Background
1. Through the Policy Analysis/NHDR Project UNDP makes considerable efforts to provide its national counterpart with necessary technical support for the research of the most critical issues. The project aims at supporting the development of National Human Development Reports (NHDRs), National MDG Reports and other human development-related policy analysis/research works. The project serves as a vehicle through which the Government of Moldova and UNDP identify, study and prioritize Moldova’s socio-economic and human development needs. Moreover, it contributes to better defining the target areas for development policies and improving communication of the country’s developmental needs to the donor community, civil society and the media.The Project works with Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family, State Chancellery, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy, academia, civil society, and private sector.
2. Trade is an essential source of economic growth, has important impact on job creation, peoples’ income and poverty reduction. Better integration into international trade also plays an important role in global efforts to reduce poverty.
The Aid for Trade (AfT) agenda is one of key global initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing countries to participate in and benefit from international trade. A large part of AfT is focused on strengthening domestic production, such as creating an enabling business environment for enterprises or building economic infrastructure. It covers five main areas: 1) Trade Policy and Regulations, 2) Trade Development, 3) Economic Infrastructure, 4) Productive Capacity, 5) Adjustment Costs.
The Wider Europe Initiative is a framework programme for Finland’s development cooperation with former Soviet republics in order to promote stability and well-being extensively both in partner countries and in the whole continent. The initiative comprises three regional cooperation programmes to be launched in Western CIS (Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine), South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).
Taking into account the similar sectorial and geographical priorities of Finland’s development cooperation and of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (UNDP RBEC), the Aid for Trade project (implemented in 2011-2013) builds on Phase I (2009 – 2011) and deepens the existing work in trade related development assistance to the countries of the Western CIS, South Caucasus and Central Asia.
The overall goal of the regional project is to foster inclusive growth in the region through the promotion of trade and the enhancement of each country’s competitiveness to support these countries’ efforts to reduce poverty and improve peoples’ lives. The gains from trade are numerous, and extend beyond purely economic benefits. Trade and investment can contribute to human development by helping to raise productivity, employment and economic growth. In this context, the human development concept central to UNDP’s work helps highlight inclusiveness as a key implication of sound trade policies. Therefore, a particular purpose of this project is the implementation of trade capacity development measures at the local level and to a certain extent at the national level, the transfer of best practices and knowledge exchange with special reference to the challenges of small enterprises and micro businesses. The project implements technical assistance interventions in selected regions located outside the main cities. Thus, beneficiaries and stakeholders include a wide range of private and public entities in the countries of Central Asia, South Caucasus and Western CIS, especially men and women living in underdeveloped areas outside the main cities in the countries covered by the project.
The project intervention in the Republic of Moldova is based on AfT needs assessment conducted in years 2010-2011. In particular, it builds on the proposal to support development and strengthen capacities of existing associations of agricultural producers with special focus on the needs of fresh fruit growers/producers and exporters (see Aid for Trade Needs Assessment for the Republic of Moldova on http://undp.md/presscentre/2011/International_Trade_Report/index.shtml ).
The extended project document for the regional project can be found on BRC’s website.
The project in the Republic of Moldova is implemented jointly by UNDP Europe and the CIS Bratislava Regional Centre (UNDP/BRC) and national UNDP country office in Chisinau, Moldova. The role of BRC in the management of this project is that of a main coordinator and provision of policy advice in the implementation of the different activities upon request of the country office.
3. Innovation Fund project is based on the responsibilities of the Government to ensure innovation-based inclusive growth and implementation of new technologies, stated in the Government’s Programme for the period 2010-2014 and equally in the Innovation Strategy for the Republic of Moldova 2012-2020. Mainstreaming innovations is the only feasible path towards economic growth which can benefit whole society and advance gender equality without exhausting country’s limited natural resources and compromising prospects for the future generations of Moldovan people.
