Background

The project is funded by the European Union and administered by UNDP with the overall objective to support trade facilitation in the region of Palanca with the creation of a jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP) at Palanca, on the territory of Republic of Moldova, which meets all EU standards and principles of a JOBCP, and can contribute to the economic stabilization and sustainable development of the region. The project will also contribute to a wider objective, namely "safer and more open borders" between Ukraine and Moldova. The expected long-term impact is to contribute to the strengthening of good neighborly relations, as well as to the facilitation of trade and migration flows between two countries.

The construction and equipping of the JOBCP Palanca will contribute to the acceleration of the cross-border traffic flow due to simplified border crossing procedures, unification of activities and by avoiding duplication of functions, with using the hand-to-hand and one-stop-shop principle at BCP. It will enhance cooperation among the two countries’ agencies responsible for border control - border guard and customs agencies and other relevant authorities, such as veterinary and phyto - sanitary agencies, will raise the level of trust and will lead to a higher level of efficiency in trade facilitation and combating cross-border crime.  The JOBCP will allow establishing a more rapid and securing exchange of information on persons, vehicles and goods, and will reduce the corruption risks. It will strengthen combating cross border crime, will reduce administrative costs due to the abolishment of the BCPs Mayaki and Udobne in Ukraine, and will facilitate the free movement of persons and will enhance the control over the migration flows.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager (and oversight of the Democratic Governance Cluster Leader) and in close coordination with the National Project Coordinator (Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova), the incumbent provides effective and efficient civil engineering expertize services through a range of actions contributing to the design, construction and monitoring of the construction works of the jointly operated border crossing point.

The Project Officer/Engineer supports the Project Manager for an efficient cooperation 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 legal, ethical, programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The Project Officer/Engineer in close cooperation with Project Manager will ensure the provision of civil engineering services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying FIDIC approaches.  More specifically:

• Provide civil engineering expertise services for the implementation of construction works of the Jointly Operated Border Crossing Point in Palanca (JOBCP);
• Oversee the technical work being undertaken across the project and ensure oversight and quality in line with local and international good practices and relevant to the local context;
• Ensure, in consultation with the Project Manager, UNDP and National counterparts, technical soundness of project activities and achievement of project outputs and outcomes;
• Preparation of the Terms of References to specify the scope of above-mentioned works and support to the development of tender documentations for identification of supervising company, the design/construction companies and equipment providers;
• Oversight and support for the identification/evaluation processes of the supervising companies, the construction companies and procurement of equipment;
• Support for the receipt of approvals of Design-Engineering documentation for the construction works;
• Daily follow up and monitoring  over the quality of the implementation of the above-mentioned works in full compliance to the international standards, national requirements and in liaison with the assigned specialists;
• Support to handing over of implemented works to the relevant national counterparts;
• Preparation of monthly progress reports on implemented works;
• Knowledge building and sharing;

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the CO 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 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;
• Plans, prioritizes, and delivers tasks on time;
• Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
• Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives;
• Ability to prioritize own work plan and deliver assignments in a timely manner;
• Effective organizational skills and ability to allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the work;
• Monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary to ensure efficiency;
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent, and credible behaviour;
• Respect individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process;
• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals;
• Generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations;
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;

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
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements;
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
• Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource;
• Is motivated and demonstrates a capacity to pursue personal development and learn Knowledge of FIDIC contract conditions and requirements and site management will be an asset;
• Knowledge of standards and principles of international construction contracts and business processes;
• Knowledge of UNDP Procurement Rules and Regulations, policies, and procedures is an asset.

 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.
• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
• 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
• Experience in community-oriented programmes, project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering/Architecture and/or construction or related area.

Experience:

• Field experience of 7 years in similar projects with the focus on civil design and construction;
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is an advantage;
• High proficiency with computers in particular MS Word, Excel, Autocad, MS Outlook.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in Romanian and Russian, working knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and 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.