Employment call for experts for the needs of the “Irrigation Program North Macedonia”

Employment call for experts

for the needs of the “Irrigation Program North Macedonia”

Background of the Project/ Program

North Macedonia has set itself the goal of extending modern irrigation systems. The plan of the government is to irrigate an additional 250,000 ha of land over the next 15-20 years. Since 2001 KfW has been supporting North Macedonia in its efforts to rehabilitate the existing and the develop new irrigation structures. The “Irrigation Program North Macedonia” (IPNM) focuses on the lower Vardar River basin as one of the most productive agricultural areas. The aim is to sustainably increase agricultural production by making water resources more available and more efficient. This will also help to improve living conditions for the rural population. Help is also being provided to increase employment and make agriculture resilient to climate change.

-          The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Economy (MAFWE) is responsible for the implementation of the Program. For that purpose MAFWE is in the process of establishing a Program Implementation Unit (PIU). The IPNM will focus:On the Investments in irrigation Infrastructure and

-          On the institutional support of the affected farmers in these irrigation schemes, in particular on irrigation techniques and efficient water usage, crops selection and marketing so at that in the end of the day the agricultural products find their place on the market. Reference to “Accompanying Measures” (AM).

The intention is that IPNM shall invest in up to app. 13.000 ha and will include up to 4 components in the same river basin thus covering large part of the Vardar River lower river basin:

-          Straishte irrigation scheme (1.700 ha) aims at completing Valandovo irrigation area;

-          Lisiche Irrigation scheme (app. 3.000 ha) is a new Irrigation system which will use the excess of water from the Lisiche dam and provide water to the farmers;

-          Pepelishte irrigation scheme (app. 2.000 ha) will focus on the reconstruction of this existing irrigation system;

-          Konsjko irrigation scheme (6.500 ha) will use the water from the emerging Konjsko dam and will provide water for the farmers in the Municipalities of Gevgelija, Bogdanci and Dojran.

The Implementation of the Program will be also supported by an “Implementation Consultant” employed by the MAFWE for the entire Program period, whose responsibilities are agreed in the Contract for Implementation Consultant (basically engineering design and construction supervision services).

The principles for the implementation of the IPNM are to be found in the relevant agreements between KfW (Mandates by the German Government in the frames of the German Macedonian Financial Cooperation). Moreover, the Procurement processes will follow the latest Guidelines for Procurement of the KfW Development Bank (link).

1. 1.                   Specific information/background regarding the assignment

MAFWE is responsible for the implementation of the Program and for that purpose is in the process of establishing a Program Implementation Unit (PIU) which will be responsible for the entire Program and its components.

The PIU shall be responsible for (among other duties):

-          The overall management and implementation of the Program;

-          Cost, time and quality management;

-          Stakeholder management;

-          Procurement and contract management including preparation of tenders and selection of contractors and suppliers for the implementation of project measures with support of the Implementation Consultant (the tenders are separated by components and possible works and supply lots and are awarded through international competitive bidding using FIDIC contract models);

-          Organization of supervision, commissioning and approval of construction activities with support of the Implementation Consultant;

-          Claim management;

-          Reporting and monitoring impacts of the Program.

The PIU shall be supported by the Implementation Consultant in the fulfillment of their tasks. The Implementation Consultant is responsible for providing the following services in his role as FIDIC Engineer:

-          Preliminary and detailed design and drafting the tender documents;

-          Assistance during tendering;

-          Supervision of construction works and supplies;

-          Services during Defect Notification Period and project closure;

-          ESHS related services;

-          Support services for overall project management;

-          Report on the above.

1. 2.                   Objective of this employment call for experts

The objective of this call is to hire experts which will responsibly implement the Program in cooperation with MAFWE and respecting the underlying guidelines of the Program agreed between MAFWE and KfW. The following positions are required:

-          Position 1: PIU Director

-          Position 2: Technical Director

-          Position 3: Financial Director

This PIU management and coordination staff will be responsible for the following general assignments:

-          Elaboration of various key processes in accordance with the procedures of KfW Development Bank;

-          Elaboration of relevant Program standards in accordance with the procedures of KfW Development Bank;

-          Providing input in relation to FIDIC contracts;

-          Liaising with KfW on a regular basis;

-          Revision of Tender documents prepared by the implementation consultant and participation in the evaluation committee for tenders;

-          Approval of invoices, variation orders, withdrawal applications and payment certificates;

-          Reporting to MAWE and KFW as per contractual obligations;

-          Financial Management of the entire Program and the separate Program Components including the budget contribution as per contractual obligations;

-          Preparation of Disbursement Request to KfW as per contractual obligations;

-          All other responsibilities which arise from the contractual obligations of MAFWE towards KfW Development Bank.

These PIU members will be financed out of the Loan funds and paid directly by MAFWE.