The overall goal of the project is to support the Ministry of Economy as main economic policy actor and other relevant governmental authorities in designing policy interventions aimed at bolstering innovative approaches towards country’s development, in facilitating transfer and adoption of the best practices and models to Moldova. The project will aim at supporting innovative policy thinking needed to catalyze the inclusive and sustainable development in Moldova and at providing models for future comprehensive and full-fledged policy interventions in the area. From the human development perspective, the project will seek to ensure that such a development leads to more equitable outcomes for both current and future generations of Moldovan people, i.e. that benefits brought by it are distributed widely across the Moldovan society and are sustained in the mid and long term perspective.
As such, the development of human capital is viewed as a prerequisite for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Moreover, it is increasingly seen at the cornerstone for both advanced and emerging economies seeking to speed up economic development and address the challenges posed by the global economic crisis.
From the development perspective, the labor plays critical role for Moldova’s socio-economic modernization, as it is one of the few resources available in the country. Indeed, with very limited natural resources available, this is people and land on which any modernization-minded government has to base its development strategy.
Thus this component of the project is to be implemented jointly with the Ministry of Economy of Moldova and has the goal to establish career centers in several locations, training and assisting qualified unemployed and graduates in obtaining relevant employment in Moldova, preventing brain-drain and supporting economic growth. The creation of carrier centers is based on the SYSLAB (Systems Laboratory for Innovation and Employment) concept. The concept includes modern job-seeking methods, entrepreneurship, systematic business and person-to-person networks, modern sales techniques etc. The project envisages establishment of four training centers for employment, entrepreneurship and SME-development based on this innovative concept.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Policy Unit / Poverty Reduction Portfolio Manager, the Project Manager ensures the effective and efficient management of the projects “Policy Analysis/Formulation of the National Human Development Report”, Improving Trade and Productive Capacities of Moldovan Fresh Fruit Producers “Innovation Fund” and Innovative Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development” other analytical studies or research projects. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.The Project Manager ensures the full compliance with the minimum standards and the six principles of the UNDP corporate policy on NHDRs throughout the entire process:
- National Ownership
- Participatory and Inclusive Preparation
- Independence of Analysis
- Quality of Analysis
- Flexibility and Creativity in Presentation
- Sustained follow-up
The Project Manager will also draw upon the UNDP corporate guidance on the specific topics covered by the reports and on the experiences of NHDRs of other countries.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Aid for Trade Focal Point and UNDP BRC Regional Coordinator, the incumbent provides effective and efficient management of the project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results.
The Project manager works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/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.
The Project Manager will be involved in all key steps related to the formulation of the NHDR and other human development-related analyses - preparatory stage including selection of the theme and building of the team, research and writing, production, and advocacy and follow up - and will be responsible for the day to day management of the project. The Project Manager has the overall responsibility for leading and implementing the research/analysis process, coordination and delivery of outputs, facilitating and managing the production of all studies under his/her project
The Project Manager is expected to ensure, in close cooperation with the national Focal Point and the Regional Coordinator and under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager, efficient and timely management of all project related activities for the successful implementation of the Aid for Trade for Central Asia, South Caucasus and Western CIS: Promoting Trade Development and Poverty Reduction in Partnership with Finland´s Wider Europe Initiative project in the Republic of Moldova for the period 2011-2013. This is Phase II of the regional project Wider Europe: Aid for Trade for Central Asia, South Caucasus and Western CIS
The Project Manager in close cooperation with National Project Coordinator (Minister of Economy), SYSLAB International Team and under the supervision of Portfolio Manager will ensure efficient and timely management of all project related activities for the successful implementation of the Innovation Fund: fostering transition towards inclusive and sustainable development of Moldova and Innovative Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development
The Project Manager in close cooperation with the national and regional counterparts and under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the Programme) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches.
