Am vizitat cu drag grupul local de inițiativă din satul Cișmichioi, una din cele 14 comunități partenere din UTA Găgăuzia în care IRI își desfășoară activitatea.

Este una dintre acele rare comunități în care mai găsim localnici vorbind doar limba găgăuză. Istoria nașterii satului ne vorbește despre un grup de imigranți găgăuzi din Bulgaria, în număr de 16 familii așezați cu traiul în anul 1809, ei fiind fondatorii comunității.

Din cauza situației create de virusul Covid-19, ne-am întâlnit doar cu nucleul grupului local de inițiativă (3 persoane) cu care am discutat despre efortul grupului de a transforma satul Cișmichioi într-un sat prielnic și atractiv pentru oameni de toate categoriile de vârstă și cu cele mai diverse ocupații.

Grupul de inițiativă ne-a împărtășit realizările în cadrul proiectului comunitar unde au creat un studio de producere a suvenirelor (căni, rame, torbe, gentuțe, brelocuri, magneți, tricouri, perne cu imprimeu, etc.) pentru promovarea satului și a tradițiilor găgăuze.

„În ultimul timp, satul nostru a fost vizitat de turiști locali și internaționali. Ei mereu și-au dorit să procure suvenire cu locurile vizitate în sat. La fel, satul nostru este prielnic din punct de vedere economic, avem atelier de cusut, fabrică de mobilă cu care noi am început să colaborăm în cadrul acestei inițiative. Suntem convinși că din acest parteneriat are de câștigat comunitatea, pentru că venitul adus din activitatea de turism rămâne în buzunarul locuitorilor și în bugetul satului”, a menționat Dmitrii Ianul, reprezentantul ONG-ului „Delfin”.

„Datorită echipamentului achiziționat, grupul de inițiativă a participat la concursul pentru producerea a 400 eco-pungi”, a menționat Tatiana Menova, liderul grupului de inițiativă.

Grupul de inițiativă s-a format în anul 2018 și a reușit să scrie și să implementeze inițiative menite să dezvolte satul. La fel, grupul este într-un proces activ de aplicare la proiecte pentru a atrage mai multe fonduri pentru dezvoltarea satului.

Într-un glas grupul a afirmat deosibita importanță a vizitelor echipei IRI în comunitate precum și a impactului asupra activității grupului în vederea împuternicirii și creării de oportunități pentru locuitorii satului.
„Implicarea în implementarea proiectului MEM Plus în satul nostru ne-a ajutat să înțelegem deosebita importanță și valoarea modelului de împuternicire comunitară în felul în care aceasta să fie sustenabilă și benefică unui dintre cel mai larg număr de locuitori ai satului”, a susținut Dmitrii Ianul, reprezentantul ONG-ului „Delfin”.

Valoarea totală a proiectului este 29 000 lei/MDL, dintre care 12 mii fiind contribuția prestatorilor de servicii locali.

În opinia IRI, împuternicirea grupurilor de inițiativă este cheia pentru o comunitate pro-activă și prosperă, iar în cadrul întâlnirii o bună parte din discuții a fost axată pe îmbunătățirea nivelului de colaborare cu APL.

Echipa IRI a încurajat grupul de inițiativă să promoveze satul și să continue fortificarea grupului de inițiativă în felul în care de acesta să beneficieze un număr cât mai larg de locuitori și băștinași ai satului.

Această activitate face parte din proiectul MEM PLUS, implementat în Moldova de către Institutul pentru Inițiative Rurale (IRI), în parteneriat cu Great Lakes Community Action Partnership cu suportul financiar al Departamentului de Stat SUA, Biroul pentru Democrație, Drepturile omului și a muncii.

Pentru o vizită virtuală în s. Cișmichioi, UTA Găgăuzia accesați pagina de facebook a Institutului pentru Inițiative Rurale.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

National Consultant to manage the piloting of Unified Public Service Centers
(CUPS Manager)

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Modernization of Government Services Project

Project ID No. P148537

Reference No.: MD-eGA-172072-CS-INDV

The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Modernization of Government Services Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The objective of the assignment is to manage all activities related to CUPS piloting preparation, piloting itself, and assisting in rolling out CUPS at national level. During the assignment, the Consultant will closely interact with the Chief Reengineering Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Legal, Communication and M&E Departments as well as the Consulting Firm, which has prepared the CUPS feasibility study and the piloting assessment report.

