STANDARD TWINNING PROJECT FICHE
TWINNING PROJECT FICHE
1. Basic Information
1.1. Programme:
ENP National Action Programme 2008
1.2. Twinning number:
MD10/ENP-PCA/0T/10
1.3. Title:
Capacity Building in Regional Development in the Republic of
Moldova
1.4. Sector:
Other
1.5. Beneficiary:
Ministry of Construction and Regional Development, Republic of
Moldova
2. Objectives
2.1. Overall Objective
Support the development and implementation of Regional
Development Policy in Moldova.
2.2. Project purpose
To strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of
Construction and Regional Development, the National Coordination
Council for Regional Development and the National Fund for Regional
Development.
2.3. Contribution to the EU - Moldova Action Plan
The EU-Moldova ENP Action Plan is a political document, among
others laying out the strategic objectives of the cooperation
between Moldova and the EU. Its implementation will help fulfil the
provisions in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and
will encourage and support the further integration of Moldova into
European economic and social structures.
The EU Action Plan identifies several priority action areas
relevant to regional and rural development. It aims to promote
balanced regional development, as well as to reduce economic and
social disparities across the country, by implementing measures on
regional and rural development, taking as a basis the approach
envisaged in the EG-PRSP and using the integrated approach that
builds on results of donors’ past activity in the country, as well
as on EU best practice. It also seeks to develop a plan and
undertake specific actions to promote growth of SMEs in regions and
in rural areas.
First steps are to be taken to implement the national long-term
strategy on sustainable development in the framework of the ENP AP
for Moldova. It would include the completion of the establishment
of administrative structures and procedures to ensure strategic
planning of sustainable development and co-ordination between
relevant actors. Further steps could be taken to improve
integration of environmental considerations into other policy
sectors, particularly industry, energy, transport, regional
development and agriculture.
To ensure progress for implementation of the Action Plan, one of
the priority areas for support under the National Indicative
Programme (NIP) of Moldova 2011-2013 will be regional and local
development.
Under the Eastern Partnership, Moldova will receive assistance
to address economic and social disparities between regions within
the country and increase its internal cohesion through support for
economic and social development. This assistance will in part take
the form of support in the preparation of regional development
programmes modelled on EU cohesion policy and designed to target
local needs. The programme for Moldova should be agreed between the
Commission and Moldova by mid-2012. To assist Moldova in
establishing such a programme, support will be provided, as
appropriate, in the form of twinning or technical assistance for
the design of programmes and to prepare implementation structures.
The Regional Policy Dialogue which was established through a joint
declaration by the Prime Minister and the European Commissioner for
Regional Policy Johannes Hahn on 15 July 2010 will initially be
oriented towards meeting Moldova's needs so far as the preparation
of its PRDP are concerned, as well as being complementary to the
activities being carried out in the twinning programme. The
Regional Policy Dialogue will include technical information
sessions, exchanges of information and study visits by Moldovan and
EU regional officials. There could also be studies of particular
aspects of regional development in Moldova. In particular the aim
of the Regional Policy Dialogue will be to help Moldova select
appropriate pilot projects for 2013 on the basis of the NRDP. Such
interventions should be based on the needs of Moldova and take into
account its territorial organisation.
3. Description
3.1. Background and justification
Chisinau is the most developed area in Moldova. According to the
main indicators of socio-economic development, the disparity in the
Republic of Moldova between the municipality of Chisinau and the
rest of the administrative-territorial units is obvious:
· A relatively high concentration of economic activity in
Chisinau municipality;
· A severe imbalance between the high living standards in the
capital city and other localities;
· An enormous imbalance between the capital and the rest of the
territory in terms of physical infrastructure, accessibility of
public services such as transport, professional development,
cultural, social assistance, medical and a broad range of other
factors related to competitiveness and productive potential.
At the same time, development imbalances are seen also between
districts - more urbanised districts have a more favourable
social-economic situation. The most developed districts are
Taraclia and Basarabeasca districts as well as ATU Gagauzia.
There are differences in the general profile of the three
development regions as well – the North development region is more
urbanized and industrialized, mostly due to Balti city. Meanwhile,
the Centre development region is the biggest region in terms of
area and population but has a reduced urbanisation level; the South
region has the least urbanization level and conditions for
agriculture development are more risky due to regular occurrence of
droughts.
Moldova's economy is hit hard by the global financial and
economic crisis. Its GDP contracted by 6.5% in 2009, in sharp
contrast with the 7.2% GDP growth in 2008. External shocks, such as
falling remittances (by over 30%) and reduced FDI inflows (by
around half) and the slump in trade with the main partners (Russia,
Ukraine, Belarus and the EU) were the main causes. In 2009,
industrial production declined by around 22% compared to the
previous year. The unemployment rate was estimated in September
2009 at 6.2%. Moldova remains amongst the poorest countries in
Europe in per capita GDP terms.
To have better response to the economic crisis, the new
Government in November 2009 launched their “Economic Stabilization
and Recovery Plan for 2009-2011”. The Plan includes a sequence of
measures to improve the allocation of social assistance and prevent
social exclusion of the most vulnerable groups. Additionally, the
Committee on Strategic Planning was established to ensure an
integrated approach and more efficient coordination of strategic
planning including the sector priorities for development, at the
national level.
The Regional Development (RD) institutions are newly established
and their capacities for implementation of the Regional Development
policy are limited. The Ministry of Construction and Regional
Development was established in 2009 and took over the
responsibilities from the Ministry of Public Local Administration,
immediately developing and going ahead with the implementation of
the Action Plan of the National Strategy for Regional Development
2010-2012.
