REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REoI)

(Individual Consultant Services)

 Implementing Agency: Albanian Development Fund

Country: Albania

Project: Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD)

IBRD Loan No: 8656- ALB.

Project ID Number: P155875

Name of consulting assignment: “Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist”

REF No: AL-ADF-405150-CS-INDV

Issued on: January 29, 2024

The Government of Albania has received 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: “Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist”/Individual Consultant Services”/REF No: AL-ADF-405150–CS-INDV.

The objective of the services by the Consultant is to, but not being limited to:

  • To ensure professional assistance related to archaeological monitoring, providing specialized technical support in issues relating to the protection of archaeology and heritage during the civil works.

Timing

 The Cultural Heritage Expert/Archaeologist expert shall be engaged on a part time basis assignment. The max estimated level input which will be required from the consultant shall be at an average of 8 man days per month (to a total of 150 man days).The Consultant will be remunerated on the basis of a fixed daily rate, which shall include all expenses.  The assignment is extended in a period of 18-months and is expected to start in March 2024.

 Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant is required to have the following qualifications/experience:

  • University degree in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage.
  • At least 5 (five) years of postgraduate experience in monitoring cultural heritage sites, monitoring works and excavations in cultural heritage sites, archaeologic investigation, survey and conservation.
  • Proven knowledge in archeological excavations.
  • Proven knowledge and experience in the organizational and operational aspects of project management located in world heritage sites and coordination.
  • Good knowledge of local Cultural Heritage regulations and international best practices (UNESCO).
  • Working experience in international projects (including World Bank Projects) will be considered as an advantage.
  • License for archaeological activities (A1) will be considered as an advantage.
  • A strong conceptual and strategic solving ability combined with good communication and managing skills.
  • Excellent reports writing skills.
  • Computer literate. Good knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills in English language.

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 firms (“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 shortlisting criteria are:

No. Shortlisting Criterion Points
1 General Qualification 30 points
2 Relevant Experience 50 points
3 Capability to carry out the assignment 20 points
TOTAL 100 points

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: Ms.Shegë Hatija, Albanian Development Fund, Rr. “Sami Frasheri”, Nr. 10, Tirana, Albania, Tel: +355 4 22 35 597/8, Fax: +355 4 22 34 885, E-mail: shhatija@albaniandf.org .

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below within  February 12, 2024.

Albanian Development Fund (ADF)

Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD)

Address: Albanian Development Fund, Rruga “Sami Frasheri”, Nr.10, Tirana, Albania

Att: Mr. Astrit Alikaj

E-mail: aalikaj@albaniandf.org

Att: Ms. Shegë Hatija

E-mail: shhatija@albaniandf.org

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 For “Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist”

 Contents

  1. BACKGROUND… 4
  2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY.. 5
  3. Scope of Work. 5
  4. Method of procurement and Standard Contract 5
  5. Duties and Responsibilities. 5
  6. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE. 6
  7. COORDINATION WITH CENTRAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.. 7
  8. REPORTING… 7
  9. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT. 8 

1.        BACKGROUND

The Government of Albania has received financing from the World Bank toward the costs of the “Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development” (PIUTD), through a Loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), to develop the economy and improve living conditions in its southern region by financing infrastructure projects in the urban centers of Saranda, Gjirokastra, Berat and Përmet. The investment program also extends to selected complementary sites near these urban centers that are of cultural and natural interest, and contribute to strengthen their tourism appeal. Integrated interventions of urban upgrading supported by the PIUTD in the four targeted urban centers will be aimed at improving the living conditions of local dwellers and foster locally based tourism economic development in urban areas. The Proposed project will consist of the following 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 six urban centers: Saranda, Gjirokastra, Berat and Përmet, Ksamil and Orikum. Investments in these selected areas 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, and signage). Water supply and sewage network rehabilitation will be supported on a case-by-case basis. 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 restoration of selected heritage and cultural assets; improving supporting infrastructure such as last mile access, pedestrian pathways, visitors’ centers and signage in selected touristic sites and; the creation of rest stops or viewpoints along the south of Albania touristic corridor. This Component will also finance preparation of required feasibility studies, site management plans, engineering designs, and construction supervision.

Component 3. Tourism market and product development (Euro 7.7 million). This component will finance activities to support improved municipal management and service delivery, and tourism market and product development. This component will finance activities aimed at supporting municipalities in the south of Albania to improve service delivery (e.g., solid waste collection, tourism statistics) and Tourism products and value-chain development. Activities in this Subcomponent are focused on stimulating and sustaining growth in the tourism economy in the south of Albania by complementing and leveraging investments supported under Component 1 and 2 with smaller investments in developing new tourism products and adding value to existing products. This component will finance the development of a market research strategy to guide investments in new tourism product development in the south of Albania, and will strengthen tourism value-chains by linking tourism products to markets. Activities will also involve the establishment of institutional partnerships to drive destination management activities at the municipal and regional level, including response to health emergencies, such as Covid-19. This component will also finance the design and implementation of improved national tourism statistics in Albania.

 Component 4. Implementation Support (Euro 4.7 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.

 Component 1 and Component 2 of this project are expected to include elements of preservation and cultural heritage management, improved access to peripheral hamlet, integrated street upgrading, improvement of heritage pedestrian trails, and upgrading of urban and touristic spaces and restoration of selected heritage and cultural assets

The PIUTD intends to apply a part of this loan under the component 4 “Implementation Support” of the project to proceed for the consulting services: “Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist Consultant Services” Ref. no. AL-ADF-405150-CS-INDV.

