Component Manager/Education (NPSA-9) - UNDP Moldova/Transforming Education Project - 22008

Salariul lunar net: 48700 - 60800 MDL

Asigurarea meedicala internationala 100% acoperire

To apply please follow the link/Pentru a aplica, va rugam sa adresati link-ul: APPLY

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

During 2024 – 2028, UNDP is implementing the Programme “Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools”, funded by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). The Programme’s general objective is to enhance quality and effectiveness of Moldova's education system through the transformation of district schools into Model Schools. To achieve this, the Program will target the following specific objectives:  

Objective 1: Transform five schools into Model Schools with a modern learning environment and facilities enabling better learning outcomes and improved efficiency of the school network.

Objective  2: Facilitate the development of 21st century skills of students through improving teaching and learning practices and supporting organizational development.

Under this Programme, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, UNDP will support: 

Under Component 1: Capital renovations in five model schools to ensure student friendly learning spaces and furniture, and accessible facilities for teachers/students with disabilities (ensuring accessibility of all learning, administrative, outdoor, WASH facilities).

Under Component 2:

• The evaluation and revision of the national curricula, enhancing the quality of curricular materials and educational content. 
• Strengthening the initial and continuous teachers training in the implementation of STEAM and interdisciplinary approaches, use of active teaching methods such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning and others, with special focus on science disciplines, integration of green and sustainability practices into the curricula. 
• Improving local level education governance and school management and autonomy to enhance the quality of education. 

The programme duration is 48 months, with a total budget of USD 18.9 million. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Component Manager/ Education's primary responsibility is to ensure that Component 2 of the project produces the specified results outlined in the detailed concept document, meeting the required standards of quality, and staying within the specified constraints of time and cost.

Additionally, the Component Manager/Education´s will be involved in coordinating the implementation of training activities at both the national and local levels within other project components. Furthermore, the incumbent will contribute to stakeholder engagement and awareness. They will design and coordinate activities engaging teachers, schools managers, academia, youth, Local Public Authorities (LPAs), and other relevant stakeholders in the operationalization of the planned activities. In terms of the current project, this specifically applies to supporting the revision of the national curriculum and curricular materials, supporting initial and continuous teachers training, supporting evidence-based policy making in education, improve local education governance and encourage school autonomy. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, in cooperation with Infrastructure Component Manager and and overall guidance of the UNDP Inclusive Growth Cluster Lead, the incumbent provides effective and efficient support to the initiative  through a range of actions contributing to the management and monitoring of initiative  activities. The selected Component Manager/ Education applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results.

The selected Component Manager/Education is expected to collaborate also with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems. 

The Component Manager/Education, in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office and all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Institute for Education and Leadership (INEL), LPAs, youth, academia, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the initiative) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying human rights-based (HRBA) and gender equality (GE) approaches, specifically: 

• Ensuring effective content and operational management of the activities related to curricular revision, capacity building, awareness and institutional development, local education governance, and others;
• Coordinate the implementation of activities at the national and local levels. Facilitate community engagement where relevant;
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote awareness for the transformative approaches in education;
• Oversee day-to-day operations and implementation of project activities;
• Exercise close monitoring of project activities and produce monitoring reports; 
• Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products, as per the Project Document, leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Develop Work Plan, periodic narrative progress and final reports and expenditures status reports and submit to the supervisor; 
• Ensure the implementation of the activities under the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as the overall management of the Project in line with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Support UNDP CO in effectively managing human resources pertaining to the Project, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; 
• Support the efficient management of the Project financial resources, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain Project issues and risks and suggest mitigation measures;
• Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study visits and related activities relevant to the implementation of the Project;
• Maintain a continuous effective dialogue with the key stakeholders, central and local government authorities, other UN agencies and actors active in the sector, CSOs, partner organizations, international and national experts in the areas of the Project intervention in view of identifying synergies and avoiding overlapping of assistance; 
• Maintain a close collaboration with other related UNDP projects to ensure synergies and complementarities; 
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the project activities to the mass media and stakeholders and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local, national, and as required at international levels;
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of  the Office and the Organization.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools Programme. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management. 

 Institutional Arrangement

The Component Manager/ Education will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and the Inclusive Growth Cluster Leader and will ensure the provision of development services and products commensurate with the scope of the Programme and assigned area of responsibility of the highest quality and standards to national and local counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. S/he will supervise the Education Analyst and will coordinate the part time consultants, as envisaged in programme’s organizational chart.

The Component Manager/ Education will work in close cooperation with the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex project/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results - LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
• Think Innovatively - LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
• Learn Continuously - LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others, and support their learning.
• Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
• Act with Determination - LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
• Engage and Partner - LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.

People Management Competency: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
 

Cross Functional and Technical competencies:

• Business Management- Results-based Management      
  • Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programs, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• Business Management- Project Management    
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Business Direction & Strategy- System Thinking 
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
• Business Management - Monitoring and evaluation       
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programs, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and program management and results. 
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programs and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• Digital - Agile' methodologies and practices        
  • Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organizing cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.
• Partnership Management- CSO Engagement      
  • Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Education Studies, Economics, and other closely related fields is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressively acquired experience in managing and/or implementing education programmes in the context of international development, education reform, or capacity-building projects.

Required skills:

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Desired skills:

• Familiarity with digital trends in education, learning platforms, EdTech solutions and e-learning tools, and the overall integration of technology in education; 
• Experience with M&E tools, methodologies, and frameworks to assess the impact of education projects, track progress, and ensure project goals are met;
• Design and roll-out of capacity building programmes in the area of education;
• Knowledge of curricula development and evaluation frameworks;
• Relevant professional experience of engagement with a large variety of stakeholders (public, private, LPAs, central public authorities, mass-media etc) is an asset;
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for NGOs, academia, a donor organization, development partners, UN Agencies is an asset;
• Prior experience with UNDP consultancy and/or project implementation is an asset;
• Familiarity and prior experience with the donors requirements and procedures is considered as an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy is desired;
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and deadlines in a timely manner, maintaining a high standard throughout is desired.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Russian, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

Professional Certificates: 

• Additional training and certification in project management and/or business administration would be an advantage.

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as  reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.