The three development regions were created according the study
done by the “Urbanproject” (institution under subordination of the
MCRD), and they do not have historical or economical rooting.
According to the NUTS classification, the two development regions
Northern and Central correspond to NUTS II level, and the Southern
one to NUTS III level. A coding of Statistical Regions will be
defined by Eurostat in agreement with the country.
The three development regions of Moldova with assistance
provided by the Project on “Cooperation in Regional Development”
(DFID, SIDA) elaborated the Regional Development Strategies (RDS)
of three regions, which were approved by the Government in February
2010. These are medium-term policy documents, including the
strategic framework in order to facilitate and stimulate the
spatial (territorial), economic and socially integrated development
of the regions.
While the regional development strategies were elaborated by the
development regions, the MCRD with the assistance of the Project on
“Cooperation in Regional Development” developed procedures and
manuals for the local governments to receive funding from the
National Fund for Regional Development for the projects developed
in line with the new development strategies of the regions. The
first call for project proposals was announced on 10th May
2010.
Selection processes related to the call for proposals.
The Regional Development Agencies are responsible for the
administrative compliance check of the proposals to be financed
from the NFRD. The Regional Development Council evaluates the
proposals and makes a selection based on transparent selection
criterion. The Ministry of Construction and Regional Development
assists the process and submits the proposals to the Evaluation
Committee, who evaluates and endorses the choices made by the
Regional Development Council in a recommendation for the National
Council. The National Council, approves or rejects on the basis of
the recommendations and finally, the Government approves the
inclusion in the funding plan for the NFRD.
According to the legislation Regional Development Agencies
should not only be depending on Governmental funding, but should
also develop their projects to receive funding from other donors.
Districts are the main component units of the development regions.
In administrative-territorial legislation, they have the same
status – second level administrative-territorial units – as
Chisinau and Balti municipalities and ATU Gagauzia. While both
Chisinau and ATU Gagauzia form separate development regions, Balti
is part of the North development region.
Regional Development Agencies, together with districts are the
main regional development planning units, but both of them are
“newcomers” to the development planning according the best practice
of the EU countries within last 10 years.
The Ministry of Construction and Regional Development is
actively participating in the negotiations of the New Association
Agreement between EU and Republic of Moldova as the regional
development field is selected though the first 8 priority areas to
be negotiated. Into this regard, the Ministry shall support and
strengthen the involvement of local and regional level authorities
in cross-border cooperation and the related management structures;
enhance cooperation through the establishment of an enabling
legislative framework; sustain and develop capacity building
measures and promote the strengthening of cross-border economic and
business networks.
3.2.Linked activities
Regional development in Moldova has been assisted over the
previous decade through three TACIS projects and donor funded
projects and programmes.
The TACIS project “Support to Regional Development Implementing
Bodies” (2005-2007), was implemented based on EU best practice for
the Regional Development. However, it did not always take into
account the existing national structures, their roles and
responsibilities. Therefore not all of the developed proposals were
approved (for example, on NFRD), but others had not reached the
expected results following the slow adoption of proposed regulatory
framework. The elaborated documents lack ownership within national
institutions due to being mainly prepared by international experts.
This has not contributed much to increase of the capacities within
local institutions (like National Strategy of Regional Development
which was not approved by the government).
The ongoing developments for the Regional Development sector are
currently supported by bilateral assistance projects and programmes
providing assistance both to the Ministry and to newly established
institutions.
Currently the MCRD participates in the Project “Cooperation in
Regional Development”, funded by the DFID and SIDA. This project
aims to support the Government of Moldova to implement the Regional
Development Law passed in December 2006 and roll out the (draft)
National Strategy for Regional Development (NSRD). Project follows
on from 3 EU TACIS projects that have supported the Government of
Moldova to develop a regional development concept, law and
strategy. The total value of the project is £4.2 million. The
project has two components. First, a programme of technical
assistance is being provided to cover a range of institutional
strengthening activities at both the national and regional levels.
Second, financing (£2 million) will be made available to the MoF
through the National Fund for Regional Development by DFID to fund
a range of projects included in the regional development strategies
(RDSs). The project will be active till December 2010, the total
life period of the project being 24 months. Currently an extension
for 2 months (till February 2011) is being negotiated. No potential
overlap with the proposed twinning project is envisaged.
The project has provided (is providing) assistance to the wide
range of activities, but mainly focusing on the development regions
and RDA's. The assistance was provided to the development of RDS
for the three development regions, building capacity of the RDA's,
development of the procedures for the NFRD and the monitoring and
evaluation system, as well as proposing statistics for the regional
development and reviewing the legislative and regulatory framework
for the Regional Development. These activities have served as the
first capacity-building steps for the RDAs and more work has to be
done through a Twinning project.
In February 2010 Ministry launched the project “Modernisation of
local public services in the Republic of Moldova” financed by GTZ,
with the objective to improve public services in rural communities
in Moldova. Project is planned for 5 years, divided in 2 phases:
(I: 1.2010 – 06.2012; II: 07.2012-12.2014). The budget of the
project is up to 3 million EUR for the first phase. Project
partners are the MCRD, the NFRD, the RDAs, villages, towns and
district administrations. Project will be piloted in 9-12 rural
communities from 3 districts (one district from each region).
Management capacities of selected communities will be
strengthened to enable them to provide improved public services. A
stronger participation of the civil society, the inclusion of the
private sector and an increased inter-communal cooperation will
improve the financial and organisational preconditions for the
delivery of improved public services.
The activities of the project will cover four dimensions
relevant for capacity development: people,
organisations/institutions, networks and policy. The project
components will include training and consulting in technical
aspects and administrative issues as well as planning and
development by international and national specialists, procurement
of goods as well as co-financing for selected infrastructural
projects. Furthermore, the project will assist the communities and
districts to apply for financial assistance from various national
and international funds for infrastructural improvements. All
project partners will be supported in strengthening existing
cooperation networks and building up new ones.