The e-Governance Agency now invites individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions) and meet the following minimum qualification requirements:

Mandatory requirements

• Demonstrated experience in project management in public or private sectors (3 years);
• Familiarity with international project management frameworks;
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in Romanian and English;
• Excellent time-, team-, meeting- and conflict- management skills;
• Strong self-organization and planning skills;
• Autonomy and ability to work with minimum supervision.

Preferred requirements

• Experience in public service reform;
• Experience in service provision, especially with regards to service quality management (public or private);
• Experience in supervision of contracts for training activities, procurement of goods and works would be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with Design Thinking and/or other citizen-centric methodologies;
• International certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent);
• Knowledge of e-Government agenda;
• Experience with development organizations.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers, dated January 2011, revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 09:00 to 17:00 local time.

Time Frame: This is a full-time assignment expected to commence in July 2020 with a three-month trial period. The initial contract will be signed for a period of 12 months and can be extended subject to the Consultant’s good performance and the same fee rate. 

For further details, please see the Terms of Reference  

Interested qualified candidates should submit their letters of intent and CVs with the mark CUPS Manager by June 26, 2020 COB to the address below:

E-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova

Attn: Elena Adam, Procurement Specialist

e-mail: procurements@egov.md

MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova,

42B, A. Puskin str.

Phone: (+373 22) 820-021

Modernization of Government Services Project

Project ID No. P148537

TERMS OF REFERENCE

for a National Consultant to manage the piloting of Unified Public Service Centers
(CUPS Manager)

1. Background

The Government of Moldova is determined to fundamentally change the way how public services are provided in Moldova through a variety of interventions for modernization of service delivery, which combat corruption, foster a customer care culture, enhance access, as well as increases efficiency in the Moldovan public administration.

Therefore, one of the main objectives of the Public Administration Reform Strategy for 2016-2020^[1], and Government’s working program for years 2020-2023 is the modernization of public services. 

Moldova has made considerable progress both in terms of public administration reform, exceeding indicators average of countries in Europe and Central Asia and countries with middle and low income, as well as the size of Government modernization that uses information and communication technology (ICT), the Government of creating a world-class ICT infrastructure that allows the development and supply of electronic services to the highest quality standards.

Current situation in the sector 

Even though some progress has been made over the last decade, citizens still view corruption as a significant problem. While business process and e governance reform efforts have somewhat improved business services, such measures have not yet been applied to administrative services.  

Businesses and citizens continue to face many constraints in the interaction with the state, one of the most important of which is corruption perceived by 40 percent of companies as a major impediment to business (according to the World Bank, EBRD Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (2013)^[2]. Institutional reforms aimed at reducing corruption are also at the forefront of the EU’s requirements for Moldova’s progress.  The most important challenges ahead are strengthening the rule of law, reforms in public administration, including professionalism and anti-corruption efforts and improving competitiveness and the business environment. 

Although the Government has launched the reform of public services in 2014-2016 and has committed to digitize and provide online access to all public services by 2020, lack of capacity and expertise to perform re-engineering and process optimization remains a problem that prevents achieving this.  Also, there is room for rationalization to over 580 existing public services by withdrawing from use the obsolete services. 

To meet these challenges, the Government, in accordance with the Public Administration Reform Strategy for the years 2016-2020 (especially the component "Modernization of Public Services") plans a major transformation exercise (qualitative and quantitative) of administrative public services, provided by central public administration authorities through: a) removing outdated public services or merging several services in one; b) increasing access to local public services through various channels; c) reducing the number of documents required for public services, and the duration of performance; e) ensuring a high level of satisfaction with the quality of government service delivery.

