Request for Expressions of Interest

Consulting Services

Implementing Agency: Albanian Development Fund

Country: Albania

Project: Project for Integrated Urban & Tourism Development (PIUTD) (Project No. P155875)

Loan No.: 8656-ALB

Assignment Title: “Senior Architect Expert”.

Reference No: AL-ADF-361715-CS-INDV

Issued on: May 18, 2023.

The Government of Albania has received a financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include: “Senior Architect Expert/Individual Consultant Services”/REF No: AL-ADF-361715-CS-INDV.

The objective of the services by the Senior Architect Expert is to provide technical inputs for the development of PIUTD project activities with the aim to assure that project activities are carried out in accordance with technical requirements and international best practices.

The specific functions and responsibilities of the Senior Architect Expert–include, but are not limited to:

• Overall support to project implementation.
• Advise key stakeholders, on cultural heritage and urban planning policies and best-practices.
• Provides timely professional architectural and urban landscaping advice to PCU management, and to the ADF team during all the project cycle: selection of investments (non-fast-track projects), design of investments (fast-track and non-fast-track), construction works, etc.
• Maintains up to-date information on other development projects and plans (governmental other development partners/non-governmental) in the project area, and maintains key stakeholders (MoIE, ADF, World Bank) informed of potential synergies/conflicts that might emerge from such projects/plans.
• Contribute to the preparation of project documents as requested by PCU coordinator.
• Performs other duties for the purpose of the PIUTD as requested by PCU coordinator.
• Project design support.
• Provides inputs for urban design studies ToRs and touristic sites upgrading ToRs
• Provides inputs for the development of ToRs for specific urban upgrading sub-projects, as needed during project implementation.
• Draft TORs for Component 1 & 2 consultancies when asked by ADF.
• Provides support for the evaluation of urban design studies. This should include but not be limited to:

o Review of technical proposals as requested by ADF.

o Review and comment actively on consultants’ deliverables as requested by ADF

o Assists selected municipality in the prioritization of investments through the urban design studies. To assist municipalities the architect should have, or gain knowledge of cultural conservation initiatives in the project area, existing infrastructure, architecture profile of the area, heritage areas permission, traditional architecture elements, construction regulations in project area, etc.

o Assures selection criteria – as outlined in the project operational manual – is followed for the prioritization of investments in the urban design studies.

o Reviews proposed preliminary designs and detailed designs to assure they are in line with the architectural profile of the area (including cultural heritage landscape), construction and planning regulations, etc. This should be done in cooperation with ADF team and involved parties (Ministry of Culture and beneficiary municipalities, as needed).

o Reviews proposed preliminary designs and detailed designs to assure they incorporate sustainability principles and practices (i.e. use and recycle of materials) and take into consideration future operation and maintenance costs.

• Project monitoring and supervision.
• Works in close collaboration with the other PCU experts and the ADF team – including the cultural heritage consultant, in particular providing guidance to the ADF architect expert and consulting with the cultural heritage consultant.
• Carries out periodic field-visits to supervise and support the effective design, implementation and completion of urban infrastructure upgrading investments (together with the ADF team).
• Carries out periodic field-visits to monitor and support the effective design, implementation and completion of touristic sites upgrading investments (together with the ADF team).
• Supports PCU coordinator in the review of project documents, as requested including monitoring and progress reports. Reviews that key project indicators data is collected and followed through-out project implementation.
• Participate actively in joint-project team meetings with ADF, in field-visits for the supervision and monitoring of project activities in the South of Albania, citizen’s engagement activities and communication campaigns, and in World Bank team implementation support missions.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The Albanian Development Fund now invites eligible consulting individual (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The Consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• University degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and/or relevant fields (e.g. urban planning, urbanism);
• Masters’ degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and/or relevant fields (e.g. urban planning, urbanism);
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in architecture design, landscaping, with knowledge on restoration of heritage buildings in world heritage areas and environmental protection of natural sources zones, policy-making, urban and infrastructure projects, and/or on tourism in developing countries;
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in the construction sector.
• Knowledge of urban development legislation and regulations in Albania. Previous experience in municipal urban planning department is an advantage. Excellent networking skills, bringing a good existing network of contacts and credibility within both the architecture and landscaping (including major private sector players and industry associations);
• A strong conceptual and strategic ability combined with good communication skills and client focus;
• Computer literate. Good knowledge of Autodesk Software’s especially, AutoCAD), Adobe Software’s, MS Office applications. Other software is an advantage;
• Knowledge of Albanian and English.

