Calls

Announcement date: May 20, 2016
Full proposal submission deadline: 17:00, September 1, 2016

The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is offering local grants within the framework of the project “Local Initiatives for a Sustainable Ukraine (LINK)”, with the aim of implementing priority activities identified in local energy security and environmental action plans. The grants are intended to help establish better cooperation with regional and local authorities with respect to energy security, energy saving, energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development, including behavioural changes related to energy resources use and alternative energy sources.

The LINK-funded projects should lead to the creation of cooperation platforms; support the transfer and exchange of experiences and good practices; and contribute to the realisation of local and national priorities. The projects should also result in increased public awareness and public involvement in key environmental and energy issues in Ukraine, as well as improved CSO networking and capacities for addressing local environmental and energy challenges.

The overall budget for the local grant scheme is EUR 100,000. Individual grants would range between EUR 10,000 and EUR 20,000 per grant. The grants selection process will run from May 2016 to October 2016, and grant implementation is due to start in January 2017.

Project proposals are accepted from registered CSOs from LINK partner regions (Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Cherkasy and Zhytomir) and LINK partner cities (Ivano-Frankivsk, Kosiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kaniv, Berdychiv and Lubny)that are working to promote environmental protection, energy efficiency and security, and sustainable development.

If you are interested in participating in the programme, please read the Local Grants Guidance and submit your full application package (CSO Information and Cooperative Statement, Executive Summary, Narrative Description and Project Budget) as well as other supporting documents by 17:00 on September 1, 2016, by e-mail to link.grants@rec.org. Please include “LINK local grants” in the subject line.

For further information, please contact:
Mrs. Raisa Gerasina
LINK Grants Manager
E-mail:rgerasina@rec.org

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The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to assist in addressing environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

The REC is inviting applications for the position of short-term intern in the framework of the CSO component of the LINK project.

Overall objective of the internship assignment

The intern will assist the REC’s Participatory Governance Topic Area team with the implementation of the CSO component of the LINK project while at the same time benefiting from on-the-job training and capacity-building opportunities at the REC. The intern will work with CSOs in the seven selected municipalities in Ukraine (Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Cherkasy, Lubny, Kaniv, Kosiv and Berdychiv).

Priority will be given to applicants from these municipalities and to members of CSOs in the respective regions.

Main tasks of the intern

The intern will support project implementation and the organisation of capacity-building activities planned for the second half of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, including:

• assisting with the design and implementation of LINK communication training (September 2016);
• assisting with the evaluation, selection and awarding of local grants (August to December 2016);
• assisting with the organisation of a grant winners’ meeting and grants reporting training (October 2016);
• assisting with the design and implementation of the LINK project’s annual conference (October 2016);
• assisting with the design and implementation of a public participation and advocacy training (taking place in 2017);
• providing input to the project website, social media, publications and visual materials;
• providing assistance with the translation of project materials into Ukrainian and with the editing and proofreading of project documents translated into Ukrainian;
• providing support to other running PAGTA core team projects and fundraising initiatives upon request; and
• providing administrative and technical support for ongoing project work.

Main deliverables

• Providing logistical and organisational support for the for the advisory board meeting, LINK communication training, LINK annual conference in Ukraine and grant winners’ meeting and grants reporting training.
• Assisting with the development, translation, proofreading and dissemination of relevant project materials, including training packages, visual materials, publications and the project website.
• Providing help with establishing close cooperation and ensuring regular communication with key Ukrainian stakeholders.

Work experience, knowledge and skill level required

• Knowledge of the civil society sector and its activities and outreach in Ukraine.
• Basic knowledge in the areas of energy efficiency, energy planning and planning for sustainability, and capacity building and education in Ukraine.
• Experience in local and/or national community projects in Ukraine.
• Experience in organising events, meetings, campaigns or trainings.
• Good office management and administrative skills, including computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Willingness and availability to travel.

Education

A university degree or equivalent in a relevant field, preferably environmental science, environmental/energy management, economics or socio-political science, international relations or European studies.

Duration of internship

Six months, from August/September 2016 to February 2017.

Location and accommodation

The intern will be based at the REC’s head office in Szentendre Hungary. The intern will be provided with accommodation in REC premises (bungalow room with a kitchen) and a stipend of EUR 500.

Application procedure

Candidates should send a detailed CV and a short motivation letter in English (only English-language applications will be considered) outlining their interest in the internship and their qualifications.

Applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@rec.org and should include a reference to the position in the subject line (Short-term Intern Ukraine).

The deadline for receipt of applications is July 10, 2016.