1. 3.                   Scope of work
   1.                                                                i.      Position Description

1. PIU Director

Professional person with adequate educational background and experience in Project Management of Large Projects or Programs financed by international financing institutions or development banks. Sufficient practical work experience in issues related to agricultural sector as well as in irrigation will be considered as an asset. Excellent command of English language is required.

The main task of this expert will be to align with MAFWE (Minister’s Cabinet and Administration for Water Economy - AWE), Implementation Consultant and KfW. Hers/his role will be to manage the entire PIU Team and to guarantee smooth day to day operations of the PIU.

This position is full-time. The working place is Negotino.

1.                                                              ii.      Scope of work

-          Overall responsibility for project planning and implementation, including project concept review, procurement, financing, supervision, commissioning and accompanying measures;

-          Preparation of detailed time, costs, and financing schedule for the proper technical and financial implementation of the Program in cooperation with the Implementation Consultant;

-          Coordination of the PIU experts;

-          Review and comment to the tender documents prepared by the Program Implementation Consultant (PIC) subject to the no-objection by KfW;

-          Monitoring of all relevant processes (in particular procurement, construction supervision);

-          Active and leading participation in decisive meetings including contract negotiations, kick-off meetings, stakeholder meetings, and site meetings;

-          Monitoring the construction supervision activities, and commissioning;

-          Overall responsibility for communication with the implementation consultant, minister, AWE Director, KfW and other stakeholders;

-          Coordination of the preparation, review and approval of project reports and other deliverables;

-          Provision of input in the preparation of project deliverables;

-          Coordination of the inputs provided by the PIU experts, implementation consultant and other stakeholders;

-          Approval of the invoices related to the project costs;

-          Production and submission of relevant reports upon request of MAFWE Minister;

-          Checking of technical design documents;

-          Review of as-built documents;

-          Providing instructions to the Contractors within the limits of his/her authority;

-          Participation in the monthly progress and other meetings, including site visits and tests;

-          Responsible for the implementation of the contract with implementation consultant and other contracts concluded within the Program;

-          Responsible for the implementation of the loan agreement, grant agreement and separate agreement within the limits of his/her authority;

-          Assistance to and assessment for the management regarding variation orders, contract amendments, time critical decisions for the successful implementation of the projects trying to comply with the planned time schedule;

-          Performing any other activities related to the successful implementation of the Program.

1.                                                            iii.      PIU Director Qualifications

-          University degree (min 240 ECTS or equivalent) in economic sciences (economics and business administration), engineering or management;

-          Minimum  10 ( ten ) years of professional experience as an engineer and/or project manager;

-          Experience in managing similar large projects or Programs in the same role will be considered as advantage;

-          This expert shall preferably also have expertise in procurement, contract negotiation and good knowledge referring to FIDIC works contracts (in particular FIDIC Red or Pink Book).

-          Experience in working on internationally funded projects, will be considered as advantage;

-          Full computer literacy especially MS Office;

-          Knowledge to implement projects under FIDIC White, Green and/or Red Book will be considered as advantage;

-          Sufficient practical work experience in issues related to agricultural sector as well as in irrigation will be considered as an asset

-          Ability to work as part of a team;

-          Excellent interpersonal communication and time management skills;

-          Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure of multiple tasks and deadlines;

-          Excellent leadership skills;

-          Strong analytical and problem solving skills;

-          Excellent language skills (writing and speaking) in Macedonian and English;

-          Driving license.

2. Position 2 – PIU Technical Director

1.                                                                i.      Position Description

Professional person with an educational background as engineer (civil, electrical, agricultural, or mechanical) and sufficient practical work experience in planning, implementing and operating water and/or irrigation systems, preferably in North Macedonia or the Western Balkans region. This expert shall preferably also have expertise in procurement, contract negotiation and good knowledge referring to FIDIC works contracts (in particular FIDIC Red or Pink Book). Excellent command of English language is required.

This position is full-time. The workig place is in Negotino.

Scope of works

-          Participation in preparing detailed time, cost, and financing schedule for the proper technical implementation of the referred Projects in cooperation with the PIU and the Implementation Consultant;

-          Review/check of the technical design documents;

-          Review/check of the tender documentation (in accordance with the applied FIDIC contract models) for works and supplies;

-          Participation in the monitoring the timely implementation of the works Program and quality of the works;

-          Participation in monthly progress and other meetings, including site visits;

-          Participation in equipment delivery inspections;

-          Review/checking of progress reports, and other deliverables;

-          Review of as-built documents;

-          Provision of technical input in the preparation of project deliverables;

-          Inspection of on-site activities;

-          Preparing and submitting relevant reports upon request of MAFWE or the PIU Director;

-          Involving in the preparation of the detailed designs and tender documentation for each component;

-          Revision and approval of IPC’s, invoices prepared by the Implementation Consultant and the Contractors;

-          Participation in the monitoring the timely implementation of the works Program and quality of the works considering as well the National and KfW’s ESHS standards;

-          Applying KfW Development Bank ESHS standards throughout Project Implementation;

-          Performing any other activities related to the successful implementation of the project.

