Background
The purpose of this project is to help enhance the effectiveness of border and customs controls and of border surveillance by Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities along their common border, with a particular focus on the Transnistrian section. This should contribute to the wider objectives of:• Contributing to enhancing the overall border management capacities of Ukraine and Moldova and their approximation with EU standards and best practices, and thus assisting the countries with fulfilling their commitments under the ENP Action Plans and PCAs;
• Contributing to a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict.
On 2 June 2005, the Presidents of Moldova and Ukraine addressed a joint letter to EC, calling for additional EU support in overall capacity building for border management, including customs, on the whole Moldova – Ukraine border. The letter specifically requested EU assistance in the creation of an ‘international customs control arrangement and an effective border monitoring mechanism on the Transnistrian segment of the Moldova-Ukraine State border’.
The project will directly benefit the customs and border guards officials of Moldova and Ukraine whose capacities it will help build. Indirectly, the decrease in the level of cross-border criminal flows and the facilitation of legitimate flows will benefit the populations of Ukraine and Moldova (including Transnistria), as well as those of the EU.
Institutional project partners or counterpart institutions will be the customs and border guards administrations of Moldova and Ukraine. The Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities are committed to enhancing the effectiveness of their border and customs services, to the fight against corruption, to enhanced bilateral co-operation and to a peaceful resolution of the Transnistria conflict.
This political commitment was translated in concrete terms through the signature by Moldova and Ukraine of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Border Assistance Mission. Under the Memorandum, the countries agreed to the presence and proposed mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Customs Management Specialist of EUBAM, the Legal Associate analyzes Customs and Civil Service legislation of Moldova, relevant to the Human Resources Management, and related political, social and economic trends.The Legal Associate participates in the formulation, management and evaluation of EUBAM and Customs Service policies and activities within the portfolio. The Legal Associate drafts related policy documents, legal acts, and procedural descriptions and contributes to regular reporting.
The Legal Associate works in close collaboration with the EUBAM staff located in Chisinau (Moldova) and with the Specialist on Human Resources Management in particular; in case of a need he/she assists also the Border Guard/Police Management Specialist.
The Legal Associate creates and maintains regular contacts with relevant Customs, Border Police officers and officials of other relevant state authorities (e.g. Civil Service, MoF etc.).
More specifically:
- Implementation of programme strategies and activities, tasks of the Head of Capacity Building Unit and the Customs Management Specialist;
- Analyses and researches legal, political, social and economic situation in Moldova in Human Resources Management, and prepares substantive input to EUBAM documents;
- Provides assistance in drafting policies, legal and operational documents in conformity with national legislation and project goals;
- Analyses and integrates earlier recommendations in the area;
- Assures smooth operational running of the project by means of following UNDP and EC established operational rules and procedures;
- Participates in project activities preparation, implementation and follow up;
- Provides oral and written translations from English into Romanian or Russian and vice versa as required by the project;
- Proofreads and/or edits the project’s correspondence and other official documents;
- Provision of top quality advisory services to the Customs Service of Moldova and the Border Police Department of the Ministry of Interior of Moldova, and facilitation of knowledge building;
- Identifies sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identifies and applies local and EU best practice (e.g. Customs Blueprints) and lessons learned directly linked to EUBAM policy goals;
- Organizes and supports relevant training for Customs and Border Police;
- Ensures personal professional growth through active learning.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP and EUBAM mission, vision and values.
- Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.
- Applies the internal control framework and results-based work management tools.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience.
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
- 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.
- 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
- Ethics and integrity.
- Corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
- Self-development, initiative-taking.
- Team player.
- Open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
- Creating synergies through self-control.
- Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.
- Promoting learning and knowledge management
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- University Degree in Law.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing legal services.
- Practical knowledge and understanding of the relevant Moldovan legislation and procedures and processes.
- Experience in the area of Human Resources Management is desirable.
- Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company or NGO is an advantage as well as any international experience.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software (MS Word, Excel, etc).
- Fluency in English and Romanian, knowledge of Russian will be an asset.
- Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.