Centrul de Drept al Avocatilor - Recruitment of Consultant at the Analytical Unit for Evaluating the Impact of Foreign Aid within State Chancellery

Centrul de Drept al Avocatilor is looking for qualified persons for Lead Expert at the Analytical Unit for Evaluating the Impact of Foreign Aid within State Chancellery.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

01. BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, the Republic of Moldova has emerged as a significant beneficiary of foreign aid within Europe, ranking among the top ten recipients. In 2023, the inflow of external aid reached unprecedented levels, exceeding one billion euros. Notably, a substantial portion, exceeding 300 million euros, was allocated to address the pressing challenges brought about by the refugee crisis.

The humanitarian crisis and conflict in Ukraine have further complicated Moldova’s socio-economic and security dynamics. The arrival and reception of refugees has impacted essential services like healthcare, education, and housing, imposing certain effects on local communities. Providing humanitarian aid, shelter and assistance to persons displaced by Ukrainian conflict exacerbates the strain on Moldova’s already limited resources.

Given Moldova’s strategic aspiration for European integration, it is imperative to ensure the optimal, transparent, and accountable utilization of the considerable foreign support. Effective implementation hinges upon a thorough understanding of how the local population perceives the financial and technical aid they receive. Analyzing public perception serves several key purposes. Firstly, it offers insights into the efficacy and impact of aid programs, facilitating necessary adjustments and enhancements. Secondly, grasping public sentiment enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring funds are deployed judiciously to benefit the intended recipients. Thirdly, it fosters public endorsement and confidence in aid initiatives, pivotal for their long-term viability.

Effectively addressing the ramifications of the humanitarian crisis and Ukrainian conflict necessitates robust collaboration and cooperation between Moldova and its international partners. Through concerted efforts, stakeholders can pool their resources and expertise to deliver humanitarian aid, facilitate the provision of essential services, and support the long-term recovery and stability of affected regions.

Given the interplay between the refugee crisis, the Ukrainian conflict, and Moldova’s pursuit of European integration, it is crucial to factor these elements into the assessment of local sentiment towards foreign assistance. Understanding how impacted communities perceive the support provided by international partners enables policymakers to tailor aid programs to meet specific needs and ensure efficient implementation.

In conclusion, Moldova’s substantial reliance on foreign aid, coupled with the challenges posed by refugee crisis and Ukrainian conflict, underscores the importance of comprehensively evaluating local perceptions of this assistance. Such analysis contributes to the effective, transparent, and accountable utilization of foreign aid, facilitates evidence-based decision-making, and supports the long-term recovery and stability of affected regions.

The State Chancellery, particularly the office of the Prime Minister, recognizes the critical need for a specialized team called the Analytical Unit for Evaluating the Impact of Foreign Assistance in the Republic of Moldova. This team will be tasked with implementing a series of objectives aimed at enhancing the analysis of foreign aid impacts. Moreover, it will tailor communication strategies to address the identified perceptions and needs of the population. The ultimate goal is to create a positive environment for refugees and to counteract any potential negative perceptions regarding the presence of individuals displaced by war within Moldova's communities. Additionally, the team will work to rectify any distorted perceptions regarding how foreign aid is implemented and reaches its intended beneficiaries.

02. SCOPE OF WORK & OBJECTIVES

To perform this assignment, the following activities should be performed by the consultant:

a. Provide an outline of the tasks and functions of the Impact unit:

• Draft clear ToRs for the Analytical Impact Unit, clearly setting out the problem statement, scope, activities, timeline, institutional set-up and overview of assistance needs, which is currently missing.

b. Enhancing Project Management Capacities:

• Collaborate with the experts to assess the existing project management practices of public institutions involved in foreign aid projects;
• Coordinate the development and delivery of tailored training programs to enhance project management skills and knowledge;
• Provide support to public institutions by facilitating ongoing technical guidance and assistance for effective project planning, implementation, and monitoring.

c. Establishing an Impact Analysis System:

• Work closely with the experts to design and implement an impact analysis system for external assistance projects;
• Coordinate the development of methodologies and tools for measuring and assessing the outcomes and effects of aid programs;
• Facilitate the training of relevant stakeholders on the use of the impact analysis system and external assistance opportunities, ensuring its integration into project management practices.

d. Establishing an Impact Evaluation Methodology:

• Support the expert in developing a systematic impact evaluation methodology for external assistance projects;
• Assist in creating guidelines and tools for conducting impact evaluations, including data collection and analysis;
• Coordinate the training of relevant stakeholders on the application of the impact evaluation methodology and provide support during evaluation processes.

e. Enhancing Advocacy Capabilities:

• Collaborate with the expert to assess the advocacy capabilities of foreign assistance recipients and implementers (public entities) and identify areas for improvement;
• Support the development of capacity-building initiatives, including training programs and workshops, to enhance their ability to advocate for the value and impact of their support.