The MCRD will be supported in the elaboration of proposals for
the improvement of legal and financial conditions for the public
service infrastructure. Through the involvement of the newly
created RDAs it is envisioned that the support of local initiatives
will be provided in a coherent and coordinated manner and that
innovations and best practices can be disseminated in an efficient
and effective manner. The project will focus the activities on the
regional and local level.
3.3 Results
The mandatory results to be achieved by the project are:
1. Improved institutional structure, legislative and regulatory
framework for regional development.
2. Territorial Planning and Regional Development Integrated into
one planning framework
3. Strengthened capacity of the MCRD, NCCRD to address regional
development planning.
3.4.Activities
The Twinning Project will undertake the following
activities:
Note: The listed activities and the proposed means for achieving
the activities and results are indicative can be revised in the
framework of the preparation of the contract between twinned
institutions.
Component 0 - General (indicative)
In addition to the activities related to the three components
(mandatory results), the project will also carry out the
following:
0.1 Kick off meeting
The first month of the project will be used to allow the
installation of the Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA) in Moldova. The
RTA will have to be installed in his/her office within the
beneficiary. She/he will be introduced to the BC stakeholders of
the project and to his counterparts and staff. He/She will also
hire an assistant through an appropriate selection procedure.
A one-day kick off meeting will be organized in the first month
of the project, aiming at launching and presenting the project to
the stakeholders, the media and the public at large. In order to
guarantee large public information about the start of the project,
the meeting will be concluded with a press conference and a press
release.
Benchmarks: Stakeholders, media and public informed about the
start and content of the project by start of month 2.
Resources: RTA, PL, translation, rent of premises
0.2 Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings will be held to discuss project progress and to
solve any emerging problems. Monthly meetings will be attended by
the RTA, representatives of the beneficiary institution, the PAO
and when appropriate representation of the EU Delegation.
0.3 Steering Committee Meetings
Regular steering Committee meetings to promote effective
management and monitoring of project activities the Steering
Committee will meet at least once every three months (first in
month 3). Progress in the areas of the project’s interventions will
be discussed with the beneficiary and the members of the Steering
Committee.
0.4 Closing Conference
A closing conference (wrap up meeting) will be held during the
last two months of the project at which the results and impact of
the project will be presented to the beneficiary, the Moldovan
Government, the civil society and other donors. The Conference will
present recommendations for possible follow-up and lessons learned
for similar projects.
Benchmarks: Closing conference organized. Recommendations and
lessons learned formulated and discussed. Stakeholders, media and
public informed about the results of the project at its end.
Resources: RTA, PL, translation, rent of premises.
Component 1: Improved institutional structure, legislative and
regulatory framework for regional development.
1.1 Review the existing legislation for regional development
The Regional Development Law was approved in 2006, and since
then a lot of developments have taken place that require the
revision of the law and other legislative and regulatory documents.
During the second half of 2010 it is planned that the Project on
“Cooperation in Regional Development” (DFID, SIDA) will initiate
some brainstorming events to start the process of reconsidering the
legislation. This activity though, will not result in more than
awareness-raising of the need to revise the legal framework. Due to
time constraints, it will not have been taken beyond the output of
the brainstorming. To advance the revision process, the twinning
project will carry out a legislative review of the existing legal
framework. This review will take into account the strengths and
weaknesses of the legislative and regulatory framework for
implementation of the regional development policy as identified in
the brainstorming, including the status of the involved
institutions and their roles for implementation of the regional
development policy.
Benchmark: Review report on legislative and institutional
framework for regional development. Resources: RTA, Short term
experts input, translation as appropriate.
1.2 Revision of the legislative and regulatory framework for
regional development.
Based on the earlier carried out review, a proposal will be made
on the amendments to the legislative and regulatory framework that
would enables addressing the regional needs and develop efficient
approaches at the national and regional levels, with clear division
of responsibilities within institutions for regional development
having strong interrelationship of all involved partner
institutions (sector ministries, local and districts
administrations, NGOs). The legislation will be redrafted to take
into consideration the findings of the review.
The legal and regulatory framework needs to follow the best
practices of the EU countries, but allowing to build effective
regional development mechanisms and use proper regional development
instruments according the needs and capacities of Moldova.
Benchmark: revised regional development legislation
prepared.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
1.3 Review procedures on calls for proposals, application,
evaluation and selection of projects for the NFRD.
The NFRD is operational since 2010. The first call for proposals
was announced in May 2010. The Twinning project will review the
operational procedures that were applied for this call for
proposals with the aim to draw lessons that can be applied in the
update of the manuals and procedures for the next calls for
proposals. The experts will review issues such as the notification
of the call for proposals, the application forms (complexity and
completeness), the evaluation procedures and how the evaluations
were translated into awards. The review will make recommendations
on improvement to the procedures to be implemented.
Benchmark: Review report addressing shortcomings and lessons
learnt during the review process.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
1.4 Revision of the operational procedures of the NFRD on the
basis of the lesson drawn from the earlier review.
Earlier activities will have developed the recommendations for
adjustment to procedures, manuals and other documents that make up
the procedures for submission, evaluation, selection and award of
projects by the NFRD. In this activity, the experts will develop
amendments to Government regulations and manuals that implement the
regulations to ensure that the recommendations are properly
implemented and lead to an improvement in the operations of the
NFRD.
Benchmark: Revised legal framework for procedures of the
NFRD.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
Component 2: Territorial planning and regional development
integrated into one planning framework.
