SKAT Consulting Moldova is hiring a Legal Advisor national reforms and public administration for “Mă Implic” Project, Phase II

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Title: Legal Advisor national reforms and public administration

Project: “Mă Implic” Project, Phase II

Contract duration: February 2025 - December 2025

Expected workload: up to 120 working days

BACKGROUND

The Ma Implic project (Phase II) aims to contribute to improved local governance and better access and quality of public services for the population of Moldova. To this end, the Ma Implic project will support different stakeholders to improve three fundamental dimensions of a well-functioning local government unit:

• Partner LPA clusters to manage resources and local development in a more sustainable, inclusive and accountable way;
• The Government to promote and coordinate the LG reform in an efficient, effective and transparent manner;
• People in partner communities to meaningfully engage in local governance processes and influence the provision of local public services.

The initial focus of Phase II, year 1 was providing direct support to Government and Local Public Administrations (LPA) considering voluntary amalgamation. The first year focused on supporting the formation of LPA groups through voluntary amalgamation. Expert guidance was offered on the amalgamation process itself, engaging at the local level to address their concerns and questions. Early adopter LPAs successfully formed clusters, initiating the amalgamation process and generating necessary revisions, adjustments to existing legal framework for ongoing process. During the first year, the project organized activities to demonstrate practical benefits and successful implementation of amalgamation in a similar context. These efforts aimed to build a foundation of understanding and support for the voluntary amalgamation initiative.

The overall aim for year 2 of Phase II will be to continue supporting the Government's efforts to voluntary amalgamation, building on the foundations laid in year 1 and striving for greater efficiency and impact. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure that the project remains responsive to the evolving needs of the LPA groups and the Government. Depending on emerging needs and opportunities, new initiatives may be introduced to further support the amalgamation process.

To effectively respond to the evolving reform process and unforeseen circumstances, the project prioritizes responsive planning and collaboration with the State Chancellery. This ensures ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and improvements to address refined approaches. Furthermore, other aspects of LG reform (as fiscal decentralization, power allocation, the role of LPA 2 level, etc.) require careful consideration.

In this context, the “Mă Implic” Project has the need for a continued support of a Legal Advisor national reforms and public administration. The Legal Advisor is expected to provide support to the State Chancellery, which is leading the implementation of the LG reform, including the voluntary amalgamation process. The estimated workload is for ca. one year (11 calendar months), with the possibility of extension or renewal depending on the progress and success of the LG reform, and the voluntary amalgamation process.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Legal Advisor national reforms and public administration will work in close collaboration with the Policy Advisor and Component Manager Policy Reform of the “Mă Implic” Project. The scope of tasks comprises:

• Provide legal expertise to the “Mă Implic” Project and to the State Chancellery on all aspects related to the developing necessary documentation for the implementation of local government reform, particularly LPAs voluntary amalgamation.
• Contribute with legal analysis and prepare policy notes concerning various aspects of the national legal and policy framework related to local government reform. This includes reviewing and advising on draft laws, regulations, and policies, offering recommendations, and drafting proposals.
• Participate in relevant meetings and consultations related to local government reform and legislation review processes.
• Provide legal advice and support to LPAs undergoing voluntary amalgamation, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Assist LPAs in standardized guidelines for voluntary amalgamation.
• Provide advice and input on the project monitoring and results measurement reports.
• Provide, based on request, necessary contributions in the implementation of project activities related to legal expertise, local public administration reform, voluntary amalgamation, etc.
• Attend relevant meetings and events of the project, with project partners and beneficiaries as well. Contribute with legal presentations upon request to relevant stakeholders such as LPAs.

The Legal Advisor reports to the Policy Advisor and Component Manager Policy Reform and to the Team Leader of the “Mă Implic” Project.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Interested individuals are invited to send their applications to the email address info@int.skat.ch   with the subject line “Legal Advisor national reforms and public administration”, at latest by 24 January 2025 12:00 pm (midday). The application must comprise 3 documents as follows:

- CV in English and including 3 professional references, max 3 pages,

- Motivation letter in English, 1 page,

- Price offer in a separate document, clearly specifying whether the fee is a gross or net fee.