Background
The Government of Moldova explicitly acknowledges its commitment to link migration and development at the local level. Institutions at all government levels are becoming increasingly aware that migration is one of development factors; this is especially true for emigrees and their potential support to the home communities through local essential service improvement (water, sanitation, education, health and social services), skill and knowledge transfer and income generating opportunities.
Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy and embedding migration aspects into development processes, the State Chancellery together with United Nations Development Programme have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme. The project is designed to support Central Public Authorities (CPAs) and LPAs to develop and implement strategic policies, methodologies and procedures related to temporary, permanent and circular migration and link them to local development processes, which will enable further design and implementation of joint service improvement and income-generating initiatives, ensuring equal access for women, children, young people the elderly, the disabled, and other population groups in selected localities. Moreover, the project is developed as a replicable approach with potentials for scaling up, with intensive capacity building and strengthening of national and local public authorities to better plan, manage, budget, and implement public service management with participation of community members, including migrants.
Thus, as seen above, integrating migration into local development requires a systematic, tangible and programmatic approach. The current project is proposed on the basis of the results achieved during the implementation of 3 phases of JILDP (2007-2015), which has put a series of methodological approaches and strategic frameworks in place. It supports integrated and systematic local development planning and management, by tackling both central and local levels.
The Overall Objective of the Programme is Communities affected by migration benefit from improved essential local services, namely water and sanitation, health, social and education services, and have access to income-generating opportunities, including improved employment reintegration support for returnees.
Considering the specific local development context, current situation and needs, the project sets two primary outcomes:
Outcome 1: The Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family and the National Employment Agency have mandates, capacities and resources to provide qualitative employment reintegration services to all returnees.
Outcome 2: Local public authorities have the capacities and resources to engage with community members, including migrants, and to promote know-how transfer from abroad with a view to improving local essential services and offering opportunities for income-generating activities.
Both areas of the project emphasize the national ownership and strengthening capacities at national and local levels to enable a socio-economic environment, secure employment support, reduce disparities and inequalities, provide income generating opportunities, and ensure sustainable local development. The project intervention will apply human rights based and gender equality approaches, including community empowerment and mobilization models with migrants’ engagement, and various tools for efficient service provision.
The intervention supports the implementation of national development priorities, while responding to challenges of European Union driven reform. It is built on the priorities of the Government Programme 2015-2018, the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, the National Decentralization Strategy 2012-2015, the Strategy on Migration and Asylum, the United Partnership Framework (for 2013-2017), and Swiss Cooperation Strategy Republic of Moldova 2014-2017.
In order to ensure impact maximization and tangible results, the project intervention envisages strong synergies with BRD/IOM and NEXUS, as part of the programmatic intervention funded by Swiss Cooperation Office SDC.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the IMLDP Project Manager, the Local public service provision Officer ensures the effective and efficient implementation of local public service improvement at local level activities within the IMLDP Project. The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT:
Local public service provision Officer works in close collaboration with the Project Manager and other Project Officers for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. More specifically:
Advice and support to IMLDP project on local public service improvement issues, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Develop detailed mechanism of identification and provide support in selection of targeted 20 communities for project interventions (data assessment etc.).
Advise and assist targeted LPAs to manage migration related processes, through participatory community planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation for efficient service provision.
Promote a participatory, human rights and gender sensitive approach to service provision at local level in close coordination with other local and national partners.
Support the implementation of jointly selected service improvement initiatives, with active participation of migrants and community members (using inter-municipal cooperation, PPPs and other tools)
Support the IMLDP Project Manager, CO in general project development, implementation and project-related strategic processes.
Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews) community development highlighting UNDP support and strategy. Play an active role in policy advice, strategic thinking, knowledge sharing.
2. Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Assess the country's development policies and their impact on IMLDP project activities.
Provide policy options and high quality advisory inputs to the project from local development perspective to ensure these are responsive to national policies, priorities and strategic plans, and advance UNDP's corporate goals.
Provide training and capacity building support for IMLDP staff and partners on local strategic planning.
Make sound contributions to local development-related knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Provide solid inputs to project’s analytical products, work plans and progress reports, etc.
Identify and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt from the field.
3. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Liaise and coordination with project partners on common service provision issues
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, contribute to the IMLDP resource mobilization efforts.
Facilitate knowledge building on local service provision within the project.
Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in national and international fora, making substantive contributions as appropriate.
The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the IMLDP programme. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Programme Steering Committee and UNDP management.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
Shares knowledge and experience
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment
Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
Leadership and Self-Management
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master Degree in Local Public Administration, Economics, Public Finances, Public Law or other relevant fields. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the field of policy development, with substantial recent work experience in local development projects with focus on service provision, Practical experience in inter-municipal cooperation, initiation and practical implementation.
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian. Knowledge of Russian desired.
This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.