The Government of Moldova has requested the assistance of the World Bank for a PAR operation, planned for 2018 - 2023 (Modernization of Government Services Project – MGSP). Major results of the operation include better quality, accessibility, and increased efficiency of selected governmental administrative services through the following components:

1. Administrative Service Modernization

The key activities under this component focus on re-engineering a group of government to citizen and government to business administrative services, piloting of one-stop-shops for public service delivery in selected locations and explore the possibility of rolling out at national level; increased awareness of citizens on public services and availability of e-services.

1. Digital Platforms and Services

The main objective of this component is to digitize selected re-engineered government services; complete and strengthen a common infrastructure and mechanisms for rapid deployment of ICT-enabled public services; introduce government wide IT Management and Cyber Security standards and procedures. It will finance the acquisition of additional shared computing infrastructure elements, digitization of services needed to deliver Government services electronically and development of IT Management and Cyber Security standards and procedures as well as learning management system to mainstream them within the government. 

1. Implementation of a Service Delivery Model

The objective of this Component is to ensure that the institutional capabilities of key government agencies are aligned with and support the new model of public services delivery. Technical assistance will be provided to all institutions responsible for the delivery of public services re-engineered and digitized under MGSP, as well as partner entities participating in Unified Public Services Centers (CUPS) pilots. The Component will also address the capabilities of structural units in the government responsible for public services modernization reform management and coordination. 

Under MGSP, the Government undertakes a multilayered reform that focuses on key administrative central government public services to reduce time and burden for citizens and businesses and improve service delivery quality, transparency and efficiency by using innovative solutions and ICT. Its key pillars are: i) modernization of the public services so that they are more accessible to any citizen and business; ii) service provision standardization, simplification through business process re-engineering and digitization, with a focus on on-line services; iii) citizen feedback and performance monitoring on service delivery for on-going improvement.

1. Project Management

This Component will support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), based in the e-Governance Agency (eGA) and will ensure the activity the core e-Governance Agency team.

CUPS^[3] – bringing central government services closer to citizens

In order to bring government services closer to the citizens, the e-Governance Agency (eGA) has conducted a feasibility study for outsourcing the front-office segment of service provisions (this includes but is not limited to receiving applications for services and delivering the results of the service). As target institutions for outsourcing, the local public administration (LPA) has been deemed as the most appropriate from the point of view of legal framework readiness, infrastructure, capabilities and geographical coverage. Due to high number of citizens which are abroad, Moldovan diplomatic missions and consular offices (MDOC) have been deemed a feasible complementary option to the local public administration. The CUPS concept includes existing Multifunctional Centers operated by Public Services Agency, however, formally, they will not be included in the piloting.

The National Council for Public Administration Reform has preliminarily approved the public policy proposal on CUPS and has tasked the eGovernance Agency to do an in-depth analysis of the costs involved to pilot the CUPS concept in 20 locations (a mix of LPAs and MDOCs). This analysis is currently being undertaken with the help of a consulting firm and is expected to complete by the time the current assignment will start.

It is expected that the piloting process will take about 12 months. In case the legal, technical and economic feasibility of CUPS will be demonstrated during the piloting period, an additional number of at least 60 CUPS will be rolled out throughout the country and in diplomatic missions.

1. Objectives of the assignment

An individual consultant will be hired by eGA to manage all activities related to CUPS piloting preparation, piloting itself, and assisting in rolling out CUPS at national level. During the assignment, the Consultant will closely interact with the Chief Reengineering Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Legal, Communication and M&E Departments as well as the Consulting Firm, which has prepared the CUPS feasibility study and the piloting assessment report.

III. Scope of work 

The CUPS manager will undertake the tasks aimed to support CUPS piloting, including but not limited to the tasks identified below.

