Chisinau, Moldova
UNDP Moldova
Job ID: 30150
Practice Area – Job Family: Environment and Energy – MANAGEMENT
Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 25/05/2020
Duty Station: Chisinau, Moldova, Republic of
Education & Work Experience: G-Bachelor’s Level Degree – 10 year(s) experience, I-Master’s Level Degree – 8 year(s) experience
Languages: English, Romanian
Bulgarian, Gagauz, Romany, Russian, Ukrainian
Grade: SB4
Vacancy Type: Service Contract (SC)
Posting Type: External
Bureau: Europe & the CIS
Contract Duration: till 31 December 2020, with possibility of extension
Open to Nationals of Republic of Moldova
Background
The Government sees the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) process as key to achieving the adaptation objectives outlined in its 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy of the Republic of Moldova, and its 2020 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), as well as the continued mainstreaming of climate change considerations into its policies and budgeting processes. The proposed project supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in advancing the second cycle of its National Adaptation Planning process (known as NAP-2). The outcomes of the NAP-2 national adaptation planning processes, are:
- To strengthen and operationalize the national steering mechanism for climate change adaptation (CCA);
- To improve the long-term capacity on planning and implementation of adaptation actions through CCA technologies;
- To improve the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation through the increased alignment of national development priorities, in the priority sectors (forestry, health, energy and transport).
The project will contribute to UNDAF, 2018-2022 outcome #3 (The people of Moldova, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from enhanced environmental governance, energy security, sustainable management of natural resources, and climate and disaster resilient development). Additionally, the project will contribute to the UNDP Country Programme Output 3.3 (National and sub-national governments have improved capacities to integrate resilience to climate change and disasters into development plans and practices to reduce population’s vulnerability). Other than that, the project will contribute to the National Development Strategy “Moldova 2020” through: a) reduction of energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources, and b) agriculture and rural development: competitiveness of agri-food products and sustainable rural development.
The Government launched its NAP process in 2014 through consultations with national stakeholders and with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and UNDP. The preliminary work under the first cycle of the NAP (known as NAP-1) supported the development of a NAP as a process, conceptualizing and developing its elements, including the national steering mechanism, and laid down the groundwork towards long-term adaptation planning. Albeit the progress, significant gaps remain in the integration of climate change considerations into many of the development policies of the national priority sectors and their associated budget priorities. National appropriations for CCA remain limited.
In preparation for NAP-2, a stocktaking exercise was conducted between August and October 2017, and its recommendations validated by the representatives of key sectors. These included representatives from the energy, health, water, labour and social protection, forestry, agriculture, regional development, economy and infrastructure, gender, environment, internal affairs, and emergency situation ministries, district Local Public Authorities (LPAs), and the National Designated Authority (NDA): the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MARDE). The stocktaking exercise highlighted remaining weaknesses, as well as prevailing barriers to CCA planning in Moldova. The results confirmed that in order to comprehensively address climate change vulnerabilities, Moldova must overcome coordination and planning capacity weaknesses, as well as a general lack of awareness of CCA – both at the national and subnational levels – especially in those sectors where Sectorial Adaptation Plans (SAPs) have not yet been developed. As a result, the NAP-2 cycle is designed to help the Moldovan government continue to increase its capacity to address the country’s long-term vulnerabilities to climate change in its national priority sectors
Moldova’s NAP-2 cycle has been formulated on two parallel project tracks. Each track corresponds to a separate submission to the GCF. This dual track approach is needed as during the NAP-1 cycle, due to lack of funds as well as insufficient sectorial interest, could not address one of the most important of the nationally identified priority sectors—the agriculture sector. At the same time, there remain significant needs capacity, information and investment needs at the national level:
- The first track (i.e., this NAP-2 proposal) expands and deepens the national approach developed during the NAP-1 and strengthens institutional synergies both vertically, at the different levels of the economy, and horizontally, between the sectors affected by climate change to reduce duplication of efforts, pool scarce resources for the effective use of CCA actions and measures, and ensures a more coherent and comprehensive approach to the integration of CCA responses into development planning.
By its very nature, the NAP-2: Track 1 will facilitate integration of CCA into existing strategies, policies and programmes and establish a strong foundation for the integration of methods, tools and information systems in day-to-day planning activities to effectively inform decision-makers on the climate risks, and to enable the informed formulation of resilient projects and financing strategies. This track also has a strong focus on private sector engagement and implementation capacity.
Its main beneficiaries of the NAP-2 are the National Commission on Climate Change; the MARDE; the forestry, health, energy and transport sectors, and 3 urban authorities. Indirect or secondary beneficiaries include other ministries and local governments receiving capacity development support, as well as all other entities associated with CCA in Moldova: gender centered CBOs and NGOs, the Congress of Local Authorities, universities, Academy of Sciences, SMEs and the Hydro-meteorological Services of Moldova (SHSM).
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, 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 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 Project Manager in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office Climate Change, Energy and Environment Cluster will 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:
- 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 and UNDP Country Office;
- Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, 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;
- Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
- Continuously record and maintain relevant Project activities, issues, risks, etc in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
- Lead and coordinate the organization of 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;
- Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required;
Specific tasks:
- Assume full responsibility for quality planning of project outputs, including of the inception phase in line with the project’s timeframe and GCF requirements;
- Prepare and submit timely reports to the GCF and provide inputs to the Results-oriented Annual Report;
- Facilitate a smooth collaboration between all key project stakeholders and the GCF NDA by ensuring a continuous flow of information and addressing implementation issues in a pro-active and solution-oriented manner;
- Maintain excellent relationship with the GCF NDA and respond promptly to the GCF NDA requests;
- Support the UNDP Country Office Programme in implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
Key Results:
The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Climate Change, 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
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- 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
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills and the related ability for adaptive management with prompt action on the conclusion and recommendations coming out from the project’s regular monitoring and self-assessment activities;
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 public administration, economics, law, environmental science or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.
Experience:
- At least 8 years of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects and/or working in a relevant position to this post.
- At least 4 years of experience in managing a team.
- Advanced experience in managing complex projects requiring close coordination with the central public authorities, including demonstrated capacity to manage a wide range of national and sub-national stakeholders
- Previous working experience in the field of climate change and/or gender is an 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 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.
Disclaimer
Important applicant information
All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.
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.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.
Online applications can be submitted by registered users only. Self-registration link is available at the next page and requires candidates to provide a valid email address.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters:
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply.
Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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