Summary of Key Functions:
1. Project Management:
- Assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) in order to meet expected results. Develop annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, ensure close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
- Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas (Prince2, etc). Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
- Prepare results-oriented Terms of Reference for national and international consultants and service providers. Undertake proper observance of all personnel/contracting actions: preparation and negotiation of contracts, timely initiation of payments and performance appraisal.
- Prepare qualitative substantive and financial progress reports as required by the project. Prepare periodic procurement/contracting and financial delivery reports for UNDP management. Prepare budget revisions as needed.
- Plan activities, identify and set procedures for project evaluation, data collection and recording, project implementation and follow up, optimization of use of human and financial resources, team performance monitoring and analysis;
- Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Establish and manage mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels;
- Maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other donors working in the same area, provide information relevant to the project.
- Maintain close coordination with UNDP Europe and the CIS Bratislava Regional Centre (UNDP/BRC), specifically with the regional Aid for Trade Policy Specialist/Team Leader, to ensure synergies in implementation of the project, respond to requests/demands of the UNDP/BRC.
- Establish timeframe and formulate work plan for all activities under the Project and manage them on an annual/cycle basis, ensuring the close monitoring of progress;
- Identify the technical needs of the process, including research and drafting teams or consultants, based on qualifications, credibility and independence.
- Provide information, reports and other documentation related to the research/analysis process and provide support in compiling and editing of any documents related to Project;
- Facilitate strategic consultations with all stakeholders on the respective topics;
- Organize meetings (such as Project and Advisory Boards) and provide administrative support during the meetings including translation and preparation of minutes;
- Facilitate and incorporate the Advisory Board’s review of inputs and other findings of review of the reports’ content, conclusions and recommendations including identification of main messages or policy recommendations;
- Organize workshops, round tables and conferences involving specialists from Government, Academia, NGOs, media and other parts of Civil Society;
- In collaboration with the Communications Unit, elaborate and monitor the implementation of a communication strategies, assist in other outreach activities through media and effectively manage the follow-up and dissemination efforts;
- Develop, draft and review based on consultations with the core team, preliminary outlines for the studies to be presented to the Project/Advisory Board;
- Facilitate the preparation of and/or draft background papers and statistics and provide support in any research and data collection efforts related to the NHDR or other analytical products;
- Make appropriate arrangements for technical review of the report’s contents, including substantive inputs on thematic area, data and statistical crosschecking with other relevant sources, calculations of indices etc.
- Help in and make arrangements for the editing, formatting, finalizing of the layout and production of the respective reports; agree with the core teams of experts on relevant material (including all graphics, boxes, case studies, charts, photos, maps etc.);
- Manage the entire printing process of the report, including identification, tender and selection;
- Ensure that the studies are in a format suitable for online presentation and upload on the UNDP website.
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.
- Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values.
- Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility.
- Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience.
- Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities.
- Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives.
- Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context.
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter
- Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines.
- Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff.
- Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit.
- Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally.
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of Programme, managing data, reporting.
- Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
- Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora.
- 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.
- Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document;
- Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities;
- Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.
Leadership and Self-Management
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in any of the following areas: Social Sciences, Public Policy, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration
Experience:
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the areas of development and/or research.
- Strong analytical skills, in particular in the area of social policy and development related issues.
- Extensive experience with issues of poverty reduction, trade promotion, private sector development, sustainable human development and social and economic development in transition economies; knowledge of contemporary social and development issues at the national level; thorough knowledge of the agricultural sector and related sub-sectors in the Republic of Moldova is a strong asset;
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible project management experience at the national level is required in the area of Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration.
- Experience in writing and producing analytical products including editing, layout, formatting and printing. Excellent writing skills.
- Previous work experience in project management with international organizations, familiarity with UNDP’s mandate, UNDP project management procedures would be a strong asset.
- Experience and advance knowledge in the usage of information technology and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc) and spreadsheet and database packages; experience in handling of web based management systems.
- Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian is a must. Knowledge of other languages would be an advantage.
- Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.