Republic of Moldova

Group of National Consultants to develop a research on social exclusion in Moldova - “Strengthening the National Statistical System” Joint Project

Vacancy Number: 16 /Pr-2009

Background:

Development of human resources, increasing the employment level, promoting social inclusion, is one of the five mid-term priorities of the state in order to achieve the long-term vision of Moldovan Government ’s Strategy. The overarching goal of this priority comprises of efficient use and improved quality of human resources in the Republic of Moldova to ensure gradual transition from occupations requiring low level of qualification towards occupations requiring advanced knowledge and skills, replication of jobs with decent payments, poverty reduction and social inclusion.

Social inclusion is a useful concept to address inequalities and exclusion issues in Moldova. It is close enough to poverty reduction and human development but provides a more systematic view on the multidimensional aspects of deprivation and inequalities.

Many parts of the National Development Strategy of RM for 2008–2011 and related social statistics address exclusion and inequalities already, however, to some extent, the inter-linkages between sectoral policies and their effect on exclusion have not been fully explored in the NDS. Whilst the NDS recognizes the existence of significant inequalities within the country, mostly in incomes and between regions, data on the magnitude of inequalities is scarce. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of social exclusion in Moldova, including aspects of community deprivation, but also providing recommendations for measures necessary to further approximate to EU standards in social policy and employment, is required.

Scope of Work:

UNDP Moldova is seeking to employ a group of National Consultants (up to 3 people) with relevant experience in related fields, who will provide the necessary conceptual and practical support in development of a comprehensive analysis on social exclusion in RM, on the basis of statistical data available and additionally collected, provided by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The research will be correlated to the needs of national key-stakeholders and in compliance with the National Development Strategy, the Strategy for the Development of Statistics and other national and sector policy documents.

Tasks and responsibilities:

In order to achieve objectives, the Contractors will:

• Analyze all resources on social exclusion available (results of previous activities undertaken by the Project, printed and electronic publications, conferences/events results, reports, methodologies applied for HBS of NBS and Social Economic Passports of the Ministry of Economy, as well as relevant legislative and policy documents for sectors to be covered);
• Organize consultations with relevant ministries and other national stakeholders, in small working groups, on relevance of indicators inventoried within the Project and selection of main indicators for the current research and for future monitoring of social inclusion within NDS;
• Develop a research on social exclusion, taking into consideration the recommendations of UNDP and Project’s national partners, including (i) analysis of community deprivation and poverty, (ii) social exclusion and quality of life, (iii) inequality and social cohesion;
• Organize a public presentation of the Research consisting of: (i) launching of the developed Report and (ii) a round-table/training on the use of obtained and analyzed data for users (Government Office, ministries, think-tanks, academia, CSO, international community).

Qualifications and skills required:

Education:

• Advanced degree in economics, statistics, sociology and/or other social science related areas relevant for the assignment;
• Other formal education relevant for the assignment;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven experience preferably in social policy areas;
• Proven experience in developing analytical works in social policy fields;
• Previous experience in conducting of training sessions would be an asset;
• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies in particular;

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills;
• Good knowledge of the social inclusion/exclusion concepts;
• Ability to work with large datasets and knowledge of statistical analysis software (i.e. SPSS, STATA);
• Knowledge of the peculiarities of statistical sector would be an advantage (statistical processes and practices, methodologies used in social statistics, etc.);
• Familiarity with UNDP’s mandate;
• Familiarity with European/international standards and best practices in the concerned field would be an asset;
• Excellent communications skills in oral and written Russian and Romanian;
• Good knowledge of English will be an asset;

Personal Qualities and other requirements:

• Good interpersonal skills, solid judgment/decision making, initiative and creativity;
• IT literacy and ability to operate with statistical applications;
• Availability to work with UNDP and Project’s national stakeholders during the indicated/approved period;
• Cultural and gender sensitivity.

Terms of Reference

Personal History Form (P11)

In order to achieve the given objective, the assignment should be undertaken by a group of consultants (up to 3 persons) with an identified team leader who shall be assigned as coordinator of the whole process and ensure the scientific homogeneity of the final product.

Interested persons should submit their applications, consisting of a duly completed Personal History Form (P11), Technical Proposal (Short vision on achievement of tasks) and a Financial Proposal (number of working days, fee per assignment) for carrying out the tasks, with the mark: “Statistics: Social Exclusion Research” by 25 February 2009, 13:00 (local time) to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August 1989 Street, MD-2012, Chisinau, Moldova (in sealed envelopes), 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.