2.1 Study tours for territorial planning and Regional
Development experts.
Territorial planning is still being carried out on the basis of
outdated practices without linking it with regional development
objectives. 3 study tours for 5 persons for 5 days (6 RD experts
and 9 territorial planners) will be organised to study practice in
advanced EU member states in preparation of the review of the
Moldovan legislation and practices for territorial planning. By
visiting countries with a long history of advanced spatial planning
and sophisticated planning procedures, the study tours will create
awareness of the impact of different models of territorial planning
and their limitations. By doing so, it will help the Ministry staff
to play a meaningful role in the review and revision of territorial
planning legislation.
Benchmark: Study tours implemented.
Resources: Travel costs, translation, per diems
2.2 Review the existing legislation, methods and practices for
territorial planning.
Up to now, no substantial support had been provided for
territorial planning to change from the soviet town “General Plan”
approach to resource based planning covering areas of local
administrations, districts, regions and the country. This has
resulted in major shortcomings in territorial planning such as
development of residential or industrial areas without any communal
services and / or hard cover roads. As these shortcomings can have
an impact spanning decades, it is necessary to start addressing the
legal framework right now. Also, this activity will reduce the
potential long term cost of compliance with environmental
directives.
This review will be carried out by the experts together with the
participants of the study tours, who should as a result of the
study tours be able to relate the Moldovan situation to practice in
advanced EU countries. Thus, the review will be based on the impact
of the legislation in practice and the formal legislative body.
The Law for Town Construction and Territorial Development (1996)
is too narrow for regional development planning. The task of the
review is to identify needs for development of legislative and
regulatory framework for territorial planning according to EU best
practices to enable regional development to be better rooted in
resource based planning. The review is expected to result in
recommendations for amended legislation related to territorial
planning.
Benchmark: Review report on spatial planning legislation.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
2.3 Revision of legislation and regulation on territorial
planning
Based on the previously carried out review, the experts will
revise the legislation (primary and secondary) with the aim to
modernise the territorial planning system on the basis of the
review of the legislation and the inputs provided by the study tour
participants. The legislation will incorporate modern practice of
territorial planning but be adjusted to the Moldovan context and
institutional structure.
Benchmark: Proposal for revised territorial planning legislation
prepared.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
2.4 Preparation of a programme for the introduction of Regional
Development Planning
Following the review and the preparation of the proposed legal
framework (activities 1.2 and 2.2), the Strategy for the
introduction of integrated Regional Development Planning should be
prepared to define the main steps and tasks for the MCRD and the
Government to set up a Regional Development planning system based
on two pillars – Regional Development and Territorial (Spatial)
Planning.
The Strategy will be discussed with all involved partners and
will bring them on the same platform to start the agreed
revisions.
Benchmark: Strategy prepared and activity plan elaborated.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
Component 3 - Strengthened capacity of the MCRD, NCCRD to
address regional development planning.
3.1 Development of an activity plan for the elaboration of the
National Strategy for Regional Development 2013 – 2015.
According to the Action Plan of the National Strategy for
Regional Development (NSRD) 2010-2012 the core activity for 2011
and 2012 will be the elaboration of the National Strategy for
Regional Development 2013 – 2015.
The NSRD 2010-2012 is the first national document of this kind
and is focused on setting up structures and mechanisms for regional
development in the country. The second plan will focus more on
Regional Development planning and this will be the first experience
in the country for Regional Development planning. The NPRD is
expected to take into account the needs and priorities of the
development regions, involving sector ministries and other
partners. Therefore the process should be properly planned and well
structured. Twinning partners should advise the best processes to
make planning constructive, transparent, involving and resulting in
the elaboration of the NSRD 2013 – 2015 according the best
practices of the EU countries. The result of this activity should
be a draft manual for Regional Development Planning that can be
used as a guidance document for the elaboration of the NSRD.
Benchmark: Draft Manual for Regional Development Strategy
Preparation prepared.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.2 Development of the methodology guidelines for regional
consultations
Regional consultations are a crucial component in the
development of all regional and sector policy documents for
regional development. This is a completely new process in Moldova
and needs to be carried out in line with a consistent methodology
across the country.
The Methodology must be captured in a methodological guideline
that takes EU best practices, local conditions and historical
context into account. The methodology shall describe how the
process will take place in Moldova and may be taken into
consideration when the training plan is designed.
The first testing of the proposed methodology will be the
regional consultations for the development of the National Strategy
for Regional Development 2013 – 2015, but methodology needs to be
used much wider and regional consultations to be reflected in
regulatory framework for Regional Development. The role of the
Regional Development Agency needs to be extended outside just
project development, to become a mediator between ministries and
local governments, regional institutions for regional
development.
Benchmark: Methodological Guide completed
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.3 Training Needs Analysis
Based on the revised legal frameworks, the methodological guides
and the experience of the training expert, a Training Needs
Analysis will be prepared. This TNA will focus on the required
training that is needed to create the ability (skill set) to
prepare the National Strategy for Regional Development. A training
plan will be prepared, consisting of a series of relevant one day
trainings that will be carried out in parallel with the preparation
of the National Strategy for Regional Development in order to
increase the relevance of the training and to ensure that
participants can use the new knowledge immediately after the
training.
