USAID MISRA is looking for a Local Railway Expert

SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                               Local Railway Expert

Location:                              Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:      July - October 2024

Total Level of Effort:           up to 20 days

Work Plan Activity:            Task 2.4.1 (FY 2024 Work Plan): Providing assistance in establishment of the Railway Agency

                                             Sub-task 2.4.1.3: Development of Operational framework for the Railway Agency

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.

Activity Overview

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is currently implementing a reform in the railway transport sector with the following objectives: the reorganization of the railway sector by restructuring the State-owned Enterprise 'Calea Ferată a Moldovei (CFM),' rehabilitation of the railway infrastructure, modernization of the rolling stock and implementation of a modern legal framework – transposing the EU requirements.

The railway reform is being implemented through Government Decision no. 1047/2017, which approves the Concept Note for the restructuring of the railway sector and the reorganization of the State-owned Enterprise 'Calea Ferată a Moldovei (CFM)' during the period 2018-2021. This decision was subsequently amended in April 2022, extending the implementation period to cover the years 2022-2024. In parallel, as part of Moldova’s accession path towards the European Union, the Government has undertaken the obligation to create new transport institutions, such as the Railway Agency.

On November 2nd, 2022, the Government adopted a Decision establishing the Railway Agency, outlining its internal regulation and organizational chart. The agency is tasked with implementing state policies in the railway transport sector, being authorized to exercise the functions of the national authority for railway safety.

According to the internal Regulation, the Agency is tasked with overseeing the railway sector and compliance with the normative framework in this domain. The Agency is subordinated to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD) and is responsible for ensuring the quality and harmlessness of services in railway transport.

In response to MIRD's request, MISRA is committed to supporting the Ministry in the establishment and enforcement of the Railway Agency. This involves aiding in the development of its operational framework for Agency’s functioning, based on MISRA’s identified gaps and findings. As part of its earlier analysis, MISRA concluded and recommended a list of operational acts (manuals, procedures, guidelines, instructions, and policies) which shall be drafted and implemented by the MIRD and Agency, transposing the EU requirements for the operations of a national railway authority.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The Local Railway Expert, in collaboration with the International Railway Expert, will undertake the following activities and tasks:

•       The local railway expert will assist the international railway expert in developing the operational framework for the Railway Agency.

•       The expert will ensure the alignment of the produced deliverables to the provisions of the national legislation governing the railway sector, and other legislation related to functioning of the public authorities and will elaborate the supporting documents (information notes, tables, and others, by case).

 •      Collaborate closely with the international railway expert, staff of MIRD and Railway Agency, during the working meetings and interviews to adjust the new operational framework; conduct working meetings independently with other institutions, by case, if necessary.

• Assist the international railway expert with the preparation of the workshop to present the deliverables to the MIRD and staff of the Agency; by case participating in the workshop.

 The local railway expert will primarily work on the deliverables under the lead with regular reporting to the international railway expert and ad hoc reporting to MISRA on the progress of the work.

Deliverables

1. Adjustments and recommendations to the Operational Manual of the Railway Agency (including internal regulation containing Agency’s objectives, general framework, organizational structure, atributions by compartments, list of procedures, etc.) in accordance with the national context and current legislation.

2. Adjustments and recommendations to the Procedures for the issuance of the railway transport authorizations (license – as per EU terminology) for freight and passenger services in accordance with the national context and current legislation.

3. Adjustment and recommendations to the Procedures for the safety certification of the railway undertakings (operators) in accordance with the national context and current legislation.

4. Supporting documents, for the approval and promotion of the above mentioned framework, by case.

Required Skills and Qualifications

 A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in railway transport sector.

• University degree in law and/or railway transport.
• Experience in technical assistance projects is preferable, but not a priority.
• Experience in drafting legal and/or operational acts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the national transport sector policies, including railway sector reform and initiatives.
• Writing and speaking skills in Romanian.
• Writing and speaking skills in English required.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Local Railway Expert will coordinate tasks and deliverables directly with the Component 2 Structural Reform Team Lead and Transport and Logistics Specialist.

How to Apply

 We welcome your CV and cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by June 27, 2024 with “Local Railway Expert” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.