Pilot preparation activities:

1. Based on the shortlist of CUPS locations and services to be provided in CUPS, develop and implement the action plan for piloting preparation (for each location);

Together with the Consulting Firm,

1. Perform an in-depth analysis of the services selected to be piloted in CUPS and develop the operating procedures for the piloting period (including technical and operational support);
2. Identify training needs, coordinate development of training materials and oversee the trainings on operating procedures for provision of selected services;
3. Based on the findings of the Piloting Assessment Report developed by the Consulting Firm, develop the terms of reference, manage the procurement and contract for (a) refurbishment works to be undertaken at each target location, (b) furniture and equipment (c) other goods as needed for proper piloting;

Together with eGA Legal Department and the Consulting Firm:

1. Develop the institutional and legal framework required for CUPS piloting (inter-institutional agreements, regulations and work instructions, Government Decision etc., as needed);

Together with eGA Inter-component Coordinator

1. Develop the terms of reference, manage the procurement and contract for training in citizen-centric service delivery for CUPS staff;

Together with the Chief Reengineering Officer and Chief Digital Officer:

1. Identify the ICT tools that could facilitate CUPS piloting;

Together with the eGA Communication and PR Manager and eGA Partnerships Specialist:

1. Provide key input to the strategic planning and implementation of CUPS-related visual identity, communication & advocacy strategies (CUPS segment), including managing the production and dissemination of CUPS-related communication & PR materials, and partnerships frameworks in the context of CUPS piloting and eventual scaling.

Together with the Monitoring and Evaluation team:

1. Identify the list of key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets that will be used to measure CUPS performance (including but not limited to the indicators in the MGSP results framework).

Provide strategic input into the concept development, and coordinate the implementation of quantitative and qualitative researches related to the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of services provided via CUPS, levels of uptake, operational activity and productivity etc.

Pilot support activities:

During the piloting activities, ensure, on a continuous basis:

1. Support to CUPS locations and service providers in providing selected services via CUPS;
2. Implementation of a large-scale communication and marketing plan and media campaign aimed to promote service delivery via CUPS at central (service providers premises, online resources etc.) and local (selected villages and diplomatic missions) levels;
3. Continuously measure the indicators identified under pt. I.8 and adapt the piloting plan as needed to achieve the set targets.

Post-pilot activities:

1. Develop a CUPS piloting evaluation report, outlining the main findings during piloting, recommendations for improvement of services delivery, comparison between actual indicators and planned targets (for example, in terms of number of beneficiaries, degree of satisfaction, economic feasibility etc.);
2. Develop and implement the roadmap for CUPS institutionalization and roll-out at national level.

1. Outputs

The main outputs of the CUPS manager include, but are not limited to:

1. Piloting action plan (baseline) updated on a regular base;
2. Operating procedures for selected services for piloting;
3. CUPS training plan, training materials and training report;
4. Terms of reference for CUPS preparation (refurbishment, equipment and furniture etc.);
5. Proposed institutional and legal framework for CUPS piloting;
6. Terms of reference for CUPS branding and communication materials and campaign;
7. List of indicators for CUPS piloting;
8. Monthly reports including performed activities (piloting support, communication and marketing, KPIs, risk and opportunities etc.);
9.  Evaluation report at the end of piloting period;
10. Roadmap for CUPS institutionalization and roll-out at national level.

Note: Many of the outputs will not be produced by the CUPS manager solely (e.g. operating procedures, trainings, legal framework), but they are included in this section as it is his/her responsibility to contribute to their development and final production and validate as being of appropriate quality.

1. Timing

This is a full-time assignment expected to commence in July 2020 with a three-month trial period. The initial contract will be signed for a period of 12 months and can be extended subject to the Consultant’s good performance and the same fee rate.

1. Institutional arrangements

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of and report to the Chief Reengineering Officer.

The Consultant will undergo an internal evaluation of performance using an individual standard Performance Evaluation Form that will be completed and updated by the Consultant, discussed with and approved by eGA, every 12 months. The first evaluation will cover the trial period. Negative performance evaluation documented in the individual Performance Evaluation Form may lead to contract termination earlier than the period of contract duration specified in the contract.

VII. Resources

The e-Governance Agency will provide working space, office equipment and communication facilities (including access to the Internet), as well as any other necessary means and support for Consultant to carry out this assignment.

