Local Irrigation Specialist (Civil Engineer) – full-time 13 months — Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT – NATIONAL) Republic of North Macedonia Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy Project (PIREP) Grant No.: TF0D2152 Assignment Title: Local Irrigation Specialist (Civil Engineer) Reference No.: PIREP-IC-07 The Republic of North Macedonia has received financing from the World Bank, acting as trustee of the Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP), for the preparation of the Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy Project (PIREP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (MAFWE), through its Project Implementation Unit (PIU), is responsible for implementation of the grant. The preparation grant supports the updating of technical and hydraulic studies, dam safety documentation, transboundary-water analyses, and environmental and social instruments for Phases II and III of the Zletovica Hydrosystem, covering irrigation development and hydropower investments. The PIU implements the grant in close coordination with the Public Enterprise for Water Management Activities HS “Zletovica”–Probištip (PE HS Zletovica), which provides technical leadership and institutional support. The objective of the assignment is to provide continuous, full-time local engineering support for the preparation, review, and completion of technical documentation for Phases II and III of the Zletovica Hydrosystem. Working under the overall technical coordination of the international Senior Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineer/Technical Team Leader, the Consultant will help ensure that the proposed irrigation investments are technically sound, construction-ready, suitable for World Bank financing, and supported by complete civil works bidding documents, in accordance with applicable national requirements and relevant World Bank standards. The consulting services (“the Services”) include reviewing feasibility studies, surveys, investigations, hydraulic and water-balance analyses, detailed designs, technical specifications, bills of quantities, cost estimates, implementation schedules and civil works bidding documents; reviewing irrigation intake and conveyance systems, pipelines, pumping stations, distribution networks, flow-measurement and control systems, automation, drainage and energy efficiency; verifying national technical, regulatory and permitting compliance; preparing a National Regulatory and Technical Compliance Matrix and permitting roadmap; identifying design and data gaps and supporting data collection, verification and digitization; assessing design and procurement readiness; providing technical inputs to environmental and social instruments, climate resilience, economic and financial analysis, jobs reporting and OP 7.50 documentation; and supporting technical evaluations when formally appointed, consultations, site visits, project reporting and World Bank missions. The Consultant will report contractually and administratively to the PIU Coordinator/Project Director and technically to the Director of PE HS Zletovica. Day-to-day priorities and technical outputs will be coordinated with the international Senior Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineer/Technical Team Leader. Instructions and comments affecting scope, schedule, or deliverable acceptance will be consolidated through the PIU. The assignment is expected to be full-time during the GFPP-funded preparation period, subject to the contract terms and project schedule. The Consultant will be based at HS Zletovica in North Macedonia, with frequent field visits to project sites as required. Any continuation into project implementation will be subject to satisfactory performance, project needs, financing availability, and a written contract extension. The complete Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are included in Annex 1 to this Request for Expressions of Interest and form an integral part of it. MAFWE now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information (curriculum vitae and references, in English) demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: University degree in irrigation engineering, civil engineering with specialization in water resources or hydraulic engineering, or a closely related field; an advanced degree would be an advantage. At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in the planning, design, technical review, construction, or rehabilitation of medium- or large-scale irrigation infrastructure. Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, technical regulations, design standards, permitting procedures, and institutional requirements applicable to water and irrigation infrastructure in North Macedonia. Proven experience reviewing detailed designs and bidding documents for irrigation systems, including pressurized pipelines, pumping stations, distribution networks, hydraulic structures, flow-measurement systems, automation, bills of quantities, and cost estimates. Experience coordinating with national and local authorities and supporting technical approvals, consents, water-related authorizations, and construction permits. Experience with World Bank or other international financial institution-financed infrastructure projects, procurement processes, and environmental and social requirements would be an advantage. Strong analytical, technical-writing, coordination, and communication skills, with ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Fluency in Macedonian and working proficiency in English. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.15, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Seventh Edition, September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policies on conflict of interest and unfair competitive advantage. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the Procurement Regulations, using a national market approach. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00, Skopje local time. Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form to the address stated below (in person, by mail or by e-mail) by Friday, October 30, 2026, 12:00 Skopje local time. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Zletovica Productivity through Irrigation and Renewable Energy Project (PIREP) Attn.: Ms. Ana Gaceva Str. Leninova No. 2 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia E-mail: procurement@amp.mk