Republic of Moldova

International Consultant in Local Governance and Decentralization - ILDP Project

Vacancy Number: 167 /Pr-2008

Background:
At the moment, decentralization represents an essential political option for the internal reform agenda of the Republic of Moldova, aiming to qualitatively transform the public sector, to enhance the local autonomy, to delegate relevant duties to the closer-to-citizens’ authorities, following the principles of transparency, legality, efficiency, responsibility and administrative solidarity.  

On the 28th of December 2006, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has passed the Framework Law on administrative decentralization, which entered into force on the 1st of January 2007. The law has to be enforced after approving the Plan of Actions that shall establish the distinct stages for implementing the administrative decentralization process.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The International Consultant will identify and lead a team of local experts to provide assistance to the Ministry of Local Public Administration of the Republic of Moldova for promoting decentralization policy through the following:

• Provide the MLPA with necessary expertise during the process of defining the implementing methodology of the administrative decentralization in the Republic of Moldova, in close cooperation with national stakeholders and expertise in the administrative, financial and public property areas;
• Contribute to the set up of a functional interaction among the decision makers and the general public through the analytical tools for enhancing local autonomy, legality, own and delegated authorities – all set forth on an agenda focused on efficient governance issues;
• Enhance analytical and professional capacities of the MLPA in terms of decision-making within the framework of decentralization process, providing ad-hoc advice and technical support;  
• Promote a participatory approach for decentralization by involving local and national stakeholders in the effort of generating critical and constructive feedback, specific observations that shall direct the changes in the system.

Qualifications and skills required:

University/post-university education, Master degree and relevant training/studies in decentralization related field; e.g., development studies, public policy and management, international affairs, political science, law, economics or sociology or other related discipline would be asset but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience working in a development work position in decentralization area, preferably in the Central and Eastern European Countries;
• Working experience with international organizations and governments of the Central and Eastern European countries;
• Proven knowledge/experience in the area of Local Governance and Decentralization;
• Working experience with international organizations and governments acting in the Republic of Moldova shall be considered as an advantage;
• Project Management skills are an asset;
• Proficiency in corporate software and IT skills, including experience in handling of web based management systems;

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is a must (both excellent writing and communication skills);
• Knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian is an asset.

Terms of Reference

Personal History Form (P11)

Interested persons should submit their applications, consisting of a duly completed Personal History Form (P11), and a Financial Proposal (number of working days and fee per day) for carrying out the tasks, with the mark: “International Consultant in Local Governance and Decentralization/ILDP” by 14 January 2009, 17:30 (local time) to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August 1989 Street, MD-2012, Chisinau, Moldova, alternatively by email to vacancies-moldova@undp.org.

Only those short listed will be contacted.

Failure of candidates to submit a duly completed P11 form, as well as false representations on this form, shall constitute sufficient grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of the application. All information provided in the P11 form will be treated as strictly confidential.