Request For Expressions Of Interest Consulting Services

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
CONSULTING SERVICES
 
Enhancing Quality of Financial Report Project
 
Consulting Service
For
Reform international strategic consultant
 AL-EQ-FINREP/IV.2/IC-CS
 
 
ALBANIA
Project: Enhancing Quality of Financial Report (EQ FINREP)  
Project ID: P152567
Assignment Title:  Reform international strategic consultant
Ref. No:  AL-EQ-FINREP/IV.2/IC-CS
 
This request for expressions of interest follows the general procurement notice for the Enhancing Quality of Financial Reports Project (EQ-FINREP), that appeared in the United Nations Development Business on line on 15 December  2015 and in the Public Procurement Agency Bulletin No.51 dated 28 December 2015  and also in the Ministry of Finance of Albania website and local newspapers.
 
The Government of Albania has received financing in the amount of  1.850.000 Euro equivalent from the World Bank toward the cost of the Enhancing Quality of Financial Reports Project (EQ-FINREP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for consulting services for “Reform international strategic consultant”.
Corporate financial reporting is an important element of developing the Albanian market and its role is growing, along with the corporate sector development and an increase in direct foreign investment. The findings of World Bank’ diagnostic assessment - Accounting and Auditing Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (A&A ROSC) in 2006 has led towards need for programmatic approach to enhance the financial reporting in Albania. Based on the recommendations of the 2006 A&A ROSC The Country Action Plan to Enhance Corporate Financial Reporting in Albania (CAP) was adopted in February 2009, SC. The first phase of CAP has been implemented during The Corporate Financial Reporting Enhancement Project, which has contributed in improvement of legal and institutional framework for financial reporting in Albania. Beside of achievements of CFREP, still there are match to be done to enhance the financial reporting in Albania. Further legal changes are required in audit law to achieve full compliance with the EU acquis communautaire. Ensuring adequate funding and institutional arrangements for audit oversight and quality assurance remain also a critical issue and further improvement of audit methodologies and techniques is needed.
 
Under this assignment support will be provided to stressing and maintaining the strategic objectives of the project, assist the Albanian stakeholders in drafting detailed Terms of References for various parts of the project, cooperate with and provide strategic guidance on the activities of the local project coordinator, provide insight on the gaps during project implementation and recommend best solutions or changes. Cooperate with the World Bank’s CFRR with regard to project implementation and update on new developments and priorities, assistance during the preparation of semi-annual and annual progress reports.
The effort level is maximum 50 days spread during the project implementation period up to July 2017, with at least 20 working days to be spent on site. 
The Central Finance and Contracting Unit in the Ministry of Finance of Albania invite eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services.
 
Short listing criteria are:
Graduate degree or higher in Accounting/Finance or a recognized Accounting or Auditing certification.
At least 10 years of experience in Financial Reporting and/or Auditing.
Knowledge of IFRSs and ISAs.
Previous experience with World Bank Group or other donor in implementing financial reporting reform is preferred.
Proven track record in managing project and strategic thinking.
Ability to understand local counterparts and circumstances.
Excellent knowledge of English language. 
 
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 & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011 edition, 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 method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.
 
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00, Mondays to Thursdays, and from 08:00 to 14:00 on Fridays.  
 
The complete Terms of Reference is posted on the website of CFCU: http://cfcu.minfin.gov.al.
 
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by mail, or by e-mail within March 31th, 2016.
 
Manol Simo, General Director
Central Finance and Contracting Unit (CFCU)
Ministry of Finance
Blvd: Dëshmorët e Kombit, No. 3, Tirana, Albania
Tel: +355 4 24 51 180
E-mail: [email protected]