Project Associate (NPSA-7), Mayors for Economic Growth Facility Project, UNDP Moldova

Project Associate (NPSA-7), Mayors for Economic Growth Facility Project, UNDP Moldova - 24455

Deadline / Termenul-limită: 10 March 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.

Since 2021, UNDP has led the regional implementation of the EU-funded “Mayors for Economic Growth Facility”, (M4EG) implemented in five Eastern Partnership Countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine). The M4EG offers municipalities resources, network and learning opportunities to explore new trajectories of growth and to make towns and cities more attractive for people and investment. The M4EG takes a 'hyperlocal' and whole-of-place approach and offers training and capability development through the Urban Learning Center, as well as grants programmes for municipalities to test new approaches and tools such as city missions for strategic planning.

As of end of 2024, the regional network of mayors/municipalities totals 433, with 50 of those implementing grants and innovative projects at the local level. 

In the Republic of Moldova, the M4EG network included 65 municipalities, implementing innovative local projects. Through targeted assistance, Moldovan municipalities piloted initiatives such as portfolio approach to energy-efficiency in urban management, re-imagining public service provision and refugee crisis response and recovery. M4EG in Moldova emphasizes capacity-building programs for local authorities, empowering them to adopt systemic economic planning methods and embrace mission-oriented development strategies. By fostering collaboration between local and regional stakeholders at M4EG Mayors Forums, the initiative positioned Moldovan municipalities as hubs of inclusive, green, and innovative growth. These efforts aim to not only attract investment but also to improve the quality of life for residents.

See M4EG website for more information. 

In the new phase of the M4EG (2025-2028) the main objective of the M4EG is to promote inclusive, green and innovative economic revival of secondary cities in Eastern Partnership Countries through systemic local economic planning, enhanced access to finance, amplified future-ready capabilities and strengthened local, regional and global networks.

The programme will focus on two main outcomes:

• Improved and adaptive systemic local-level economic development planning and implementation through improved tools and capabilities for mission-oriented development and;
• Enhanced access to financing for local authorities through support for pipeline development and financing absorption and management. 

Duties and Responsibilities

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 specific duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate during the assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Support management of project in Quantum, including but not limited to:

• Track and monitor the use of allocations;
• Create e-requisitions, check budget for accuracy, and do receipts for payments; 
• Generate financial reports and prepare monthly delivery monitoring tables for the assigned project, check for correctness, identify issues, contribute to development of solutions. 

Support in project implementation and financial management of the project, including:

• Support project management in performing budget cycle: planning, preparation, revisions, and budget execution;
• Comply and verify budget and accounting data by researching files, calculating costs, and estimating anticipated expenditures;
• Monitor budget expenditures, ensuring that no expenditure is incurred before it has been authorized and maintain a proper record of commitments and planned expenditures;
• Prepare and submit expenditure and project budget status reports; 
• Prepare periodic accounting records by recording receipts, disbursements (ledgers, cashbooks, vouchers, etc.) and reconciling data for recurring or financial reports and assist in preparation of annual procurement plans;
• Support procurement and contracting processes (Individual Consultants, services and goods);
• Undertake project financial closure formalities;
• Ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP and donor (i.e. European Commission) procedures;
• Compile technical and financial reports as required;
• Ensure proper filing of all project related documents;
• Track ongoing agreements with local authorities.

Provide event and meeting organization support for assigned events, including:

• Support the organization and preparation of key project meetings, including necessary documentation, logistics, travel, administrative support and any follow up required (including producing meeting minutes and reports);
• Support with organizing tele-conferences and other means of engagement with stakeholders and partners;
• Support the production of promotional materials.

Take care of internal communication and updates of project-related information on project platforms and social media including:

• Communicate with relevant units on financial and reporting matters;
• Support annual targets setting and reporting;
• Publish materials produced by communication experts on social media;
• Update events calendar and other platforms as requested.

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 M4EG regional initiative is led by UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and the UNDP Moldova coordinates the local implementation in the Republic of Moldova. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the M4EG Project Manager, the Project Associate shall contribute to an effective and efficient implementation of the project activities via administrative and financial management. 

The Project Associate will apply and promote the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Project Associate will work in close collaboration with the Project Manager, UNDP Country Office (CO) team, as well as ensure coordination with the M4EG implementation team at UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.

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 & Technical Competencies

• 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.
• Effective Decision Making:    
  • Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.
• Documents and Records Management:    
  • Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving.
• Event Planning and Execution:    
  • Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.
• Budget Management:     
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.  
• Procurement Management:      
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source information.
• Assets Management:      
  • Understanding of public administration and local governance issues, including decentralization, municipal planning, inclusion and participation.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) OR 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience in the field of administration, finance, procurement, business administration or public administration.

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;
• Demonstrated experience in performing procurement and finance-related tasks is required. 

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated track record of experience in the preparation of technical and financial reports, and accounts management of international projects is an asset for this position;
• Prior experience in development assistance or related work for UNDP/UN, a development organization, consulting company, or NGO; 
• Prior experience with EU projects.

Desired Languages:

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

Professional Certificates:

Procurement Certification will be an advantage. 

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 29,000 MDL to 35,800 MDL net, 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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