is directly responsible to the HWI Regional Project Manager, or the HWI staff designated by the HWI Regional Project Manager.
4.3.3. Facilities to be provided by the Contracting Authority and/or other parties
The Contracting Authority will provide premises and respective facilities.
5. LOGISTICS AND TIMING
5.1. Location
Western Balkans
5.2. Start date & Period of implementation of tasks
Start date: 15th August 2021 - end of February 2022 (possibly end of May 2022).
Period of implementation of tasks – periodic engagement per conference (dates and duration to be determined at later stage - up to two days of engagement per conference).
6. REQUIREMENTS
6.1. Qualifications
The Contracting Authority seeks to hire an expert Consultant/s expected to have experience and qualifications to undertake the foreseen activities:
Qualifications and skills:
- University degree in social sciences, criminology, political science, international relations, diplomacy, law, or at least 10 years of relevant experience in the middle management or senior management positions in the security system
- More than 10 years in tasks of similar nature
- Good communication and negotiation skills
- Excellent spoken and written English is an asset.
- Good reporting/presentation abilities
- Ability to work as a team and on own initiative
General professional experience:
- At least 5 years of professional experience in general
- In depth understanding of irregular migration
Specific professional experience:
- Previous work on organization and participation on international conferences about irregular migration, readmission, trafficking in human beeings, smuggling of migrants;
- Developed understanding of the legislative framework in migration, asylum, refugees, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, international law;
- Experience in research and in-depth analysis of social policies
- Experience in drafting legal acts about international protection and humanitarian law on migrants and asylum-seekers.
6.2. Application documentation
The candidate will submit the following documentation within the application:
- Application letter, with short narative biography and the motivation letter
- CV (EU format)
- Proof on education (copy - in case of any doubt the Contracting Authority will request insight in the original)
- Proof of experience (Reference list, presenting the description of the event/lecturing, date/duration and source of funding; Reference letters)
6.3. Application deadline
The candidate will submit the Application, including all elements enlisted under the Item 6.2, by 02.08.2021. at 14:00 hrs the latest, by one of the following means:
Hand delivery or by post mail to the following address:
Hilfswerk International
Mis Irbina 10
71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
By e-mail:
aleksandrapd@hwi.ba
By fax:
+387 33 611 563
Late applications might not be considered.
6.4. Office accommodation
N/A
6.5. Facilities to be provided by the Contractor
N/A
6.6. Equipment
No equipment is to be purchased on behalf of the Contracting Authority as part of this service contract or transferred to the Contracting Authority at the end of this contract.
7. REPORTS/Presentations
7.1. Requirements
The consultant will submit in electronic format (PowerPoint presentation) the planned presentation documentation on the subject, as stated in the Contract, at least 15 days before a lecturing/consultancy engagement.
The consultant will submit to the HWI Regional Project Manager a Final report (languages local and English) with key findings and recommendations, not later than 10 days following the closing day of the thematic conference. The report shall contain sufficient description of presented topics, conclusions and recommendations. The final report must be submitted along with the corresponding invoice.
The approval of the final invoice and/or the final report by the Contracting Authority will be the basis for issuing the final payment dependant on the successful completion of the activities stipulated under the Contract and approved by the HWI Regional Project Manager.
7.2. Submission & approval of reports
The report referred to above must be submitted to the Regional Project Manager identified in the contract. The Regional Project Manager is responsible for approving the reports.
8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
A performance review of the tasks which the Consultant must carry on, listed above under 4.2, will be carried out by the HWI Regional Project Manager.
8.1. Definition of indicators
Regional Project Manager will define specific indicators of performance aimed at provision of valid, useful, practical and comparable measurement of progress towards achieving expected results that are:
I1 - Prepared/Delivered PowerPoint presentation to the HWI RPM
I2 - Approved presentation by the HWI RPM
I3 - Delivered presentation at thematic conference
I4 - Delivered Final Report to the HWI RPM
I5 - Approved Final Report by the HWI RPM
8.2 Special requirements
N/A
9. OTHER INFORMATION
This call cannot be interpreted in any manner as direct offer for concluding the contract with any of potential candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will receive consecutive invitation to submit the financial offer.
