Call for proposals: social expert (Individual Consultant)

Project: “Improving governance of protected areas in Moldova through institutional development, capacity development and habitat restoration” 

Project number: 8389-00/2022 

Assignment Name: Social Project 

  The project “Improving governance of protected areas in Moldova through institutional development, capacity development and habitat restoration, is financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with funds of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). 

The grant agreement for the implementation of the Project was signed on 7 August 2023 between the Austrian Development Agency, the Public Association Ecological Society “BIOTICA” and Public Association EcoContact from the Republic of Moldova,  and a portion of these funds are intended to be applied for eligible payments under the contract for which this Request for Proposals is issued.  

P.A. EcoContact now invites proposals from Individual Consultants to provide the social-related services in their capacity of Social Expert for the Project. More details on the services are provided in the Request for Proposals, including the TORs (RfP_Social Consultant.pdf).   

The objective of the given consultancy is to provide support to PA ES BIOTICA and PA EcoContact in conducting a need assessment for each PA administration within the project to identify appropriate interventions, in assessing the social perception survey and inputs to the Communication Strategy, to conduct baseline surveys and intersectional gender analysis to understand the needs and opportunities of women within the target PAs and provide support in conducting the training to encourage entrepreneurship led by women in Moldova’s protected areas. 

Key Qualifications: 

• University or equivalent qualification/degree, preferably in social science, gender studies, communications, or a closely related field. 
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field would be an asset. 
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in social sectors. 
• 5 years of experience would be a strong asset. 
• Proved experience in conducting at least one social survey similar to the given assignment; 
• Strong knowledge of Social Framework principles and practices and understanding of their implementation mechanisms according to the ADA’s Environmental, Gender, and Social Impact Management (EGSIM) Manual. 

• Expert understanding of Moldovan legislation on social protection, access to information, etc. 
• Strong experience in communication with local communities. 
• Experience in conducting public events (round tables, public hearings, training courses etc.) with stakeholders. 
• Experience in developing awareness materials for projects or institutions. 
• Experience in social issues under the ADA-funded Project in Moldova would be considered a strong advantage. 
• Fluency in written and spoken Romanian. 
• Knowledge of English (both written and oral) and the ability to develop documents in English would be an asset. 

The consultancy is expected to be undertaken within a period of 10 months, commencing on 30 March 2024, with a level of effort not exceeding 36 person-days.  

Proposals must be submitted to the following e-mails: procurari@ecocontact.md, copy to larisa.cupcea@ecocontact.md no later than the following date and time: 8 March 2024, 18:00 (Chisinau time).