Co- funded by the EU

Open Call for Consulting Services

Subject: Support Western Balkan economies to conduct fully-

fledged assessment of digital skills gaps and needs for

target groups

Title: Technical assistance to the Western Balkan region to

conduct fully-fledged assessment of digital skills gaps

and needs for target groups

RCC Department: Programme Department

Reporting to: RCC Secretariat

Duration: 13 September 2021 – 30 December 2021

Eligible: Legal entities/ Consulting companies

Reference Number: 070-021

TERMS OF REFERENCE

I. PURPOSE

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the Western Balkans (WB) to assess

gaps and needs related to digital skills of the employees in both central and local government

in each Western Balkan economy. The consultancy aims to support the work of RCC in

collection of data, data analysis, as well as to provide expert advice on potential activities,

projects or programmes to meet the identified digital skills needs and close the digital skills

gaps of public administration employees at central and local government based on insights

and findings from the fully-fledged assessment.

II. BACKGROUND

Common Regional Market (CRM) 2021-2024 Action Plan endorsed by WB Leaders at the

Berlin Process Summit held on 10 November 2020 in Sofia represents a steppingstone for

WB economies to better integrate into the pan-European market and consists of four key

areas that have a transformative effect, starting with the four freedoms approach (free

movement of goods, services, capital and people), increasing the attractiveness of the region

for foreign investors, integrating the WB into the pan-European digital area and transforming

the industrial base and innovation infrastructures.

The objectives and actions proposed under CRM build on the work and achievements of the

Multi-annual Action Plan for a Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) endorsed by Western

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Balkan Leaders in 2017 in Trieste with the aim of promoting further trade integration,

introducing a dynamic regional investment space, facilitating regional mobility, and creating

a digital integration agenda. In the area of digital skills, CRM has envisaged developing

digital skills strategies as well as agreeing on short and mid-term regional actions for digital

upskilling.

Many training programmes dedicated to digital upskilling have been implemented over the

years in the Western Balkans in line with strategic goals of each economy. Despite this, in

light of digitalisation efforts invested in the region as well as given the challenges induced by

Covid-19, all Western Balkan economies have put great importance on digital skills and

competence upgrading.

To address digital skills at the regional level, a Regional Multi Stakeholders Working Group

was established last year, with representatives coming from WB economies and international

organisations active in the area of digital skills - the first meeting was held on 27 April 2020,

launching the dialogue addressing the prospects of developing digital skills strategy(ies) in

Western Balkans. The second meeting of the working group, held on 23 April 2021, aimed at

presenting and elaborating on the draft methodological framework with the view to define the

scope and details for a fully-fledged assessment of digital skills needs and gaps in the

Western Balkans as well as brainstorm on the way forward and next steps. Public

administration has been included in the methodological framework as a target group, given

the requests made by the economies at the regional meetings. Three strategic emerging

businesses/industries in each economy whose digital skills knowledge/competence as well as

gaps and needs will be assessed were also identified.

III DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Objectives and scope of the assignment

The overall objective of the consultancy is to conduct a fully-fledged assessment of digital

skills gaps and needs of the public administration (i.e. employees) in both central and local

government through in-depth data analysis and preparation of comprehensive reports with

insights, findings and advice. Furthermore, the consultancy aims at providing expert advice

on potential activities, both at regional and economy level, to meet the identified digital skills

needs.

For the purpose of this consultancy, a legal entity/consulting company (hereinafter the

consultant) will be engaged to carry out all tasks defined in the ToR. The assessment for the

local government, in particular data collection and preparation of focus group meetings will

be conducted in partnership with NALAS. This assignment targets all Western Balkan

economies.

The scope of the consultancy includes the following:

1. Conduct a fully-fledged assessment of digital skills needs and gaps of employees

working in the public administration, for both central and local governments in all

Western Balkan economies using digital tools, following a methodological

framework1 provided by RCC.

1 Methodological framework, questionnaire as well as samples for each WB economy, both at central and local level, will be shared with the

consultant after the contract is signed

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2. Provide expert advice through adequate reports and presentations on potential

activities, projects or programmes for meeting the identified digital skills needs and

closing the identified digital skills gaps based on insights and findings from the fully-

fledged assessment.