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The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe together with non-profit ecological NGO “Ecoclub” are pleased to invite the representatives of the civil society organisations and local government to apply to the Energy Master Class which will take place in the National Park “Buskiy Gard” during 1-7 of July, 2016. The applications are accepted from the CSOs and local governments of the LINK partner regions (Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Cherkasy and Zhytomir) and LINK partner cities (Ivano- Frankivsk, Kosiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kaniv, Berdychiv and Lubny) that are working to promote environmental protection, energy efficiency and security, and sustainable development. The master class will take place within the “Local Initiatives for a Sustainable Ukraine (LINK)” project. For more information please visit this website http://link-ukraine.rec.org/index.php?page=dodomu

See attached the agenda of the Master Class.

The energy Master Class will introduce the participants to:

• the Energy system of Ukraine
• strategies of low carbon economy and as good energy efficiency practices
• national and municipal programs to support financially energy efficiency
• existing renewable solutions in LINK communities
• electricity as the only possible future currency
• data visualization
• advocacy on municipal level
• hands-on master classes on energy efficient technology
• acquainting activities, photography and art master classes

In addition, you will have a great chance to start the days with morning exercise or yoga and meet colleagues from diverse environmental organisations as the Energy Master Class is running in parallel with Energizer Camp.

We would also like to draw your attention to the location of the event. The Energy Master Class is a wild camp held on the riverside of Southern Buh, where nature remained unchanged through centuries. Thus, the participants will be accommodated in tents of two people, with the “field type” toilets, no running water, but the river, and a shower on the basis of solar collector. There is little mobile coverage and no internet in the camp. The participants are expected to equip themselves with toiletries (toothbrush, towel, soap and toothpaste) and comfortable camping clothes. The organizers of the camp will provide you with sleeping bags (although you may take your own), dishes and vegetarian food. All the relevant expenses (transportation, accommodation and food) are covered.

The application to the Energy Master Class will be conducted on a competitive basis. Please, fill in and send your application forms to link.energyMC@rec.org until June 6, 2016. The organisation or individuals who would like to contribute to the master class agenda are welcome to send their proposals as soon as possible.

We look forward to meeting you in July!

 

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Background

The Regional Environmental Center (REC) is inviting expressions of interest from individuals or companies to contribute to the writing of a manual on local energy security action planning, to be developed under the Local Energy Security Action Planning (LESP) component of the REC’s LINK programme.

Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to write specific chapters of the manual on local energy security action planning. The manual will be drafted in the English language. Applicants should state clearly in a cover letter which of the chapters/subchapters (listed below under Tasks) they are interested in writing.

The rational use of energy resources at local level depends heavily on a number of policies in various sectors. In order to create sustainable energy systems, apart from tailoring energy efficiency, energy generation and energy distribution policies, it is therefore necessary to incorporate sustainable development principles into city planning; transport policies; waste management; and water management.

The LESP LINK component builds on the results of a U.S.-funded project implemented by the REC to develop local environmental action plans (LEAPs). In a participatory process, three beneficiary municipalities identified priority energy-related environmental issues, choosing in common waste management, water management, urban planning and transport. In all these areas there is potential to make significant improvements in resource management that can result in energy savings.

Local energy security (LES) action plans need to address energy-related problems in each of these areas in order to create a comprehensive approach to reducing energy dependence. For each of the areas, a set of actions and concrete projects will be developed under the LES action plan. A participatory mechanism will be built into the LES action plan, allowing civil society, experts, and interested members of the public to take part in the development, implementation and monitoring of the process. This will contribute to better solutions, leading to the overall sustainability of energy systems in their communities.

The LES action plans will address energy-related issues in several sectors. Each community will focus on priority sectors with the greatest potential to contribute to stable energy systems.

Tasks

The selected contractor will provide input in English to the following chapters/subchapters of the manual, which will be developed building on previous REC experience in local planning. The contractor may contribute to specific chapters/subchapters or to all of them.

