Republic of Moldova

International Consultant on Human Resource Management for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration

Vacancy Number: 115 /Pr-2009

Background:

The “Building Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration” project has the overall objective of strengthening the institutional capacity of the MFAEI so that it can exercise its functions in a more efficient manner, operate transparently and fulfil its European Integration commitments.

As part of the project workplan UNDP will contract a Senior Level International Consultant, specialized in Public Administration with experience in design and implementation of strategic and HRM processes and procedures and capacity building to provide technical expertise and lead the process of implementing the areas for improvement stated in the IDP of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

Tasks and responsibilities:

1. Strategic:

   1.1. Study:

   • the results and outputs of the participative self-assessment workshop through which the senior management team of the MFAEI identified a selection of vital Areas for Improvement (AFIs) in May 2008. Some of these were specifically in the area of HR Planning, Management and Development, (thus highlighting existing weaknesses in the system), and others highlight issues for which there may possibly be training solutions across all operations;
   • the Logical Framework (LogFrame) for the proposed Capacity Building Programme for the MFAEI which now forms Strategic Objectives within the new Strategic Institutional Development Plan for 2008-2011;
   • the Training Needs Assessment and Recommendations Report and associated proposed training plan and ensure that the need for practical, interactive, action-based learning mechanisms is met; taking into account that MFAEI staff (particularly senior staff) are already extremely busy with existing work schedules (such learning vehicles could include distance learning, self administered learning framework, CD Rom materials and web-based simulations etc);
   • the Concept of continuous training system for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.

   1.2. Assist the MFAEI management team to develop the strategy further so as to ensure that the strategic objectives are communicated and cascaded to departmental level, i.e. Departmental Objectives.

2. Human Resource Management

   2.1. Review current status of Government wide HRM strategy development and develop MFAEI’s own strategy based on the new mid term strategy and plans (IDP and Annual 2008-09 Operational Plan to be derived from it) and the Capacity Development Programme supported by UNDP and MFAEI’s donors;

   • Elaborate a clear Career Planning Policy with objective criteria for recruitment, promotion, and rewards starting with a plan for assignment of qualified staff to managerial functions;
   • Codify and assess required skills, knowledge, and competencies for all posts;
   • Research competency frameworks from other countries’ civil services and Ministries and Diplomatic Corps  and adopt / tailor for Moldovan/MFAEI purposes;
   • Review required specification for HR (personnel) database (HRMIS) and scale and timescale of the task to for paper-based records to be transferred and validated;
   • Analyse current and future human resources needs (required establishment for MFAEI to deliver its IDP) and training needs, taking into account needs and expectations of stakeholders;
   • Develop HR staffing plan to address recruitment needs and leadership / management  succession planning;
   • Review job descriptions for all posts and incorporate necessary or desirable competencies and aptitudes taking into account needs and expectations of stakeholders and aligning to recruitment and development plans;
   • Design  a new Open Performance Review and Appraisal System;
   • Review Annual Action Plan activities and proposed Capacity Development Programme activities in line with an assessment of absorptive capacity - planning tasks and projects in phases and sequencing ‘new organisational development work’ in line with the allocation and development of human resources;
   • Review working conditions in both Ministry and overseas Missions and make recommendations;
   • Review (and/or design) criteria for fairness of employment and equal opportunities (e.g. gender, disability, race and religion) for recruitment process;

   2.2. Ensure sustainable delivery of training priorities:

   • A Leadership Development Programme (that would impart managers with essential leadership competences and competencies and lead the change of the organisational mindset and culture to make Customer Orientation the primary focus across the Ministry) (Suggested MFAEI Leadership Development Programme is attached to the TOR – Annex 1);
   • Strategic Planning;
   • Project Cycle Management (PCM) training - that will address the need for staff from different departments of the Ministry to work together in new inter-departmental project teams to address cross-cutting project issues;
   • Train the Trainer (ToT);
   • Customer Orientation in the Public Sector;
   • Interviewing skills;
   • Human Resource Management for Line Managers;
   • Total Quality Management (TQM); tools and processes.

    

Qualifications and skills required:

• At least 5 years experience in public administration issues, specifically in strategic and HRM institutional / capacity development. Knowledge of and/or experience in the region of Central and Eastern Europe would be desirable;
• Advanced degree in the area(s) of Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Political Science, Development Economics or other related backgrounds;
• Operational experience in or in-depth study of Foreign Affairs sector of public administration within the current social, economic, political, and conflict circumstances in the greater Central and Eastern Europe region;
• Experience in reforming government institutions within projects funded by international organizations;
• Qualification and/or proven skills in project coordination, credibility in dealings with senior governmental officials, strong team leadership abilities and communication skills;
• Proven experience in elaborating policies/strategies;
• Strong experience in conducting instructional and participatory trainings, workshops, and presentations;
• Excellent analytical and communication skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Romanian would be an added advantage;
• Ability to analyze, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, draft reports, solve problems, organize and meet expected results, adapt to different environment (cultural, economic, political and social);
• Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Romanian would be an added advantage.

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 (fee per day) for carrying out the tasks, with the mark: "International Consultant - MFA HRM" by 13 November 2009, 17:00 (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.