Republic of Moldova

Two consultants (international and national) for Project Formulation: Capacity Development of Moldovan Public Institutions for European Integration

Vacancy Number: 101 /Pr-2009

Background:

The objective of the assignment is to provide advice to UNDP in terms of type of assistance for developing the capacities of Moldovan institutions in relation to EU Integration, with immediate focus on negotiating an enhanced cooperation agreement with the European Union and implicitly its implementation as well as to translate them into an UNDP intervention. This should be based on the analysis of the existing capacities / structures in Moldova, the country’s aspirations and related processes for EU integration as well as best practices of the countries that undergone similar processes.

The output of the mission should be a comprehensive project document with interventions and components covering the below noted issues, including the relevant strategy and actions, for presentation to the Government and donors for their consideration. It is planned the project to be submitted for funding to several donors.

Summary of Tasks:

In the course of achieving the above objective and delivering the output, and based on:

• Fieldwork in Moldova; discussions with key national and international interlocutors and stakeholders; and a comprehensive literature review ensuring inter alia that full account is taken of the lessons learned from the related experience of new EU member states as well as previous UNDP interventions and similar initiatives elsewhere as implemented by the UNDP and others. The later should include review of the ongoing UNDP institution development interventions in Moldova and consider the recommendations of the previous report produced on this topic.
• Ensuring that proposals take account of the institutional capacity needs of Moldova to conduct the negotiations for the EU agreement and to road map the longer term process for EU integration as well as to coordinate and implement those in the future.

The team will:

• analyze the current and planned Government policies and capacities;
• map the previous, ongoing and planned assistance to the country and identify possible gaps;
• review UNDP Moldova activities/projects within the institutional development portfolio and other related practices;
• assess and advise on actions and measures to assist in building the national institutional infrastructure and capacities in a sustainable and longer term basis. This should include the most relevant institutional set up at different levels, as well as the capacity development assistance to these institutions and review the objectives for such initiatives; and synergy and complementarities with past and present initiatives and national development strategies. Clear justification for strategy and actions is essential, as is demonstration of linkages and consistency with the national strategies/plans;
• building on the above, prepare project document with strategy and specific actions (considering that adequate consultation with national authorities and stakeholders prior to finalization – based on a Project Brief/draft Project Document) for UNDP interventions;
• finalize the Project Document Draft taking into account comments and consultation with UNDP and stakeholders;
• advise UNDP on potential partners and donors for the recommended interventions, based on the discussions in Moldova and practices of other countries.

Qualifications and skills required:

Required qualifications, skills and experience for the international consultant:

• Advanced university degree in public administration, European studies, economics or related field;
• Strong knowledge of EU accession policies/processes and work experience in pre-accession countries striving to fulfill EU requirements in the process of EU accession, preferably from the countries within the region;
• At least five years of experience in development of programmes in the area of European integration, accession to EU, including capacity building for negotiation of accession agreements etc.;
• Experience in provision of policy advice to and coordination of policy advisory processes with Government representatives;
• Sound knowledge on results-based management;
• Previous work experience in related areas with UNDP or other development organizations, preferably in the region;
• Fluency in English (Russian or Romanian are an advantage).

Required qualifications, skills and experience for the national consultant:

• University degree in public administration, European studies or relates fields;
• At least five years of experience in the area of public administration, European integration and/or foreign affairs;
• Sound knowledge/experience of EU accession process and Moldovan Foreign Policy and European Integration issues;
• Previous work experience in related areas with UNDP or other development organizations;
• Fluency in English, Russian and Romanian.

Terms of Reference

Personal History Form (P11)

Interested persons should submit their applications, consisting of a duly completed Personal History Form (P11), Cover letter and a Financial Proposal (fee per assignment) for carrying out the tasks, with the mark/subject: "Project Formulation: Capacity Development of Moldovan Public Institutions for European Integration" by 12 October 2009, 17:00 (local time), to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August str., MD 2012, Chisinau Moldova, or 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.