0.            DEFINING ENERGY SECURITY        

0.1          What is energy security?              

0.2          Key dimensions of energy security          

0.3          Elements of energy security       

0.4          Main challenges of energy security in the 21st century                 

0.5          Threats to energy security          

0.6          Energy security in Ukraine           

0.7          Addressing energy security at local level                 

0.8          Local energy security action planning       

0.8.1       Overview of the LES action planning process     

0.8.1       Organisation of the LES action planning team   

1             ACTIVITY 1: DEFINING SCALE AND SCOPE                

1.1         STEP 1: INITIAL ASSESSMENT       

1.2         STEP 2: SCOPING AND SCALING 

1.2.1      Spatial definition             

1.2.2      Topics of substantive focus        

2            ACTIVITY 2: SETTING UP THE LOCAL PLANNING TEAM      

2.1        STEP 3: STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS                

2.1.1     Why analyse stakeholders?       

2.1.2     Methodology for stakeholder analysis 

2.2        STEP 4: FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LOCAL PLANNING TEAM             

3           ACTIVITY 3: ASSESSING THE CURRENT STATUS OF ENERGY SECURITY           

3.1        STEP 5: PUBLIC OPINION ASSESSMENT    

3.1.1    Why undertake a public opinion assessment?

3.1.2    Stages in the public opinion assessment

3.1.2.1  Identification of issues to be researched

3.1.2.2  Review of literature and theories relating to the topic    

3.1.2.3  Formulation of research aims and objectives      

3.1.2.4  Identification of population and location of study            

3.1.2.5  Identification of sample design, sampling frame and sample size                

3.1.2.6  Identification of method of administering the survey instrument

3.1.2.7  Development of questionnaire  

3.1.2.8  Conducting of pilot study and revision of the questionnaire         

3.1.2.9  Conducting of main study on the sample using revised questionnaire      

3.1.2.10 Creation of databases for statistical analysis    

3.1.2.11 Analysis of data and interpretation of findings

3.1.2.12 Consideration of implications for the research aim and objectives          

3.2       STEP 6: LOCAL ENERGY SECURITY ASSESSMENT   

3.2.1    Definition of scope and data availability for the assessment process

3.2.1.1  Identification of key energy-related indicators for LES

3.2.1.2  Identification of prior energy-related studies and access to information

3.2.1.3  Identification of data availability and accessibility and collection of information and data

3.2.2     Indicator-based assessment    

3.2.2.1  Identification of existing indicators and calculation of their values and final index score

3.2.3     Final LES assessment    

4          ACTIVITY 4: ANALYSING AND PRIORITISING PROBLEMS  

4.1       STEP 7: CONSTRUCTION OF PROBLEM STATEMENT              

4.2       STEP 8: DEFINITION OF PROBLEM STATEMENT      

4.3       STEP 9: PRIORITISATION OF PROBLEMS

5          ACTIVITY 5: DESIGNING AN ACTION PLAN              

5.1       STEP 10: DEVELOPMENT OF A VISION

5.2       STEP 11: DEFINITION OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES                 

5.3       STEP 12: IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIONS     

5.4       STEP 13: SPECIFICATION OF ACTIONS       

5.5       STEP 14: PRIORITISATION OF ACTIONS     

5.5.1    Selection of criteria for prioritisation   

5.5.2    Ranking of actions

5.6       STEP 15: FORMULATION OF THE FRAMEWORK ACTION PLAN        

6          ACTIVITY 6: IMPLEMENTATION 

6.1       STEP 16: DEFINITION/SETTING UP OF STRUCTURE(S) FOR IMPLEMENTATION            

6.2       STEP 17: DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN                 

6.3       STEP 18: DOCUMENTATION OF IMPLEMENTATION             

7          ACTIVITY 7: MONITORING AND EVALUATION      

7.1       STEP 19: PERFORMANCE MONITORING  

7.2       STEP 20: EVALUATION AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT              

 

Requirements

• A master’s or equivalent degree relevant to the chosen chapter(s). A PhD or higher level of education will be considered an advantage.
• Proven expertise in a field related to the chosen chapter(s).
• Previous experience in writing similar content (please submit a list of publications as proof).
• Excellent English-language writing skills.
• Relevant experience in Ukraine will be considered an advantage.

Contract duration

The assignment is expected to start in March 2016. The consultant will be directly accountable to the REC. The contract will be managed by the REC, and in this regard the REC will appoint a focal person(s) to whom the consultant must report directly.

How to apply

Interested individuals or companies should send an expression of interest in English to: linkproject@rec.org. The offer should include:

• The CVs of individuals or a company profile in English (including the CVs of relevant members of staff with relevant references).
• A list of publications.
• A price quote using the REC template. The price quote should indicate the work-day fee, as well as the estimated number of working days.

 

Please state clearly in a cover letter the number and title of the chapters/subchapters that you are interested in writing.

The deadline for the receipt of offers has been extended from March 2, 2016, to March 7, 2016, at 17:00 (UTC+1 Budapest time)

Pricing

The proposed price for this assignment must be fixed, must include VAT, and must be quoted in euros, using the price quotation template provided.

Evaluation criteria

The following criteria will be used for the evaluation of applications:

Relevant education  and expertise	35%
List of relevant publications	20%
Command of written English	5%
Relevant experience in Ukraine	10%
Financial offer	30%

 

Proposals will be rejected at the evaluation stage if they do not respond to important aspects of the terms of reference.

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The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to assist in addressing environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Within the CSO component of the LINK project the REC is inviting applications for the position of organiser of an energy master class training for CSOs in the five selected municipalities participating in the LINK project.