Specific tasks

1. Preparatory tasks

a. Validation of the methodological framework and the sample(s) through

interviews with the relevant agency/institution responsible for public

administration (i.e. civil servants) from each economy2

2 Central Government will cover mainly ministries but the scope may be extended to the most relevant agencies or regulatory

authorities with prior consultation with WB6 and the RCC

Co- funded by the EU

b. Preparation and set-up of the questionnaire in the digital tool to be used for

collecting data and monitoring the process within the quantitative part of the

assessment.

2. Collection of data

a. Conduct the quantitative part of the assessment based on the methodological

framework:

i. Distribute the questionnaires through relevant entry points in each of

the Western Balkan economies;

ii. Collect data based on the process proposed in the Work Plan, ensuring

the data quality and concurrence with the sample quotas is not

compromised.

b. Conduct the qualitative part of the assessment based on the methodological

framework and the results of quantitative part of the assessment:

i. Define the detailed structure of respondents for both focus groups

defined within each Western Balkan economy;

ii. Prepare guidelines for both types of focus groups;

iii. Conduct the actual focus groups in person or online, depending on the

situation and possibilities at the given moment.

3. Data analysis and generation of comprehensive reports with insights, findings and

advice:

a. Perform in-depth analysis based on data collected from the quantitative part of

the assessment elaborating on needs and gaps identified for each economy,

competency, location, level, etc.;

b. Perform in-depth analysis based on data collected from the qualitative part of

the assessment elaborating on whether the findings from the quantitative part

are validated, the profound insights from employees’ point of view and other

valuable insight that emerge from the groups;

c. Produce a comprehensive assessment report based on individual analysis,

providing expert insights and advice based on the findings from both parts of

the assessment;

d. Analyse the supply side for digital skills identified by the assessment as the

ones with the biggest needs and gaps (including but not limited to: training

programmes dedicated to digital upskilling in the Western Balkans in the last 3

years, outcomes of those programmes, stakeholders involved, etc.).

4. Provide expert advice on potential activities, projects or programmes for meeting the

identified digital skills needs and closing the identified digital skills gaps based on

insights and findings from the fully-fledged assessment.

5. Liaise with the RCC and the Western Balkan economies focal point(s) during the

whole process so as to adjust any needs.

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Deliverables

1. Work Plan (including entry points for both parts of the assessment, structure of teams

and communication for data collection, tools to be used for data collection, project

management details, methodologies to be used, etc.);

2. Report with qualitative research findings and analysis;

3. Report with quantitative research findings and analysis;

4. Final reports (separate for each level of government, central and local) on the digital

skills needs and gaps in the WB public administration based on the assessment reports

mentioned under bullets 2 and 3;

5. 2 pager with at least 3 regional activities/trainings/projects/programmes for digital

upskilling of the target group – public administration in the Western Balkan

economies.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to come up with the best approaches for undertaking this project

and the associated tasks. The following guiding principles should be taken into consideration:

● Desk review of relevant documents that serve as inputs and framework for

undertaking this project and associated tasks;

● CAPI, CATI, CAWI research techniques to be used for the quantitative part of the

assessment;

● Relevant statistical tools for extracting data insights including but not limited to

SPSS, R, Python, etc.;

● Communication/interviews in each economy with relevant stakeholders to facilitate

collection of any needed information;

● Any other method applicable.

Lines of communication

The team leader/project manager will report to the RCC Secretariat, Senior Expert on

Economic and Digital Connectivity.

At least two meetings with the RCC team need to be planned and included in the

Work Plan, one before the start of the project to elaborate on expectations and

deliverables, and one upon the completion of data analyses, both quantitative and

qualitative. If need be, additional meetings with the RCC may be organised.

Liaise with ReSPA, NALAS and/or any other relevant stakeholder/expert organisation

working with public administration in the Western Balkans economies, as deemed

appropriate.

Timeframe

The level of engagement expected is within the period starting on 13 September 2021 and

ending not later than 30 December 2021. A meeting with RCC shall be organised prior to the

start of the work.

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Deliverables Duration Due date

1. Work Plan 1week 17 September 2021

2. Quantitative part of the assessment - data

collection

3-4 weeks 11 October 2021

3. Quantitative part of the assessment - data

analysis and 1st draft (at least 1 week between

activities 3 and 4 for preparation)

2 weeks 25 October 2021

4. Qualitative part of the assessment - data

collection

2 weeks 8 November 2021

5. Qualitative part of the assessment - data analysis

and 1st draft

2 week 22 November 2021

IV COMPETENCIES

Qualifications:

Education: All the experts should have degree in economics, business, ICT,

social sciences, education or other areas directly related to the

subject of work

Experience:

For team leader/project manager:

Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in project management

field, i.e. in planning, leading, execution, time management,

budgeting, etc.