The shortlisting criteria are:

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, as amended, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection (IC’s) method set out in the Procurement Regulations, “Approved Selection Methods for Individual Consultants”.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 10:00 – 14:00: Mrs. Artur Zaja, Albanian Development Fund, Rr. “Sami Frasheri”, Nr. 10, Tirana, Albania, E-mail: azaja@albaniandf.org

The interested consultant on this assignment is able to submit the expressions of interest (CVs, diploma references, supporting documents, etc) in a written form to the below e-mail addresses within June 02, 2023, 13:00 local time.

Albanian Development Fund

Attn: Artur Zaja

E-mail: azaja@albaniandf.org

Street Address: Rr. Sami Frasheri, No. 10

City: Tirana

Country: Albania 

Terms of reference

Senior Architect Expert

1. Background

As Part of the World’s Bank partnership with the Government of Albania, a Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD) was approved in November, 2016. The PIUTD project is expected to be a catalyst for regional development in the South of Albania. The main objectives of the project are to: improve urban infrastructure, enhance tourism assets, and strengthen institutional capacity to support tourism-related local economic development in selected areas in the south of Albania. The project is expected to become effective in March, 2017; the expected closing date is July, 2022. The PIUTD has an envelope of 63.8 EURO million and is composed of four components as outlined below;

Project Components

Component 1.  Urban upgrading and infrastructure improvement (EURO 44.3 million). This component will finance design and implementation of urban upgrading and municipal infrastructure improvements in four urban centers: Saranda, Gjirokastra, Berat and Përmet. Investments in these selected municipalities would include the upgrading of public spaces (e.g. parks, city squares, pedestrian walkways); street networks, inter-modal nodes and associated infrastructure (e.g, sidewalks, street crossings, streetlights, bicycle paths, bus stations); restoration of selected heritage buildings and façade improvement of selected buildings and; touristic sites enhancement (e.g. access roads, visitors’ centers, parking, signage). Water supply and sewage network rehabilitation will be supported on a case-by-case basis[1]. This Component will also finance preparation of required urban-scale designs, feasibility studies, engineering designs, and construction supervision.

Component 2. Touristic sites upgrading (EURO 8.4 million). This Component will finance investments aimed at improving selected touristic sites along the south of Albania touristic corridor. Investments would include (a) restoration of selected heritage and cultural assets and creating rest stops or viewpoints; (b) improving supporting infrastructure such as last mile access, pedestrian pathways, visitors’ centers and signage in selected touristic sites; (c) preparation of required feasibility studies, site management plans, engineering designs, and, (d) conducting construction supervision.

Component 3. Touristic market and product development (EURO 7.7 million). This component will finance investments aimed: (a) Strengthening the capacity of municipalities to deliver municipal services through: (i) provision of asset management systems, geographic information systems and solid waste collection equipment; and, (ii) establishment of site management capacity to enhance the operation of rehabilitated assets. (b) Carrying out capacity building activities to strengthen the capacity of (i) the Selected Municipalities to promote sustainable tourism growth including: (A) developing and implementing market research and product development strategies, and (B) establishment of pilot Destination Management Partnerships. (ii) Participating Central Government Agencies to promote sustainable tourism growth including the establishment of a system for tracking sustainable tourism indicators.

Component 4: Implementation Support (EURO 3.2 million). This component will support overall project implementation including: (i) contracting of local experts to assist the implementation unit and participating municipalities in the implementation of sub-projects; (ii) the maintenance of the project Monitoring and Evaluation System M&E; (iii) the project related operating costs of the implementing unit including consulting fees, in-country travel expenditure; (iv) training of staff and other persons associated with project implementation; and (v) annual audit of project accounts. Provision of support to carry out Project implementation, including maintenance of the Project monitoring and evaluation system, as well as training and financing of Incremental Operating Costs.

Implementation arrangements

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy will be in charge of overall project oversight and monitoring as well as providing technical leadership. Among the key roles of MoIE in the PIUTD are: (i) screening and ranking of touristic sites in coordination with key project partners, (i) supporting selected municipalities in the prioritization of activities for integrated urban upgrading through the development of detailed urban designs, (iii) reviewing consultants’ deliverables as relevant, and (d) periodic monitoring of implementation progress. Implementation responsibilities’ will be delegated to the Albanian Development Fund. The ADF has the primary responsibility for overseeing all aspects of PIUTD project implementation including fiduciary aspects, procurement of goods, works and services for the project, compliance with social and environmental safeguards, etc.