VIII. Qualification requirements and evaluation criteria

Mandatory requirements

• Demonstrated experience in project management in public or private sectors (3 years);
• Familiarity with international project management frameworks;
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in Romanian and English;
• Excellent time-, team-, meeting- and conflict- management skills;
• Strong self-organization and planning skills;
• Autonomy and ability to work with minimum supervision.

Preferred requirements

• Experience in public service reform;
• Experience in service provision, especially with regards to service quality management (public or private);
• Experience in supervision of contracts for training activities, procurement of goods and works would be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with Design Thinking and/or other citizen-centric methodologies;
• International certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent);
• Knowledge of e-Government agenda;
• Experience with development organizations.

[1] http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=366209

[2] https://www.beeps-ebrd.com/reports/beeps-v/moldova/

[3] CUPS, abbreviated from Unified Service Provision Centers (Romanian term Centre Unificate de Prestări Servicii) is a concept of omni-channel strategy of public service provision through one-stop-shops, whereby access to public services will be provided, on one side, online (via the portal of public services servicii.gov.md) and, on other side, by locally-deployed service centers.

Safeguard Global is a global provider of accounting, payroll, and HR administration services for international customers. We help people get paid in over 179 countries through our global managed payroll and workforce solution. We believe that our passion and love for laughter makes us a better company. At Safeguard, we care for each other and that is what makes us different. Our main goal is to ensure that we give our best, that we develop our talents, that we accept responsibility, and that we prefer to choose what is right over what is easy.

As a French Speaking Accountant, your key responsibilities would include:

• Managing end to end payroll processes for our global clients (well-known companies from different industries and locations) and ensuring accurate and timely data flow between clients and local payroll partners; 
• Acting as the main contact for our clients and ensuring excellent communication and issues resolution;
• Submitting accurate payroll data to the clients or partners;
• Ensuring that assigned projects are delivered within schedule and quality;
• Using regularly Company’s HR payroll software;
• Acting as a brand ambassador and good steward of the company.

We would love to hear from you if:

• You speak English and French;
• You have an economic/financial/international relations education background and would enjoy working in this field. We also welcome students in their last year at University who are eager to put their knowledge into practice;
• You are excited to develop yourself in an international environment;
• You have little experience in payroll or in other related fields, that is a plus, but not a requirement. Our talented team will be more than happy to share with you their knowledge.
• You are trusted and never compromise your ethics

We offer you:

• Great opportunity to work in a global company
• Integration in a dynamic and multicultural working environment
• Multiple career development opportunities (trainings, courses, team-buildings)
• Flexible internal policies
• International travelling

We are a rapidly growing team with great clients and great opportunities for those who are seeking a new challenge. At Safeguard, we are passionate about what we do, and we encourage our people to share the same vision. If you are ready for a new beginning, it is the time to join our journey. Please send your CV to valeriatrinca@safeguardglobal.com indicating the position you are applying for.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

National Consultant to manage the piloting of Unified Public Service Centers
(CUPS Manager)

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Modernization of Government Services Project

Project ID No. P148537

Reference No.: MD-eGA-172072-CS-INDV

The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Modernization of Government Services Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The objective of the assignment is to manage all activities related to CUPS piloting preparation, piloting itself, and assisting in rolling out CUPS at national level. During the assignment, the Consultant will closely interact with the Chief Reengineering Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Legal, Communication and M&E Departments as well as the Consulting Firm, which has prepared the CUPS feasibility study and the piloting assessment report.

The e-Governance Agency now invites individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions) and meet the following minimum qualification requirements:

Mandatory requirements

• Demonstrated experience in project management in public or private sectors (3 years);
• Familiarity with international project management frameworks;
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in Romanian and English;
• Excellent time-, team-, meeting- and conflict- management skills;
• Strong self-organization and planning skills;
• Autonomy and ability to work with minimum supervision.

Preferred requirements

• Experience in public service reform;
• Experience in service provision, especially with regards to service quality management (public or private);
• Experience in supervision of contracts for training activities, procurement of goods and works would be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with Design Thinking and/or other citizen-centric methodologies;
• International certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent);
• Knowledge of e-Government agenda;
• Experience with development organizations.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers, dated January 2011, revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 09:00 to 17:00 local time.

