Call for Experts and Consultants

Application deadline: 27 January 2025

Overview

The European Competence Centre for Social Innovation presents a unique opportunity for skilled professionals to contribute to the advancement of European social policy. With a focus on social innovation, this tender offers engaging work within the framework of the European Social Fund+.

We are seeking Lead Thematic Experts and Thematic Experts for the ALMA Network and the European Social Fund+ Communities of Practice on Social Innovation, Social Inclusion, Employment, Education, and Skills, Migrant Integration, and Material Support to facilitate the knowledge sharing among the community members. Besides the thematic experts, the Centre is looking for Validation Expert, as well as Consultants experienced in youth skills development, mitigating energy poverty and addressing the purchasing power crisis, refugee integration, reducing long-term unemployment, addressing child poverty, improving services for people with disabilities, supporting National Competence Centres for Social Innovation, scaling up and replicating social innovations, evaluating the impact of social innovation, advancing social innovation in general, and determining, evaluating, applying, and legally regulating lump sums.

These positions present an opportunity to contribute to the development of the European social innovation ecosystem, as well as exceptional professional development opportunities, allowing successful participants to enhance their skills by working with international networks and communities of practice. Its flexible engagement terms are particularly attractive to consultants currently managing multiple projects or those seeking to work on a part-time basis. A transparent remuneration structure, including competitive rates and provisions for travel and accommodation expenses, ensures financial predictability. Moreover, successful applicants will enjoy unparalleled networking opportunities, including collaboration with the European Commission and other influential stakeholders across the EU.

Applicants must hold a university degree and demonstrate English proficiency. Additional qualifications include a minimum of two years of international experience in their respective fields. For Lead Thematic Experts, proven expertise in designing work programmes for international networks or communities and moderating high-profile events is essential. Thematic Experts must showcase experience in creating specialised thematic products and presenting at international events within their domain. Consultants are expected to have substantial consulting experience in social initiatives, while the Validation Expert role requires extensive expertise in validating and evaluating social innovations.

The procedure

Interested experts and consultants are kindly invited to review the documentation HERE and participate in the tender independently as an individual (natural person), legal entity relying on qualified natural persons, or joint groups of individuals or entities in accordance with the outlined procedures.

A brief guide to help you navigate the tender process:

1. Tender Documentation
   • The tender documentation can be accessed via the following link HERE. Please note that an English translation is also available.
   • You can assess your suitability as a candidate by first reviewing the technical specifications (Annex 2) and the qualification requirements (Annex 8).
2. Registration for Submission
   To submit an offer, you must register in the Central Public Procurement Information System (CVP IS). English-language instructions for registration are available at the following link: Registration Instructions.
3. Finding the Relevant Procurement
   Locate the relevant procurement by following the instructions available here: Procurement Search Guide.
4. Preparing and Submitting Your Tender
   • A guide to preparing and submitting your tender is available here: Submission Instructions.
   • Please find the list of LOTs both in Lithuanian and in English languages HERE.
5. Additional Guidance for This Tender
   • The procurement is divided into multiple lots. You may submit offers for any number of lots where you meet the qualification criteria. However:
     • For Lots 1–19 (Thematic Experts): An expert may provide services for only one lot. You are still welcome to submit offers for multiple lots. However, if you are awarded a contract for one lot, you will not be eligible to receive a contract for another.
     • For Lots 20–30 (Consultants): An expert may provide services for up to three lots. You are welcome to submit offers for multiple lots. However, if you are awarded contracts for three lots, you will not be eligible for additional contracts beyond that.
   • For your convenience, we have provided a list of documents that must accompany your offer. Please note that failure to submit these documents may result in the rejection of your offer on formal grounds:
     • Completed Tender Form (Annex 3).
     • European Single Procurement Document – ESPD (Annex 5): Download the ESPD form from Annex 5, then import and complete it using the ESPD tool: ESPD Tool. An instructional video is available within the tool. To enable English subtitles, please adjust the settings in the video player provided in the tool. Please note that it is necessary to download the HTML file. When the document is uploaded to the system, the text within the file will appear in the selected language.
     • Declaration of the specialist (Annex 9): To streamline the collection and submission of information required for assessing value for money (Annex 7) and documenting compliance with qualification requirements (Annex 8), we have prepared the above declaration. This consolidates all relevant requirements and offers clear guidance on the necessary details. Please carefully follow the instructions provided. While most requirements can be met by completing the form in Annex 9, a few additional certifications must be submitted separately:
       • Proof of education (e.g., diplomas, certificates).
       • Proof of English language proficiency.
6. Signature Requirements
   Tenders can be signed either with a physical signature or a qualified electronic signature.
7. Language Requirements
   Tenders must be submitted in English. If any document is in a different language than Lithuanian or English, a translation must be provided. In cases of doubt, the Contracting Authority may request a translation signed by the translator or authorized personnel.
8. Thorough Review
   Please carefully review the tender documents for comprehensive details on the tender procedure.

If you encounter any challenges while registering or using the CVP IS, please contact the National Public Procurement Office at pagalba@vpt.lt for assistance. For questions related to tender documents or procedures, we kindly ask that you use the messaging functionality within the CVP IS to communicate with the contracting authority. Please note that, as per Article 22(1) of the Public Procurement Law of Lithuania, all communication between contracting authorities and suppliers must be conducted exclusively through the CVP IS. Inquiries submitted through other channels will not be addressed.

Thank you for your cooperation!