Benchmark: Training Needs Analysis completed and training plan
prepared.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.4 Methodological support for the development of the National
Strategy for Regional Development (NSRD) 2013 – 2015
This activity will provide methodological support and guidance
for all steps of the development of the National Strategy for
Regional Development 2013 – 2015. This is essential as the process
will be carried out for the first time and some partner
institutions are new (like the Regional Development Agencies) and
there is lack of coordination and co-operation experience between
ministries, relevant agencies and social-economic partners in the
country. Moreover, the new strategy will comprise both principles
of regional development and spatial planning contributing to
finding solutions to problems that go beyond the current framework
as regional/spatial planning should be democratic, comprehensive,
functional and long-term oriented for delivering quality
development, and the region’s priorities for investment to support
it. The activity will allow the MCRD to take the lead in this
process and provide learning by doing experience for the
Ministry.
Benchmark: Methodological support provided.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.5 Training programme based on the Training Needs Analysis
In parallel with the development of the National Strategy for
Regional Development, training will be provided in relevant
subjects (as identified in the TNA) that will be directly
applicable to the development process. On the subjects, short one
day trainings will be provided, targeted at the participants in the
process and of high relevance. It is indicatively envisaged that 6
one day trainings seminars will be carried out.
Benchmark: 7 trainings implemented.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.6 Review and update of the methodology for the regional
consultations
Based on the experience gained during the process of preparation
of the National Strategy for Regional Development (2013 – 2015),
the methodological guidelines will be reviewed and adjusted to
incorporate the lessons learnt during this process.
Benchmark: Updated Methodological Guideline prepared.
Resources: RTA, Short term experts input, translation as
appropriate.
3.5.Means\input from the MS Partner Administration:
3.5.1.Profile and tasks of the Project Leader
The Project Leader (PL) from the EU MS should be a senior civil
servant or equivalent official of a MS institution who works in the
field relevant to this project and has been for at least five years
in a management position within the institution.
The PL will be responsible for achievement of project results,
ensuring the activities for the co-operation and information
exchange between EU MS side and Beneficiary side and ensuring that
all the required support of the management and staff of the EU side
are available. He will coordinate the Project Steering Committee
(PSC) meetings on the EU MS side.
The PL shall devote a minimum of three working days per month in
his home administration, with an on-site visit to the Republic of
Moldova at least every 3 months to participate in the PSC
meetings.
Profile
Qualification and skills
· University level education economics, Regional Development
planning or related field
· Fluency in English. Command of Romanian and/or Russian is an
asset
· Good communication and people skills
· Good management skills
General professional experience
· At least 10 years experience in working with Regional
Development issues
· At least 5 years experience in a leading position in an
institutions relevant to regional development
· Experience in project management
· Strong initiative, analytical and team working skills
Specific professional experience
· Specific experience in the development and implementation of
Regional Development legislation and regulations
· Knowledge of the EU Regional Development policies
· Experience in preparation of major strategic documents
· Experience in the ENP East region would be an asset
3.5.2. Profile and tasks of the RTA
Tasks
The RTA will be in charge of the day-to-day implementation of
the Twinning project in the Republic of Moldova. She\he will
coordinate the implementation of activities according to a
predetermined work plan and liaise with the RTA counterpart in the
Republic of Moldova.
The RTA will bring in a significant professional input,
especially at the beginning of the Twinning project. She\he will in
particular be responsible for Activities under Component III and
actively support STEs in the implementation of other activities and
guiding the implementation of proposed methodologies, guides,
legislative and regulatory improvements.
Profile
Qualification and skills
· University degree in Regional Development planning, economics
or related field
· Fluency in English, good command of Russian and/or Romanian is
an asset
· Good PC literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
· Good communication and people skills
· Good management skills
General professional experience
· At least 7 years experience in working with Regional
Development issues
· Recent experience in a senior position in an EU MS
institution\mandated body responsible for Regional Development
· Experience in project management
· Experience in transition economies of the CIS will be an
asset
· Strong initiative, analytical and team working skills
· Experience with EU programmes will be an asset
Specific professional experience
· Experience in building national and regional partnerships
· Experience in managing regional consultations
· Recent experience in the development and implementation of the
national regional development strategy
· Knowledge of the EU Regional Development policies
· Experience in monitoring and evaluation
The duration of the RTA secondment is 24 Months.
3.5.3. Profile and tasks of the medium/short-term experts
Tasks
Terms of reference for short-term experts will be elaborated by
the PL/RTA at the work plan preparation stage. The exact number of
STEs per activity should be agreed during the contract negotiation
process
Profile
A pool of short term experts is required to implement the
activities as outlined above covering the following indicative
subjects as identified in the indicative activities:
· Regional Development
· Legislation
· Territorial Planning (spatial planning)
· Training
· Civil Society development
· Institution Building
· Grant Fund management
· Workshop moderating expert
The STEs shall have:
· A university degree in the relevant area
· A minimum five years of experience in their respective
field
· An excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge
of Romanian and/or Russian would be an asset
· Experience in PHARE/ENPI East countries or in other
international projects relating to regional policy development
would be an asset.
4. Institutional framework
The main beneficiary institution of this Twinning project is the
Ministry of Construction and Regional Development.
The MCRD is responsible for implementation of the Regional
Development policy, including regional development planning system
(see Legal framework in Annex 3.) The organizational structure of
the General Regional Development Department is provided at Annex
4.
The Ministry of Construction and Regional Development was
established in 2009 and assumed the responsibilities from the
Ministry of Public Local Administration.
The following RD institutions are operational:
· The National Coordination Council for Regional Development
(NCCRD), with responsibility for coordination and oversight at the
national level, chaired by one of the country’s Deputy Prime
Ministers and supported by the Ministry for Local Public
Administration;
· The National Fund for Regional Development (NFRD), a national
funding source for regional development priorities constituted of
at least 1% of the state budget;
· Regional Councils for Development (RCDs) in each region made
up of district presidents, the private sector and civil society,
with responsibility for approving regional strategies; and,
· Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in each region to execute
and monitor the implementation of regional strategies.