Time Frame: This is a full-time assignment expected to commence in July 2020 with a three-month trial period. The initial contract will be signed for a period of 12 months and can be extended subject to the Consultant’s good performance and the same fee rate. 

For further details, please see the Terms of Reference  

Interested qualified candidates should submit their letters of intent and CVs with the mark CUPS Manager by June 26, 2020 COB to the address below:

E-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova

Attn: Elena Adam, Procurement Specialist

e-mail: procurements@egov.md

MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova,

42B, A. Puskin str.

Phone: (+373 22) 820-021

Modernization of Government Services Project

Project ID No. P148537

TERMS OF REFERENCE

for a National Consultant to manage the piloting of Unified Public Service Centers
(CUPS Manager)

1. Background

The Government of Moldova is determined to fundamentally change the way how public services are provided in Moldova through a variety of interventions for modernization of service delivery, which combat corruption, foster a customer care culture, enhance access, as well as increases efficiency in the Moldovan public administration.

Therefore, one of the main objectives of the Public Administration Reform Strategy for 2016-2020^[1], and Government’s working program for years 2020-2023 is the modernization of public services. 

Moldova has made considerable progress both in terms of public administration reform, exceeding indicators average of countries in Europe and Central Asia and countries with middle and low income, as well as the size of Government modernization that uses information and communication technology (ICT), the Government of creating a world-class ICT infrastructure that allows the development and supply of electronic services to the highest quality standards.

Current situation in the sector 

Even though some progress has been made over the last decade, citizens still view corruption as a significant problem. While business process and e governance reform efforts have somewhat improved business services, such measures have not yet been applied to administrative services.  

Businesses and citizens continue to face many constraints in the interaction with the state, one of the most important of which is corruption perceived by 40 percent of companies as a major impediment to business (according to the World Bank, EBRD Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (2013)^[2]. Institutional reforms aimed at reducing corruption are also at the forefront of the EU’s requirements for Moldova’s progress.  The most important challenges ahead are strengthening the rule of law, reforms in public administration, including professionalism and anti-corruption efforts and improving competitiveness and the business environment. 

Although the Government has launched the reform of public services in 2014-2016 and has committed to digitize and provide online access to all public services by 2020, lack of capacity and expertise to perform re-engineering and process optimization remains a problem that prevents achieving this.  Also, there is room for rationalization to over 580 existing public services by withdrawing from use the obsolete services. 

To meet these challenges, the Government, in accordance with the Public Administration Reform Strategy for the years 2016-2020 (especially the component "Modernization of Public Services") plans a major transformation exercise (qualitative and quantitative) of administrative public services, provided by central public administration authorities through: a) removing outdated public services or merging several services in one; b) increasing access to local public services through various channels; c) reducing the number of documents required for public services, and the duration of performance; e) ensuring a high level of satisfaction with the quality of government service delivery.

The Government of Moldova has requested the assistance of the World Bank for a PAR operation, planned for 2018 - 2023 (Modernization of Government Services Project – MGSP). Major results of the operation include better quality, accessibility, and increased efficiency of selected governmental administrative services through the following components:

1. Administrative Service Modernization

The key activities under this component focus on re-engineering a group of government to citizen and government to business administrative services, piloting of one-stop-shops for public service delivery in selected locations and explore the possibility of rolling out at national level; increased awareness of citizens on public services and availability of e-services.

1. Digital Platforms and Services

The main objective of this component is to digitize selected re-engineered government services; complete and strengthen a common infrastructure and mechanisms for rapid deployment of ICT-enabled public services; introduce government wide IT Management and Cyber Security standards and procedures. It will finance the acquisition of additional shared computing infrastructure elements, digitization of services needed to deliver Government services electronically and development of IT Management and Cyber Security standards and procedures as well as learning management system to mainstream them within the government. 

