EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme

Deadline: 28-Sep-22

Submit your applications for EU4Moldova: Focal Regions Programme to strengthen the economic, territorial and social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova through smart, green, inclusive, sustainable and integrated local socio-economic growth as well as by improving the standards of living of the citizens in the focal regions of Cahul and Ungheni.

The Focal Regions Programme is looking for company/organization, or companies/organizations, or consortium of companies/organizations to support Emergent Clusters in Cahul and Ungheni regions in successful implementation of Non-Reimbursable Financial Assistance Program through technical assistance related to procurement of equipment/goods/works/services, coupled with training, coaching, consulting, awareness raising and promotion activities, to stimulate the entrepreneurship culture through clustering approach of the Focal Regions.

Specific Objectives

To strengthen transparency, accountability of local public authorities and citizen participation in local governance processes in the focal regions.
To improve citizens’ access to quality public services and utilities in the focal regions.
To create employment opportunities for men and women in the focal-regions and improve the attractiveness of the focal regions for investors and entrepreneurs.
To promote the smart specialization of the economy of the focal regions through the development of the clustering and value chain approach in key economic sectors.
The Programme objectives will be achieved through measures targeted at:
- Capacity building to support the implementation and monitoring of local economic development plans;
- Civil society engagement in local planning, governance processes and basic social service delivery;
- Provision of investment funding in support of the creation and/or development of social and technical infrastructure which, combined with the outcomes from interventions will have an immediate, visible and tangible impact on employment creation, the standard of living of the population in the focal regions.

Funding Information

Up to eight (8) clusters (from both Focal Regions), are envisaged to receive support up to EUR 100,000 each.
Each beneficiary will assure at least 10% of own monetary contribution.
Duration: The estimated duration of services is 15 months. The expected time of commencement of contract is November 2022. UNDP will require maximum of 14 (fourteen) days (depending on the implementation stage) to review the deliverables, provide comments, approve or certify acceptance of deliverables.

Activities and Expected Outputs

The Contractor shall take full responsibility for the execution and delivery of the following tasks and outputs to achieve the objectives of the assignment as described:
- Methodology development: preparation of methodological approach and detailed work plan for the implementation of tasks, which would include, inter alia: Topics and methodology for the advanced trainings and support activities including coaching for cluster management unit, individual consulting for cluster members.
- Advanced Training: Development of customized training programs focused on cluster development as tool on supporting the processes of increasing competitiveness on local and regional levels.
- Support and Coaching programme for the beneficiary
  - Support for the elaboration of technical specifications for the purchase of equipment, goods, and services.
  - Ensure continuous individual legal and financial support related to collaboration with public administration, regional development, investment attraction, competitiveness, and cluster development
  - Support to the cluster management in the elaboration of a work plan, including detailed approach to the development of managerial capacities
  - Providing mentoring services to cluster management proper administration of financial resources as well as resource mobilization, in accordance with their strategic development plans.
  - Monitor usage of purchased goods/equipment
  - Providing marketing assistance in participating in promotional events, fairs, and exhibitions at national and international levels – assistance in organizing at least 2 events.
- Specialized consultations to beneficiaries Ensure availability of at least 12 on-demand consultations in specific fields required by the beneficiaries (for example strategic planning; market analysis, product improvement, branding and promotion (digital marketing), quality management, energy efficiency, etc).
- Financial analysis Under the non-reimbursable financial support program, up to eight (8) eight clusters (from both Focal Regions) to receive non-reimbursable financial support .
- Summing-up Ensure compilation of data sheets for success stories of each beneficiary. Performance indicator collection.

Eligibility Criteria

The offers will be evaluated based on their compliance with the general requirements specified bellow:
- Be a legally registered entity.
- At least 5 (five) years of practical experience in the fields related to local economic development, identification of investment opportunities, business development Public Private Partnership initiatives. Smart specialization and value chains analyses will be considered an advantage.
- At least 2 (two) contracts in providing consulting, business support and coaching services to businesses entities in Moldova.
- At least 3 (three) years of experience of working with the relevant multi-stakeholder economic environment in Moldova, facilitating cooperation between private sector and Public Authorities (Central, Local), Public Institutions and Public
- Agencies in Moldova – evidence: list of relevant institutions the Company has been cooperating with, including the topic and year must be presented together with the application package.
- Work for UNDP/UN Agencies/donor funded/EU projects will be considered an advantage.
The minimum key personnel required for the contract implementation shall meet the following requirements:
- TEAM Leader: At least 7 (seven) years of experience in managing projects related to economic analyses, business administration, economic research.
- Marketing Expert: At least 5 (five) years of working experience with product launches and/or integrated marketing campaigns.
- Sales Expert: At least 5 (five) years of working experience with business development projects, providing advisory services for companies, in performing market and competitive research.
- Agribusiness Expert: At least 5 (five) years of experience of working with or in Agribusiness, preferably in the prioritised commodities (berries and grapes), ability and demonstrated experience of designing and appraising business cases Solid understanding of value chain and stakeholder engagement Good command of written and spoken Romanian skills. English and/or Russian an asset.
- Tourism Expert: At least 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience with proven expert knowledge in the field of tourism and eco-tourism, expertise with operators and related stakeholders in the area Proven experience in product development, organise special and seasonal events and festivals as well as providing business advice.
- Finance Expert: At least 7 (seven) years of consultancy experience preparing financial plans and developing financial models and risk assessments Proven expertise in evaluating cost structures and revenue streams, preparing financial forecasts and budget reports Good command of written and spoken Romanian skills. English and/or Russian are considered as an asset.