REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - Social Development Specialist

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

Loan No: 9937- ME

Assignment Title: Social Development Specialist

Reference No. MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.3                                                        

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 “Social Development Specialist (SS)”.

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 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.

The MAFWM (Client) intends to engage a Social Development Specialist to support the management of social risks associated with Project implementation, in accordance with the scope of services described in the Terms of Reference (ToR). This includes social screening and risk management, preparation and implementation of relevant social risk management instruments, stakeholder engagement and public consultations, grievance management, monitoring and reporting. The Social Development Specialist will work as a full-time member 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 end 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 social sciences, sociology, anthropology, economics, forestry, law, development studies or a related discipline;

Minimum 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience in social development, social risk management, stakeholder engagement, community development or a related field, 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;

Excellent spoken and written Montenegrin (or another language in official use in Montenegro) and good working knowledge of spoken and written English, including report writing;

Computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets;

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

Specific Experience (60%)

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 Social Development 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:  Social Development Specialist - Ref. No: MNE-MFSPP-9937-ME-CS-IC-26-4.3.

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