Legal Expert

Republic of North Macedonia Ministry of Transport V A C A NC Y ANNOUNCEMENT Recruitment of Individual Consultant

Job Position: LEGAL EXPERT

WBTTFP–8929-MKD-411L-2 General Information: The Ministry of Transport (the CLIENT) intends to engage a highly qualified individual consultant to provide services as Legal Expert of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the Trade and Transport Facilitation Project (TTFP), the Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP), and the Grant Facility for Project Preparation for the Railway Sector Reform Project (GFPP for the RSRP). The assignment is full-time until November 15, 2027. The Consultant shall be available to commence the assignment no later than thirty (30) days from receipt of the notification of selection. Project Background: The TTFP is implemented in its first phase in Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania, the Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) is in final phase of implementation and the Project Preparation for the Railway Sector Reform Project (GFPP for the RSRP) is in preparation phase and shall be implemented in North Macedonia. The PIU in North Macedonia is staffed with different expert profiles to support implementation, monitoring and coordination of the Projects. The Trade and Transport Facilitation Project Phase 1 is implemented in Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. In North Macedonia, it includes investments, technical assistance, and regulatory and institutional reforms, including the National Single Window (NSW), improvements at the border crossing points at Deve Bair and Kjafasan, deployment of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) on the A1 motorway (Corridor X), and related technical assistance. The Local Roads Connectivity Project (LRCP) supports selected municipalities through investments in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and upgrading of local roads and streets to improve mobility, connectivity and road safety. Investments may also include sidewalks, bicycle paths, street lighting, slope and landslide stabilization, junction improvements, pedestrian crossings, drainage, and capacity building of municipal staff. The Grant Facility for Project Preparation for the Railway Sector Reform Project (GFPP for the RSRP), Grant No. TF0D2237, supports preparation of the proposed Railway Sector Reform Project, including procurement readiness, market engagement and analysis, preparation of terms of reference, technical documentation and bidding documents, and capacity-building activities. Position Objective: The Legal Expert shall support and report to the Project Director and Project Coordinator and provide legal advice on project activities, contracts and administrative procedures. The Legal Expert is responsible for supporting compliance with the applicable North Macedonian legal framework, relevant project documents, contractual provisions and World Bank requirements; preparing and reviewing contractual instruments, amendments and annexes; and identifying and mitigating legal risks that may affect Project implementation. Immediate superiors: Project Director and Project Coordinator. The Legal Expert shall coordinate closely with the relevant Procurement Specialist and Contract Manager on procurement and contractual matters.

Tasks and Responsibilities: The Legal Expert shall carry out the following legal and administrative responsibilities, including but not limited to:

- Prepare and review contractual documentation, amendments and annexes, in cooperation with the relevant Project Managers and the Procurement Specialist and Contract Manager, in accordance with the applicable Project Operations Manual (POM), Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the relevant legal agreements between the Republic of North Macedonia and the World Bank, applicable World Bank requirements and relevant North Macedonian legislation; - Provide legal advice and support on matters arising during implementation of the TTFP, LRCP and GFPP for the RSRP, in coordination with the relevant PIU team members and competent authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, legal support for contract implementation, preparation and review of information and submissions to the Government, and assistance with other legal matters arising under applicable national legislation in connection with project activities; - Control and ensure that all respective project activities and reporting obligations are in strict accordance with the POM, Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the relevant legal agreements between the Republic of North Macedonia and the World Bank, World Bank’s procedures, and North Macedonian national legislation; - Control and ensure that all reporting and contractual obligations of the PIU staff and consultants are performed in a timely manner and in accordance with the legal provisions of their respective contracts; - Coordinate the legal review, control, and validation of all project deliverables related to service and works contracts, ensuring that payments are legally justified and backed by proper documentation; - Ensure that contractual deadlines and legal requirements applicable to service, works and goods contracts under the TTFP, LRCP and GFPP for the RSRP are monitored and addressed; - Support the PIU team in addressing and implementing the World Bank’s comments, recommendations and requirements, and provide legal support for the necessary actions in accordance with applicable World Bank regulations and procedures and WB Team guidance; - Assist the Project Director, Project Coordinator and Procurement Specialist and Contract Manager in preparation and review of project management and legal documents, including contract templates, scope statements and project procedures; - Provide legal review and advice in relation to project procurement processes, including review of bidding/selection documents and evaluation documentation for consistency with applicable national law and project requirements; - Support the Procurement Specialist and Contract Manag