Background

The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to an environment of trust and cooperation across the Nistru/Dniestr River generating new perspectives on shared interests and a shared future for people from both banks of the river while responding to their pressing development needs.

Specific objectives (outputs):
Output 1 (Business development and employment opportunities):
Increased cross-river cooperation of economic actors leading to improved employment opportunities and livelihoods across the Nistru/Dniestr River.

Output 2 (Empowered communities and infrastructure support):
Empowered local communities and actors from both sides to participate in collaborative projects addressing pressing development needs and improving critical community infrastructure.

The programme will represent a framework for engaging in development interventions across the security zone on both sides of the Nistru/Dniestr River, comprising a series of activities that will strengthen, regularize and intensify interaction between otherwise divided societies, aiming to establish this interaction as a norm.

The programme looks to deal strategically with barriers to cooperation experienced by all development cooperation actors working in Transnistria region of Moldova by building the trust towards such actions and broadening opportunities for engagement for a wide range of actors. Additionally, it will provide support for improving critical community infrastructure, in line with agreement reached during the working groups and broader negotiation process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Programme Unit/ARR Programme, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of the confidence building programme through a range of actions: communicating programme objectives and results on both banks of the Nistru/Dniestr River, engaging with all stakeholders, monitoring programme activities, ensuring synergies between the two components of the programme. The Programme Coordinator 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 Programme Coordinator will work in close cooperation with the two project managers of the Business Development and Community Empowerment components. Additionally, he/she will work 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 Programme Coordinator in close cooperation with the project team, under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Programme Unit/ARR Programme, will:

1.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:

• Create and nurture strategic partnerships in the area of the programme, based on strategic UNDP goals, country needs and donors’ priorities.
• Liaise with the Programme Board, national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Programme results are achieved;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Programme activities to the mass media and stakeholders;
• Coordinate the presentation of work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports to the Programme Board and UNDP Country Office;
• Coordinate the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Be responsible for the coordination of the overall work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Ensure the effective management and supervision of human resources pertaining to the Programme in his or her area of responsibility, 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;
• Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and related activities relevant to the overall implementation of the Programme;
• Develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports;
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Programme as required;

2.Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and  facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country
• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme goals.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Analyse and research information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.
• Preparation of speakers notes, talking points, speeches for major advocacy events of the Resident Coordinator system, in close consultation with the UNCT and partners

Key Results:
The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Support to Confidence Building Measures project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

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
• Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills in both English and Russian.

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

Building Strategic Partnerships

• Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
• Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree in development studies, political science, international relations, public affairs, public administration, economics, law or related areas.

Experience: 

• At least nine years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the development field. (Experience of work in Transnistria region and/or in programmes financed by European Union is a very strong advantage).
• 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.
• 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, 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.