University Engagement Advisor

Project Overview:

Data for Impact (D4I), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), supports countries to generate and use high-quality data as evidence that can improve programs, policies, and—ultimately—health and social sector outcomes. D4I also strengthens the technical and organizational capacity of local partners to collect, analyze, and use data to support their move to self-reliance. D4I is implemented in several countries around the world, including the Republic of Moldova.

D4I “Harnessing the Power of Data for the Benefit of the Child” in the Republic of Moldova is working to strengthen the capacity of the government and its partners at national and subnational levels to collect, analyse, and use data to generate a positive impact on children in adversity. Apart from capacity strengthening (trainings, mentorship, development of resource materials, etc.), the project is also developing a Child Protection Information System aimed at gathering longitudinal data on case management and other key child protection areas to help inform decision-making and optimize the work of social assistants and specialists at local and rayon levels.

The main beneficiaries of D4I in the Republic of Moldova are the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MOLSP), the National Social Assistance Agency (NSAA) and the Territorial Social Assistance Structures (TSAS).

While many trainings of staff working in the social assistance area in the Republic of Moldova have been developed and conducted, they were primarily focused on in-service training. As there is a high staff turnover among TSAS and NSAA, one-off in-service trainings are not sufficient. D4I has therefore engaged with Moldovan universities to offer pre-service training courses/module in monitoring, evaluation (M&E), and data use to support the development of a future social assistance workforce aware of and equipped to make evidence-informed decisions. For this purpose, D4I created a grants-based opportunity for universities to modernize and improve M&E training as part of their curriculum. Two universities were selected, i.e. Moldova State University (MSU) and Ion Creanga Pedagogical State University (ICPSU). They plan to complete their curriculum modernization and improvement by September 2022.

D4I’s support to universities will be expanded in the coming months, with grants provided to an additional two universities in Moldova with a view to broadening the access to M&E training opportunities of students in social assistance and related disciplines (sociology, psychology, pedagogy, psycho-pedagogy). D4I will also provide grants to three colleges that have an interest in curriculum development in M&E and data use in the social assistance system. The selected colleges will be mentored by MSU and ICPSU. In addition, D4I will foster engagement between the Moldovan universities and universities that are members of the D4I consortium - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and Tulane University (TU).

This Opportunity:

Palladium is currently seeking a part-time University Engagement Advisor to coordinate D4I activities related to curriculum development and partnerships with Moldovan Universities and Colleges. The Advisor will be also responsible for the proper implementation of grant agreements.

Location:

The position is based in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. We nevertheless welcome applications from experts that could provide virtual support, with regular trips to the Republic of Moldova as agreed in advance with the project team.

We welcome applications from the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

Contract duration:

Part-time position. August 2022-August 2023 (with possibility for extension)

Reporting and Supervision:

This position will report to the Chief of Party, D4I Moldova

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Support the selection of grantees (2 universities and 3 colleges), including: development of terms of reference/Request for Proposals, selection criteria, participation in the selection panel, liaison with PMU to support the contracting of successful applicants;
• Monitor the implementation of grant agreements with Moldovan universities and colleges, facilitating the timely completion of deliverables according to agreed quality standards;
• Provide inputs to discipline fiche/curriculum, teaching materials and student handbooks developed by universities and colleges;
• Develop terms of reference and a tracking tool for MSU and ICPSU to guide and monitor their mentorship to technical colleges;
• Support the organization of a workshop on M&E organized as part of the MSU conference “Sociology and Social Work: research and professionalization” (October 2022) and the organization of a webinar on M&E/information systems for university exchange of experience between Moldovan and international universities (April 2023), including: agenda development, selection of speakers/ guest lecturers, review of presentations, liaison with the events company for technical and logistical arrangements, moderation of discussions, reporting
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with universities and colleges; serve as an interlocutor between these entities and D4I project team;

Contribute to communicating D4I best practices on engaging universities and results in curriculum development.

Required Qualifications:

Key Competencies Required:

• Works with respect and dignity for all colleagues and contributes to a cooperative team working environment
• Project management understanding, including organizational skills, strong attention to detail, excellent time management
• Ability to do multi-tasking and to work under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Sound problem solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team when required
• Strong intercultural skills including evidence of sensitivity to and acceptance of people from diverse backgrounds.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social science (social assistance, psychology, pedagogy, or sociology). A PhD degree would be an advantage.
• Experience in developing university curriculum, teaching guides and/or student handbooks, in particular for social disciplines.
• Work experience in a higher education institution would be an advantage.
• Familiar with Moldova’s education and social assistance landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with academia, government and international stakeholders.
• Experience working in a project funded by USAID or other international donor would be a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Fluency in Romanian and English; knowledge of Russian would be an advantage.

Please submit a CV and a cover letter highlighting how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this position. Please also include requirements for daily rate as well as the number of days available for work per month.  Applications may be submitted in English by July 15, 2022. Please send your applications at: https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/14740?c=palladium

Company Overview:

About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.