The present description outlines requirements for the provider of international technical assistance (“consultant”) for a four-year bilateral project in support of human rights and good governance in Albania. Key project partner is the Albanian Ombudsman, established in 1999 with a strong constitutional mandate to protect the rights, freedoms and lawful interests of individuals from unlawful or improper actions or failures to act of organs of public administration. By virtue of this strong formal mandate, the Ombudsman has primarily reacted in response to complaints, yet is now desirous to develop a strategic framework for its operations with a view to a more proactive role. The Ombudsman has an essential democratic potential in promoting public sector accountability.
Building on the achievements and lessons learnt in previous Danish support to human rights, notably from 1999-2003, national development objectives of a free, fair and prosperous Albania are pursued through building institutional capacity and strengthening links with civil society and media to make the Ombudsman more effective in three strategic areas. These areas reflect the organisational set-up and priorities of the institution whilst at the same time matching the European Commission Opinion on key priorities in Albanian governance reform:
1. Local government: Comprehensive awareness campaigns on access to justice in ten local regions, technical support to three new regional offices, transparency manuals and training for municipal and commune staff on human rights and conflict mediation.
2. Prison and detentions: Better quality joint inspections with civil society partners and interdisciplinary teams, carried out to the scope of 80 inspections per year and complemented by training of staff, new publishing initiatives and international experience exchange
3. Civil society and media: National Civil Society Network to be chaired by the Ombudsman and involved in inspections, case review and publicity efforts with Media Professionals Network to engage in two-way dialogue and media co-productions.
Section V: Award of contract
Contract No: DC 3114
V.1) Date of contract award decision:
6.7.2012
V.2) Information about offers
Number of offers received: 4
V.3) Name and address of economic operator in favour of whom the contract award decision has been taken
SE- SIPU International AB, 451 13 Stockholm, SWEDEN