6 types of experts in demand for the 2018 EU Framework Contract

Editor’s Note: We’ve updated this article because the deadline for the submission of applications for EuropeAid’s 2018 Framework Contract has been extended to October 6. BARCELONA — With little over a month left for the submission of applications for EuropeAid’s 2018 Framework Contract, Devex takes a look at the six types of experts in demand. In contrast to the 2013 framework contract, which involved 12 very specific areas of expertise or lots, this year’s tender states just six that are broader in scope. Firms interested in bidding for EU contracts are in the midst of putting together applications ahead of the October 6 deadline, in which they must demonstrate they have expertise in the relevant sectors and subsectors. Consultants and development professionals with experience and technical expertise in these areas will be in demand with firms hoping to submit a successful bid. If you are scoping out job opportunities on the next framework contract, here are the six types of experts needed. 1. Sustainable management of natural resources and resilience The first lot incorporates elements of rural development, food security and the environment, which were separate lots in the previous framework contract. Sustainability is a recurring theme, including sustainable forestry management and conservation, fishery and aquaculture with a specific focus on sustainable fish resource exploitation, and sustainable natural resource management. Land management and reform policies and disaster risk reduction, including climate resilience and adaptation, are also included within this lot. See a list of organizations focusing on natural resources and sustainability currently hiring here. 2. Infrastructure, sustainable growth and jobs The second lot brings together several pre-existing priority areas, such as transport and infrastructure, private sector and trade, with newer and emerging subsectors. Expertise is in demand in the areas of digital technologies and services, and earth observation — including satellite and meteorological data collection and analysis — as development players increasingly look to data-driven and digital solutions. Urban development and cities and job creation are also key. See a list of organizations focusing on infrastructure, transport, urban development and job creation and currently hiring here. 3. Human rights, democracy and peace The previous framework contract included a lot on humanitarian aid, crisis management and post-crisis assistance, but this year’s tender guidelines also focus on conflict prevention and resolution and fostering long-term peace. Additional subsectors within this lot include the enhancement of civil society, local authorities and decentralization. Migration — specifically the prevention of human trafficking — sustainable reintegration of migrants, and international protection of refugees and internally displaced people are also key areas. See a list of organizations focused on conflict resolution and human rights currently hiring here. 4. Human development and safety nets Education and culture, and health, which were previously separate lots, now exist as sectors within human development and safety nets. This lot is quite broad and also includes sectors on social inclusion and protection — from pension policy to assistance for vulnerable and marginal groups — and research and innovation, including specific expertise in public-private partnerships in this area. See a list of organizations focused on social protection and currently hiring here. 5. Budget support While cross-cutting and relevant to all lots and sectors, budget support is a new addition as a stand-alone lot. It integrates macroeconomic stability, public finance management and statistics — which made up lot 11 in the previous framework — in addition to domestic revenue mobilization and public policies. Within this sector, technical experience is needed in formulating, assessing and monitoring development and economic policies to meet specific goals on fighting inequalities, empowering disadvantaged groups such as women and youth, and raising awareness around public policy and reforms. See a list of organizations focused on public finance management and currently hiring here. 6. Innovative financing for development Innovative financing for development is also a new addition to this year’s framework contract. This lot calls for economic, financial, technical and legal experts in four different areas including legal, institutional and procedural issues. Across the four sectors, expertise in private partnerships or private sector investors and interests is highlighted within the required technical criteria. See a list of financial advisory organizations currently hiring here. Common expertise Each of the above lots exists to support and provide technical advice to commission services — whether it be EU delegations, partner countries or organizations — from the design stage through implementation to evaluation of the interventions. Therefore, in addition to technical expertise and skills in policy-related analysis, each lot also requires additional “common” expertise, including skills in evaluation, capacity development and institutional strengthening, investment financing, training and research, and awareness-raising. Experience working with the private sector and public-private partnerships is also a common theme throughout each lot and an area consultants should make sure to highlight in their CV and online profile. Read more here on the changes to the EuropeAid Framework Contract 2018 and check out Devex’s exclusive interactive visualization to explore the different sectors and subsectors that might demand your technical expertise. Make sure to update your Devex profile so bidding organizations looking to hire experts will be able to find you.