Request for expressions of interest (consulting services – individual consultant).

Name of Project: Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP) “Montenegro Waste Sector Improvement Project (MWSIP)” 
Grant No: P181927- ME
Assignment Title: Grant Social Expert 
Reference No. ME-MWSIP-TF0C8887-CS-IC-25-9

The Government of Montenegro (the Recipient) has received financing in the total amount of USD1,000,000.00 from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development – ‘’World Bank’’ under the Grant Facility for Project Preparation -GFPP toward the costs for implementation of ‘’Montenegro Waste Sector Improvement Project-MWSIP (the Project)’’. The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development -MESDNRD (the Client) as the lead implementing agency for the project, intends to apply part of these proceeds to the payments for Consulting services under the Contract for the Individual Consultant ‘’Grant Social Expert’’.

The Montenegro Waste Sector Improvement Project (MWSIP) aims to enhance the country’s waste management capacity and sector performance, supporting Montenegro’s progress toward EU accession. The project adopts an integrated approach through three main components. First, it will strengthen waste management governance and institutional development by improving regulatory frameworks, enforcement, data transparency, and public awareness, as well as fostering inter-agency coordination and exploring public-private partnerships. Second, the project will invest in waste management infrastructure, notably by establishing a regional domestic waste management and third, it will address environmental risks by remediating uncontrolled waste disposal sites and closure of illegal dumpsites.

The Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Development and Nature and Resources Development (MESDNRD) need the consultancy technical services of a Grant Social Expert (Individual Consultant) to provide support in managing social risks directly or indirectly attributable or identified as a consequence of the Project, materially compliant to the ESF. The Social Expert will support the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Development and Nature and Resources Development (MESDNRD) in preparing key Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) instruments required under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards for the investment project preparation. The Expert will ensure that all social risks and impacts are properly identified, assessed, mitigated, and managed in full compliance with World Bank requirements and national legislation, and that meaningful stakeholder engagement is conducted throughout the process. Grant Social Expert will work in close cooperation with the Grant Coordinator, Project focal point, Environmental Expert, other PIU’s staff and other stakeholders involved.

The ‘’ MESDNRD’’ through the Technical Service Unit, now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that have required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Individual consultants may be offered through the firms or other organizations, but the only qualifications of the individual consultant will be the basis of selection. Contract will be signed with proposed individuals. Successful management of the project requires a dynamic person, with excellent communication skills, who is ready to work in a team and contribute to a positive team spirit.

The Consultant selected for this position is expected to possess the following qualifications, relevant experience, and key interpersonal skills:

Qualification (mandatory) criteria:

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field relevant to community engagement and sustainable development.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in community-based projects, stakeholder coordination, or field-level implementation of development or environmental initiatives. Experience with donor-funded projects (e.g., World Bank, EU, UNDP) is an advantage.
•  Experience in contributing to or supporting the development of LMPs, RPFs, SEPs, or other social components of ESIA/ESMP is desirable. Experience in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and field-based project implementation will be considered relevant
• Solid understanding of Montenegro’s social legislation, policies, and institutional frameworks relevant to land acquisition, resettlement, labor, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience working with government bodies, local communities, vulnerable groups, and civil society.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills in Montenegrin and English.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines and to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The evaluation criteria will be the following: 

(i)  General Qualifications, including education, trainings and qualifications (40 points).

(ii) Specific experience relevant to the assignment (60 points).

*Additionally, ‘’MESDNRD’’ may decide to conduct an interview with shortlisted candidates in order to additionally verify required qualifications of candidates.

The “Grant Social Expert” shall be engaged to follow the Project activities on a full-time basis (working days, from Monday to Friday). The contract will be signed for a period of 8 months and with the possible extension after this period. The consultancy is expected to start no later than in November 2025 and includes an initial probation period of 1 month.  The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this position can be obtained upon request at the e-mail address given below . 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.13 - 3.16 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” sixth edition - issued in February 2025 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method (ICS) set out in the above-mentioned Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the e-mail address below.

Interested consultants are invited to express their interest by submitting CV and a Cover Letter, presenting experiences and availability of appropriate skills (Preferably - scanned diplomas to be sent with CV), only by e-mail, to the address below and in subject must clearly indicate project name, subject reference number:

  (Grant Social Expert) / ME-MWSIP-TF0C8887-CS-IC-25-9. 

 The deadline for submission is October 28, 2025 -    -    10:00h.

Ministry of Finance /Technical Service Unit
Attention: Mr. Zoran Mijović, Senior Procurement Officer
Street Address: Studentska 2 A Floor I
City: 81000 Podgorica Country: Montenegro Telephone: + 382 20 201 695
E-mail: zoran.mijovic@mif.gov.me