Individual Consultant - OPBRC Specialist

Project: P180153 - Moldova Rural Connectivity Project Reference: MRCP/I7/01 Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT OPBRC SPECIALIST Legal, Regulatory, and Institutional Assessment to Enable Output and Performance-Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) in Moldova Moldova Rural Connectivity Project (P180153) The objective of the Rural Connectivity Project for Moldova is to improve climate-resilient road connectivity in selected rural communities and to enhance road transit through selected border crossings with Romania. 1. Objective of the Consultancy The objective of the assignment is to assess the legal, regulatory, institutional, and market conditions required to enable the introduction of Output and Performance-Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) in Moldova and to define a practical and sequenced roadmap for their implementation. 2. Scope of Services The consulting services include, but are not limited to: Review of the legal, regulatory, and policy framework relevant to OPBRC implementation; Assessment of institutional arrangements and capacity of key stakeholders; Market and industry analysis related to OPBRC readiness; Identification of key gaps, constraints, and risks; Preparation of recommendations, OPBRC Operational Framework and an OPBRC implementation roadmap; Preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for a follow-on consulting firm assignment to support OPBRC technical preparation and procurement. 3. Qualification Requirements and Experience i. Qualifications Advance degree in law, engineering, economics or related fields ii. General Professional Experience (25 points) At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in transport infrastructure, public procurement, construction law/regulation, or infrastructure policy. Proven track record of working on road sector development projects , preferably in developing or transition economies. iii. Specific Experience with Performance-Based Contracting (50 points). Proven experience in conducting legal, regulatory, and institutional framework assessments , particularly in the infrastructure or transport sectors. Experience in long-term road maintenance contracting, including lifecycle costing, risk allocation, and performance monitoring frameworks. Understanding of multi-year contracting and performance-based payment mechanisms; Familiarity with international best practices in performance-based contracting, including approaches used by institutions such as the World Bank and other multilateral development banks. Experience in working on projects financed by the World Bank or other international financial institutions (e.g., EBRD, ADB, etc.). Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, or advisory support of Output and Performance-Based Road Contracts (OPBRC) or similar performance-based contracting mechanisms in the road sector will be considered as an advantage. iii. Working Experience in region and Language Skills (25 points) Experience working in Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, or other transition economies, particularly in public sector reform or transport infrastructure. Familiarity with the institutional and regulatory context of Moldova is an advantage. Excellent command of English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian is an advantage for stakeholder consultations. Candidates must achieve at least 70 points out of 100 to be considered technically qualified. The contract will be awarded to the highest-ranked qualified candidate , subject to successful negotiations. 4. Terms and Conditions The assignment is expected to be carried out over a period of 2 months (8 weeks) . The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained following a request to the Client to the e-mail address below or on NRA’s website www.andsa.md . 5. Selection The Client now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. The selection of the Consultant will be conducted in accordance with the World Bank “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in IPF of Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services”, dated February 2025. Interested qualified candidates should submit their expressions of interest and CVs, with the mark OPBRC SPECIALIST not later than June 8th, 2026 , local time 12:00 at the e-mail address below. Executing Agency (Client) National Road Administration Attn: Mrs. Natalia Capatina Office 336, Bucuriei str. 12A, MD 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova E-mail: procurement@andsa.md Website: www.andsa.md