Individual Consultant - Social Expert

Project: P180153 - Moldova Rural Connectivity Project Reference: MRCP/I6/01 Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTANT SERVICES - LOCAL INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT - MRCP/I6/01) SOCIAL SPECIALIST 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. I. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY The objective of the assignment is to support the Client, the S.A. “Administrația Națională a Drumurilor”, in the implementation and oversight of social aspects related to Project implementation. The social specialist is expected to lead, manage and coordinate timely social standards implementation and ensure compliance with the World Bank and national requirements of the Republic of Moldova. The social specialist shall ensure that all social aspects are integrated into the project activities in line with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) documents. II. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS University degree in social science (anthropology, sociology, political economy, social development, etc.) or related fields; A minimum of 7 (seven) years of relevant work experience in social assessments, social surveys, public consultations, land acquisition processes and resettlement planning; Proven experience in working with private or public sector to identify social risks, develop mitigation measures to ensure compliance with good international practice and preparation of Social Assessments / Management Plans for governmental organizations, NGOs and/or local communities; Previous experience working with international organizations; working experience in social assessment for development projects, and familiarity with the World Bank’s ESS and procedures is considered an advantage; Understanding of Moldovan legislation on land acquisition and resettlement, access to information, public consultation, grievances, and social protection etc.; Core experience in infrastructure projects e.g. large constructions, roads, public civil works projects with experience in oversight and monitoring of implementation of social risk management plans at the project level; Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically and synthesize diverse socially related data and information; Experience in planning and conducting public consultation meetings with different stakeholders; Willingness to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders; Proficiency in English and Romanian languages; Computer skills (MS Office and familiarity with project management software, such as MS Project). III. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The main workplace of the Social Specialist will be in Chisinau, on a full-time basis, with the need for periodic visits in other localities of the country. The Social Specialist will be hired on a contractual basis. The Consultant shall provide services for the life of the Project, i.e. until November 30th, 2029 as currently planned. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained following a request to the Client to the e-mail address below. IV. 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. A firm is eligible to nominate an individual, however, only the experience and qualifications of the nominated individual shall be considered in the selection process, and the corporate experience shall not be taken into account. The firm, if proposing an individual, must specify whether the contract would be signed with the firm or the proposed individual. 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 September 2023. Interested qualified candidates should submit their expressions of interest and CVs, with the mark SOCIAL SPECIALIST not later than October 24th, 2025 , local time 11:00 at the e-mail address below. Executing Agency (Client) National Road Administration Attn: Mrs. Natalia Capatina Chief of the Procurement Section Office 401, Bucuriei str. 12A, MD 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova E-mail: procurement@andsa.md Website: www.andsa.md