Main concept of the energy master class

The master class will be organised for approximately 40 CSO representatives and will comprise five days of interactive training. The training will focus on the following topics:

• the energy system in Ukraine;
• carbon footprints and the move towards a low-carbon economy;
• renewable energy sources, including available technologies, use and benefits; 
• behavioural changes and the education of change agencies;
• economics, including the identification of funds and successful models for behavioural and economic changes;
• financing for condominiums/individuals;
• community development, including energy cooperatives and other forms for joint energy actions;
• social interaction; and
• the use of ICT for energy efficiency.

In addition to interactive presentations, the master class should provide hands-on training on the building of solar panels and other renewable energy applications. Smaller-scale parallel sessions for media representatives (as a separate group of stakeholders) may also be organised.

The organisers of the master class should include in the training programme existing energy-related experiences from the five selected municipalities participating in the LINK project. A half day should also be reserved for a CSO grant proposal writing course led by REC experts.

The training is tentatively planned for June 2016. It will be given in the Ukrainian language. The training could also take the form of a low-carbon energy camp.

The main concepts for the training materials should be provided to the REC team in English. 

Key tasks of the organiser of the energy master class

• Provide a full training concept and a detailed agenda for five days for approximately 40 trainees.
• Provide a pool of trainers/experts and consult with the REC if needed.
• Identify an appropriate training location and provide the necessary technology for organising the training using a low-carbon approach.
• Organise all the necessary equipment for the delivery of the training.
• Help the REC team to select trainees.
• Ensure the quality and timely completion of training materials.
• Deliver the training.
• Provide a comprehensive training report (narrative and financial) according to the format provided by the REC.
• Maintain constant communication with the REC team (in relation to concept, preparation, visuals, invitations and transportation).

Specific requirements

The organiser of the energy master class must have the following skills and competencies:

• previous experience of organising large-scale trainings on energy issues;
• knowledge of energy-related issues;
• a proven ability to coordinate the work of trainers/team members;
• management and communication skills; and
• the ability to communicate and report in English.

Application procedure

The REC is inviting applications from organisations with the experience and skills outlined above. Applications must include:

• the CV of the chief coordinator of the energy master class, detailing relevant skills and experience;
• names of trainers/assistants with brief bios relevant to the energy training;
• a detailed concept for the five days of training (covering both content and overall arrangements);
• a price offer (in EUR, using the REC template) indicating:

(1) the fee for organisers and trainers; and

(2) the direct costs of organising the training (preferably in the form of an energy camp).

Applications should be submitted to Kaidi Tingas ktingas@rec.org by March 6, 2016.

Please include “LINK CSO energy training” in the subject line.

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Background

Within the CSO component of the LINK Programme, the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is inviting applications from individuals/organisations to deliver training to CSO leaders from the five municipalities participating in the LINK Programme.

Main concept of the Organisational Development and Leadership course

The Organisational Development and Leadership course should be organised for approximately 40 CSO leaders from the five designated municipalities. The interactive training course should comprise two modules lasting four to five days each (including weekends), and should take place in spring 2016. The leadership training should encourage participants to move out of their comfort zone and should support the professional development of CSO leaders as well as their organisations.

The training should offer insights into the topics outlined below.

Module 1 Personal development of the CSO leader

 

The role of CSO leader and CSO management

• The most important leadership functions and how to perform them better.
• The day-to-day work of a CSO leader: How do they allocate their time? What are the problems, tensions and dilemmas associated with their role?
• The expectations of various stakeholder groups regarding the CSO leader: What do “responsibility” and “accountability” mean from the perspective of a CSO leader?

 

Self-management

Self-awareness and self-management are integral aspects of leadership. Successful leaders:

• are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and carry out their work accordingly;
• examine their behaviour and responses to new situations; and
• systematically analyse and develop their capacities.

 

Time management

Good time management addresses:

• the need to come up with short-term immediate solutions and to perform more strategic tasks at the same time;
• the importance of self-motivation, switching off from work and recharging;
• the need for effective self-control; and
• the ability to handle work-related stress and burnout issues: How can you recognise signs of stress and overwork both in yourself and in your team members? What is causing the stress? How can you reduce tensions in the team? What are the options for recovery?

 

Human resources management

The CSO leader is the leader of a team. Their basic human resources management tasks include:

• the strategic management of human resources and the people management cycle; and
• recruitment, team formation, goal setting, the motivation of team members, the provision of feedback, and handling the departure of members of the team.

 

The leader’s responsibilities and tasks when developing the team include:

• developing the potential of employees and volunteers, assigning work, setting goals and evaluating performance;
• providing feedback, both positive and negative;
• offering career guidance, learning and development opportunities and rewards;
• deciding what kind of management approach and style to adopt; and
• working with volunteers.

