The Public Association Education for Development (AED), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova (CCI), announces a call for applications to select a national expert (researcher/consultant) within the project "Accelerating Dual VET in Moldova."
Background
The project aims to strengthen and expand the dual vocational education and training (VET) system in the Republic of Moldova by developing and piloting a model of inter-company training consortia that will facilitate the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the vocational training of students.
The assignment is implemented in collaboration with the Donor Committee for Dual Vocational Education and Training (DC dVET), Liechtenstein Development Service (LED), the Swiss Cooperation Office, GIZ Moldova, the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova.
Objective of the Assignment
The expert will conduct an analysis of economic sectors and companies in the Republic of Moldova and contribute to the development of a concept for an inter-company training consortium model for the implementation and piloting of dual vocational education and training.
Key Responsibilities
• Review and adapt the sector analysis methodology and research tools to the context of the Republic of Moldova.
• Conduct an analysis of relevant economic sectors and identify sectors with potential for piloting training consortia.
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on the business environment and skills needs.
• Organize and conduct semi-structured interviews with company representatives and business associations.
• Participate in workshops, study visits, and company visits.
• Prepare analytical reports and develop the proposed model for inter-company training consortia.
• Contribute to the development of the project's Theory of Change and the roadmap for piloting the model.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with project partners.
For more information, follow the link - https://shorturl.at/md2HZ
Contract Duration
The estimated implementation period is July–December 2026, with the possibility of extending the collaboration into 2027.
The estimated workload is 30–40 expert working days, excluding participation in international study visits.
The assignment will be carried out primarily in Chișinău, with the possibility of remote work and field visits throughout the Republic of Moldova.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
• University degree in economics, business administration, public policy, statistics, sociology, labour market studies, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in research, economic analysis, and the preparation of studies or policy documents.
• Good knowledge of the economy of the Republic of Moldova, the business environment, SMEs, and value chains.
• Knowledge of the education system and technical vocational education and training, including the dual VET model.
• Fluency in Romanian and English, with advanced English writing skills (minimum C1 level).
• Experience working with projects funded by development partners is considered an asset.
• Experience collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Research or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of international apprenticeship models or training consortia is considered an asset.
• An established professional network within the business community or the VET sector is considered an asset.
Application Documents
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents in English:
1. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);
2. A cover letter;
3. A financial proposal indicating the daily rate and/or cost per deliverable, expressed in MDL or EUR (inclusive of all applicable taxes);
4. Examples of relevant analytical work (reports, studies, publications, or policy briefs), including links where available;
5. Two professional references (name, position, and contact details).
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Relevant experience in economic research, VET, and the SME sector – 70%
2. Writing skills and advanced English proficiency – 20%
3. Financial proposal – 10%
The project reserves the right to invite 2–3 shortlisted candidates for an interview.
Complete applications should be submitted by email to: info@aed.ong
Application deadline: 10 July 2026
Expected starting date: 15 July 2026
Additional Information
The assignment will be implemented in accordance with the principles of Leave No One Behind, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, integrity, and confidentiality.
The selected expert will be required to declare any conflict of interest and adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and anti-corruption. AED reserves the right to request the signing of a confidentiality agreement and to cancel or relaunch the selection procedure if circumstances so requir.
