Background

The ESCO Moldova project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, has an implementation timeframe of 4 years with a budget of 1.3 million US$ allocated by the GEF and 7.615 million US$ allocated as co-financing by project partners. The project objective is to create a functioning, sustainable and effective market of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in Moldova by converting existing energy service provider companies into ESCOs, as the basis for scaling up energy efficiency improvements and ultimately climate change mitigation efforts.

In brief, an ESCO is a company that provides integrated financial and technical solutions for achieving energy cost reductions (energy savings), and whose overall compensations are linked to the performance (Energy Performance Contract) of the implemented solutions.
The main barriers that the project is trying to address are related to energy efficiency project financing; the eagerness of existing Energy Service Providers to embark on the ESCO business model; institutional barriers at the local level; and EE awareness in the municipal sector.

The ESCO Moldova Project intends to eliminate/address these impediments through the following project outputs:

1. Green Urban Development Plan is adopted and emission reduction projects are financed and implemented in Chisinau
2. ESCOs are successfully investing in energy projects in the building sector using Energy Performance Contracting modality
3. A Financial Mechanism in form of a Loan Guarantee Fund, is set up and functional, providing financing to ESCOs
4. ESCO(s) are designing, financing and successfully implementing energy efficiency projects using EPC modality in at least one other city in Moldova outside of Chisinau

The main targets to be achieved by the end of the project are: a functional ESCO market with a functional LGF in place; ESCO companies created and consolidated; creation of new investments in EE measures that will lead to long term energy consumption savings and 20 EE projects implemented; better conditions in public and residential buildings and overall Chisinau will advance in its sustainable green development.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Environment and Energy Portfolio Manager, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager, in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office and all relevant stakeholders, incl. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economy, Chisinau Municipality, Energy Efficiency Agency, Energy Efficiency Fund, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, 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 through applying human rights-based (HRBA) and gender equality (GE) approaches.

Main functions:

• 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;
• Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Board, Global Environment Facility and UNDP Country Office;
• Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals;
• Prepare terms of reference for international and national consultants and service providers;
• Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain up to date relevant Project activities, issues, risks, and monitoring milestones in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
• Lead and coordinate the organization of and follow up to 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;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Project activities to the mass media and stakeholders, following the UNDP and Global Environment Facility visibility guidelines;
• Actively engage in the elaboration of knowledge products and participate in UNDP’s knowledge sharing bodies, incl. relevant Thematic Advisory Groups;
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required;

Specific tasks include:

• Take responsibility for preparing the Annual Project Implementation Review for the GEF;
• Assist the Chisinau Municipality in identification and pre-selection of Energy Efficiency projects suggested to be realised through energy performance contracts;
• In close collaboration with the Energy Efficiency Fund and partner Financial Institutions, lead the process of elaborating and managing the Loan Guarantee Fund Mechanism;
• Support the Chisinau Municipality in preparing and issuing a Request for Qualification resulting in an ESCO shortlist, and Request for Proposals for energy efficiency projects implementation;
• Work in close collaboration with the Energy Efficiency Agency on all aspects related to the Agency’s mandate relevant for the project, specifically quality assurance of energy audits and feasibility studies, selection of ESCO projects, and training of stakeholders;
• Facilitate a smooth collaboration between all key project stakeholders by ensuring a continuous flow of information and addressing implementation issues in a pro-active and solution oriented manner.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the UNDP Moldova Environment and Energy Programme.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner.  The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Steering Committee, the Beneficiary 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
• 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

• Possesses in-depth familiarity with national energy efficiency policies and legislation as well as the private sector energy service providers
• Demonstrates good understanding of financing instruments and their application in the area of energy efficiency investments
• 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

• Demonstrated strong analytical and drafting skills.
• 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 or equivalent in economics, law, engineering, architecture or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management is an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects and/or working in a position relevant to this post.
• Previous working experience of at least 4 years in the field of energy efficiency and profound technical understanding of the ESCO business model is required.
• Previous practical experience with the ESCO business model and EP contracts is an advantage.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is an 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 of web based management system

Language Requirements:

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