 

In terms of the organisation’s culture and values, the leader is responsible for:

• creating a good working context and a healthy and inspiring environment; and
• ensuring conflict prevention and resolution.

 

Teaching methods and outcomes

A variety of teaching methods should be used, including self-analysis, group work, interactive lectures, modelling, case analyses, debates, individual assignments and creativity development techniques. One of the module outcomes should be an individual self-development plan that is completed as a home assignment between the two modules.

Module 2 Organisational development

 

Strategic leadership: Policy making

• The role of leader in strategic management (creating content and a concept for the organisation, internal planning, joint decision making, problem solving and implementation).
• Strategy in the field of content creation, understanding the organisation’s own/societal problems and needs.
• Strategy implementation.
• Translating large objectives into the everyday work of the team (What tools and processes should be used, such as work plans, budgets, employee targets, assessment and feedback?).
• The role of the board and other organisational governance issues, internal policies and procedures.

 

Strategic leadership: CSO impact assessment

• What does an impact assessment of CSO work involve? Why is it needed? When should it be used?
• What are the main methods and steps in an impact assessment? How can you identify the problem, find a good solution, assess results, and collect and analyse data? How can you differentiate between an output, an outcome and an impact?

 

Financial management

• Financial planning, budgeting, accountability and reporting requirements (e.g. towards the state and donors).
• Ensuring the diversity of funding: grant programmes, self-generated income and donations.
• Division of responsibilities in managing resources.

 

Networking, cooperation and partnership

• Effective networking and relationship building and their direct impact on CSO success.
• Developing a good reputation, openness and honesty: fundamental communication principles.

 

Communication and outreach

• Strategic communication, in-house communication, effective communication skills.
• Media relations and successfully operating in today's information society, including the use of social networks.

 

Teaching methods and outcomes

A variety of teaching methods should be used, including self-analysis, group work, interactive lectures, modelling, case analysis, debates, individual assignments, creativity development techniques etc. Based on the newly acquired knowledge, one of the module outcomes is the translation of the findings of the organisational self-assessment (an activity conducted between the two modules) into the organisational action plan.

General terms

The two interactive training sessions will take place in spring 2016 in two different locations (with a potential to host and accommodate up to 45 people) in the Ukrainian language. The training locations will be decided by the REC, taking into account the suggestions of the training provider.

The main concepts of the training materials must be provided to the REC team in English. The full training materials should be developed in the Ukrainian language.  

The training provider should include within the training programme the following interventions:

• During module 1 of the training, a half-day introduction to organisational self-assessment and the introduction of the organisational self-assessment trainers and organisational leaders (this intervention will be led by international experts selected and hired by the REC).

• During module 2 of the training, a one-day follow-up on organisational self-assessment and how to convert the findings into the organisational development plan (this intervention will be led by international experts selected and hired by the REC).

 

Key tasks of the Organisational Development and Leadership training provider:

The training provider will:

• supply a training agenda for both modules for approximately 40 trainees;
• provide a pool of trainers/experts and consult with the REC where needed;
• ensure the quality and timely completion of the training materials (in the required number of copies) in the Ukrainian language;
• suggest to the REC team appropriate training locations;
• organise transportation for the trainers to and from the training venue;
• deliver the training;
• provide a comprehensive training report (narrative and financial) according to the format provided by the REC; and
• maintain constant communication with the REC team (e.g. on the concept, preparation and development of training materials).

 

The REC will pay for the hire of the training facility, the equipment needed for the training (e.g. data projectors, interpretation equipment), and accommodation for the trainers and trainees.     

Specific requirements

The provider of the training is required to have the following set of skills and competencies:

• previous experience of organising trainings on CSO leadership and development issues;
• a profound knowledge of the subject;
• a demonstrated ability to coordinate the work of trainers/team members;
• management and communication skills; and
• the ability to communicate and report in English.

 

Submission of applications

The REC is inviting applications from individuals/organisations with the experience and skills outlined above. Applications must include:

• the CV of the chief coordinator of training, detailing relevant skills and experience;
• a description of the pool of trainers/assistants, with short bios relevant to the training;
• a detailed concept for the two training modules, covering topics and methodology; and
• a price offer (in EUR), completed using the REC budget template, indicating the fee for the organisers and trainers; and the direct costs of organising the training (training materials, approximate transportation costs per kilometre etc.).

 

Applications should be sent by email, with the subject line “Link CSO Leadership and Development Training”, by February 16, 2016, to Kaidi Tingas ktingas@rec.org

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The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to assist in addressing environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Within the CSO LINK component, the REC is inviting applications to participate in the LINK CSO Organisational Development and Leadership Programme.

