Anunțuri de Angajare

            SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                 Construction Engineer (Consultant)

Program:                               USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Activity (MISRA)

Location:                                Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:        November 2023 – January 2024

Total Level of Effort:             up to 45 days

Work Plan Activity:             Task 2.3.2. (FY 2024 Work Plan): Development of standardized technical requirements for construction/setting up new border control points within Customs Service                

Project Background

The USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reform Activity (MISRA) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Nathan Associates Inc. MISRA’s objective is to stimulate a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the regional crisis, improve the institutional, business, and trade enabling environment in Moldova by supporting Moldova’s public institutions and the private sector to accelerate the implementation of trade liberalization mechanisms, adopt structural and investment climate reforms, accelerate financial sector reforms, improve economic governance in the public sector, and enhance strategic communications between the private and public actors. MISRA builds on prior and ongoing USAID and US Government activities in the business enabling environment and trade facilitation space to strengthen Moldova’s economic growth and resilience, and by doing so, increase transparency and accountability.

MISRA is supporting structural reforms of the Government of Moldova’s regulatory and operational practices to improve trade and the business environment in support of job creation, investments, sustainable growth, and a quick economic recovery.

Overview

The Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova (MCS) operates under the authority of the Ministry of Finance. Its core mission focuses on Moldova's growth and stability by safeguarding the nation's economic and fiscal interests through the collection of duties, facilitating legitimate trade, combatting fraud, and delivering professional public services to businesses and individuals.

Moldova’s Border Control Points (BCPs), i.e., at the borders with Romanian and Ukraine, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of cross-border trade. The majority of BCPs have a history dating back to Soviet times, with the most recent addition being the Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe, joint control point, inaugurated in 2019. Rehabilitation is in progress at the Sculeni BCP, and construction and infrastructure projects are underway at several other BCPs, including at Leova-Bumbata, Ungheni-Ungheni, and Cosauti-Yampol. However, there are notable gaps in the planning and implementation of BCPs, as the MCS lack well-defined technical requirements for construction and renovation. To bridge this gap, the MCS has requested support from MISRA. The Standard Technical Requirements (STR) for the design, construction, reconstruction, expansion, and/or renovations will serve as essential guidelines throughout the entire lifecycle of BCP development, starting from the design phase through construction and operationalization. Moreover, the requirements will be adaptable to factors such as traffic volumes, types of cargo, passenger numbers, required staffing, and BCP size and demands.

When elaborating the STR, the Consultant will refer to the relevant national legislation and normative documents, as well as best practices among BCPs. And the Consultant will outline the procedural steps to be undertaken by authorities (e.g., property title, lease agreements, land designation, etc.). The STR will encompass detailed specifications for construction sites (e.g., cadastral documents, environmental impact assessments, availability of utility networks, soil quality assessments, etc.).    

In addition to the national legislation, the Consultant will refer to EU Regulations establishing minimum requirements for BCPs, including infrastructure, equipment, and documentation. The Consultant will also reference the EU model for Integrated Border Management, thereby guaranteeing favorable conditions for access, including by persons with disabilities, asylum seekers, and others.    

The STR will optimize the efficiency, security, and functionality of Moldova's border control infrastructure, and contribute to enhanced public services, trade facilitation, safety, and overall operational effectiveness.

Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for carrying-out the following tasks:

Task 1. Prepare a draft concept of the Standard Technical Requirements and coordinate the proposed concept structure and legal considerations with Customs representatives.

Task 2. Following review of the concept, prepare the Standard Technical Requirements.

Deliverables

The following deliverables will be developed in coordination with MISRA and Customs:

1. Draft concept of the Standard Technical Requirements and legal considerations for their adoption.

2. Standard Technical Requirements based on the approved concept.

      3. Final report summarizing the work completed, findings, and recommendations, using the MISRA template.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Party/ Lead of Component 2 and the Institutional and Structural Reforms Coordinator.

Skills and Qualifications

 More than 10 years of experience in policymaking and development of the construction sector in Moldova preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing the designing, building, and reconstruction of critical government buildings and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the design and construction work of critical government buildings and infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills required.
• Fluent verbal, written, and presentation skills in Romanian. English is an asset.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by October 18, 2023, with “Construction engineer to develop standard technical requirements for designing, construction, reconstruction, expansion or conducting major repair works within Border Control Points” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.