Social Protection Manager (NPSA-9), Digital Transformation of Social Protection Project, UNDP Moldova

Social Protection Manager (NPSA-9), Digital Transformation of Social Protection Project, UNDP Moldova

Deadline / Termenul-limită: 19 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.

UNDP plays a pivotal role in international development as a knowledge broker, capacity builder, innovator, and facilitator of exchanges in the global development debate. UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources, and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Our specialized global policy centres enable access to substantive expertise and connectivity with external networks and resources. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, UNDP is determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity. 

UNDP Moldova’s current Country Programme Document (CPD) focuses on assisting the country in four main areas, supporting a vision for a more cohesive, inclusive, just and resilient society, and a better quality of life for everyone:

• Just and inclusive institutions and equal opportunities for human development – institutions deliver human rights, evidence-based and gender-responsive services for all, including the most vulnerable people in Moldova.
• Participatory governance and social cohesion – more accountable, transparent, human rights-based, and gender-responsive governance empowers all people in Moldova to participate in and to contribute to all spheres of life.
• Enhanced shared prosperity in a sustainable economy – all people in Moldova benefit from inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economic development and equitable/equal access to decent work and productive employment.
• Green development, sustainable communities, and disaster and climate resilience – all people in Moldova and institutions benefit from and contribute to green and resilient development, sustainable use of natural resources and effective climate change and disaster risk management.

Social protection is an effective tool to promote economic and social inclusion, and it is a key lever to reduce inequality and poverty, address vulnerabilities and enable investment in human development. Improving access of citizens to adequate social protection contributes directly to the first three areas listed above, and – with appropriate design – can also contribute to building resilience and sustainable use of natural resources.  Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic brought into a harsh light the gaps in social protection coverage throughout the world: at the beginning of the crisis, half of the world’s population did not have adequate social protection and hence was not prepared to face the sudden and significant loss of income and large out-of-pocket health expenses.

For UNDP, social protection is understood as a set of nationally owned policies and instruments, organized around systems that provide income or in-kind support and facilitate access to goods and services to all households and individuals at least at minimally accepted levels, to (i) protect them from multiple deprivations and social and economic exclusion, as a matter of human rights and particularly during shocks or periods of insufficient income, incapacity or inability to work, and (ii) empower them by increasing productive capacities and enhancing capabilities.

The Republic of Moldova’s system of social protection relies on two interdependent pillars: social insurance and social assistance, which also includes social services. In financial terms, the social protection system represents the most expensive policy sector in Moldova. Following a series of external shocks (such as inflation in energy prices, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine), as well as targeted policy responses (including indexations and on-bill compensations), the volume of public resources allocated under various programs of the social protection system has grown dramatically to an envelope of MDL 46 billion. As a share of GDP, expenditure on social protection rose from 11.7% in 2021 to 14.7% in 2023. These figures underline just how important it is to address the systemic challenges of social protection – even relatively small efficiency gains can prove to be economically and socially significant. With an absolute poverty rate of 31.6% in 2023^[1], only about 3.24% of the population (78,600 beneficiaries) benefitted from state social allowances.  Within this situation, it is imperative that efficiency gains are made to improve the coverage and poverty reduction impact of social protection programmes.

Against this background, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) has embarked on a deeply transformative process. The Ministry has launched three major reforms, namely that of social services (RESTART); that of the National Employment Agency (NEA); and that of the State Labour Inspectorate.  UNDP is currently supporting the reform process through its “Digital Transformation of Social Protection” Project, which, through the deployment of digitalization, seeks to enable and coordinate the different reform strands being implemented by the Ministry. One of the main aims of the Project is to address the fragmented digital infrastructure of the social protection system. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies in data management and service delivery and undermines the Ministry’s ability to provide timely and appropriate support to beneficiaries. The limited digitalization and capacity to develop and utilize digital tools have restricted the potential of digital technologies for improving access to and the adequacy of social protection programmes and services. The Project is designed to leverage technology as a key driver/ enabler of change, through its potential for streamlining business processes, enhancing user experience, and strengthening institutional resilience.

The Project's strategic approach is enrooted in Moldova’s national priorities, as defined by the RESTART Reform of Social Assistance and the UNDP Country Programme Document for the Republic of Moldova (2023-2027). 

The strategic goal of the proposed Project is to enhance the social welfare of Moldovan citizens, especially the most vulnerable, by establishing a more efficient, accessible, and responsive social protection framework, by leveraging digital transformation, improved service delivery and institutional capacities.  