Target groups

The REC is inviting applications from leaders and members of CSOs from seven municipalities (Ivano-Frankivsk, Kosiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Kaniv, Lubny and Berdychiv) to participate in the Organisational Development and Leadership Programme.

Aim of the programme

The Organisational Development and Leadership Programme aims to:

• strengthen CSO leaders’ leadership skills and abilities to build up and operate successful organisations; and
• assist participating organisations to assess their strengths and weaknesses in terms of strategic leadership, organisational processes, human resources, financial management and infrastructure, and to identify necessary organisational changes.

Content of the programme

The programme will consist of two interlinked components:

• The organisational leadership course will comprise two five-day modules of interactive training offering insights into the following topics: CSO leaders’ personal development and self-management; strategic leadership; human resources management; financial management; CSO impact assessment; cooperation and coordination; CSO communication; and outreach to stakeholders. The course will be delivered in the Ukrainian language. It will take place in two different locations, and between the two modules a home assignment must be completed in relation to leadership challenges.

• The organisational self-assessment will be carried out in a participatory manner, involving all staff members as well as the organisation’s board and representatives of its volunteer network. The findings of the assessment will be used to draw up an action plan for each participating CSO in order to enhance its internal capacities. The REC will provide assistance by assigning an international mentor to support each selected organisation throughout the assessment process. The self-assessment methodology is based on the well-tested Organisational Viability Toolkit, and the core of the methodology will be available in the Ukrainian language. The international mentors will speak either Russian or English, and translation will be provided if required.

 

Selected applicants are obliged to participate in both components of the programme. This means that applicants must be available to participate in both modules of the leadership course, and in addition their organisation must be able to undergo the organisational self-assessment process and to host an international mentor for a few days.

Programme completion

On completing the programme, participants will have:

• a certificate;
• an organisational action plan;
• the opportunity to participate in capacity-building events such as internships, study visits and the Young Environmental Leaders Programme in Hungary;
• the possibility to apply for CSO grants under the CSO LINK component;
• networking opportunities; and
• opportunities to access additional funding.

Programme timeline

The CSO development programme will run in Ukraine from January 2016 to June 2016, according to the following steps and deadlines:

• January 12, 2016: Call for CSO applications published
• February 1, 2016: Submission deadline for applications from CSOs
• February 5, 2016: Evaluation of applications
• Beginning of March 2016: Networking meeting and introduction of CSO representatives (one per CSO) in Hungary
• End of March 2016: First module of the leadership and organisational development programme
• April–May 2016: Facilitated self-assessment process within organisations
• May 2016: Second module of the leadership and organisational development programme
• June 2016: Development of organisational action plans

Selection criteria

Applications are encouraged from candidates who:

• represent a CSO that has been registered and active for at least the past two years;
• are based in one of the seven Ukrainian municipalities listed above;
• work at local level and have a proven record of work with/for the community;
• work in the field of environment and/or energy, and are able to demonstrate a continuing programme of activity in their field;
• are willing (motivated) to undergo the entire self-assessment process and implement the recommended changes;
• are willing to work more closely with, and be more relevant to, citizens in their communities;
• are willing to serve as a model of CSO effectiveness and sustainability in the future; and
• are able to share the knowledge gained during the process with other similar organisations.

 

Applications to participate in the programme are welcome from up to two leaders/members from each organisation that meets the above-mentioned selection criteria.

Based on these criteria, the REC will select around 40 leaders from approximately 20 CSOs to participate in the leadership course and organisational self-assessment process.

If you and your organisation are interested in participating in the programme, please submit the application form in either Ukrainian or English by February 1, 2016, to: Kaidi Tingas ktingas@rec.org 

Please include “LINK CSO Leadership Programme” in the e-mail subject line.

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The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to assist in addressing environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Within the CSO LINK component, the REC is inviting applications for the position of short-term intern in the framework of the CSO component of the LINK project.

Overall objective of the internship assignment

The intern will assist the REC’s Participatory Governance Topic Area with the implementation of the CSO component of the LINK while at the same time benefiting from on-the-job training and capacity-building opportunities at the REC. The intern will work with CSOs in the five selected municipalities in Ukraine (Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Cherkasy, Lubny and Berdychiv).

Priority will be given to applicants from these municipalities and to members of CSOs in the respective regions.

Main tasks of the intern

The intern will support project implementation and the organisation of capacity-building activities planned for the first half of 2016, including:

• assisting with the design and implementation of an energy master class training (taking place in June 2016);
• assisting with the design and implementation of a public participation and advocacy training (taking place in March/April 2016);
• assisting with the implementation of a CSO leadership and development programme (taking place between March and June 2016);
• assisting with the launch of local grants (taking place from March to June 2016);
• providing input to the project website, publications and visual materials; and
• providing assistance with the translation of project materials into Ukrainian and with the editing and proofreading of project documents translated into Ukrainian.

