Republic of Moldova

National consultant to provide coaching for the shortlisted SMEs to develop the full applications for Moldova Innovation Challenge Scheme (MICS -2016)

Vacancy Number: Pr16/01277

Location:	Chisinau, Moldova
Application Deadline:	30 Apr 2016, 23:59 (GMT+2:00)
Application Extended deadline:	09 May 2016, 23:59 (GMT+2:00)
Type of Contract:	Individual Contract
Starting date:	13 May 2016
Reference to the project:	Innovative Business for Local Development
Expected Duration of Assignment:	May– September 2016, with possibility of extension
Submission Instructions: Proposals should be submitted by pressing the "Apply Now" button no later than April 30, 2016. Requests for clarification only must be sent by standard electronic communication to the following e-mail: dumitru.vasilescu@undp.org. UNDP will respond by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all applicants.
Supporting Documents: Individual Consultant Procurement Notice Terms of Reference Personal History Form (P11) UNDP General Conditions of Individual Contract

Contacts:

Mr. Dumitru Vasilescu.

Background

Moldova Innovation Challenge Scheme for Moldovan SMEs

One of the key components of the Innovative Business for Local Development Project is to develop, implement and evaluate impact of a matching Innovation Challenge Scheme  for SMEs. Such Scheme will permit for the provision, on a competitive basis, of small matching funds to SMEs to implement innovative projects. The Scheme should serve as a pilot intervention, based on the assumption that both central and local authorities will strongly support and gain from the benefits of promoting innovations for more intense and innovative entrepreneurship.

The main objectives of the MICS-2016 is to: (i) stimulate development of innovations within Moldovan business environment by providing financing for market-oriented development of new or improved products, services and technologies with high commercialization potential; and (ii) pilot an innovation support mechanism and provide insights, lessons learned and best practices for future governmental innovation-support programs.

The detailed description of the scheme is available in the Baseline Study conducted by a team of external consultants and already validated with the Ministry of Economy. Such description contains detailed information on the eligibility of SMEs, amount of the matching funds, application and selection procedures, among others.

 

Scope of work

The overall objective of the consultancy is to provide coaching for the SMEs shortlisted under phase 1 of the competitive process in the MICS -2016.

The scope of the assignment is to support the shortlisted SMEs that pass the phase 1 of the competition in the MICS-2016 to develop full-fledged applications under stage 2 of the process. Details about MICS-2016  are publicly available at http://www.undp.md/tenders//tnddetails2/1205/ . The consultant shall undertake the following steps: (a) revise the concept applications shortlisted to enter stage 2 of the competition; (b) prepare, plan and implement a pre-bidding meeting with shortlisted candidates to explain the full-application guidelines and toolkit; (c) bilaterally support SMEs to come up in deadline with full-fledged applications to the MICS through organizing bilateral coaching sessions with shortlisted SMEs. In doing so, the consultant will ensure impartial consultations and coaching to the SMEs in the most critical areas related to the development of the full application, in particular: (a) writing a project proposal and financial plan development, (b) innovative marketing and possible sales techniques, (c) market research and analysis of the export channels and opportunities, (d) technological challenges in key sectors and segments within which the applications may fall into, (e) innovative management of the key internal business processes, in particular HR and labour productivity, among others.

Requirements for experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Development Economics, Business and Administration or other relevant fields;

Experience:

• At least 3 years of proven analytical and report writing skills in such areas as: local economic development, innovations in business and SME development;
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in consultancy for SME development at national level;

Competencies:

• Experience in evaluation of project proposals in the field of broad innovations into SMEs, as defined by OECD, is a strong advantage;
• In-depth knowledge of the national innovations system in the Republic of Moldova or EU systems is a strong advantage; To be presented evidences of participation at various trainings or workshops related to innovation system in MD or EU, or involvement in related activities; links of publications.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills;
• Proven commitment to the core values of the United Nations, in particular, respecting differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status. Adherence to UN’s values and ethical standards.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English, Russian and Romanian is mandatory.

 

Documents to be included

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications: 

1. Proposal: explaining why they are the most suitable for this position;
2. Financial proposal: in (USD, specifying a total lump sum amount and the number of anticipated working days);
3. Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and the contact details of at least 3 reference persons.

Financial proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in instalments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals the financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including fee, taxes, travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

 

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