International Consultant for preparation of Mainstreaming Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) principles in national polices in Montenegro Document

Economy and Environment cluster within the UNDP Country Office Montenegro has been working actively for the last three years in the Corporate Social Responsibility area. Among other issues, within the Local Economic Development portfolio, a detailed assessment was made of the capacities and willingness of the Montenegrin private sector and companies for CSR activities.

The study which UNDP conducted in 2008 - “Baseline CSR survey” showed that in Montenegro exists a good basis for further improvement and new CSR activities: the majority of Montenegrin companies perceive CSR as a very important tool for their business and for the community development. They are also aware that those activities conducted in Montenegro should and must be improved.

Further activities were conducted in 2009 and 2010, resulting in an improved awareness of the private business sector of the CSR, including in depth screening of large companies, SMEs and local NGOs. Final results of the work done so far were presented at the launch of the UN Global Compact network in Montenegro in late 2010 (http://www.undp.org.me/home/archive/2005-2010/gc.html).

Furthermore, the need has been recognized for the inclusion of CSR concept and standards in national policies, strategies and legal acts. This is especially important for governmental structures in charge for development activities and subsidiary institutions and organization. So far, the intention was to include CSR principles into the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSOR) as a framework strategic document. In order to work towards, it is important to review the existing national strategic and legal framework, provide recommendations on the CSR principles inclusion at national level, as well as to identify the communications tools to be used by respective authorities in their day-to-day application of the CSR concept.    

Objectives of the assignment:
The objective is to prepare document on mainstreaming CSR into national polices, which will be discussed at an appropriately planned and organized national round table with respective authorities. The draft document will be finalized after consideration of the inputs received on the main recommendations and findings. 
 
Expected results:
Under the direct supervision of the Local Economic Development Project Manager, the consultant will be expected to do the following over the period from end November to mid-December:

• Review relevant strategies, policy documents, programs and laws/bylaws in order to identify current CSR concept principles inclusion;
• Provide regional and wide experiences on how CSR concept is incorporated into national policies;
• Identify institutional mechanisms that should be in place for integrated approach towards practical implementation of CSR principles;
• Propose set of recommendations on CSR concept mainstreaming in relevant national strategies, policies and legal acts;
• Propose the most appropriate way to channel and mainstream the CSR concept through governmental structures;
• Identify the most applicable and effective communications tools to be used for advocating CSR by relevant national authorities;
• Present draft document’s findings and recommendations at the aforementioned national round table;
• Prepare final document on mainstreaming of CSR into the national polices.        

Time duration and travel:
The consultancy will involve 10 working days from end November to mid-December, 2011. The consultant will work from home and in Podgorica, Montenegro. It is expected that consultant will spent 6 working days in Montenegro, which will include at least one travel to Podgorica, Montenegro.

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

• University degree Social Sciences, preferably in Economy, Law or similar fields;
• At least 5 years of working experience in the area of CSR related activities;
• Regional experiences on CSR concept implementation and best practices;
• Ability to think strategically, to express ideas clearly and concisely;
• Excellent writing, analytical and advocacy skills, experience in working in a multi-stakeholder environment;
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with developed attention to detail;
• Fluency in English language, written and spoken;
• Good knowledge of written and spoken Montenegrin language is required;