 

The above activities will include the performance of the following tasks:

• contributing to the development and finaliszation of the training concepts;
• helping with the development and dissemination of promotional materials;
• providing logistical and organisational support for trainings and trainers;
• taking part in the trainings and providing support on site;
• providing support to the development of calls for proposals, including the key topics, activities and scope of the grants and eligibility criteria; and
• providing logistical and organisational support for the proposal writing training.
  

Main deliverables

• Logistical and organisational support provided for the organisational development, CSO leadership, energy-related and public participation trainings.
• Assistance provided for the development, translation, proofreading and dissemination of relevant project materials, including training packages, visual materials, publications and the project website.
• Help provided with the establishment of close cooperation with key Ukrainian stakeholders.
  

Work experience, knowledge and skill level required

• Knowledge of the civil society sector and its activities and outreach in Ukraine.
• Basic knowledge in the areas of energy efficiency, energy planning and planning for sustainability, and capacity building/education in Ukraine.
• Experience in local/national community projects in Ukraine.
• Experience in organising events, meetings, campaigns or trainings.
• Good office management and administrative skills, including computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Availability and willingness to travel.

Education

A university degree or equivalent in a relevant field, preferably environmental science, environmental/energy management, economics or sociopolitical science, international relations or European studies.

Duration of internship

Six months, from January 2016 to June/July 2016.

Location and accommodation

The intern will be based at the REC’s head office in Szentendre Hungary. The intern will be provided with accommodation and a stipend.

Application procedure

Candidates should send a detailed CV and a short motivation letter in English (only English-language applications will be considered) outlining their interest in the internship and their qualifications.

Applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@rec.org and should include a reference to the position in the subject line ("Short-term Intern Ukraine").

The deadline for receipt of applications is November 30, 2015.

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The Regional Environmental Center (REC) is inviting applications for the position of regional coordinator in the framework of the LESP component of the LINK programme.

The role of regional coordinator

The regional coordinator will be based in Ukraine and will work closely with the REC team and with the five local coordinators who will be hired by the REC to coordinate LESP LINK activities in all five beneficiary municipalities. Two of the municipalities (Lubny and Berdychiv) will be developing local energy security action plans (LESPs) for the first time; and the other three municipalities (Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy and Poltava) have already developed LESPs under the REC’s earlier project. In all five municipalities, the regional coordinator will support the local coordinators in assisting the capacity-building programmes implemented by the REC under the LINK programme, as well as in the implementation of one priority action contained in the action plans.

The role of the regional coordinator is to:

• Assist local coordinators in the two municipalities that are developing LESPs (Lubny and Berdychiv), ensuring that they:
  • coordinate the gathering of a wide group of stakeholders (representatives of local authorities, civil society, academia, public utility companies, business, media) and the formation of a working group (WG);
  • maintain constant communication with the WG;
  • facilitate communication and the transfer of knowledge from the REC to the WG;
  • ensure compliance with guidelines and procedures set out in the LESP methodology;
  • ensure the timely completion of the LESP document;
  • facilitate the distribution of work among the WG;
  • coordinate the work of each WG member;
  • assist in writing/compiling the LESP document;
  • compile the final version of the LESP document; and
  • follow local procedures to incorporate the LESP as a working document of the district.

 

• Assist local coordinators in all five municipalities and ensure that they:
  • coordinate and assist in the implementation of the REC-organised capacity-building programmes in the municipalities, including training in carrying out energy audits (i.e. using integrated modelling for tracking energy consumption, production and resource extraction in various sectors of an economy, accounting for both energy sector and non-energy sector greenhouse gas emission sources and sinks, and analysing emissions of local air pollutants), as well as training in project preparation and using instruments for financing energy efficiency projects;
  • oversee the energy audits of selected sector(s) of a municipality’s economy carried out by local energy experts trained by the REC;
  • oversee the development of policy recommendations produced using the results of the energy audit; and
  • oversee the process of transforming action plans into concrete project proposals and the implementation of one pilot project supported by the REC.

Timeframe

The position is for a fixed period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Key tasks

• Coordinate the work of the local coordinators in five municipalities.
• Encourage and motivate local coordinators, municipality representatives, WG members and energy experts.
• Ensure the quality and the timely completion of LESP documents, energy audits, policy recommendations and project proposals
• Oversee the implementation of a pilot project.
• Submit monthly reports to the REC team on the progress of activities.