1. Implementation of a Service Delivery Model

The objective of this Component is to ensure that the institutional capabilities of key government agencies are aligned with and support the new model of public services delivery. Technical assistance will be provided to all institutions responsible for the delivery of public services re-engineered and digitized under MGSP, as well as partner entities participating in Unified Public Services Centers (CUPS) pilots. The Component will also address the capabilities of structural units in the government responsible for public services modernization reform management and coordination. 

Under MGSP, the Government undertakes a multilayered reform that focuses on key administrative central government public services to reduce time and burden for citizens and businesses and improve service delivery quality, transparency and efficiency by using innovative solutions and ICT. Its key pillars are: i) modernization of the public services so that they are more accessible to any citizen and business; ii) service provision standardization, simplification through business process re-engineering and digitization, with a focus on on-line services; iii) citizen feedback and performance monitoring on service delivery for on-going improvement.

1. Project Management

This Component will support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), based in the e-Governance Agency (eGA) and will ensure the activity the core e-Governance Agency team.

CUPS^[3] – bringing central government services closer to citizens

In order to bring government services closer to the citizens, the e-Governance Agency (eGA) has conducted a feasibility study for outsourcing the front-office segment of service provisions (this includes but is not limited to receiving applications for services and delivering the results of the service). As target institutions for outsourcing, the local public administration (LPA) has been deemed as the most appropriate from the point of view of legal framework readiness, infrastructure, capabilities and geographical coverage. Due to high number of citizens which are abroad, Moldovan diplomatic missions and consular offices (MDOC) have been deemed a feasible complementary option to the local public administration. The CUPS concept includes existing Multifunctional Centers operated by Public Services Agency, however, formally, they will not be included in the piloting.

The National Council for Public Administration Reform has preliminarily approved the public policy proposal on CUPS and has tasked the eGovernance Agency to do an in-depth analysis of the costs involved to pilot the CUPS concept in 20 locations (a mix of LPAs and MDOCs). This analysis is currently being undertaken with the help of a consulting firm and is expected to complete by the time the current assignment will start.

It is expected that the piloting process will take about 12 months. In case the legal, technical and economic feasibility of CUPS will be demonstrated during the piloting period, an additional number of at least 60 CUPS will be rolled out throughout the country and in diplomatic missions.

1. Objectives of the assignment

An individual consultant will be hired by eGA to manage all activities related to CUPS piloting preparation, piloting itself, and assisting in rolling out CUPS at national level. During the assignment, the Consultant will closely interact with the Chief Reengineering Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Legal, Communication and M&E Departments as well as the Consulting Firm, which has prepared the CUPS feasibility study and the piloting assessment report.

III. Scope of work 

The CUPS manager will undertake the tasks aimed to support CUPS piloting, including but not limited to the tasks identified below.

Pilot preparation activities:

1. Based on the shortlist of CUPS locations and services to be provided in CUPS, develop and implement the action plan for piloting preparation (for each location);

Together with the Consulting Firm,

1. Perform an in-depth analysis of the services selected to be piloted in CUPS and develop the operating procedures for the piloting period (including technical and operational support);
2. Identify training needs, coordinate development of training materials and oversee the trainings on operating procedures for provision of selected services;
3. Based on the findings of the Piloting Assessment Report developed by the Consulting Firm, develop the terms of reference, manage the procurement and contract for (a) refurbishment works to be undertaken at each target location, (b) furniture and equipment (c) other goods as needed for proper piloting;

Together with eGA Legal Department and the Consulting Firm:

1. Develop the institutional and legal framework required for CUPS piloting (inter-institutional agreements, regulations and work instructions, Government Decision etc., as needed);

Together with eGA Inter-component Coordinator

1. Develop the terms of reference, manage the procurement and contract for training in citizen-centric service delivery for CUPS staff;

Together with the Chief Reengineering Officer and Chief Digital Officer:

1. Identify the ICT tools that could facilitate CUPS piloting;

Together with the eGA Communication and PR Manager and eGA Partnerships Specialist:

1. Provide key input to the strategic planning and implementation of CUPS-related visual identity, communication & advocacy strategies (CUPS segment), including managing the production and dissemination of CUPS-related communication & PR materials, and partnerships frameworks in the context of CUPS piloting and eventual scaling.