And any other business required by the impact unit.

The coordinator of the process will oversee the expert's work in achieving the objectives mentioned above.

03. DELIVERABLES

The coordinator of the process will be responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of the following deliverables by the expert:

• Training materials and conducted training sessions on project management;
• Impact analysis system framework and tools;
• Media landscape analysis report and formulated media agenda;
• Guidelines and tools for impact evaluation methodology;
• Training materials and conducted training sessions on impact evaluation;
• Capacity-building initiatives and training materials for advocacy capabilities enhancement.

The coordinator will work closely with the experts, provide necessary support, and facilitate effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the objectives and timely delivery of the expected deliverables.

04. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Place of performance is set to be in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, within the State Chancellery. Remote work (home based) and online implementation of certain activities under the assignment may be performed following prior approval by the project in consultation with the beneficiary.

05. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The assignment will be held for one year, between July 2024 and December 2024.

06. REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS & INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

• Working languages are English, Romanian and Russian. All produced information shall be in English and/or Romanian;
• Before submission of the deliverables, the consultant shall discuss the draft documents with the beneficiary and the project so that the final products reflect their comments;
• It is expected that the State Chancellery will provide the Consultant free of charge with furnished office space and access to computers, telephones, and internet;
• The Consultant will receive assistance with liaising with key officials within the Government of Moldova and the coordination of inputs from government stakeholders;
• The State Chancellery will provide access to all available and relevant information, reports and documents, including studies, legal documents etc. at no cost to the Consultant. All documentation related to the assignment will remain the property of the State Chancellery after completion of the assignment.

07. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: A master's or higher degree in Management, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Sociology, or Development Studies is required.

Experience: Substantial professional experience in research, analysis, project management and advocacy is required. Experience in the specific context of foreign assistance and its impact on socio-economic factors would be advantageous.

Language Requirements: Spoken proficiency as well as excellent writing and speaking skills in Romanian and English are mandatory, good writing and speaking skills in Russian is a strong asset. Other languages are an advantage.

Competencies: The consultant should demonstrate the following skills:

• Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful insights;
• Strong research skills;
• Leadership skills to guide and motivate a team of analysts;
• Effective project management abilities, including planning, monitoring, and reporting;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for conveying complex information to diverse audiences;
• Understanding of various disciplines such as economics, political science, and sociology to approach issues from a holistic perspective;
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and local communities;
• Capacity to think strategically and align set objectives with broader organizational and national goals;
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, evolving methodologies, and emerging issues;
• Competence in developing and implementing advocacy strategies to communicate the positive impact of foreign assistance to the public and key stakeholders.

Personal qualities: The consultant should the following personal qualities:

• Upholding a high level of integrity and ethical standards in all aspects of work, especially when dealing with sensitive data and diverse stakeholders;
• Being adaptable to changing circumstances, new methodologies, and evolving project requirements, while maintaining a positive and solution-oriented mindset;
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging team members to share ideas and perspectives for better collective outcomes;
• Remaining open-minded and receptive to new ideas, feedback, and alternative approaches to problem-solving;
• Having a forward-thinking and visionary mindset, aligning the unit's objectives with broader national goals for sustainable impact;
• Cultivating a problem-solving attitude, addressing challenges with a solution-oriented approach;
• Effectively managing time and resources to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results, ensuring efficiency in project implementation;
• Having a genuine passion for making a positive social impact through the evaluation of foreign assistance programs and a commitment to the well-being of the community.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• CV, including information about past experience in similar assignments and contact details for at least 2 referees.

Qualifications and skills required:

Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in Law, Social science

Experience and knowledge:

• Previous work experience in the area would be considered as advantage
• Good organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word,

Competencies:

• Good analytical skills and good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under stress and in crisis situations.
• Cultural and gender awareness.
• Fluency in Romanian, Russian and English languages.
• Driver license.

CDA is committed to workforce diversity. Women and men, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, LGBTQI+ as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are encouraged to apply.

Please provide details in CV on your past employments and two references.

Please submit a cover letter and your resume to law-center@cda.md . Applicants selected will be contacted via email.