CALL FOR EXPERTS FOR TRAININGS DELIVERY

1. INTRODUCTION

Youth Entrepreneurial Service Foundation (contractor), address: “16-ta Makedonska brigada” 13B, 1001 Skopje, implementer of the project “Strengthening capacities and mechanisms for supporting Chapter 20 reform processes (YESNetwork+)”, funded by the European Union, calls for international experts from EU for delivery of trainings in the field of EU Chapter 20 of the acquis: Enterprise and industrial policy.

Introduction to the project
YESNetwork+ project is designed to specifically address the need for increased capacity, structured CSOs’ coordination and raised awareness in relation to the reform processes under Chapter 20 of the Acquis – Enterprise and industrial policy.

Despite increased focus on introducing enterprise-friendly environment, Macedonia still faces serious challenges when it comes to increasing SME competitiveness. The implementation of enterprise and industrial policy as highlighted by the European Enlargement Policy requires adequate administrative capacity at national, regional and local level. All actors including CSOs need to work closer during both policy formulation and implementation in order to deal more effectively with the challenges faced by the Macedonian economy: improving competitiveness, increasing productive investment, diversifying exports, creating conditions for sustainable economic growth and EU convergence, strengthening the business framework (legal and institutional), including by implementing EU single market law.

CSOs in Macedonia do recognize this need to engage with policy processes more effectively. However, nowadays policy contexts are challenging, policy processes are complex and CSOs are often financially insecure, have weak capacity and are poorly connected. As stated in the EC country progress report, CSOs’ participation in policy making processes is implemented inconsistently. Moreover, while well established companies are dully represented through different trade unions, chambers and professional organisations, the needs of the start-up companies and young entrepreneurs are rarely taken into account when policies and programmes are being developed.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute towards implementing the Chapter 20 in the EU accession process of the Republic of Macedonia. Through the planned activities, the project will address some of the identified challenges and contribute among others to strengthening the capacities for evidence-based research, civil dialogue, policy monitoring and national/international networking.

The goal of the trainings is strengthening the capacity of CSOs for policy making, networking and monitoring of Chapter 20 policies at national and local level, building new skills and knowledge important for the EU accession process.
 

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIRED SERVICES

Youth Entrepreneurial Service Foundation calls for international experts from EU for delivery of trainings including the following topics:

1 (one) trainer for delivery of training on “Evidence-based industrial policy” including the following indicative topics:

• The value of evidence based policy
• Industrial diagnosis
• Types of evidence
• Establishing useful evidence
• Industrial policy instruments and methodology

 
1 (one) trainer for delivery of training on “Innovation policy & assessment” including the following indicative topics:

• About Innovation Policy
• Design of Innovation policy for SMEs and IPR
• Innovation policy evaluation

 
1 (one) trainer for delivery of training on “Designing smart specialization strategy” including the following indicative topics:

• What is Smart specialization strategy
• Why and when do we need it & opportunities
• Methods - how to design Smart Specialization Strategy on regional/national scale

 
**The indicative topics are suggested as a guideline for the potential applicants.
**The applicants may choose to apply for one or more trainings.
 
The target group of the trainings are Civil Society Organizations active in area of Chapter 20 – Enterprise and industrial policy.
 
The trainer will be engaged in duration of 5 days, 4 days for preparation of the program and materials and 1 day for training delivery. The indicative timeline for delivery of the trainings is from March to May 2018. Place of delivery is Skopje, Macedonia.
 
The travel costs for the trip to and from Skopje, and per diems for 2 days for each trainer will be covered by the contractor. The overall organization of the trainings including logistics, finding trainees and promotion of the training is responsibility of the contractor.
 
The trainers job requirements include:

• To prepare a program and work materials for the training according the guidelines of the contractor
• To prepare questionnaire for participants to assess the level of satisfaction and usefulness of the training program
• To deliver a training for 25-30 participants, within 1 working day

3. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICANTS

The applicants are required to send the following documents as part of their application:

• CV
• List of references
• Proposed training program for delivery (theoretical and practical part)
• Cost of the service (gross amount including personal tax), per each day, for a total of 5 days

4. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The following evaluation criteria will be used for evaluation of the received applications:
 

5. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants should send their applications containing complete documentation by e-mail to sofija.cali@yes.org.mk not later than 09.03.2018 (Friday), specifying the training topics they apply for (applicants may apply for one or more trainings). Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
 

6. INFORMATION

For more information please contact us at sofija.cali@yes.org.mk or +389 2 3108 891.
Contact point: Sofija Cali Kuzmanova, Project manager, YES Foundation.

  The project funded by the European Union, IPA civil society facility and media programme 2015, implemented by the Youth Entrepreneurial Service Foundation, Foundation for Management and Industrial Research and Association for rural development JAVOR - Zrnovci

This project is financed

by European Union