Background

The Republic of Moldova is undergoing major transformation in almost all spheres of its activity. A large number of reforms have been underway to promote modern, effective and transparent state institutions. The Parliament of Moldova, as an important chain in the system of state governance, has been a particular target of reforms and donor assistance. 

The reform of the Parliament is a very broad and comprehensive process encompassing a variety of activities and stakeholders. Effective performance of representation, law-making and oversight functions is certainly largely dependent on the composition of the Parliament, presence of active political parties and capacities of its Members. However, success is not achieved without having efficient management system in place and the highly qualified staff who carry institutional memory of the organization in the naturally changing political environment.

Recently the Parliament of Moldova approved a Strategic Development Plan 2012-2014 and a new institutional structure for the Secretariat. A draft regulation on functioning of the Secretariat was developed. Regulations for separate departments will be finalized soon. By the end of the year every employee will have a job description.

In order to ensure an effective, coherent, timely and transparent implementation of the Strategic Development Plan and the new Institutional Structure of the Secretariat and better performance, new working practices have to be developed, internal communication further strengthened and staff needs to be trained on different issues. The Secretary General of the Parliament has the final responsibility for the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan 2012-2014. A working group has been established to monitor and assist the Secretary General for the implementation of the Plan.

In this context, the UNDP Parliament Project is seeking to hire a consultant who will additionally support the Secretary General of the Parliament of Moldova in the practical implementation of the Strategic Development Plan on daily basis, through a concept of change management. The consultant will provide guidance on how to manage the institutional reform including the processes that need to be put in place to ensure the smooth transition from the current situation to a more efficient and effective Service. He/she will be engaged to develop an effective working environment at all levels in the Secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake a comprehensive desk review of the relevant national legal framework, relevant studies, researches, reports, EU/international best practices in the area of change management, especially in a political sensitive environment;
• Analyze similar experiences of other national European Parliaments;
• Get acquainted with the Report on Functional Review and Institutional Capacities Assessment of the Parliament Secretariat (2010); study and analyze the Parliament Strategic Development Plan 2012-2014;
• Contribute to the development of implementation reports;
• Prepare a detailed work plan to be applied for the respective assignment;
• Provide high level advice on daily basis to the Secretary General of the Parliament regarding the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan 2012-2014;
• Create a functioning Human Resources Management system at all levels of administration and managing staff expectations and concerns during the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan;
• Ensure that all staff are trained in the new performance system;
• Support managers/supervisors and build their capacity/skills for effective staff management;
• Review the current training policy and suggest improvements that would ensure continuous enhancement of employee skills and competencies to increase the effectiveness and productivity;
• Provide advice and guidance on how to further increase the internal communication in the Secretariat and between the Secretariat and the other parts of the parliamentary organization;
• Organize Roundtable discussions with Parliament of Moldova Secretariat staff on relevant issues during the change process;
• Work with the Working Group to ensure that the necessary processes are in place for the reform of the Secretariat;
• Final report detailing achievements, challenges and the next steps prepared and submitted two weeks after end of contract;
• Other relevant tasks, as agreed with the counterparts.
  

Competencies

Competencies:

• Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams;
• A knowledge of modern Human Resources Development techniques and an understanding of organizational theory and practice with regard to the public sector;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills;
• Ability to mentor staff and facilitate learning by doing;
• Ability to analyze, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, draft report, organize and meet expected results, adapt to different environments (cultural, economic, political and social);
• Availability to work with UNDP and Parliament during the indicated /approved period;
• Demonstrated interpersonal and diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and to present ideas clearly and effectively;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Required Skills and Experience

• University / Master degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration or similar disciplines.

• At least 5 years experience in developing and establishing modern human resources management policies in the field of public administration, preferably in the field of human resources management;
• Experience of working on change management issues within a public organization; international experience will be given priority;
• At least 5 years managerial experience dealing with team and organizational building, preferably in the public sector;
• Experience of advisory work on parliamentary development is a strong advantage;
• Knowledge of international and national standards of civil service system/specifics with emphasis on human resources management;
• Experience in conducting instructional and participatory trainings, workshops, and presentations.

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Romanian will be a distinctive advantage.

• Proposal explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;
• Financial proposal;
• Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references or the dully filled Personal History Form (P11).

Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria: 

• University or Master degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration or similar disciplines;
• At least 5 years experience in developing and establishing modern human resources management policies in the field of public administration, preferably in the field of human resources management;

The short-listed individual consultants will be further evaluated based on the following methodology:

• Relevant University Degree - 20 points;
• At least 5 years experience in developing and establishing modern human resources management policies in the field of public administration, preferably in the field of human resources management - 50 points;
• At least 5 years managerial experience dealing with team and organizational building, preferably in the public sector - 40 points;
• Experience of advisory work on parliamentary development is a strong advantage - 30 points;
• Knowledge of international and national standards of civil service system/specifics with emphasis on human resources management - 40 points;
• Experience in conducting instructional and participatory trainings, workshops, and presentations - 20 points;
• Proficiency in English. Knowledge of Romanian will be an asset - 20 points;
• Interview (demonstrated technical knowledge and experience; communication/interpersonal skills; initiative; creativity/resourcefulness) - 80 points.