 

Anticipated outputs include:

• The timely completion and adoption of LESP documents in compliance with LESP methodology guidelines and procedures.
• The incorporation of LESP documents into working documents for the district.
• The successful completion of capacity-building programmes (LESP development, energy audits, the preparation of project proposals using actions from the LESP, the use of instruments for financing energy efficiency) for staff in all five municipalities.
• Energy audits of selected sector(s) of the municipality’s economy performed and policy recommendations produced.
• The timely preparation of project proposals (using actions contained in the action plan) and the implementation of one pilot project (contained in the action plan) supported by the REC in all five municipalities.
• Monthly progress reports.

Specific requirements

The regional coordinator must have the following set of skills and competencies:

• knowledge of local governance structures and their functioning;
• an understanding of the principles of sustainable development; knowledge of energy-related issues is an asset;
• a demonstrated ability to coordinate the work of stakeholders/working groups;
• communication and conflict mediation skills;
• an excellent command of the English language; and
• an ability to produce reports.

Application procedure

The REC is inviting applications from individuals with the experience and skills described above.

Applications must include:

• a CV in English detailing relevant skills and experience; and
• a price offer (in EUR) indicating the monthly fee (please use the REC’s sample price quotation form).

 

Applications should be submitted to the REC by Monday, November 30, 2015, at 17:00 (UTC+1 Budapest time) to link@rec.org.

Please include “LESP LINK Regional Coordinator” in the subject line.

 

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Background

The Regional Environmental Center (REC) invites proposals for the provision of services under a framework contract for the translation and editing of materials from English into Ukrainian, and vice versa.

The texts will be of medium difficulty and will contain technical vocabulary related to the following topics:

• Environmental protection
• Sustainable development
• Energy security
• Local governance
  
  

The REC is looking for an individual or organisation with the required high-level capacity to undertake translations in a swift and efficient manner.

Nature of the contract

The project is offering a framework contract that will be implemented through a general agreement and the signing of specific task sheets that define each particular assignment in greater detail.

The framework contract and the specific task sheets will come into force on the day on which they are signed by the contracting authority.

The signing of the framework contract does not commit the contracting authority to place orders and does not grant the contractor any exclusive rights to those services covered by the framework contract.

The contracting authority reserves the right to cease placing orders without the contractor having the right to any compensation. It may do so at any point during the duration of the framework contract.

Contract duration

The framework contract resulting from this call for proposals will enter into force on the date on which it is signed by the last contracting party. The provisional date for starting the framework contract is mid-November 2015.

The framework contract will have an initial duration of one year from the date on which it is signed, and may be renewed up to three times for an additional period of up to six months.

Contract renewal will be subject to the approval of the contracting authority before the period indicated in the model framework contract comes to an end. Renewal does not imply any modification or deferment of existing obligations.

The overall duration of the framework contract shall not go beyond April 2018. The contract may be terminated early if the contractor’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory.

Estimated volume of tasks

The number, volume and duration of specific requests and tasks may vary from year to year.

The number of pages to be translated per year is estimated to be around 900. This is, however, only an indication and does not constitute a commitment on the part of the contracting authority regarding the actual future volume of services. The estimated number of specific requests per year will be communicated to the contractor in due course.

The global value of the framework contract is estimated to be no more than EUR 9,000.

Tasks

• Ensuring the timely delivery of translated and edited materials from English to Ukrainian, and vice versa if necessary.
• Producing translations that are 100 percent accurate (this includes providing detailed comparisons of content, facts and figures, and making sure no sources are omitted; it also includes providing translations of and proofreading all footnotes and/or endnotes etc.).
• Responding to urgent requests for the translation of short documents (5 to 8 pages) within 24 hours.
• Checking for quality to ensure the excellence of translations and proofreading.

Requirements

The contractor must:

• be a native speaker of the Ukrainian language with a relevant university degree or equivalent qualification in translation;
• have five years’ proven experience in translation work;
• have a proven ability and capacity to deliver translations to meet tight deadlines; and
• have proven experience in the translation of materials on related or similar topics.

How to apply

Participation in this call for tenders is open to both individuals and organisations (with or without subcontractors), and/or to groupings in any form.

Applicants are requested to submit an offer that includes:

(i)      in the case of companies a company profile, including the number of personnel and relevant references; or in the case of individual applicants, a CV with relevant references;

(ii)    a price quotation for Ukrainian to English (and English to Ukrainian, if there is a difference) to be stated in EUR. Please use the REC’s sample price quotation form.

Please send your offer to link@rec.org, with a reference to the call in the subject line.

The closing date for the receipt of offers is November 12, 2015, 17:00 (CET).

The decision of the Evaluation Committee will be made by November 16, 2015.

Only short-listed candidates will be invited for negotiation.

Evaluation criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate bids:

• Quality of references: 60%

• Pricing: 40%

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