Knowledge of digital skills assessment and managing projects in

this field is considered an advantage.

Managing projects on a regional, multiple-economies scale is

considered an advantage.

At least 2 experts that will conduct the research and perform data analysis:

Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in preparation and

6. Final report(s) (Final report(s) should entail

quantitative and qualitative data analyses in two

separate reports i.e. one report for each level of

government, central and local)

3 weeks 13 December 2021

TOTAL 13 - 14

weeks

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conducting of surveys, data analysis and insights generation;

Relevant experience in needs/gaps/skills assessment is considered

an advantage;

Relevant international experience in conducting surveys in different

countries/economies is considered an advantage.

One of the experts should also have knowledge on local government

and proven working experience with it.

At least 1 expert on digital transformation and upskilling:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in digital transformation

projects, including but not limited to needs/gaps/skills assessment,

preparation of survey and questionnaires to assess digital skills and

knowledge gained through formal and non-formal education.

Experience in working with government institutions on developing

skills and knowledge assessment, monitoring programmes dedicated

to education and skills development, conducting skills mismatch

analysis, etc.

At least 1 expert on public administration:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in public administration,

public administration reform projects or consulting in the public

administration sector.

Relevant experience in needs/gaps/skills assessment is considered

an advantage.

Experience with public administration reform projects in different

countries/economies is considered an advantage.

For all experts:

Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and write

concisely and clearly.

In-depth knowledge of the economies covered by the assignment.

Demonstrable experience in writing and reporting on complex

multi-sector or multi-country programme development related to

skills development and analysis (samples of work to be provided).

Proven communication and presentation skills and ability to work in

an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple

actors including government representatives, businesses, civil

society institutions, donors and other stakeholders.

Language

requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English, as the official language of

the RCC.

Knowledge of other RCC languages is an advantage.

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Other: N.A.

Core Values

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling RCC values and ethical standards;

He/she is independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities defined by

the Terms of Reference;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and

is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and

achieving results;

Result-oriented; plans and produces quality results to meet the set goals, generates

innovative and practical solutions to challenging situations;

Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex

concepts and recommendations clearly;

Team work: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations in a

culturally diverse team;

Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with regional and national

partners and stakeholders.

V QUALITY CONTROL

The expert should ensure an internal quality control during the implementing and reporting

phase of the assignment. The quality control should ensure that the draft reports and

deliverables comply with the above requirements and meet adequate quality standards before

sending them to stakeholders for comments. The quality control should ensure consistency

and coherence between findings, conclusions and recommendations. It should also ensure

that findings reported are duly substantiated and that conclusions are supported by relevant

judgment criteria.

The views expressed in the report will be those of the contractor and will not necessarily

reflect those of the Regional Cooperation Council. Therefore, a standard disclaimer reflecting

this will be included in the reports. In this regard, the expert may or may not accept

comments and/or proposals for changes received during the above consultation process.

However, when comments/proposals for changes are not agreed by the expert, he/she should

clearly explain the reasons for his/her final decision in a comments table.

VI APPLICATION RULES

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The application needs to contain the following:

Technical Offer;

Financial Offer.

Technical Offer

Company profile including a brief description (up to 2 pages) of the company;

Copy of Company’s Registration Certificate ;

Financial records - company’s balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement for the

past 2 years;

CVs of experts, outlining relevant knowledge and experience as described in the Terms of

References, along with contact details of referees;

Concept note outlining the proposal of the methodology, timeline and the research

and analytical tools to be used in carrying out the assignment;

List of references for relevant activities implemented over the past years demonstrating

relevant experience in the subject matter;

Application Submission Form (Annex I);

Signed Statement of Availability (Annex II).

Financial Offer (Free format)

The financial offer should reflect the following:

All figures should be expressed in EUR;

VAT amount, if applicable, should be presented.

When preparing the financial offer, the applicant should take into account the following:

The proposed budget should include fee rate for consulting services broken down by tasks;

the fee rates should be broadly consistent with the regional rates for these types of

professional services.

Submission of applications:

Applications need to be submitted by 13 September 2021, by 17:00 Central European

Time to the following address ProcurementforRcc@rcc.int

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Please make sure that the application is submitted in two separate folders, one

containing Technical Offer and the other Financial Offer. The documents should be

submitted in the form of copies of the originals.

