Background

This project has the overall objective of strengthening the institutional capacity of the MFAEI so that it can exercise its functions in a more efficient manner, operate transparently and fulfill its European Integration commitments. It also helps to develop capacities of Moldovan institutions for European Integration, with immediate focus on negotiating the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova and implicitly its implementation. 

International and local consultancy, specialized training activities, provision of equipment are deployed to the Ministry and other public institutions funded by Swedish International Development Agency,  Norwegian, and Romanian Governments to support:
-    strengthening institutional capacities of the MFAEI;
-    capacity development responses helping Moldovan institutions be better prepared for EU integration, with immediate focus on negotiating the New EU-Moldova Agreement with the European Union and implicitly its implementation.

Key components of the Project:
1.    MFAEI Institutional Capacity Building Component
2.    Capacity Development of Moldovan Public Authorities for European Integration Component

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Governance, Justice and Human Rights Portfolio Manager and in close coordination with National Project Coordinator (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration), 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. The incumbent 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 in close cooperation with 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.  More specifically:

• Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Within the strategic framework concerted with the national counterparts, prepare work-plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Project activities;
• Be responsible for the implementation of the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Project in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Liaise with the national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project resources are managed efficiently and effectively; Maintain close coordination with partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other donors working in the same area, and provide information relevant to the project;
• Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Board and UNDP Country Office; Coordinate, together with the national counterparts, UNDP and donors, periodic meetings of the Project Steering Committee and follow up on the recommendations made to evaluate  achievements and to monitor the progress of the Project towards its outputs and outcomes;
• Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including both staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
• Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain relevant Project activities, issues, risks, etc in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
• Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study tours and related activities relevant to the implementation of the Project;
• Identify key performance indicators as well as develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports; Conceptualize, plan, participate and coordinate periodic reviews and assessments of project implementation. Prepare special reports to the donors contributing to the project;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Project activities to the mass media and stakeholders;
• Promote knowledge sharing and building among partners and stakeholders. Research, collect and analyze any relevant information (including foreign experience) regarding institutional capacity development programs;
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required, i.e.:
  

i.    Support the Portfolio Manager and CO Programme section in general in programme development, formulation and strategic processes with substantive contributions.  Engage with relevant donors and contribute to the CO resource mobilization efforts.
ii.    Support the implementing partner in managing donor contributions towards the common project objectives that are outside the project.

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.
• Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status.
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and to foster team spirit and synergy

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree in public administration, economics, law or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:

• At least five years of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects and/or working in a relevant position to this post.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
• Proven knowledge of the Government of Moldova European integration agenda and practical experience in its implementation is a very strong advantage.
• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team.
• 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 of web based management systems.
  

Language Requirements:

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

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.