The overall project is under the oversight of a Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. The PCU is composed of 3 staff: The Project Coordinator/Urban Specialist, the Senior Architect Expert and a tourism specialist. The 3 staff are expected to work full-time to support MoIE in the overall oversight of the PIUTD project bringing additional capacity to existing MoIE technical team. They should work closely with authorizing officials within the Directorate of Territorial Development Policies [Director of Territorial Development Policies within the MoIE]. These Terms of Reference provide details for the services of the Senior Architect Expert of the PCU within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of the services by the Senior Architect Expert is to provide technical inputs for the development of PIUTD project activities with the aim to assure that project activities are carried out in accordance with technical requirements and international best practices.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The specific functions and responsibilities of the Senior Architect Expert–include, but are not limited to:

Overall support to project implementation

• Advise key stakeholders, on cultural heritage and urban planning policies and best-practices.
• Provides timely professional architectural and urban landscaping advice to PCU management, and to the ADF team during all the project cycle: selection of investments (non-fast-track projects), design of investments (fast-track and non-fast-track), construction works, etc.
• Maintains up to-date information on other development projects and plans (governmental / other development partners / non-governmental) in the project area, and maintains key stakeholders (MoIE, ADF, World Bank) informed of potential synergies/conflicts that might emerge from such projects /plans.
• Contribute to the preparation of project documents as requested by PCU coordinator.
• Performs other duties for the purpose of the PIUTD as requested by PCU coordinator.

Project design support

• Provides inputs for urban design studies ToRs and touristic sites upgrading ToRs
• Provides inputs for the development of ToRs for specific urban upgrading sub-projects, as needed during project implementation.
• Draft TORs for Component 1 & 2 consultancies when asked by ADF.
• Provides support for the evaluation of urban design studies. This should include but not be limited to:
  • Review of technical proposals as requested by ADF
  • Review and comment actively on consultants’ deliverables as requested by ADF
  • Assists selected municipality in the prioritization of investments through the urban design studies. To assist municipalities the architect should have, or gain knowledge of cultural conservation initiatives in the project area, existing infrastructure, architecture profile of the area, heritage areas permission, traditional architecture elements, construction regulations in project area, etc.
  • Assures selection criteria – as outlined in the project operational manual – is followed for the prioritization of investments in the urban design studies.
  • Reviews proposed preliminary designs and detailed designs to assure they are in line with the architectural profile of the area (including cultural heritage landscape), construction and planning regulations, etc. This should be done in cooperation with ADF team and involved parties (Ministry of Culture and beneficiary municipalities, as needed).
  • Reviews proposed preliminary designs and detailed designs to assure they incorporate sustainability principles and practices (i.e. use and recycle of materials) and take into consideration future operation and maintenance costs.

Project monitoring and supervision

• Works in close collaboration with the other PCU experts and the ADF team – including the cultural heritage consultant, in particular providing guidance to the ADF architect expert and consulting with the cultural heritage consultant.
• Carries out periodic field-visits to supervise and support the effective design, implementation and completion of urban infrastructure upgrading investments (together with the ADF team).
• Carries out periodic field-visits to monitor and support the effective design, implementation and completion of touristic sites upgrading investments (together with the ADF team).
• Supports PCU coordinator in the review of project documents, as requested including monitoring and progress reports. Reviews that key project indicators data is collected and followed through-out project implementation.
• Participate actively in joint-project team meetings with ADF, in field-visits for the supervision and monitoring of project activities in the South of Albania, citizen’s engagement activities and communication campaigns, and in World Bank team implementation support missions.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and/or relevant fields (e.g. urban planning, urbanism);
• Masters’ degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and/or relevant fields (e.g. urban planning, urbanism);
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in architecture design, landscaping, with knowledge on restoration of heritage buildings in world heritage areas and environmental protection of natural sources zones, policy-making, urban and infrastructure projects, and/or on tourism in developing countries;
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in the construction sector.
• Knowledge of urban development legislation and regulations in Albania. Previous experience in municipal urban planning department is an advantage. Excellent networking skills, bringing a good existing network of contacts and credibility within both the architecture and landscaping (including major private sector players and industry associations);
• A strong conceptual and strategic ability combined with good communication skills and client focus;
• Computer literate. Good knowledge of Autodesk Software’s especially, AutoCAD), Adobe Software’s, MS Office applications. Other software is an advantage;
• Knowledge of Albanian and English.

5. Reporting

The Senior Architect Expert will report to the Project Coordinator (of the PCU), and should work in close coordination with the ADF project team, in particular their project architect expert (ADF) and the cultural heritage consultant.

6. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

• The Senior Architect Expert shall be engaged on full time basis. The remuneration will be paid on a monthly basis.
• The contract will be for an initial period of 3 months, renewable for 20 additional months (or to project duration depending on AF), based on the satisfactory performance of the incumbent’s duties and responsibilities.