Open call for consultants

Assessment of possible river ecosystem restoration activities in Mavrovo and Shar Mountain National Parks and preparation of river ecosystem restoration plans

The Center for Environmental Research and Information “Eko-svest” within the framework of the project “Protection of rivers by establishing monitoring and practices for restoration of riverine habitats in protected areas” funded by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), announces a call for engagement of a consultant for the assessment of possible ecosystem restoration activities in Mavrovo and Shar Mountain National Parks.

The assessment should be based on the existing Analysis of threats to rivers document and analyse and prioritise restoration actions in both National parks.

PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT

The Consultant will be engaged on a short‐term basis to prepare an analysis of possible restoration activities in ecosystems affected by various identified impacts, outlined in the Analysis of threats to rivers. It is expected that the consultant prepares a priority list of restoration activities for each of the national parks with an agreed set of criteria and outlines the type and nature of restoration activities to be undertaken. In addition, it is expected that the consultant proposes nature-based solutions as part of the proposed restoration measures and elaborates on the benefits from restoration activities for the dependent ecosystems. The consultant is expected to perform field visits to gather detailed information about the sites proposed for restoration activities.

The consultant is expected to produce a final report in English or Macedonian.  

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CANDIDATES

We require a qualified expert who meets the following criteria:

– Advanced education in the relevant field,

– A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the specified area,

– Prior experience in preparation of restoration plans, preferably in North Macedonia.

TERMS OF THE CALL

Individual experts and legal entities/companies can apply to the call.

Qualified candidates should submit their application documents electronically via email to [email protected] , with the subject line “Application for an Expert for restoration plan”.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The following documents are required for the application of an individual expert:

• Proposal of activities, addressing the necessary project deliverables specified in this call (Annex 1)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs
• Signed declaration of nonexistence of conflict of interest (Annex 2), English version

The following documents are required for the application of legal entities/companies:

• Proposal of activities, addressing the necessary project deliverables specified in this call (Annex 1)
• Company portfolio with at least three previously completed projects in the relevant area
• Curriculum vitae (CV) for each expert who will participate, including information on at least three previous projects related to this issue for each team member
• Financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs
• Signed declaration confirming eligibility to participate in procurement (Annex 3), English version

Note!

Eko-svest will require the selected bidder to submit the following documentation before concluding a cooperation agreement:

Certificate of Registered Activity of the Supplier; confirmation of solvency; Confirmation/Information from the Central Registry for Prohibition of Performing Activity and Register for Penalties of Legal Entities; Certificate of paid taxes and contributions; a statement that it meets the criteria for participation; CVs of involved consultants; List of references/portfolio.

For any questions, please contact us at [email protected] by  August 18, 2025. Inquiries from interested bidders will be answered, forwarded to all invited bidders, and published on the Eko-svest website under the announcement of the call.

Submitted materials will be archived by Eko-svest. Offers received after the deadline or without complete documentation will not be considered.

DEADLINES AND TIMEFRAME

The call is open from August 13, 2025, to August 25, 2025.

Тhe entire consulting engagement will begin with the signing of the contract, and should be completed by November 29, 2025.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THE MOST SUITABLE OFFER

After the submission deadline, a committee of three members will evaluate the received offers. Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Candidate’s portfolio (40 points)

2. Proposal of activities, addressing the necessary project deliverables specified in this call (40 points)

3. Financial offer (20 points)

Total: 100 points.

Eko-svest will contact the selected bidders no later than seven days after the end of the bid submission period. A contract will be awarded to the candidate with the highest overall score, considering both the quality of the offer and the price.

CONTACT PERSON

Gjorgi Mitrevski, Water Programme Coordinator

[email protected],

Annex 1.  Terms of Reference for the preparation of Assessment of possible river ecosystem restoration activities in Mavrovo and Shar Mountain National Parks and preparation of river ecosystem restoration plans

The Consultant will be engaged on a short‐term basis to prepare an analysis of possible restoration activities in ecosystems affected by various identified impacts, outlined in the Analysis of threats to rivers. It is expected that the consultant completes the following tasks:

• Prepare a list of analysed affected ecosystems and findings, in line with identified threats from previous work,
  • Proposes restoration measures for each ecosystem identified as a candidate site for restoration
  •  Prepares a priority list of restoration activities for each of the national parks with according a set of criteria,
  • Elaborates the type and nature of restoration activities to be undertaken (incorporate nature-based solutions as part of the proposed restoration measures where possible)
  • Elaborate the benefits from restoration activities for the dependent ecosystems.
  • The consultant is expected to perform field visits to gather detailed information about the sites proposed for restoration activities.
  • The consultant is expected to perform meetings with the National Park authorities to be able to prepare the criteria for selection of priority sites for restoration. In this regard, the consultant should take into consideration the importance of the site according to the Management plan and other documents of the national parks and preparedness of the authority to assist and take part in restoration activities.
  • The consultant should prepare an estimated cost of restoration works for each of the priority sites elaborated by the analysis.
  • The consultant should reserve time to publicly present the findings of the analysis at an event organized by Eko-svest.

The consultant is expected to produce a final report in English or Macedonian. The report should not exceed 50 pages and should include maps and tables with proposed sites and measures.

The analysis should be prepared no later than November 29.2025.

A draft analysis should be shared with Eko-svest no later than October 15, 2025. All comments provided by Eko-svest should be incorporated and addressed in the final report.
The engagement of the expert is envisioned for a maximum of 15-20 expert days (including field visits and related travel costs).