Background

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. However, long hailed as a country with abundant labor resources, Moldova has increasingly found that labor (mostly as quality, but also quantity) has become its major development constraint , with Moldova’s labor endowment suffering considerably in the last two decades. The prospects for the quantity of labor force available in the future are not necessarily brighter given continuous outward migration and dire demographic outlook.
This loss in the labor force was only partly offset by the improvements in the labor productivity, which remained the lowest in the CEE and Western CIS region . Capital and skill endowments are amongst chief determinants of the labor productivity. In their turn, the skill endowment is largely dependent not only on the quality of the country’s education system, but also on training programs provided by various institutions.
The Innovative Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Employment Project was designed to establish career centers in four most important regions of Moldova with the goal to train and assist qualified unemployed and graduates in obtaining relevant employment in Moldova, preventing brain-waste, as well as brain-drain, and supporting economic growth of the country. One training center will be established in Chisinau and three centers will be established in the regions of Moldova.
For the training Centre to be established in Chisinau, a head of the Centre (leader of the management team), career advisors and assistants will be hired to manage and coordinate Centre’s activities.  

FOCUS OF THE SYSLAB (Systems Laboratory for Innovation and Employment ) PROJECT
The Project is designed to establish career centers in four most important regions of Moldova with the goal to train and assist qualified unemployed and graduates in obtaining relevant employment in Moldova, preventing brain-waste, as well as brain-drain, and supporting economic growth. One training center will be established in Chisinau and three centers will be established in the regions of Moldova.

The Project will achieve the following objectives:
1.    Provide new technologies to labor market authorities;
2.    Provide motivated labor force to private and public sectors;
3.    Give graduates a better chance for relevant employment in Moldova;
4.    Give unemployed improved employability.

Overall, the project shall contribute to the development, adaptation and implementation of new tools (technology and methods) for career development, job search and entrepreneurship in Moldova.
The Career Centers will focus on:

• new graduates, in order to prevent them from unemployment and to create job opportunities, and hence reduce/prevent brain-drain;
• unemployed irrespective of age, gender, ethnic background or education or work experience;
• returning migrants.
  

In achieving the project goals, the gender balance aspect will be taken into consideration, offering equal opportunities to both women and men to benefit from the Centers’ services.
The first center will be established in Chisinau and will have 5 people as permanent staff. The center will focus on highly qualified unemployed and young graduates. It will offer a classic SYSLAB Center, entrepreneurship training, job-seeking courses and individual career guidance.
Estimated number of annual beneficiaries for Chisinau center:
SYSLAB-training  - 120
Job training -  200
Entrepreneurship training - 60
Simple subject courses - 120
Individual programs    150-300

Duties and Responsibilities

Office Assistant will work under guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Unit, in order to ensure smooth running of Chisinau SYSLAB Centre. 

In addition, the Office Assistant will assist the Head of the Unit, Career Advisors, Project Associate and other project staff in the implementation of day-to-day activities, when needed.

The Office Assistant applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
  
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.

Administrative management

• Assist the Head of SYSLAB Centre, Career Advisors and other project staff to ensure the smooth  and efficient implementation of project activities;
• Assist the Project Associate in all administrative-related matters, such as logistics support to different events organized by the Centre, drafting of the minutes for these events and, coordination of field visits and international missions to the Centre;  
• Maintain the Centre’s database, including registry and maintenance of Centre files and records;
• Participate in organizing new SYSLAB periods and in setting up the departments;
• Assist in recruiting new participants to SYSLAB, including participation in the interviews;
• Assist in developing and implementing Job seeker courses and Application and CV seminars;
• Keep an updated database of the SYSLAB participants;
• Provide general efficient receptionist and information services; 
• Draft and translate correspondence, when needed;  
• Compile, copy and distribute all project reports; 
• Maintain office equipment and manage office stationary supplies; 
• Provide other support when required by project management.
  

The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Project. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board 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 communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and ensure smooth implementation of the planned activities.
  

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:   

• Secondary education is required. University Degree in economics, international relations, public administration or other related field would be an advantage.
  

Experience:   

• 1 to 2 years of experience in administrative work, personnel administration, international relations, organizational development and entrepreneurship, or other substantive area is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company, or NGO is an advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is necessary.
  

Language Requirements:   

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

UNDP 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.

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.

Please note that UNDP Moldova reserves the right to select two or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Moldova at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.