Republic of Moldova

Background

UNIFEM Sub-regional office for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS SRO) is seeking to hire a national consultant for a short-term assignment to undertake a study on economic opportunities for rural women in Moldova, within the new gender programme on “Women’s Economic Empowerment through increasing Employability in the Republic of Moldova” (WEE).  The overall purpose of the study is to profile the economic opportunities of rural women in Moldova in order to develop a guide/manual for a potential economic component within WEE.
The objective of the study is twofold: (i) to serve as baseline data for the employment/self-employment activities and (ii) to develop a guide/manual on a potential SME component within WEE to serve as basis for negotiation with potential donors and to link the programme to existing SME and micro credit activities in the country.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Undertake a desk review of the economic situation in rural Moldova in relation to employment and self/employment through gender lens;
• Based on the results of desk review develop the methodology for the Study, including scope and the focus areas of the Study, assessment methods, questionnaires, etc;
• Conduct a series of meetings with key players (Governmental and private institutions or programmes that are contributing substantially to the economic development)  to identify basic constraints and opportunities related to employment/self-employment of women in rural Moldova;
• Undertake analysis of the data and prepare the first draft of the Study for the feedback from UNIFEM team;
• Based on the review and meetings, develop a detailed guide/manual for the implementation of a potential SME component within WEE;
• Finalize the Report on the Study, including the comprehensive overview of the economic situation in rural Moldova in relation to employment/self-employment, and the set of recommendations on the measures for promoting economic empowerment of rural women.

Terms of Reference - Team Leader

Terms of Reference - Team member/SME/Business expert

Required Qualifications and competencIes for Team Leader

The following qualification criteria shall be applied during the selection of the consultant (Team Leader):
Education:

• Advanced university degree in economics, finance, or other related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience as a researcher, analyst in the indicated fields of expertise;
• Track record and knowledge in technical expertise on studies related to SME sector
• Previous similar work experience working for international organizations and/or governmental programmes concerning related field;
• Experience with participatory assessment processes and in depth knowledge of rural sector of Moldova;
• Good organizational, analytical, problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills.

Language and other skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken Romanian and English;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Technical competencies & skills:

• Excellent analytical skills, ability to synthesize and clearly present complex processes and issues to service the information needs of diverse audiences;
• Excellent writing skills, ability to write in a structured, lucid and concise manner, without losing the depth of the substance;
• Results orientation and commitment to producing high-quality products;
• Knowledge of UN procedures will be an asset;
• Professional credibility based on a strong-track record of success.

Teamwork

• Ability to support and work within teams
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Qualifications and competencies for sme/business expert

The following qualification criteria shall be applied during the selection of the consultant (team member):
Education:

• A sound educational background in the relevant fields (micro-economics, business administration, finance or employment)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience as a researcher, analyst in the indicated fields of expertise;
• Knowledge of (small) business development related realities and problems;
• Specific experience in carrying out studies or analyses similar to that described in this ToR;
• Experience with participatory assessment processes and in depth knowledge of rural sector of Moldova;
• Experience with information analysis and report writing.

Language and other skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken Romanian and English;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Technical competencies & skills:

• Excellent analytical skills, ability to synthesize and clearly present complex processes and issues to service the information needs of diverse audiences;
• Excellent writing skills, ability to write in a structured, lucid and concise manner, without losing the depth of the substance;
• Results orientation and commitment to producing high-quality products;
• Knowledge of UN procedures will be an asset;
• Professional credibility based on a strong-track record of success.

Teamwork

• Ability to support and work within teams;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Application Instructions

To apply, the prospective applicants should submit:

1. P11 form (can be downloaded from http://www.unifem.org/attachments/about/employment/UNIFEM_personal_history_form_P11.doc)
2. Cover letter, stating their interest in and qualifications for the consultancy.

Kindly send your applications with clear identification of the position you apply to:

• “National Consultant/Team Leader – Study on Economic Opportunities for Rural Women in Moldova/UNIFEM WEE”
• “National Consultant/Team Member/SME – Study on Economic Opportunities for Rural Women in Moldova/UNIFEM WEE”

by 30th August 2010, 16:30 (local time) to the following email vacancies-moldova@undp.org.
Only those short listed will be contacted.
The short-listed candidates only would be requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in MDL or USD) requested for the work envisaged in the section "Duties and Responsibilities".