The Project targets two interrelated Outcomes: 

• As part of Outcome 1, institutional frameworks and re-engineered services of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of social protection. 
• As part of Outcome 2 the people of Moldova, especially from vulnerable groups, benefit from an increased social equity and resilience via proactive and accessible social protection services. 

Leveraging a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy, the Project aims to elevate the digital transformation of social protection, moving away from individual and piecemeal interventions to an integrated and system-wide reform. It focuses on fortifying the efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience of social welfare mechanisms, aligning with Moldova's commitment to the SDGs and European Union standards. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

The Project is looking to onboard a Social Protection Manager who will support the improvement of policy and institutional frameworks, and re-engineering of social services to enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness in the area of social protection. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Employment and Social Protection Programme Specialist, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of the Digital Transformation of Social Protection Project interventions focused on social protection policies and programs, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of the social protection thematic project activities. 

The Social Protection Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, as follows:

• Ensuring effective content and operational management of the project in the area of social protection;
• Develop Work plans and oversee day-to-day management and implementation of project activities on social protection;
• Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products, as per the Project Document, leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Exercise close monitoring of project activities and produce monitoring, progress and final activity results reports; 
• Support UNDP CO in effectively managing human resources pertaining to the Project, including staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; 
• Design, coordinate and oversee interventions dedicated social protection policies and programs, including but not limited to overseeing the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s business process mappings and enhancements, applying user-centric approaches to service and programs reengineering and digital Automated Information System, data analytics tools, etc; 
• Lead the design, piloting and evaluate scalable user-cases related to the digitalization of social protection;
• Assist in shaping and implementing UNDP initiatives aimed at reducing social vulnerabilities;
• Conduct institutional analyses, capacity assessment and internal framework reviews pertaining to the social protection portfolio, as well as play an active role in strategic thinking and portfolio development;
• Coordinate the engagement of national and international consultants, aligning their contributions with the project goals and UNDP’s objectives in the area of social protection;
• Coordinate the provision of top-quality advisory services (by the support team of technical consultants and specialized experts) to ensure the successful implementation of project activities;
• Elaborate and maintain tracking tools and oversee the accurate corporate and donor reporting and documentation of the portfolio activities in the area of social protection through different methods (which may include, but are not limited to data collection and analysis, strategic meetings, field visits, specific reports, regular information updates in corporate electronic systems/Quantum, etc.); 
• Support the Project Manager and the UNDP CO in general strategic processes in the area of social protection;
• Resource mobilization and partnership building for portfolio development in the area of social protection;
• Maintain and facilitate effective communication among representatives at central and local level of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements;
• Collect and analyze relevant feedback from social workers and beneficiaries of social services on the effectiveness of the digitalization of social service processes;
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new initiatives and projects;
• Actively support the Inclusive Growth Cluster in resource mobilization in the assigned area of social protection to ensure implementation of the proposed strategies through project development, positions papers, among other activities;
• Maintain a continuous and effective cooperation with national and international counterparts, donors and other stakeholders to ensure synergies and complementarities, and avoiding overlapping of assistance in social protection;
• Keep abreast of UNDP project practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning on areas of social protection, vulnerability reduction and digitalization;
• Prepare thematic briefs on possible areas of improvement with the beneficiary;
• Ensure timely and proper documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced in accordance with the UNDP guides;
• Capture and disseminate good practices locally, nationally and as required internationally;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the programme 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 Digital Transformation of Social Protection Project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Steering Committee, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

Institutional Arrangements

The Social Protection Manager will work under the supervision of the Employment and Social Protection Programme Specialist and will ensure the provision of development services and products commensurate with the scope of the Project 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 work in close cooperation with the UNDP Moldova Country Office, including Operations and Communications, for an effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex portfolio/project related issues and information delivery. 

S/he will also work closely with UNDP Chief Technical Advisors in the area of social protection, employment and digitalization, as well as coordinate the activity of part-time national and international consultants.

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 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- 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- Project Management 
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Partnership management- Relationship Management 
  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
• Data- Data analysis      
  • Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.
• Digital  Digital transformation design  
  • Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organizations. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Law, 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 (2) 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 progressive working experience in the areas related to public policy, governance, social protection, poverty and vulnerability reduction and/or policy and social or economic research, or related area.

Required skills:

• Experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institution, or consulting company;
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages and web-based management systems;
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of partners.

Desired skills:

• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations will be an asset;
• Ability to provide advice and guidance in a tailored and effective manner will be an asset;
• Proven experience in similar positions in UN Agencies will be considered will be an asset.

Languages:

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

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 48,700 MDL to 60,800 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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