Background

The Moldova Energy and Biomass 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, namely biomass from agricultural wastes.

The project purpose is to increase the use of renewable energy technology significantly 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 biomass from agricultural wastes. The project also stimulates 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.

After 3 years of project implementation, the project is being extended until end 2017. The main objective of the project extension is to scale up the successful activities and extend them to so far not covered or underrepresented regions, specifically Transnistria, Gagauzia and Taraclia, and to support the further consolidation of the Biomass market.

The project consists of four inter-related components as follows:
Output 1. Municipal biomass heating and fuel supply markets established
This component will aim at installing at least 80 additional biomass-based municipal heating systems in Moldova, with focus on Transnistria, ATU Gagauzia, Taraclia district and small towns. The focus will be on the further development of the domestic biomass fuel market. Integrated renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions will be piloted.

Output 2. Foundations laid for establishment of efficient household heating, industrial cogeneration and biomass briquetting markets
At least 125 households and/or small business will be supported to procure modern and efficient biomass boilers under preferential conditions. Technical and financial support will be provided for the creation of 7 new PPPs throughout the country to foster PPPs for establishing biomass-based heating services and efficient operation and maintenance of the systems.

Output 3. Capacity built for growth of biomass markets at regional and local levels
The capacity development activities will continue to be a key element of the component being tailor-made and extended to Transnistria, Gagauzia and Taraclia district, as well as small towns. Vocational education and training (VET) sector will be addressed in view of a consolidated effort to equip the Moldovan labor force in support of the emerging markets. The school education activities on renewable energy and energy efficiency will be extended to small towns from Moldova, Taraclia district, Gagauzia and wherever feasible in Transnistria).

Output 4. The opportunities and benefits of biomass energy for Moldova are well known, visibility of project results is promoted
Wide-spread awareness raising activity on the opportunities and benefits of biomass energy will be further facilitated, with a specific focus on increasing the uptake of renewable energy technologies in ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district, and Transnistria Region, and visibility of the partnership and impact of the action will be effectively promoted.

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 – Business Development, works in close collaboration with the Engineer Project Officer, Community Mobilization Project Officer, Community Engagement and Outreach Officer, 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 components 2 (biomass market monitoring and development, PPPs, private sector support package and access to information) and the sub-component 1.2 (establishment of fuel supply markets, quality assurance of solid biofuels, biomass-boiler monitoring system). The Project Officer will also lead a team of short-term experts.

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:

Municipal biomass fuel-supply

• Contribute to the development/revision of selection criteria for districts, towns and communities wishing to participate in the project for approval by the Project Board.
• Monitor implementation of the technology provider's financing facility (leasing / hire-purchase mechanism) and recommend actions to improve its effectiveness; monitor project sustainability and economic impact at community/regional level.
• Provide technical support to municipal authorities and potential fuel suppliers in the areas of fuel supply management, formulation of fuel supply contracts and quality control of fuel supplies. Ensure commitment of key stakeholders, including local agricultural entrepreneurs.

Market development for biomass heating, industrial co-generation and biomass briquetting

• Work with other members of the PMT to engage with relevant national authorities on addressing the policy, legislation and regulation issues surrounding the development of biomass energy and fuel supply markets.
• Provide technical support in the biofuel market research (consumer needs, attitudes and motivations, products already available on the local market and how these meet needs, products available internationally and ‘fit’ for local markets, stakeholders’ analysis) and market monitoring (inlc. price development)
• Support the creation of partnerships in the view of promotion of a sustainable biomass market development, speeding up growth in the efficient use of biomass for heating and enhancing technology transfer.  
• Contribute to setting up a sustainable private sector platform that would provide the private sector with the access to information on solid biofuel technologies, emerging trends, and market developments;
• Facilitate the upscaling of the PPPs for provision of sustainable heating services based on solid biomass fuel to all Regions of Moldova, using the example of the pilot project in LEOVA district.

Training, education, media and outreach

• Provide support to Training and Capacity Building Project Officer to develop/update training materials targeting commercial fuel suppliers and municipal leaders. This material should highlight the business opportunities and risks, and should include a generic business plan that could be used by entrepreneurs seeking to understand the market and the steps needed to enter it.
• Ensure an optimal interface between the Capacity Building Component and Business and market development Component of the project and provide advice to the Training and Capacity Building Project Officer, Senior Community Mobilization Officer and Engagement and Outreach Project Officer as required.
• Co-operate with the  Training and Capacity Building Project Officer in strengthening the capacity of the biomass domestic heating industry to supply, deliver and service efficient biomass heating equipment, including assisting with the development and delivery of training.
• Review the substantive rigour and accuracy of media packages, press releases, pieces for radio and TV and all other public communications relating to the project. Advise the Media Officer as necessary.
• Work in collaboration with the other members of the PMT to facilitate organization of the Annual National Awards competition and ceremony “Moldova Eco-Energetica”.
• Facilitate the implementation of activities under HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer) modality, monitor timely and efficient implementation of activities.

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 1.2 and component 2 of the project in order to meet expected results.
• 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.

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
• Good technical understanding of renewable energy policies and technologies is required.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government, academia and private sector required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job. 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.
• 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. 

Leadership and Self-Management

• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in managing interdisciplinary teams
• 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
• Well demonstrated team work and organizational and analytical skills are required.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:    

• Master Degree (or equivalent) in business administration, management, energy or other closely related fields

Experience:    

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level in building capacity for private sector, local entrepreneurs and/or technical assistance for the development of new businesses is required.
• Experience in working with the public sector and/or rural communities and agricultural enterprises is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience  of the Moldova Energy sector is a strong asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc)

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in oral and written English, Russian and Romanian
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including 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.