The regional development institutions are newly established,
including the MCRD and are still in the institutional development
phase and are developing their capacities to become efficient and
sustainable.
The NFRD is operational since May 2010, when the first call of
project proposals was launched. Operational procedures for the fund
were initially developed by TACIS (EU) project “Support to Regional
Development Implementing Bodies” in 2007 based on EU experience,
but following the delays in approval and lack of agreement of
national institutions, were developed further by the assistance of
the project on “Cooperation in Regional Development” (DFID, SIDA)
and approved in spring 2010.
5. Budget
The maximum budget is 1.200 000 EUR. The beneficiary will
provide in kind contribution in the form foreseen in the Twinning
Manual.
6. Implementation arrangements
6.1. Implementing Agency
The Implementing Agency responsible for tendering, contracting
and accounting is the Delegation of the European Union to the
Republic of Moldova.
Responsible person:
Ms Speranta OLARU
Position:
Project Manager, Delegation of the European Union to the
Republic of Moldova
Address:
12 Kogalniceanu Street
MD-2001 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel.: + 373 22 505 210
Fax: + 373 22 272 622
E-mail: [email protected]
The Programme Administration Office (PAO) will support the
Twinning project implementation process together with the
Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. The
contact person is:
Responsible person:
Ms. Oxana DRAGUTA
Position:
Senior Consultant, State Chancellery of the Government of
Moldova, Division for Policy, Strategic Planning and External
Assistance
Address:
Piata Marii Adunari Nationale, 1
MD-2033 Chisinau
Tel: +373 22 250 465
Fax: +373 22 250 259
E-mail: [email protected]
6.2. Main counterpart in BC
BC Project Leader
The BC Project Leader closely coordinates with the MS Project
Leader and chairs the PSC meetings. Details of the BC Project
Leader:
Responsible person:
Mr Veaceslav GUTUTUI
Position:
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Construction and Regional
Development
Address:
Cosmonautilor 9, office 601
MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel: +373 22 204 050
Fax: +373 22 228 612
E-mail: [email protected]
RTA Counterpart
Responsible person:
Ms Ecatarina CULEV
Position:
Senior Consultant, General Department for Regional Development,
Ministry of Construction and Regional Development
Address:
Cosmonautilor 9, office 704
MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel: +373 22 204 543
Fax: +373 22 223 182
E-mail: [email protected]
6.3. Contracts:
There will be one twinning contract with a selected Member State
or consortium of Member States.
6.4. Project Steering Committee
A Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established for the
control and supervision of the project activities and the mandatory
results. The PSC will meet at regular intervals and will submit by
the end of the meeting (as recorded in meeting minutes) an
approval/non approval of the project reports. Official minutes of
the PSC meetings will be kept in English and distributed to all
parties within 15 days after the PSC meeting.
7. Implementation schedule (indicative)
7.1. Launching of the call for proposal (date)
November 2010
7.2. Start of project activities (date)
September 2011
7.3. Project completion (date)
November 2013
7.4. Duration of the implementation period (number of
months)
24 months (+3 months opening and closing of the project).
8. Sustainability
The participatory approach and regional consultations will
involve wide range of partners, including other sector ministries
to ensure that developed and proposed approaches, methodologies,
legislative and regulatory amendments are in line with the national
structures and policies in the field.
9. Crosscutting issues
Environment
It is anticipated that the project will have considerable
positive effects on the environment, in particular by developing
cross-sector coordination and cooperation for RD on national and
regional levels, contributing to sustainable development.
Poverty Reduction
Project supports poverty reduction by advising a more balanced
RD approaches and inter-sectoral cooperation for RD, developing
regional consultations involving local and regional level
representatives.
Equal opportunity
The project will benefit all population without distinction by
gender. Participation in project implementation will be open to
both women and men on an equal basis. Records of staff
participating in training and other project activities will reflect
this statement. The gender structure within the public authorities,
entities and bodies on state and local level is well balanced. This
enables fair male/female deployment in the execution of the project
itself.
Good Governance and Human rights
The project supports good governance and aims to improve
consultation and coordination as well as decentralization. The
project will facilitate the improvement of the administrative
capacity and the introduction of EU-compliant procedures, which
will raise the democratic standards of governance by implying wider
and systematic consultation of civil society and business.
10. Conditionality and sequencing
There are no conditionalities.
ANNEXES TO PROJECT FICHE
1. Logical Framework Matrix in standard format
2. Indicative Implementation Chart
3. Legal Framework
4. Organisational chart of the RD Department of the MCRD
5. List of Abbreviations
ANNEX 1
Logical Framework Matrix in Standard Format
Name and Project Number:
Capacity Building in Regional Development in Moldova
Programme Name and Number: ENPI annual programme 2009
TOTAL BUDGET: 1.200.000 EURO
Overall Objective
Objectively verifiable Indicators
Sources of Verification
Support the development and implementation of Regional
Development Policy in Moldova.
Number of funded projects within the development regions is
significantly increased by 2015 compared to 2010.
Sustainable regional development projects are developed and
funded and induce social-economic development.
Country Progress Reports (ENPI progress reports)
Donor Reports
Moldova statistics on regional development
Project Purpose
Objectively verifiable Indicators
Sources of Verification
Assumptions
To strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of
Construction and Regional Development, the National Coordination
Council for Regional Development and the National Fund for Regional
Development.
Clearly defined regional development strategy (2013-2015) in
place
Enhanced procedures result in better (faster) award processes
for regional development projects.
Improvement in sustainability of projects proposed.
Strategy documents
Evaluation reports from calls for proposals
Contract documents
MCRD and inter alia staff available and ready to implement new
methods and approaches.
