Background

The Moldova Energy and Biomass Project (MEBP), a 4 year 14.56 million EUR project, funded by the European Union and UNDP and implemented by UNDP, aims to contribute to a more secure, competitive and sustainable energy production in the Republic of Moldova through targeted support to the most viable and readily available local source of renewable energy, which is biomass from agricultural wastes.

The project purpose is to significantly increase the use of renewable energy technology through fuel switching and energy efficiency. It primarily focuses on improving heating comfort levels in rural public sector buildings including schools and community centers by using readily available residues supplied from local agricultural enterprises. The project will also stimulate local markets for improved household heating; industrial cogeneration, and biomass-based briquetting, as well as raise local capacity in the biomass sector, and promote the benefits of biomass energy and the project.
The project consists of four inter-related components as follows:

• “Municipal biomass heating and establishment of fuel supply markets”, which aims to improve municipal heating of public buildings in rural areas and establish related fuel supply markets. Under this output 130 thermal heating systems primarily burning straw will be installed.
• “Foundations laid for establishment of efficient household heating, industrial cogeneration and biomass briquetting markets” will focus on three emerging technology options for biomass energy in Moldova, which will be assessed, developed, and piloted.
• “Building capacity for growth of biomass markets at regional and local levels in Moldova” aims to ensure that the benefits of biomass energy demonstrated and deployed under outputs 1 and 2 are delivered in a lasting and long-term way and that local capacity for further replication are ensured.
• “The opportunities and benefits of biomass energy for Moldova are well known, and visibility of project results promoted” will facilitate widespread dissemination on the general and specific advantages and impacts of using biomass energy in Moldova.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Officer contributes to the effective and efficient implementation of the Moldova Energy and Biomass Project. The incumbent 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 Officer works in close collaboration with the Community Mobilization, Engineer and Business Development and Capacity Development Project Officers, and the rest of the Project Team, and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and 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.

Summary of Key Functions:

The Project Officer will be part of the Project Management Team (PMT) and will, under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, be responsible for managing the successful implementation of project component 3 - capacity building for growth of biomass markets at regional and local levels - and its interlinkages with all other project components. The Project Officer will lead a team of short-term experts and contracted service providing entities.

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients. More specifically:

• Coordinate and substantively contribute to the development of comprehensive training modules and packages on biomass energy systems and their management, incl. fuel supply, for all target groups of the project, including municipal leaders and energy managers, building managers and boiler operators, and commercial fuel suppliers. The material should include examples of international best-practice, which should be regularly reviewed to ensure the material remains current.
• Conduct trainings needs assessments for each target group at different stages of project implementation and develop/adjust training materials, mode of training delivery, format of training materials and schedules accordingly.
• Ensure the optimal interface of the training and capacity development component 3 with project components 1, 2 and 4.
• In close collaboration with the Community Mobilization Senior Project Officer effectively integrate the training schedule in the community project cycle and develop, plan and coordinate a training and technical assistance program accordingly.
• Organize and deliver or coordinate the delivery of training to all target groups using appropriate sections of the material developed under task 1 above. Training should be delivered at an appropriate level at a number of key stages within the project, including: (i) at District-level promotional meetings aimed at raising awareness of the project among District officials; (ii) during information and awareness-raising field visits to priority communities; (iii) at 1-2 day training sessions directed at the Project Committees of communities where biomass heating system projects are being implemented; (iv) during 'on-the-job' training on competitive tendering and the management of fuel supplies and suppliers, directed at municipal authorities operating biomass heating systems.
• Work with the PMT Senior Project Business and Capacity Development Officer to develop self-study training materials aimed at commercial biomass fuel suppliers, including a generic business plan that could be used by entrepreneurs seeking to understand the market and the steps needed to enter it.
• Ensure the timely production of all types of training materials, including presentations, print materials, and audio-visual materials.
• Monitor the impacts of all training sessions using intake and exit surveys of participants along with feedback forms. Training material should be reviewed and revised as necessary according to the results of this monitoring.
• Monitor the impacts of any self-study materials developed, e.g. those to complement the training for boiler operators to be given by boiler manufactures, through a log of enquiries and requests for help, maintained by the technology provider, and follow-up contacts with recipients of the material.
• Develop and adapt, in collaboration with appropriate local and/or international educational initiatives, educational material and teaching modules on biomass energy for use in schools; co-operate with partners including the Ministry of Education in conducting teacher awareness-raising and training in schools where biomass heating systems have been installed; work together with partners/contractors in conducting other educational events such as exhibitions, roundtables, summer camps, etc.
• Monitor the impact of educational activities using a participatory approach agreed with the partners/contractors (for example, the Most Significant Change approach).
• Support the Ministry of Education in upgrading and scaling up the institutionalized educational course on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) for schools based on the piloting of educational initiatives in MEBP beneficiary communities.
• Tailor, transfer and institutionalize a continuous training programme for biomass boiler operators with a national counterpart (for .e.g. Energy Efficiency Agency).
• Identify entry points in the national Vocational Educational Training (VET) curriculum for subjects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, and implement at least one (1) VET pilot programme with a partner institution (or several if the case indicates). Following successful piloting, support the Ministry of Education with the integration of RES subjects in the existing VET curriculum.
• Establish cooperation with CSOs working on women’s civic and economic empowerment issues from Gagauzia and Transnistria, and facilitate exchanges of experience and knowledge between these and their counterparts in Moldova on biofuel business development, and other subjects of common interest.
• In close collaboration with the Communication and Media Project Officer, contribute to the development and implementation of nation-wide awareness raising campaigns for promotion of renewable energy.
• Work in collaboration with Communication and Media Project Officer and the other members of the PMT to develop a strategy for the Annual National Awards component of the project, and to select winning projects.

Additional Responsibilities

• In close coordination with the Project Manager, assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) under component 3 of the project in order to meet expected results.
• Build, motivate and lead a high performing team consisting of short term experts.
• Undertake personnel performance appraisals for the experts supervised/coordinated.
• Assist the Project Manager in the development of annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, and assist in developing periodical project and other reports and close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide. Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
• Contribute to the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels.
• Provide regular reports to the Project manager and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately.
• Act as gender focal point and ensure the project team is able to mainstream gender equality outcomes into all activities.

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.
• Excellent drafting skills in English, Romanian and Russian are a must.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills are required.

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.
• Proven ability to effectively work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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 or equivalent (5-year university education) in social sciences, business administration, or other closely related fields.

Experience:    

• At least five years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in capacity building and developing, planning and delivering trainings in the public/private sector or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm.
• Experience in working with rural communities and agricultural enterprises as well as a good working knowledge and understanding of (renewable) energy and/or environmental issues is a very strong asset.
• Proven experience in working on gender issues will constitute a strong advantage.
• Previous experience in writing reports,  records of researches, articles and/or blogs and delivery of presentations, lectures, workshops or seminars is an advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in oral and written Romanian, Russian, and English 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.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country 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.