REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - Senior Environmental Specialist

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

Loan No: 9937- ME

Assignment Title: Senior Environmental Specialist

Reference No. MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.2                                                        

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 “Senior Environmental Specialist (ES)”.

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 wood industry in targeted project areas in Montenegro. The Project consists of four interconnected components covering sector governance and system modernization, forest resilience and wildfire risk reduction, enhancing wood sector performance and growth, and project management.

The MAFWM (Client) intends to engage a Senior Environmental Specialist to support environmental risk management and compliance during Project implementation, in accordance with the scope of services described in the Terms of Reference (ToR). This includes environmental monitoring and reporting, preparation and review of environmental assessments and environmental management and monitoring plans, environmental screening, and coordination of related activities. The Senior Environmental Specialist will work on a full-time basis part of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

The “MAFWM” through the Technical Services Unit, now invites eligible individual consultants (“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. Individual consultants may be proposed by firms or other organizations, but only the qualifications and experience of the individual Consultant will be considered in the selection. The contract will be signed with the selected individual.

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

The selection and evaluation criteria will be the following: 

 General experience (40%):

University degree (minimum bachelor level; a master's degree or higher is an advantage) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, Forestry, Biology/Ecology, Natural Resource Management or a related field.

Minimum 10 (ten) years of total professional experience, of which at least 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience in environmental assessment, environmental management, monitoring or protection, acquired in the public sector, the private sector, academia, civil society organisations or on internationally financed projects. Experience acquired with public authorities and/or on internationally financed projects is an advantage.

Working knowledge of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) or comparable standards of other international financing institutions, and of national environmental legislation and EIA/SEA procedures.

Fluent spoken and written English, including strong report-writing skills. Working knowledge of Montenegrin (or another language in official use in Montenegro) is an advantage. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.

Proficiency in standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations); working knowledge of GIS tools is an advantage.

Willingness and ability to travel within Montenegro for field work is required; a valid driving license is an advantage.

Specific Experience (60%)

Demonstrated experience in environmental monitoring, environmental protection and environmental management on investment or development projects, including responsibilities in planning, implementation and supervision of environmental mitigation measures. This criterion builds on the relevant experience required under General experience; the length and depth of relevant experience beyond the minimum will be taken into account in the evaluation.

Experience in at least one project financed by the World Bank or another international financing institution (e.g. EBRD, EIB, KfW, EU/IPA) in an environmental assessment, management or monitoring role is an advantage; experience as an environmental specialist in a project implementation unit or as an environmental reviewer on World Bank-financed projects is a particular advantage.

Knowledge of EU environmental acquis relevant to forestry and nature protection (EIA and SEA Directives, Habitats and Birds Directives, Natura 2000 framework) and of national legislation on nature protection and biodiversity. Practical experience in biodiversity assessment, monitoring or reporting is an advantage.

Practical experience in the preparation, review or supervision of environmental assessment and management instruments, such as EIA, SEA, Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) or equivalent instruments of other international financing institutions. Direct involvement in the preparation or implementation of ESMF/ESMP under the World Bank ESF is an advantage.

Experience in working within or coordinating multidisciplinary teams, in organising field-based environmental data collection and monitoring, and in communicating environmental requirements to contractors, forest management staff and local stakeholders.

Experience in the preparation or implementation of environmental management plans, monitoring programmes or sector strategies at project or national level is an advantage.

Previous professional experience in the forestry sector (forest management, forest fire prevention, wood processing or nature protection), acquired with public institutions, private companies, research organisations or NGOs, is an advantage.

Experience in forest ecosystem assessment, biodiversity conservation, habitat assessment and/or habitat mapping (including the use of GIS) will be considered an advantage.

Strong analytical and communication skills: ability to prepare clear professional reports and to present information orally and in writing to different audiences (Ministry, World Bank, contractors, local communities); ability to work independently and to meet deadlines. Candidates are expected to provide evidence of report-writing capacity (e.g. authored or co-authored environmental reports or instruments listed in the CV).

 MAFWM reserves the right to determine the allocation of points among the individual evaluation criteria listed above, provided that the total points allocated to General Experience shall equal 40% and the total points allocated to Specific Experience shall equal 60% of the overall evaluation score.  

*Additionally, “MAFWM” may decide to conduct an interview with shortlisted candidates in order to additionally verify required qualifications of candidates.

The Senior Environmental Specialist – shall be engaged to implement and follow the Project activities on a full-time daily basis (8 hours per day, from Monday to Friday) - Time Based Contract. The assignment is expected to commence on October 15, 2026 and continue until the closing date of the MFSPP Project, June 30, 2032, 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” Seventh Edition - September 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:  Senior Environmental Specialist - Ref. No: MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.2.

The deadline for submission is October 15, 2026 -    -  12:00h.

Ministry of Finance /Technical Services Unit

Attention: Ms. Jelena Stijepović, Senior Procurement Officer

Street Address: Studentska 2 A Floor I

City: 81000 Podgorica Country: Montenegro Telephone: + 382 20 201 695

jelena.stijepovic@mif.gov.me