Project Approval Consultant

SCOPE OF WORK PROJECT APPROVAL CONSULTANT LOCATION: Hanoi, Vietnam, with possible travel within the country. The consultant will be working mainly with an from the DSVP office in Hanoi BACKGROUND: The Vietnam CTIP project will support the Government of Vietnam (GVN) strengthen national and provincial responses to identify and support victims and prevent human trafficking through survivor-centered, localized, and adaptive approaches under two immediate results (IRs): IR1: Sustainable, survivor-centered identification and services systems established and strengthened (protection); and: IR2: Creative and targeted measures to prevent under-recognized forms of trafficking among inadequately reached populations established and institutionalized (prevention). PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: The Vietnam CTIP project is starting a process of project approval following the procedures outlined in Decree 64/2021/ND-CP on Implementation of International Agreements, or any other relevant Decrees. The objective of this assignment is for the Project Approval Specialist to plan, lead and execute the necessary steps to secure Project Approval. RESPONSIBILITIES The overall responsibilities of the Project Approval Specialist are to: Coordinate with key stakeholders within MOLISA, MPS and other relevant GVN ministries and departments as needed, to identify the specific type of approval that would be the most optimal for Winrock’s Vietnam CTIP project and the steps to follow to secure project approval in a timely manner; Identify the documents and steps need to secure the selected / most optimal project approval approach; Lead the drafting and completion of project approval documents, based on inputs and guidance from Winrock International project staff and Government of Vietnam counterparts at Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), specifically the Department of Social Vices Prevention (DSVP) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to secure the project approval following the most optimal option; and Work closely with Winrock and GVN counterparts to take the appropriate steps to finalize project approval. The specific tasks expected to be undertaken, include, but are not limited to: Provide an analysis of the pros and cons of the various options for the project approval, as well as recommendations to Winrock on the most optimal type of approval for the Vietnam CTIP project, the necessary documents and steps that lead to it; Draft the necessary project documents and lead the development and submission of them to various ministries and the selected provinces, working closely with DSVP, MPS and selected provinces’ authorities; Support the GVN and the Winrock Vietnam CTIP Team in preparing the necessary official documents for submission to MOLISA, MPS, provincial authorities and other related ministries for project approval. Draft and finalize any project approval documents, as needed, in coordination with the project team; Keep close contact with designated counterparts at GVN ministries and departments as appropriate to seek guidance and feedback on the development of a project documents and overall project approval process by GVN and selected provinces; Review and finalize the project documents as per feedback received from GVN counterparts and provincial authorities, and ensure they are in line with the appropriate GVN policies and guidelines; Liaise with MOLISA and MPS leadership as necessary, as well as provincial leaders, to secure project approval by all relevant counterparts. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience and track record in developing and securing project approval by the GVN, preferably as they pertain to counter trafficking in persons. Experience with MOLISA and MPS and/or USAID-funded projects preferred. Bachelor’s degree at minimum. Master’s degree / Law degree preferred. An energetic, forward-thinking, problem-solver and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriate professional image. An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in Vietnamese and English; demonstrated report writing skills in English is required. Position is for Vietnam Nationals only. PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION This task will last from 1 March to 15 June 2024, for a total of 60 working days. DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME No. Deliverables Estimated Date 1 Brief report to include pros and cons of each possible project approval approach, to include recommendations on what type of project approval(s) and documents would be most optimal and what documents are needed for the Vietnam CTIP project approval 1 – 15 March 2024 2 Weekly updates on contacts made, and current progress End of each week 3 Completed project documents and supporting official documents for submission to MOLISA, MPS, the two selected provinces and relevant Ministries for project approval 15 April 2024 4 Coordination with MOLISA, MPS, the two selected provinces and relevant Ministries to collect feedback 30 April 2024 5 Brief summary report of comments received from GVN counterparts on work plans and project documents 15 May 2024 6 Written response to GVN comments, and revised work plans and project documents based on their feedback 30 May 2024 7 Facilitation of appraisal meeting to review draft project documents prior to final submission for approval 1 June 2024 8 Submission of the full project approval packet to Winrock, for official submission to GVN 15 June 2024 Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. 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