Background

Over the last decade or so, the Republic of Moldova has made significant positive progress towards poverty alleviation. However, the progress is far from uniform, with growing disparities between rural and urban settlements. Recent developments indicate that the country will be meeting some of its MDG commitments, particularly in terms of poverty reduction, while will have to make additional efforts for meeting its targets in other areas, in particular health, environment, among others.

The Government of the Republic of Moldova, under its Moldova 2020 Strategy, committed to further promote economic development, support infrastructure improvements, support education sector, and improve access to finance, among others .

Under the current UNPF  (2013-2017), the United Nations committed to support the Government and people of the Republic of Moldova in the set priority areas, also pillars of the partnership framework: (a) Democratic Governance, Justice, Equality and Human Rights; (b) Human Development and Social Inclusion and (c) Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management. Support is directed towards tackling major development challenges currently affecting the development of the country. However, how to prioritize such challenges? How to address such challenges in an effective and efficient manner, given the existing developmental constraints? What innovative policy and programmatic responses are there available to generate new sustainable jobs, promote employability and entrepreneurship, re-channel remittances towards productive sectors?

To provide evidence-based answers to the above and pilot interventions addressing sustainable human development and inclusive growth, UNDP Moldova established a dedicated Projects Implementing Unit that focuses on: (a) policy analysis, (b) implementation of various joint interventions that would promote entrepreneurship and employability at local level, and (c) promotion of innovations throughout joint interventions for poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

The Implementing Unit is structured on three interlinked components, i.e. policy analysis, employability and innovative entrepreneurship. Each component will be having specific interventions and sub-components that may be activated or deactivated depending on the corporate decision and needs of the national counterpart(s).

The policy analysis component will be in charge of: producing regular policy briefs on critical areas where evidence-based analysis is needed to identify options and policy alternatives; development of the National Human Development Reports and related analytical background papers or summaries of in-depth interviews of FG interviews; coordination of the development of national MDG reports and related analytical papers; other analytical tasks for other components in the Unit.

The employability component will contain interventions that target skilled unemployed in search for relevant employment of local market and improvement of their soft skills to search for a decent job. Such component will be also dealing with promotion of new jobs created in the entrepreneurship component and work with LPAs willing to start-up small-scale career advisory centers or connect to the existing ones.

The innovative entrepreneurship component contains interventions for the creation of Business Innovations Lab, of an Innovations fund to support business start-up and business development, financial support instruments to be managed based on UNDP rules and regulations, creation of a Innovations Matching Forum, support to selected LPAs for the revision of the local economic development plans and scaling-up of a seed-money fund to support innovative start-ups at local level.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Policy Specialist, the Project Manager of the Implementing Unit ensures the effective and efficient management of and coordination over the above-listed three components, implicitly of all planned interventions. 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 Project Manager supervises the staff of the Implementing Unit and some of the staff involved in the implementation of the projects within the above-listed components.

The Project Manager supports cross-unit cooperation and works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other 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.

Summary of Key Functions:

1.    Project Management:

• Assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all Implementing Unit activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) in order to meet expected results. Develop annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets and e-requisition plans based on expected year-end outputs, ensure close monitoring of activities and disbursements, in line with UNDP regulations. Ensure daily supervision and performance management of the Unit members, elaboration and introduction of measurement indicators for staff performance and for the Unit’s results
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas (Prince2, etc). Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
• Prepare results-oriented Terms of Reference for national and international consultants and service providers. Undertake proper observance of all personnel/contracting actions: preparation and negotiation of contracts, timely initiation of payments and performance appraisal.
• Prepare qualitative substantive and financial progress reports as required by the specific intervention under each component. Prepare periodic procurement/contracting and financial delivery reports for UNDP management. Prepare budget revisions as needed.
• Plan activities, identify and set procedures for project evaluation, data collection and recording, project implementation and follow up, optimization of use of human and financial resources, team performance monitoring and analysis;
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Establish and manage mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels; develop blogs and be active on the UNDP Teamworks space for dissemination of results and best practices.
• Maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation under each of the three components, collaborate with other donors working in the same area, provide information relevant to the Implementing Unit.
• Maintain close coordination with UNDP Europe and the CIS Istanbul Regional Centre (UNDP/IRC), specifically for the policy analysis and entrepreneurship components.
• Maintain close collaboration, based on the globally provided TOR, with the UNDP Country Office, IOM, MFA Norway, SYSLAB International and other counterparts, for the implementation of the activities envisaged by respective components of the Implementing Unit.
• Ensure consistent fundraising efforts in line with the current and upcoming needs of the relevant component in the Implementing Unit; constantly document the existing needs and identify possible funding sources and draft relevant concept and project proposals.  

2. Research and Policy Analysis Process Management and Facilitation:

• Establish timeframe and formulate work plan for all activities under the Policy Analysis component and manage them on an annual/cycle basis, ensuring the close monitoring of progress;
• Identify the technical needs of the process, including research and drafting teams or consultants, based on qualifications, credibility and independence.
• Provide information, reports and other documentation related to the research/analysis process and provide support in compiling and editing of any documents related to Implementing Unit and its components;
• Facilitate strategic consultations with all stakeholders on the topics that are relevant for the NHDR and other analytical work;
• Organize meetings (such as Project and Advisory Boards) and provide administrative support during the meetings, including preparation of final minutes;
• Facilitate and incorporate the Advisory Board’s review of inputs and other findings of review of the reports’ content, conclusions and recommendations including identification of main messages or policy recommendations;
• Organize workshops, round tables and conferences involving specialists from Government, Academia, NGOs, media and other parts of Civil Society;
• In collaboration with the Communications Unit, elaborate and monitor the implementation of communication strategies, assist in other outreach activities through media and effectively manage the follow-up and dissemination efforts;
• Develop, draft and review based on consultations with the core team, preliminary outlines for the studies to be presented to the Project/Advisory Board;
• Facilitate the preparation of and/or draft background papers and statistics and provide support in any research and data collection efforts related to the NHDR or other analytical products;
• Make appropriate arrangements for technical review of the report’s contents, including substantive inputs on thematic area, data and statistical crosschecking with other relevant sources, calculations of indices etc.
• Help in and make arrangements for the editing, formatting, finalizing of the layout and production of the respective reports; agree with the core teams of experts on relevant material (including all graphics, boxes, case studies, charts, photos, maps etc.);
• Manage the entire printing process of the NHDR report and other products, including identification, tender and selection;
• Ensure that the studies are in a format suitable for online presentation and upload on the UNDP website and UNDP Teamworks, depending on the case;
• Provide additional support to the UNDP Policy Unit for analytical tasks and research for main analytical products planned to be developed under such Unit

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
• Strong analytical skills, in particular in the area of social policy and development related issues.
• 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree  or equivalent in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration.

Experience:

• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the areas of development and/or research.
• Experience with issues of poverty reduction, trade promotion, private sector development, innovative entrepreneurship, sustainable human development and social and economic development in transition economies.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible project management experience at the national level, preferably in the area of Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration. Previous experience in working on UNDP projects is a strong asset.
• Experience in managing teams of national and international consultants, preferably for complex research analytical projects.
• Experience in writing and producing analytical products including editing, layout, formatting and printing. Excellent proven writing skills.
• Experience and advance knowledge in the usage of information technology and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc) and spreadsheet and database packages; experience in handling of web based management systems; experience in developing infographics is a strong asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written English 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.

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.