Together with the Monitoring and Evaluation team:

1. Identify the list of key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets that will be used to measure CUPS performance (including but not limited to the indicators in the MGSP results framework).

Provide strategic input into the concept development, and coordinate the implementation of quantitative and qualitative researches related to the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of services provided via CUPS, levels of uptake, operational activity and productivity etc.

Pilot support activities:

During the piloting activities, ensure, on a continuous basis:

1. Support to CUPS locations and service providers in providing selected services via CUPS;
2. Implementation of a large-scale communication and marketing plan and media campaign aimed to promote service delivery via CUPS at central (service providers premises, online resources etc.) and local (selected villages and diplomatic missions) levels;
3. Continuously measure the indicators identified under pt. I.8 and adapt the piloting plan as needed to achieve the set targets.

Post-pilot activities:

1. Develop a CUPS piloting evaluation report, outlining the main findings during piloting, recommendations for improvement of services delivery, comparison between actual indicators and planned targets (for example, in terms of number of beneficiaries, degree of satisfaction, economic feasibility etc.);
2. Develop and implement the roadmap for CUPS institutionalization and roll-out at national level.

1. Outputs

The main outputs of the CUPS manager include, but are not limited to:

1. Piloting action plan (baseline) updated on a regular base;
2. Operating procedures for selected services for piloting;
3. CUPS training plan, training materials and training report;
4. Terms of reference for CUPS preparation (refurbishment, equipment and furniture etc.);
5. Proposed institutional and legal framework for CUPS piloting;
6. Terms of reference for CUPS branding and communication materials and campaign;
7. List of indicators for CUPS piloting;
8. Monthly reports including performed activities (piloting support, communication and marketing, KPIs, risk and opportunities etc.);
9.  Evaluation report at the end of piloting period;
10. Roadmap for CUPS institutionalization and roll-out at national level.

Note: Many of the outputs will not be produced by the CUPS manager solely (e.g. operating procedures, trainings, legal framework), but they are included in this section as it is his/her responsibility to contribute to their development and final production and validate as being of appropriate quality.

1. Timing

This is a full-time assignment expected to commence in July 2020 with a three-month trial period. The initial contract will be signed for a period of 12 months and can be extended subject to the Consultant’s good performance and the same fee rate.

1. Institutional arrangements

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of and report to the Chief Reengineering Officer.

The Consultant will undergo an internal evaluation of performance using an individual standard Performance Evaluation Form that will be completed and updated by the Consultant, discussed with and approved by eGA, every 12 months. The first evaluation will cover the trial period. Negative performance evaluation documented in the individual Performance Evaluation Form may lead to contract termination earlier than the period of contract duration specified in the contract.

VII. Resources

The e-Governance Agency will provide working space, office equipment and communication facilities (including access to the Internet), as well as any other necessary means and support for Consultant to carry out this assignment.

VIII. Qualification requirements and evaluation criteria

Mandatory requirements

• Demonstrated experience in project management in public or private sectors (3 years);
• Familiarity with international project management frameworks;
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in Romanian and English;
• Excellent time-, team-, meeting- and conflict- management skills;
• Strong self-organization and planning skills;
• Autonomy and ability to work with minimum supervision.

Preferred requirements

• Experience in public service reform;
• Experience in service provision, especially with regards to service quality management (public or private);
• Experience in supervision of contracts for training activities, procurement of goods and works would be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with Design Thinking and/or other citizen-centric methodologies;
• International certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent);
• Knowledge of e-Government agenda;
• Experience with development organizations.

[1] http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=366209

[2] https://www.beeps-ebrd.com/reports/beeps-v/moldova/

[3] CUPS, abbreviated from Unified Service Provision Centers (Romanian term Centre Unificate de Prestări Servicii) is a concept of omni-channel strategy of public service provision through one-stop-shops, whereby access to public services will be provided, on one side, online (via the portal of public services servicii.gov.md) and, on other side, by locally-deployed service centers.