Continued political support for the process of regional
development.
Project Purpose
Objectively verifiable Indicators
Sources of Verification
Assumptions
1. Improved institutional structure, legislative and regulatory
framework for regional development.
Proposals for improved institutional, legislation and regulatory
framework prepared and ready for submission to Government for
approval
Government Consultation documents as posted in the website for
consultation.
Regional Development remains a priority after the latest
elections.
2. Territorial Planning and Regional Development Integrated into
one planning framework
Territorial (spatial) planning process initiated according best
practice of the EU countries and linked to regional development
processes in the newly developed regional development strategy
2013-2015
Regional Development Strategy
Territorial planners are prepared to participate in integrated
regional development exercise.
A new strategy is developed for the period 2013 – 2015.
3. Strengthened capacity of the MCRD, NCCRD to address regional
development planning.
Improved preparation process enables the preparation of a
regional development strategy integrating territorial and regional
development into one high quality document which is acceptable for
donors as a financing framework.
Donors comment positive on the RD strategy
Commitments for financing is obtained to implement components of
the RD strategy
Donors remain interested in RD
RD is a priority for the Government (allowing for financing to
be negotiated)
There is sufficient donor funding available.
Activities
Means
Assumptions
Component 1: Improved institutional structure, legislative and
regulatory framework for regional development.
1.1 Review the existing legislation for regional development
40 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
1.2 Revision of the legislative and regulatory framework for
regional development.
20 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
1.3Review procedures on calls for proposals, application,
evaluation and selection of projects for the NFRD.
30 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
1.4Revision of the operational procedures of the NFRD on the
basis of the lesson drawn from the earlier review.
30 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
Component 2: Territorial planning and regional development
integrated into one planning framework.
2.1Three study tours for territorial planning and Regional
Development experts.
Per diem and translation costs, tickets
EU member states are prepared and available to receive the
groups and provide a relevant programme
2.2Review the existing legislation, methods and practices for
territorial planning.
40 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
2.3Revision of legislation and regulation on territorial
planning
50 man days
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
2.4Preparation of a programme for the introduction of Regional
Development Planning
25 man days
Stakeholders are available for participation.
Component 3 - Capacity building of the MCRD and the NCCRD.
3.1Development of an activity plan for the elaboration of the
National Strategy for Regional Development 2013 – 2015.
20 man days
All key stakeholders are available for discussions on the
approach to future RD planning
3.2Development of the methodology guidelines for regional
consultations
90 man days
There is a genuine interest in participatory approaches both
from stakeholders and from the MCRD staff
3.3Training Needs Analysis
20 man days
Staff is available for interviews and ready to freely express
themselves
3.4 Methodological support for the development of the National
Strategy for Regional Development (NSRD) 2013 – 2015
70 man days
Preparation of RD strategy takes place as planned,
Training can be linked to practical work on the strategy
3.5Training programme based on the Training Needs Analysis
35 man days
Staff is available for training and interested to participate.
Training subjects are sufficiently linked to the RD strategy
preparation
3.6Review and update of the methodology for the regional
consultations
20 man days
Lessons can be drawn from the process of RD strategy
preparation
Readiness from stakeholders to share their views
Legal experts and practitioners are available for
discussions
ANNEX 2Indicative Implementation Chart
Component / Activity
Months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
0.1
Kick off meeting
x
0.2
Steering Committee meetings
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
0.3
Monthly meetings
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
0.4
Wrap up meeting
x
Final Payment
x
Component 1 - Improved institutional structure, legislative and
regulatory framework for regional development.
1.1.
Review the existing legislation for regional development
x
x
1.2.
Revision of legislative and regulatory framework for regional
development.
x
1.3
Review procedures on calls for proposals, application,
evaluation and selection of projects for the NFRD.
x
1.4
Revision of the operational procedures of the NFRD on the basis
of the lesson drawn from the earlier review.
x
Component 2 - Territorial planning and regional development
integrated into one planning framework.
2.1
Study tours for territorial planning and Region Development
experts.
x
x
2.2
Review the existing legislation, methods and practices for
territorial planning
x
x
2.3
Revision of legislation and regulation on territorial
planning
x
x
2.4
Preparation of a strategy for the introduction of Regional
Development Planning
x
Component 3 - Capacity building of the MCRD and the NCCRD
3.1
Development of an activity plan for the elaboration of the
National Strategy for Regional Development 2013 – 2015
x
3.2
Development of the methodology for the regional
consultations
x
x
x
3.3
Methodological support for the development of the National
Strategy for Regional Development (NSRD) 2013 – 2015
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3.4
Training Needs Analysis and preparation of training plan
x
3.5
Training programme based on the Training Needs Analysis
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3.6
Review of the Methodological Guidelines for regional
consultations
x
ANNEX 3
Legal framework
The adoption of the Regional Development Law No. 438-XVI in 2006
and allocation of budgetary funds for the regional development in
2008 were important steps leading to endorsement of Moldova
regional development policy, including responsibilities for
strategic planning for the Development Regions.
The Government of Moldova by approval (December 2007) of the
National Development Strategy (NDS) for 2008-2011 identified
regional development as one of five key national priorities with a
goal of “implementing a balanced and sustainable social and
economic development all over the country by coordinating efforts
within development regions”. The NDS 2008-2011 defines the regional
development institutional framework further developed in the
National Strategy for Regional Development 2010-2012 (approved by
the Government on 24th February 2010) and in medium term
development in document “Rethink Moldova” (March, 2010). To be
coherent and systematic in attraction of foreign investments, the
MCRD has developed the Strategy for Foreign technical assistance
attraction for 2010-2011.