Please note that RAR files are not preferable due to the RCC antispam policy.

VI. EVALUATION RULES:

The consultancy will be awarded to the highest qualified bidder based on the

relevance of skills and expertise to this assignment;

The applications are evaluated following these criteria:

EVALUATION GRID Maximum score

A. Technical Offer (A.1+A.2+A.3) 100

A.1. Work experience, references list:

Relevant work experience; evidence of other contracts of

the size comparable to that of the Call; experience with

clients comparable to the Contracting Authority.

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A.2. Quality and professional capacity of the

consultant(s):

CV(s) satisfy the criteria set forth in the Terms of

Reference, education and experience demonstrate

professional capacity and experience required.

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A.3 Quality of the concept note:

Concept note outlining the proposal of the methodology,

timeline and the research and analytical tools to be used

in carrying out the assignment.

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B. Financial Offer/ lowest price has maximum score 100

Score for offer X =

A: [Total quality score (out of 100) of offer X / 100] * 80

B: [Lowest price / price of offer X] * 20

In addition to the results of the technical and financial evaluation, competency-based

interview will be held with the selected bidder.

Information on selection of the most favourable bidder

The RCC Secretariat shall inform candidates and bidders of decisions reached concerning the

award of the contract as soon as possible, including the grounds for any decision not to award

a contract for which there has been competitive tendering, or to recommence the procedure.

Standard letter of thanks for participation to unsuccessful bidders shall be sent within 15 days

after the contract is signed with the awarded bidder.

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The candidates and bidders wishing to receive feedback may send a request within 15 days

after receipt of the standard letter of thanks.

The request may be sent to the e-mail address ProcurementforRcc@rcc.int or to the address

of the RCC Secretariat:

Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat

Attention to: Administration Department

Building of the Friendship between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Trg Bosne i Hercegovine 1/V

71000 Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Appeals procedure

Bidders believing that they have been harmed by an error or irregularity during the award

process may petition the RCC Secretariat directly. The RCC Secretariat must reply within 15

days of receipt of the complaint.

The appeal request may be sent to the e-mail address ProcurementforRcc@rcc.int or to the

address of the RCC Secretariat:

Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat

Attention to: Administration Department

Building of the Friendship between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Trg Bosne i Hercegovine 1/V

71000 Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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ANNEX I: APPLICATION SUBMISSION FORM

REF: 070-021 Open Call for Consultancy Services

Subject:

One signed copy of this Application Submission Form must be supplied.

1 SUBMITTED by:

Name(s) and address(es) of the bidder submitting this

tender

Full Company Name

or

Name of the legal entity/

2 CONTACT PERSON (for this Call)

Name

Surname

Address

Telephone

Fax

e-mail

3 DECLARATION

[Company Name ] ______________ hereby declares that we have examined and accepted,

without reserve or restriction, the entire contents of the Open Call for Consultancy 070-021.

And we are not in one of the following situations:

(a) Bankrupt or being wound up, having our affairs administered by the courts, have

entered into an arrangement with creditors, have suspended business activities, are

subject of proceedings concerning those matters, or are in any analogous situation

arising from a similar procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations;

(b) Have been convicted of an offence concerning our professional conduct by a

judgment which has the force of res judicata;

(c) Have been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means which the

Contracting Authority can justify;

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(d) Have not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions

or the payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in

which we are established or with those of the country of the Contracting Authority or

those of the country where the contract is to be performed;

(e) Have been the subject of a judgment which has the force of res judicata for fraud,

corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation or any other illegal activity.

(f) Are civil servants or other agents of the public administration of the RCC Participants,

regardless of the administrative situation, excluding us from being recruited as experts

in contracts financed by the RCC Secretariat.

We offer to provide the services requested in the open call for consultancy on the basis of

supplied documentation subject of this call, which comprise our technical offer and our

financial offer.

Name and Surname of the

legal representative

Signature

Date

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ANNEX III: STATEMENT OF AVAILABILITY

REF: 070-021

By representing the Entity_________________________ we agree to participate in the

above-mentioned tender procedure. We further declare that we are able and willing to work

for the period(s) foreseen for the position for which our CVs have been included in the event

that this tender is successful, namely:

Full Name Available from

(Date)

Available until

(Date)

Acceptance by

signature

Number of

man-days

associated to

each task from

the ToR