1.                                                              ii.      Qualifications

-          University degree (min 240 ECTS or equivalent) in engineering - Mechanical, civil, agricultural or electrical Engineer;

-          Minimum 8 (eight) years of professional experience;

-          Experience in implementation on similar large projects or Programs in the similar role will be considered as advantage;

-          Full computer literacy especially with MS Office;

-          Experience in working on internationally funded projects, will be considered as advantage;

-          Experience in procurement, contract negotiation and knowledge referring to FIDIC works contracts (in particular FIDIC Red or Pink Book) be considered as advantage.

-          Ability to work as part of a team;

-          Excellent interpersonal communication and time management skills;

-          Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure of multiple tasks and deadlines;

-          Experience and understanding and knowledge of the ESHS standards of the international donors (WB, KfW, EBRD, EIB, etc.) will be considered as strong asset;

-          Strong analytical and problem solving skills in the sense of successful and timely project implementation;

-          Excellent language skills (writing and speaking) in Macedonian and English;

-          Driving license.

3. Position 3 – PIU Financial Director

1.                                                                i.      Position Description

Professional person with adequate educational background and sufficient practical work experience in Office and financial management in particular with regards to international donor community.

This expert shall preferably also have expertise in procurement, contract negotiation and experience with the financial procedures of the International Donor Community. Excellent command of English language is required.

This position is full-time. The working place is in Negotino.

1.                                                              ii.      Scope of Works

-          Review of Progress Reports, and other deliverables according to own area of expertise;

-          Participation in preparing detailed time, cost, and financing schedule for the proper technical and financial implementation of the Program in cooperation with the Implementation Consultant;

-          Coordinating and managing the day-to-day financial management functions of the project, including financial reporting, disbursement, consolidation, budgeting, planning, accounting and auditing aspects of the project;

-          Provision of technical input in the preparation of project deliverables according to own area of expertise;

-          Establishing and maintaining close links with the KfW, National Bank of Republic of North Macedonia, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Economy  and  ensuring that adequate sources of financing are available for the project;

-          Keeping and updating on a timely basis comprehensive analytical records;

-          Preparing and submitting for approval to the Project Manager the financial statements, budgets, financial projections, cash flow forecasts and all other Project reports;

-          Ensuring that payments are made in a proper and timely manner as per the procedures agreed under the project, that all sources of financing are available for the Project and that an appropriate contract payments’ monitoring system is operational;

-          Controlling incoming invoices, payment certificates prepared by the PIC and other relevant documentation and check their adequacy and consistency compared to the signed contracts and preparing supporting documents for payments;

-          Preparing the documents for disbursement and reimbursement according to the procedure agreed in the signed loan agreement, grant agreement and separate agreement;

-          Preparing and submitting relevant reports upon request of PIU Director or MAFWE Minister;

-          Performing any other activities related to the successful implementation of the Program.

1.                                                            iii.      Qualifications

-          University degree (min. 240 ECTS or equivalent) in economic sciences;

-          Minimum 8 (eight) years of professional experience;

-          Experience in implementation on similar large projects or Programs in the same role will be considered as advantage;

-          Experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting will be considered as advantage;

-          Ability to work as part of a team;

-          Excellent interpersonal communication and time management skills;

-          Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure of multiple tasks and deadlines;

-          Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

-          Full computer literacy especially with MS Office;

-          Excellent language skills (writing and speaking) in Macedonian and English.

The selection method will be as follows:

The Commission for Evaluation of the PIU experts, formed by MAFWE, will prepare the list of shortlisted candidates. The filled complete evaluation matrix and the list of shortlisted candidates with their CV’s attached will be submitted to KfW for no objection.

The Commission for Evaluation of the PIU experts will organize the interviews with the shortlisted candidates. The KfW representative in Skopje will monitor the interviews as an observer.

The Commission for Evaluation of the PIU experts will prepare the list of selected candidates and submit it to KfW for no objection.

After receiving the no objection by KfW, MAFWE will sign contracts with the selected candidates following the approval of the final draft contracts by KfW.

Deadlines for action

CVs should be submitted to the archive of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy at the following address: Aminta III Street, No. 2, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, with the subject line “Call for Employment of Experts: for the needs of the ‘Irrigation Program North Macedonia’.”

The public call lasts for 14 days from the day of publication, and the final deadline for submitting CVs is October 8, 2024.

The evaluation committee for the selection of experts in the EU Procurement Procedures (EUP) will carry out the procedures outlined in the "Method of Selection" chapter within 15 days.