2.      OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

As some of the projects that are going to be implemented under PIUTD are situated in Cultural Heritage/UNESCO designated sites, and are expected to include construction works, a specialized archeological monitoring is required. According to the law no. 27/2018 for “Cultural Heritage and Museums”, archaeological monitoring must be carried out during the implementation of project development.

The city of Gjirokastra and Berat are well established as UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Saranda project will be implemented in area A, which is considered as a high archaeological potential site. The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist regulates archaeological evaluations and monitoring of development works in order to guide planning decisions, projected road works, and to safeguard cultural assets throughout ongoing civil works. The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archeologist, in coordination with ADF’s Product Delivery Department, PCU, World Bank, UNESCO and MoC, must ensure professional assistance related to archaeological monitoring, providing specialized technical support in issues relating to the protection of archaeology and heritage during the civil works.

3.      Scope of Work

Under the scope of this assignment, the Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist will be responsible to carry out site visits, which are considered as a reference point for field archaeologists, regarding all issues related to archaeological monitoring practice.

4.      Method of procurement and Standard Contract

 

The selected procurement method of the service will be based on the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, July, 2016 as amended.

 

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”.

 

The standard form of the Contract will be a Time-Based Contract.

 

5.       Duties and Responsibilities

 

  1. To participate and assist in the implementation of the project works, monitoring of activities and evaluation of the working reports with emphasis on: preservation of cultural and natural heritage; promotion of intangible heritage safeguarding; promotion of culture as a tool for development.

 

  1. To ensure effective consultation and collaboration with partners and stakeholders, in particular: ADF, Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, PCU and World Bank local and regional authorities; civil society and the private sector, etc. to implement the PIUTD.

 

  1. Provide advice and guidance on an ongoing basis for investments that directly affect cultural heritage sites during the construction works for the cities of Gjirokastra, Berat and Saranda, which are considered high archaeological potential sites.

 

  1. Advice the key stakeholders, including those representing public, private and community levels, on cultural heritage protection policies during site works.

 

  1. Provide archaeological consultation of working groups.

 

  1. Provide advice and guidance to the contract manager for civil works on an ongoing basis for investments dealing with the restoration of selected heritage and cultural assets.

 

  1. Collaboration with the Ministry / Institutions at the central and local level responsible for Cultural Heritage, aiming at protecting and improving cultural heritage sites.

 

  1. Reviewing daily archaeological monitoring reports provided by the cultural heritage site monitor.

 

  1. Field visits during the construction works in Gjirokastra, Berat and Saranda sites.

 

  1. Monthly basis report for Saranda Tourism Gateway Integrated Urban Upgrading (Paketa 1) project

 

  1. Monthly basis report for Saranda Tourism Gateway Integrated Urban Upgrading (Paketa 2) project

 

  1. Monthly basis report for Mobility Plan of Project Investment for Integrated Urban Upgrading of Gjirokastra (Paketa 1) project

 

  1. Monthly basis report for Mobility Plan of Project Investment for Integrated Urban Upgrading of Gjirokastra (Paketa 2) project

 

  1. Summary report to PM.

 

  1. To perform any other duty deemed necessary by ADF.

6.      QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist is required to have the following qualifications / experience for the successful development of this assignment:

  • University degree in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage.
  • At least 5 (five) years of postgraduate experience in monitoring cultural heritage sites, monitoring works and excavations in cultural heritage sites, archaeologic investigation, survey and conservation.
  • Proven knowledge in archeological excavations.
  • Proven knowledge and experience in the organizational and operational aspects of project management located in world heritage sites and coordination.
  • Good knowledge of local Cultural Heritage regulations and international best practices (UNESCO).
  • Working experience in international projects (including World Bank Projects) will be considered as an advantage.
  • License for archaeological activities (A1) will be considered as an advantage.
  • A strong conceptual and strategic solving ability combined with good communication and managing skills.
  • Excellent reports writing skills.
  • Computer literate. Good knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills in English language.
  1. The shortlisting criteria are:
No. Shortlisting Criterion Points
1 General Qualification 30 points
2 Relevant Experience 50 points
3 Capability to carry out the assignment 20 points
TOTAL 100 points

8.      COORDINATION WITH CENTRAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES

 

The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist will work in strict coordination with the ADF (PMT) – responsible for managing the PIUTD implementation, and PCU – responsible for Coordination with project partners and monitoring its implementation.

 

The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist will submit all reports and deliverables requested under this assignment to ADF (PMT) for review and approval. ADF will be responsible for sharing the documentation with the PCU, World Bank, and with the Local Authorities (and any other interested central and local government authority as deemed necessary by the Client).

 

At central and local level, the Client will introduce the Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist and their scope of works, in order to facilitate their professional working process on situ.

 

The Cultural Heritage Expert / Archaeologist shall maintain good coordination and interaction with The Client during all stages of the assignment and provide assistance if changes are required for specifications.

9.      REPORTING

 

Reporting and all deliverables documents must be submitted to ADF in Albanian and English language.

 

ADF will be responsible to make all reports and deliverables available to the World Bank and to manage the Bank’s clearance, step by step as defined along the TOR.

 

10.    DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

 

The Cultural Heritage Expert/Archaeologist expert shall be engaged on a part time basis assignment.

 

The max estimated level input which will be required from the consultant shall be at an average of 8 man days per month (to a total of 150 man days).

The Consultant will be remunerated on the basis of a fixed daily rate, which shall include all expenses.

The Consultant shall submit invoices on a monthly basis in accordance with the performed dutties.

Payments will be made based on the submission of the invoices in accordance with the approved and verified numbers of days worked. At the end of the each payment period the Consultant will prepare and submitt a timesheet along with a report describing the list of activities and completed tasks handled during the reporting period of service.

The assignment is extended in a period of 18-months and is expected to start in March 2024.