Call for Expression of Interest: Invitation to Submit CVs fo...

Call for Expression of Interest
Invitation to Submit CVs for qualified experts
Reference Code: APLA/CEI-2024-02

1. Introduction
APLA Overview
Established in 1997, The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities – APLA is an independent institution that brings together all Local Government Units – LGUs across Palestine. APLA’s core mission is to represent the collective interests of LGUs, enhance their capacities through strategic advocacy and lobbying, and promote the exchange of information and best practices. APLA further serves as a channel of dialogue between the central government and LGUs, advocates for the rights of LGUs, and represents them at national, regional, and international levels, with a view to enabling them to improve the quality of services provided to Palestinian citizens.
APLA has developed and updated its strategic framework for the years 2023 – 2027, this strategy will provide a guiding document, which informs the APLA management, members, and partners to implement key policy interventions in line with the APLA vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

APLA strategic goals and objectives

Goal 1: Promote governance and performance at APLA
Strategic objectives:

• Strategic objective 1: Develop APLA’s institutional performance
• Strategic objective 2: Promote APLA’s financial sustainability

Goal 2: Contribute to enabling LGUs to provide equitable and inclusive services to citizens
Strategic objectives

• Strategic objective 3: Contribute to improving LGU performance to provide equitable and inclusive services 
• Strategic objective 4: Contribute to strengthening LGU financial stability
• Strategic objective 5: Increase citizens’ engagement in LGU functions
• Strategic objective 6: Contribute to strengthening the capacities of LGUs in the so-called Area C
• Strategic objective 7: Support preparedness for SDGs localization in LGUs
• Strategic objective 8: Support recovery and reconstruction efforts of LGUs in the Gaza Strip

Goal 3: Represent and defend LGU interests and issues at all national, regional and international levels

• Strategic objective 9: Take part in developing the policy and legal framework in the local government sector
• Strategic objective 10: Participate in representing Palestine and voicing national priorities at international forums
• Strategic objective 11: Develop partnerships among LGUs, both locally and internationally
• Strategic objective 12: Develop and apply mechanisms to influence and advocate for LGUs issues

To fulfil Its mandate, and to achieve its strategic goals and objectives, APLA is implementing multiple programs and projects, funded by APLA and many international donors. In the implementation of these programs, APLA relies on its internal resources and capacities, resources and expertise in the LGUs, and occasionally contracts external individuals as experts and consultants to support the implementation of some interventions in certain fields. These interventions span over experts to design specific activities, implement capacity building initiatives, develop policy or position papers, conduct a study or research, among other interventions.

Objective of the Call:
The main objective of this call is to identify and compile a list of qualified consultants and experts with the necessary skills and experience to support the (APLA) in implementing targeted interventions across various thematic areas. Through this initiative, APLA aims to establish a pool of professionals who can be called upon as needed to contribute to high-impact projects, ensuring that APLA can effectively drive progress and excellence in implementing its interventions.

To this end, APLA invites qualified professionals to submit their CVs with a cover letter for consideration as a potential consultant in APLA’s pool of experts in the fields of interest as described below.

2. Scope of Expertise Needed
Specific Expertise Needed:
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Implementing and monitoring Sustainable Development Goals in local governance.
2. Organizational Development: Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of LGUs through organizational assessments, capacity building, and change management.
3. Local Government Legislation: Advising on legal frameworks and by-laws for local government sector.
4. Municipal Finance: Developing financial strategies, budgeting, and fiscal management for municipalities.
5. Municipal Planning: Guiding urban planning, land use, and municipal development.
6. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Creating and managing public-private partnerships for public projects.
7. Environmental Management: Expertise in sustainable environmental practices, waste management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
8. Local Economic Development: Strategies and initiatives aimed at stimulating local economies, promoting job creation, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
9. Policy Reform: Reviewing and implementing policies to improve local governance and service delivery.

3. Qualifications and Evaluation Process
3.1 Expert Qualifications
1. Minimum bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position of interest. Higher degrees are preferred.
2. Minimum Ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in Palestine.
3. Have excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and Arabic languages.
4. Experience in local government sector, multi-level government, donors’ driven projects, and semi- governmental organizations is a must.
3.2 Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of the expert will be based on Three (3) main criteria:
1. General Expertise (Years of Experience)
• Assess the expert’s total professional experience, considering the number of years they have been active in their field.
2. Relevant Field Expertise (Years of Experience in Specific Field)
• Evaluate the expert’s experience directly related to the specific area or theme.
3. Education Level:
• Review the highest level of education attained, with consideration for degrees and relevant certifications.

4. Submission Guidelines
4.1 Required Documents:
Interested professionals shall submit the following:
1- Most Recent CV.
2- Cover Letter: indicating the specific theme(s) you are interested in and how your skills align with APLA’s objectives.
3- Relevant Work Examples.

4.2 Submission Deadline:
Deadline for submission is August 31st, 2024.

4.3 Submission Method:
Send submissions to [[email protected]] with the subject line “Call for Expression of Interest”.
The Expert shall clearly list the fields/ themes he is interested in based on his experience.

4.4 Qualifying Professionals:
Submission to this call does not guarantee an invitation to future projects. All submissions will undergo a thorough evaluation process, and a shortlist will be created across different thematic areas.

5. Contact Information
NAME: Areej Abu Raidah
FUNCTION: Accounting and Procurement Coordinator
ADRESS: 2nd floor, Safad Bld., 10 Jabra Al Anqar str., Al Masyoun, Ramallah, Palestine
TEL. & FAX.: +972-2-2960712 & +972-2-2960713
E-MAIL: [email protected]