Project Component Manager, UNDP Moldova, Strengthening Democratic Resilience in the Republic of Moldova

Project Component Manager (NPSA-9), UNDP Moldova, Strengthening Democratic Resilience in the Republic of Moldova

Deadline/ Termen-limită: 14 January 2025

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

Job Description

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.

UNDP Moldova, through its Effective Governance Cluster implemented projects, has a long-standing experience in providing democratic governance assistance, building democratic frameworks to improve representation, accountability, and transparency for the benefit of citizens.

In this context, UNDP has a long-standing partnership with the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CICDE) aiming at advancing the electoral education and democratic electoral processes in Moldova. This partnership, which spans over 15 years, resulted in the establishment of strong professional institutions; development of a modern State Automated Information System “Elections” (SAISE); improved legal and regulatory electoral framework; implementation of effective long-term civic, voter and citizens education instruments; and increased accountability of political actors within the electoral process to advance electoral integrity, transparency and inclusivity.

Throughout recent electoral cycles, with the continuous support of UNDP, the CEC and CICDE have demonstrated strengthened capacities. Despite ongoing challenges and persistent financial and human resource constraints, these institutions have successfully delivered “well-administered elections,” as attested by OSCE/ODIHR Observation Missions.

Recognizing the results achieved in the previous project phases, EDMITE I (2017 – 2020) and EDMITE II (2020 – 2024), in its new phase "Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Moldova" (EDMITE III), the project aims to fortify Moldova's democratic processes against a backdrop of significant internal and external challenges, seeking to enhance oversight and transparency of political contestants, strengthen electoral institutions, and deepen civic engagement. Running from August 2024 to December 2028, the project focuses on three main areas: improving oversight of political finance to curb illicit activities and enhance transparency; strengthening electoral institutions and making them more resilient and able to withstand cyber and information threats; and improving civic engagement and inclusivity to foster a more informed and engaged electorate, increase women’s political participation, and enhance the legitimacy and trust in democratic institutions. 

The project aligns with the ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations and supports the implementation of the CEC and CICDE Strategic Plans (2024-2027). Through collaborative efforts with government bodies, civil society, and international partners, the project seeks to build a resilient democratic framework in Moldova, ensuring the integrity and security of electoral processes while promoting inclusive participation and civic education.

To achieve the objectives and ensure sustainability of results, the implementation strategy will be collaborative, engaging with government bodies, civil society, and international partners to achieve its objectives. Project interventions will have significant systematic implications at policy, legislation, institutional and electoral service provision levels, having a sustainable impact at the national level.

In this regard, a team is put in place to support projects’ implementation. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Component Manager will provide effective and efficient management of the assigned project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Component Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. S/he is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results within the limits of assigned project components.

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 incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying Gender Equality (GE) and Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and gender equality (GE) approaches. More specifically:

Coordinate effective project planning and implementation:

• Develop project planning process and ensure the work plan and a fully costed budget are prepared based on sound capacity assessments and in accordance with UNDP POPP/PPM Guidelines. 
• Coordinate and manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned projects and the overall implementation process, including planning and monitoring in order to optimize the use of resources and to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives and results specified in project document. Provide subject matter technical advice and support and ensure outputs are delivered on time, within the set budget and specified constraints, and to high-quality standards.
• Facilitate establishment of interactive and inclusive platforms for project implementation and collaborate with other programme units and project teams to ensure integration of critical development issues in the project activities and expected project outputs. 
• Ensure implementation activities are in alignment with UNDP policy and programme management procedures and all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
• Ensure operational management of assigned project components including through timely procurement of goods, services and/or infrastructure (as relevant), effective management of human, technical and financial resources, etc. 

Establish partnerships and open channels of communication:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned project components.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and how best to leverage their participation and/or strengthen their engagement. Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint initiatives. Make recommendations to the Project management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. 
• Support resource mobilization efforts and project development.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:

• Review the results framework and update the indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned project components. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. 
• Monitor implementation and progress in achieving goals and targets in accordance with the established quality criteria and UNDP rules, regulations, and standards. Identify, analyze, and take adequate measures to manage emerging issues, problems, and risks. Conduct field visits to project location sites.
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensure administrative requirements, budgets and use of financial resources are managed and executed in a timely and appropriate manner and within UNDP and donor rules and regulations.
• Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements.
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the assigned project components.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s):

• Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 
• Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Component Manager works under the general supervision and guidance of the “Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Moldova” (EDMITE III) Project Manager and works in close collaboration with the project team, as well as with Programme, Operations, Communications and other units in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: 
  • Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: 
  • Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: 
  • Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: 
  • Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: 
  • Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: 
  • Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: 
  • Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross Functional and Technical competencies: 

• 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 Development - Knowledge Facilitation 
  • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information, and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
• Business Management - Project Management   
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Business Management - Partnerships Management        
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Business Management - Communication              
  • Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Business Management - Monitoring 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.
• 2030 Agenda: Peace - Governance          
  • Electoral Cycle Support

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Public Administration or related field is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in providing management advisory services, and/or hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, preferably related to electoral processes, civic education campaigns, democratic governance, strengthening public institutions to withstand cyber and information threats.

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.

Required skills:

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages. 
• Experience in managing and coordination of a team of experts and consultants.

Desired skills:

• Good networking abilities and partnership development will be an advantage.
• Prior experience with UNDP Project management and/or implementation will be an advantage.
• Previous experience in overseeing and monitoring the design, implementation and deployment of modern digital solutions and IT systems for addressing challenges of public institutions will be an advantage.
• Prior experience in working in the electoral field and rule of law will be an advantage.
• Abilities to work with a mix of stakeholders (public institutions, civil society, private sector, donors etc.) to achieve desired outcomes.
• Good management skills of grant schemes for civil society actors will be an advantage.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm will be an advantage.
• Working experience with the donors such as (Sida/Sweden, NORAD/ Norway, DANIDA/Denmark and GAC/Canada) and familiarity with their work procedures will be an advantage.
• Additional training or certification in project management will 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.

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 48,700 MDL to 60,800 MDL, depending on the candidate’s level of experience and qualifications.

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. 

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