The Regional Development Law of the Republic of Moldova defines
the main objectives and principles, sets out the institutional
framework and planning tools for regional development. Under this
law, the main objectives of regional development are to:
· Achieve balanced, sustainable socio-economic development for
the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova;
· Reduce the imbalances in socio-economic development levels
between regions and within them;
· Strengthen financial, institutional and human opportunities
aimed at socio-economic development of the regions; and,
· Support local public administration authorities and
communities with the aim of socio-economically developing the
localities and coordinating action between these and national,
sectoral, regional development strategies and programmes.
Following the process developing and setting up procedures and
mechanisms fostering RD, it is recognized that the current
legislative framework is robust and is providing many limitations
to the development. For example, the Regional Development Law
comprises formulations that need to be taken out in separate
regulations. The law should be revised according ongoing
development process.
Under the regional development legislation, Moldova is divided
into six development regions: North, Central and South (to be
established by 2010); and Chisinau, Gagauzia and Transnistria (to
be established after 2011)
The National Development Strategy (NDS) 2008-2011 proposes five
national mid-term priorities, including regional development. The
NDS reflects national policy in this area and introduces national
mechanisms for regional development. The NDS outlines the following
medium-term objectives of regional development policy:
· Balanced participation of all regions in the socio-economic
development of the country, primarily targeting the North, Centre
and South regions;
· Accelerate the development of small towns as regional “growth
buds”;
· Develop rural economies and improve productivity in
agriculture;
· Develop and upgrade regional infrastructure and promote
public-private partnerships;
· Avert environment pollution and promote efficient use of
natural resources in view of improving the quality of life.
National Regional Development Strategy (NRDS) 2010-2012 is the
main regional development planning document reflecting national
policy and introducing national mechanisms in this area. The main
purpose of the Strategy, as defined by NDS, is creating the
institutional framework of regional development - creating and
maintaining a framework for management, implementation, financing,
monitoring and evaluation of regional development.
Although it is meant to be a main document for regional
development planning, in the first phase (2010-2012) it is mainly
focusing on setting up structures and mechanisms for regional
development in the country. The next one (for the period 2013-2015)
should focus more on RD planning. This is new experience in the
country to set up RD planning process with regional consultations,
involving RDAs and sector ministries. RDAs are not yet mediator for
the MCRD, line ministries and local governments, other partners
within the region for the RD. The MCRD has limited capacity to
guide the process and to be able to liaison with the line
ministries as well as implement actions and undertaken
responsibilities following the negotiation of the Association
Agreement with the EU.
Within the Government Activity Program "European Integration:
Freedom, Democracy, Welfare" for 2009-2013 for the Regional
development the Government Objectives were defined, including:
· Encourage initiative at local/regional level and promote the
cooperation culture between the central and local public
authorities.
· Reduce regional development imbalances by implementing
investment projects and stimulate growth in deprived regions.
· Achieve balanced regional development by ensuring consistency
between sector national policies and local development ones.
For the implementation of the above mentioned objectives the
list of priority actions are defined, including: creation of
regional development agencies; implementation the National Regional
Development Strategy and regional development strategies; efficient
and economical use of funds channelled to regional projects;
supporting the local public authorities in submitting applications
for financial resources provided under European programs of
trans-border cooperation and other external funds; facilitate
cooperation between the local, district and central authorities;
drafting national methodological instruments; and others.
Legislation on territorial (spatial) planning is still rooted in
“socialistic” approach of urban planning. The Law for Town
Construction and Territorial Development Nr 835 approved on
17.05.1996 is mainly focusing on construction issues and is too
narrow for regional development planning. To proceed with the
developments in the territorial planning the revision of existing
planning approach including legislative and institutional review
and proposals for reorganization is essential to continue linking
regional development and territorial (spatial) planning in
Moldova
ANNEX 4Organisation of General directorate for Regional
Development Field Structure of the State Tax Service of the
Republic of Moldova
ANNEX 5
List of Abbreviations
ATU
Autonomous-Territorial Unit
BC
Beneficiary Country
CIS
Commonwealth of Independent States
EC
European Commission
DFID
Department for International Development (UK Government)
EG-PRSP
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
ENP
European Neighbourhood Policy
EU
European Union
FDI
Foreign Direct Investments
MF
Ministry of Finance
GDP
Gross Development Product
GTZ
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit - a
federally owned organization (German Government)
MCRD
Ministry of Construction and Regional Development
MS
Member State
NCCRD
National Coordination Council for Regional Development
NDS
National Development Strategy
NFRD
National Fund for Regional Development
NGO
Non Governmental Organization
NIP
National Indicative Programme
NRDS
National Regional Development Strategy
PCA
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
PL
Project Leader
RCD
Regional Council for Development
PSC
Project Steering Committee
RD
Regional Development
RDA
Regional Development Agency
RDC
Regional Development Council
RDS
Regional Development Strategy
RTA
Resident Twinning Advisor
SIDA
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
SME
Small and medium enterprise
STE
Short Term Expert
Ministry of Constructions and Regional Development
M I N I S T E R
Deputy minister responsible for regional development
General Directorate for Regional Development
Director
Department for policy and regional cooperation (7)
Deputy head of General Directorate, head of department (1);
Deputy head (1);
Main consultant (1);
Consultant superior (1);
Consultant (1);
Specialist principal (2).
Department for relations with regional development institutions
(7)
Head of department (1);
Deputy head (1);
Consultant superior (1);
Consultant (3);
Main specialist (1).
Division for regional statistics (3)
Head of division (1)
Consultant superior (1);
Main specialist (1).
Regional Development Agencies North, Centre, South
� More on NUTS classifications can be found on
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/regional_policy/management/g24218_en.htm