CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST AND PROPOSAL (EOIP)

1.?GENERAL CONDITIONS

1.1 Requester: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), Office Tirana, "Centers for Migration and Development" (ZME)

1.2?Profile:

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implements the global programme "Centres for Migration and Development" (ZME) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The objective of this programme is: Socio Economic Participation of Returning Migrant and Vulnerable Groups. More specifically, the target groups have participated in gender and target group specific measure for socio-economic reintegration. Implementing partners of the programme are the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation and their subordinate institution,NAES.

The general outcome of the programme focuses on improving the quality of socio-economic participation services (advice with support/qualification measures) provided to returning migrants from Germany, other EU countries or from the region, and disadvantaged people among the local population.

The general outcomes of the programme comprise:

(1) improving the supply of skilled labour,

(2) improving the competitiveness of MSMEs and their capacity for creating jobs,

(3) supporting the policy development in the areas of VET and Private Sector Development, mainstreaming digitalization and green economy in all outcomes.

The programme activities will be implemented at the Southern Albanian coastal regions and target returnees coming from Germany and other EU member states.

2.?SUBJECT

The "Centres for Migration and Development" (ZME) in line with GIZ’s ZME project output indicator 2.1 – Socio Economic Participation of Returning Migrant and Vulnerable Groups. More specifically, the target groups have participated in gender and target group specific measures for socio-economic reintegration, will cooperate with private vocational training providers operating in the tourism and hospitality sector aiming to scale-up VET interventions, complementary to the courses offered by public VET providers.

In 2023, the tourism industry reached new heights with 9.54 million registered visitors. While official figures are yet to be released beginning of 2025, locals have noticed a surge in foreign tourists exploring not just the popular landmarks such as Tirana the capital of Albania, Durres main seaport, Southern Riviera's beaches, Gjirokaster, Berat, Butrint and UNESCO heritage sites but also less-known attractions and historic sites.

Furthermore, the tourists visiting Albania are staying longer in the country compared to prior years. According to the data published by Eurostat on the net stays in tourist accommodations (which include hotels, or other short-term accommodations for tourism with campsites), in the first 6 months of 2023 in Albania increased by 44.1% compared to the same period a year ago.

Tourism earnings are extremely important in a developing economy. Data from the Bank of Albania show that in the first six months of 2023, the expenses of foreigners who travelled to Albania reached a total of 1.55 billion euros. This is the highest figure ever recorded after the 1990s and reflects the return of Albania to a favourite tourist destination this year. Expenditure by foreigners on travel has increased by 37% compared to the same period a year ago. It is expected that by the end of 2023, the total amount will be 4 billion euros.

The tourism sector is a vital contributor to the Albanian economy, and an increase in tourist numbers means more revenue and job opportunities. The year 2024 was a new opportunity for tourism growth in Albania and maintaining a steady growing trend requires measures to improve physical and digital infrastructure, diversification of tourism typology, increased focus on green and blue tourism as well as availability of skilled labour force. In 2024, skills shortage continued to take a toll on the industry, therefore the provision of training courses with focus on tourism and accommodation sector can help addressing this pressing issue. It is important to emphasize that the demand for skilled labour force goes beyond the seasonal peak, covering year-round needs in particular tourist destinations that attract visitors throughout the entire year.

In this respect, "Centres for Migration and Development" (ZME) is announcing a second Call for (i) Expressions of Interest and (ii) Proposals from 11–24 of March 2025, which shall help to identify private training providers and companies that offer short term Vocational Training Courses (VTC) in line with the requirements below:

-?Under each contract, the private training providers, will offer vocational training courses in Tourism and Hospitality Services sector where green and/or digital skills/elements are part of the training programme. The training duration of each course per batch should be up to 6 weeks maximum.

-?The topics of short-term VET courses should include, but are not limited to, the areas of (i) Housekeeping; (ii) Front Desk Operations; (iii) Food and Beverage (preparation, serving and safety); (iv) Complimentary services; (v) Event Planning and Management; (vi) social media.

-?The courses should be demand-driven and apply a work-based learning approach based on local labour market needs and eventually aim at employment.

-?The training courses for each contract should target up to 70 unemployed people with focus on returnees and potential migrants. While interventions target the returnee population in general, special attention is to be given to disadvantaged/unemployed jobseekers, women, minorities, people with different abilities, people with low education level, informal seasonal workers from neighbour countries. Up to 50 % of the participants are to be female.

-?The proposal should include measures that address job placement/ career counselling, in cooperation with Local Employment Offices and facilitate referral to potential employment option in the local business /companies. All graduates should be offered a carrier counselling and job placement opportunities to ensure a high level of employability.

-?In terms of geographical location, priority will be given to high touristic summer destinations, such as Southern Albanian coastal regions, including Tirana and Durres, as well as cross border locations or key historic sites that needs skills, and seasonal migration for employment reasons is very high.

-?The overall implementation timeframe for the project is up to 5 ??months, that would allow implementation of all short training courses. Each training course cycle should last 1.5 months. All activities should be finalised by 15th of September 2025. Contract duration until 15th of October 2025, including monitoring, implementation, reporting and final invoicing.

-?The proposals that are to be selected through this call shall receive financial support ranging between 35,000- 40,000 EURO (equivalent in ALL). Only applicants that will pass the first phase of evaluation will be asked to submit a budget proposal. The Budget will be subject to further negotiations.

a.?ELIGIBILITY

Participation is open to all legally registered entities with active status (individually or in consortiums), established according to Albania law in force. All legal entities interested in the application process should download the application in the GIZ Albania LinkedIn page.

3.?Selection Procedure:

??First step: All EOIPs will be evaluated based on the technical criteria described in the evaluation grid attached.

??Second Step: All entities that have passed the 1st round of evaluation will be notified within 20 working days in writing and will be invited to submit a budget and the log-frame. Interviews and negotiations can take place before a final decision is made.

??Third Step: Contracts will be awarded to the applicants with best technical and financial offer. Only the applications that are qualified will be notified in writing after the evaluation process is completed.

4.?DEADLINE & SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS

Please request the Expression of Interest (EOI) format it via email at: [email protected].

For further questions contact us via email to [email protected] during the application period until 17th of March 2025.

The deadline for submitting the application?(EOI?Proposal_PVETP ) is 24 March 2025.

The documents should be submitted in pdf format via e-mail to [email protected]

Email subject:?EOI Proposal PVET 2nd Call_Name of the company.

All written communication for this procedure and the following successful ones must be in English.