REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Name of Project: Montenegro Forests for Shared Prosperity Project (MFSPP)

Grant No: 9937- ME

Assignment Title: ‘’Project Manager’’

Reference No. MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.1                                                        

The Government of Montenegro (the Recipient) has received financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ‘’World Bank’’ toward the costs for implementation of ‘Montenegro Forests for Shared Prosperity Project (MFSPP) , (the Project)’’. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (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 ‘’Project Manager’’.

The Montenegro Forests for Shared Prosperity Project (MFSPP) aims to improve the sustainable management of forest resources and to enhance the economic viability of the forest industry in targeted project areas in Montenegro. The objective of the project is to achieve the PDO through four interconnected components covering sector governance and system modernization, forest resilience and wildfire risk reduction, enhancing wood sector performance and growth, and project management. It will integrate environmental, economic, and socially responsible practices into forest value chains. The Project will also address market failures limiting the wood-processing industry, including insecure supply of raw materials, as well as labor and skill shortages. The Project activities will have a geographical focus aligned with the specific objectives of each component. The Project activities supporting the forest industry will primarily be concentrated in the northern municipalities of Montenegro, where forest resources are abundant and the wood-processing sector plays a significant role in the local economy. These areas are also among the poorest regions in the country, with higher unemployment rates and lower income levels compared to the national average. In contrast, forest fire management initiatives will be prioritized in the southern part of the country, which is more vulnerable to climate change exacerbated forest fires due to its distinct climate and landscape characteristics. The Project consists of the following components:

(1)        Strengthening Sector Governance and System Modernization 

(2)        Forest Resilience and Wildfire Risk Reduction

(3)        Empowering Growth and Enhancing Wood Sector Performance

(4)        Project Management, Monitoring, and Communication

As a part of Component 4. of the Project ‘’Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management -MAFMW (the Client) needs the technical services of the Project Manager which will be responsible for the technical and administrative management of the MFSPP project. The Project Manager will lead PIU and will work under the authority of the MAFMW and will be under direct support and supervision and will report to the Project coordinator (appointed by the GoM / MAFMW) on a regular basis regarding pace of project implementation. He/ she shall be responsible for giving information (inputs) and advices as requested. The project offices, equipment and access to documentation and information required will be provided by the MAFMW. The main responsibility of the Project Manager shall be to coordinate and supervise on behalf of the Ministry, the activities of the Project stakeholders and coordinate and supervise work of the consultants hired under the Project so that the Project is implemented according to the Project Operational Manual and Loan Agreement. This will require close collaboration with all actors involved in the Project. The Project Manager shall ensure that all Project plans, Project documentation and reports are prepared in a timely manner (and according to the Project work plans and the Project Procurement Plan), and communicated to the Bank, the MAFMW and other stakeholders. The Project Manager will also work closely with the Technical Services Unit (TSU), established under the Ministry of Finance, responsible for providing core procurement and financial management services under grants, credits and loans financed by the World Bank and other relevant organizations.

The ‘’MAFMW’’ through the Technical Service Unit, now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultant 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.  The Consultant selected for this position is expected to possess the relevant qualifications, specific experience, and key interpersonal skills, accordingly:

The qualification and evaluation criteria will be the following: 

 General experience (40%):

• University Diploma in forestry, natural sciences discipline, economy; law, or any relevant discipline
• At least 10 years of general working experience
• Managerial experience and ability to lead and manage project teams, knowledge of project planning techniques and tools
• Written and spoken fluency in English is essential
• Computer literacy is essential
• A valid driving license and willingness to occasionally travel throughout the country

 Specific Experience (60%)

• At least 10 years of experience in project implementation
• Relevant experience in forestry and forest-environment projects is desirable
• Knowledge of EU forestry initiatives, forestry, and pre-accession policies and procedures desirable
• Experience in public sector reform as well as state-owned-enterprise operationalization is valued
• Previous experience of working with international financial institutions and donors on similar projects desired

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

The Project Manager – shall be engaged to implement and follow the Projects activities on a full-time daily basis (8 hours per day, from Monday to Friday) - Time Based Contract. Intended duration of the assignment is two-years, with the possibility of extension for an additional three years based on satisfactory performance. The assignment will commence as soon as possible and will include a six-month probationary period. Successful management of the MFSPP 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 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 or resume and a Cover Letter (Preferably - scanned diplomas or professional achievements), outlining relevant experiences and availability of appropriate skills. Application must be sent only by e-mail, to the address below with the subject line clearly indicating the project name and reference number: Project Manager - Ref. No: MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.1.

The deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 - 12:00h.

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

zoran.mijovic@mif.gov.me