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 Liaison Officer/Head of Chisinau Field Office the incumbent assists in smooth operation of the EU Border Assistance Mission in the Republic of Moldova. The Administrative Associate/Interpreter applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Administrative Associate/Interpreter works in close collaboration with Finance Associate, HR/Administrative Associate and Logistics & Administrative Associate 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.

• Assures smooth operational running of the project by means of following UNDP and EC established operational rules and procedures; 
• Participate in project activities preparation, implementation and follow up; 
• Provide logistical support (travel arrangements, including visas, tickets, etc.) to the project team; 
• Facilitate the process of procurement and delivery of goods and services; 
• Facilitate project audit, monitoring, evaluation, field visits, missions of the experts; 
• Maintain updated networks of project counterparts, contractors, consultants and suppliers; 
• Prepare project related correspondence; 
• Maintain contacts with governmental and non-governmental institutions, local authorities, NGOs, academia, etc. 
• Facilitate project related training/learning activities; 
• Participate in data collection, analysis and maintenance of projects related files; 
• Assure that the progress reporting is done in timely and quality manner based on internal documents approved by the Mission management; 
• Maintain contacts with UNDP CO on a variety of the operational issues; 
• Facilitate project outreach/communication efforts;
  
• Assure to upload updated information on EUBAM intranet; 
• Provide oral and written translations from English into Romanian or Russian and vice versa as required by the project; 
• Proofread and/or edit the project’s correspondence and other official documents; 
• Perform other functions/tasks when required by Liaison Officer/Head of Chisinau Field Office.

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:

• University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, public administration or other related field.
  

Experience:

• Six years of experience in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company, or NGO 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 web-based management systems.
  

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written English, Russian and Romanian languages is a must.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

 

Applications should be submitted on line and preferably include Personal History Form (P11). Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. Only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.

The United Nations Development Programme in Moldova is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.