M&E Consultant of PMT

ALBANIA REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) (CONSULTING SERVICES) Selection of Individual Consultant Climate Resilience and Agriculture Development Project in Albania

Project ID Number: No.: P178715

IBRD Loan Number: 94890

Assignment Title: “M&E Consultant of PMT”

(Ref. No. AL-MARD-560551-CS-INDV)” The World Bank is assisting the Government of Albania (GoA) with the financing of the Climate Resilience and Agriculture Development project (CRAD). This project aims to increase competitiveness and climate resilience of priority agri-food value chains. The expected outputs from the project are: (i) increased supply/sales to local agri-food businesses, (ii) increased agricultural productivity and production, lower costs and extended production season (iii) improved traceability, farmer’s market integration and the compliance with food safety and quality requirements, (iv) evidence-based decision making for resilience and sustainable agri-food systems. The Project consists of the following components, which will support the project objective: Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Access to Markets Enhancing Compliance with Food Safety and Quality Standards Strengthening Evidence-based Analysis Capacity of MARD and Municipalities

The services required to be contracted aim to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in ensuring successful implementation of the contract “M&E Consultant of PMT”. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is the lead implementation agency for this Project (CRAD) and publishes this Request for Expression of Interest with the aim of selecting an individual consultant as M&E Consultant of PMT who will be part (a team member) of the PMT and he/she will support the PMT in monitring and evalution issue compliance in the implementation of Project activities.

Objective of the Consultancy and Scope of Work

The primary objective of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist consultancy is to support the effective implementation of the Climate Resilience and Agriculture Development Project by establishing and operationalizing robust monitoring and evaluation systems. The M&E Specialist will ensure that project activities across all components are tracked, analyzed, and reported in alignment with the project’s development objectives of increasing competitiveness and climate resilience of priority agri-food value chains. The role will contribute to evidence-based decision-making, facilitate adaptive management, and strengthen institutional capacity at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and municipal levels, with a particular focus on stakeholder engagement and local context. Key activities and responsibilities include: Develop and implement a comprehensive M&E framework for the project, including clear indicators, data collection methodologies, and reporting protocols, in accordance with the project results framework and World Bank guidelines. Coordinate and oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data related to project outputs, outcomes, and impacts across all components, including productivity improvements, irrigation and drainage upgrades, compliance with food safety standards, and institutional strengthening. Support the MARD and municipalities in building capacity for consistent and comprehensive data collection, management, and analysis, ensuring integration of gender-disaggregated and beneficiary feedback indicators. Facilitate participatory monitoring processes, including the establishment and engagement of local monitoring groups composed of farmers, agri-food businesses, and other stakeholders, to enhance transparency and accountability in project implementation. Prepare periodic progress reports, evaluation summaries, and presentations for project management, government counterparts, and the World Bank, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for adaptive management. Contribute to the preparation and review of project documentation required for compliance with environmental and social safeguards, including monitoring of citizen engagement activities and grievance redress mechanisms. Provide technical support for scaling up digital tools such as the Irrigation and Drainage Management Information System (IDMIS) and GIS mapping, and ensure their effective use in monitoring project activities at municipal and central levels. Liaise with local stakeholders, including beneficiaries, community representatives, and implementing agencies, to ensure timely and accurate information flow and promote inclusive participation in M&E activities.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the consultant may be required to perform other related tasks as assigned by the designated supervisor. Required Experience and Qualifications The Consultant shall possess the following qualifications and experience: At least a university degree, preferably a Master's degree, in Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, Public Administration, Agricultural and Rural Development, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline. A minimum of fifteen (15) years of overall professional experience. At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects and program in the field of agriculture, food safety and irrigation. At least ten (10) years of professional experience working on projects financed by international development organizations, preferably in the agriculture and rural development sector. Previous experience with World Bank-financed projects will be considered a strong advantage. Demonstrated knowledge of results-based monitoring and evaluation methodologies and data analysis techniques. Excellent analytical, report writing, and presentation skills. Excellent command of written and spoken Albanian and English. Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwo