Project Officer/Infrastructure (NPSA-8) - EU4EDU/UNDP Moldova, Short-Term

Project Officer/Infrastructure (NPSA-8) - EU4EDU/UNDP Moldova, Short-Term - 24481

Deadline / Termenul-limită: 5 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.

Project Description 

During 2024 – 2027, UNDP and UNICEF are jointly implementing the Project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, funded by the European Union. The overarching objective of the project is to contribute to human capital development in the Republic of Moldova, improving the quality and relevance of education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, for better matching the labour market demands. To achieve this, the Programmeme will target the following specific objectives: 

1. Strengthen institutions and system for teacher and school leaders' professional development and support the implementation of education policies to enhance quality of teaching and learning (Development Strategy “Education 2030”).
2. Improve equitable access for all children to quality education, promoting the development of an inclusive, digital, and resilient education system. 
3. Upgrade learning environments through renovation of selected school infrastructures and facilitate the development of the 21st century skills, contributing to better education opportunities for pupils/students and improved efficiency of the school network.

Under this joint Project, UNDP will support the professional development of teachers, promote life-long learning opportunities for adults, and be responsible for implementing interventions under the specific objective number 3 mentioned above, that aims at increasing quality, relevance, and efficiency of learning. More specifically, it will support Ministry of Education and Research in enhancing the learning environments and improving the teaching-learning conditions by setting up modern learning spaces, improvement of school infrastructure of 10 model/aspirational schools. It will also aim at redesigning existing STEEAM learning spaces to facilitate better learning, provision of modern technologies and teaching-learning resources and support the roadmaps for continuous development of digital learning space. The activities will ease the accessibility of students from remote areas to the model/ aspirational schools through access to transportation means and development of an integrated national system for school bus management. In addition, this component aims at designing and rolling-out a digital transformation & STEEAM model in upper-secondary education focusing on teachers' mentorship in using new educational technologies, adopting new pedagogical approaches, support the development of digital educational resources for science disciplines, and support the capacity of school managers to embark upon the process of e-transformation in education.

Scope of Work 

The Project Officer (Infrastructure) will support the project team in carrying out monitoring and supervision of the renovation works of 10 model schools approved for procurement of works and implementation. The Project Officer will be involved in the verification of completeness and quality of technical design documentation, projects’ cost estimates, preparation of technical tender documentation as well as evaluation of bids within the procurement of works activities. The Project Officer with play a key role in supervision of the quality, timely implementation and commissioning of construction works, through a range of actions contributing to planning, management, and monitoring of project activities, in accordance with the contract requirements and applicable national building norms ,construction standards and legislation of Republic of Moldova in the field of constructions. In addition, the Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating the  commissioning process for the same project construction sites. 

The 10 schools which modernization is provided in this assignment are:

1. LT “Grigore Vieru” or. Briceni;
2. LT “M. Ceachir” or. Ceadir-Lunga;
3. LT “M. Sadoveanu” or. Ocnița;
4. LT “A. Mateevici” or. Dondușeni;
5. LT “Boris Dinga” or. Criuleni;
6. LT “Onisifor Ghibu” or. Orhei;
7. LT “B.P. Hașdeu” or. Bălți;
8. LT “M. Eminescu” or. Drochia;
9. LT “Ion Creangă” or. Fălești;
10. LT “Mion Costin” or. Florești;

For the given purpose, under supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Officer shall implement the following tasks:

1. Ensure methodological assistance to the Beneficiaries and Designers in development and proper verification, and endorsement of technical design documentation for implementation of civil works according to approved contracts. 
2. Organize preliminary conference/field visits (if necessary) with potential participants of the contractor selection tender to clarify all technical and related issues; 
3. Provide answers to any technical questions posed by potential bidders; 
4. Participate in the opening/evaluation of technical/financial offers received; 
5. To review the technical drawings and the execution documentation related to the realisation of the project; 
6. Submit programme written report confirming that milestones under the design/construction contracts have been achieved; 
   1. Support the project team to properly evaluate and organize the construction works/equipment procurement tenders.
   2. Effectively supervise implementation of the contract works, provide professional technical assistance to both beneficiaries and contractors, aiming to achieve good quality of works and complete contracts within the established timeframes. 
7. Provide technical assistance to EU4EDU programme, for the handover of the site from the Beneficiary to the Contractor for the start of the construction works; 
8. Verify the presence of building authorization permits, certificates, endorsements or other documents recognized by the Contractor and Subcontractors as necessary and appropriate for the performance of the work under the contract;
9. Check volumes, control the quality of construction/repair/rehabilitation and energy efficiency works and monitor the completion of the works record book and technical book by construction foreman and technical supervisor. 
10. Work with the contractor to troubleshoot problems and communicate immediately to the project coordinator;
11. Receipt and verification of the minutes for completed work from the contractor;
12. Monitor the execution schedule of the works in accordance with the signed contract with the vendor; 
13. Personally review and receive all coordination and approvals during the course of the project, including at any stage of implementation or completion; 
14. Check the conformity of the project documentation with the situation on the ground and inform the EU4EDU programme and the designer of any inconsistencies in order to eliminate them;
15. Be familiar with the quality control system (laboratory checks and tests) developed by the contractor; 
16. Inform the members of the working group in detail about the content of the project; 
17. Participate in acceptance of the construction/repair works only on the basis of the technical execution drawings, drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the legislation and attached to the contract concluded between the beneficiary and the contractor; 
18. Make sure that the contractor/subcontractors  introduce construction materials into the site only after the documents of origin, quality of materials and construction elements, quality certificates and other documents in which the quality is indicated are checked; 
19. Assist the beneficiary in receiving the building permit and registering the object with the Technical supervision Agency; 
20. Check and approve: 
    1. technical procedures for carrying out the works; 
    2. the timetables for completion of the works; 
    3. reports on the detection of works not completed but submitted for payment;
21. Take steps to correct or restore the works declared non-compliant;
22. Receive approval from the designer for the elimination of deficiencies affecting the basic requirements of the construction work or deviations from the design;
23. Inform the beneficiary, the project coordinator and the construction authority or the relevant national regulatory body if the construction does not meet the required quality and may pose a danger to the lives of people, their property, to society and the environment; 
24. Draw up and update the Register of Minutes of works carried out and paid for; 
25. Sign the Works Completion Documents after the inspection and acceptance of the works;
26. Report monthly to the project coordinator on the progress of the project and problems encountered on the construction site;
27. Take steps to complete the construction works within the time frame and terms of the contract; 
28. Support the  EU4EDU programme in organising the reception on the completion of works;
29. Monitor the full completion of the technical book of the site together with the contractor and submit it to the acceptance committee. 
30. Collect volumes, check estimates, prepare  reports for excluded and included works (as required);
31. Take photographs of the object at each visit to the object;
32. Fulfil any other obligations arising from the regulations in force.
33. Provide assistance to the project team throughout the entire renovation process.

The Project Officer must ensure the provision of development service and product of the highest quality and standards to national counterpart and client through applying HRBA and GE approaches, as well as, through both supervision and direct contact with project beneficiaries.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the EU4EDU 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.

The key result of this contract will consist in timely commissioning of the modernization works for all 10 sites.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Component Manager (Infrastructure) and overall supervision from Programme Manager, the incumbent contributes to an effective and efficient implementation of EU4EDU porgramme related to infrastructure rehabilitation activities, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. 

The Project Officer works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team in the CountryOffice (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.

Competencies

Core

• 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

• Business Management - Project Management    
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Business Management - Monitoring
  • Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and project performance and results.
• Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil 
    and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• Business Management - Communication
  • Ability to 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 - Working with Evidence and Data
  
  • Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.
• Administration & Operations - Building, facilities & office space management
  • Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data.
• 2030 Agenda: Prosperity - Inclusive Growth
  • Urban Community Infrastructure /Assets

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Academic Education        

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering/Construction, Bachelor’s Degree with additional two years of experience can be taken into consideration in lieu of Master`s degree

Min. years of relevant Work experience 

• Up to 2 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of progressive working experience is required at the national or international level in the areas of community development/infrastructure rehabilitation work as civil engineer.
• 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. User knowledge of specialised software: WinSmeta 2000 etc.

Additional desired skills and experience

• Additional years of progressive working experience at the national or international level in the areas of community development/infrastructure rehabilitation work as a civil engineer is a distinct advantage.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector/consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
• Experience of work in the regions and/or in programme financed by European Union is a very strong advantage.

Required Language(s)     

• Fluency in oral and written Romanian and Russian.
• Knowledge of English is a distinct advantage.

Professional Certificates

• Technical proficiency  certificate is mandatory

Travel
Activities under this assignment will be provide as on site missions and office work. For the site missions EU4 EDU program will provide a car and driver. 
 

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.
• Copy of the technical supervisor attestation certificate;
• Other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials.

The monthly net salary for this position is 48,700 MDL

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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