Project Analyst (NPSA-8), Support to the Moldovan authorities for the sustainable management of the Dniester River Project, UNDP Moldova

Project Analyst - Integrated Water Resources Management (NPSA-8), Support to the Moldovan authorities for the sustainable management of the Dniester River Project, UNDP Moldova - 24929

Deadline / Termenul-limită: 27 March 2025

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Job Description

Background

Sustainable management of water resources in accordance with the principle of integrated water management is the priority for Moldova. For further development of water policy and improvement of regulatory framework, the Ministry of Environment (MoE), with the support of its subordinate institutions, is responsible for ensuring ongoing dialogue with neighbouring countries on the integrated management of transboundary water resources, with the ultimate goal to ensure amount and quality and quantity of waters needed for both sustainable socio-economic development and healthy environment. 

In the process of improvement of national regulatory framework, harmonization of environmental legislation with the provisions of European Union (EU) directives, national environmental protection system faces many constraints, particularly, related to outdated standards, normative acts, capacity of responsible institutions, shortage of qualified staff in the government sectoral institutes, etc.

The importance of integrated management of the Dniester River is indisputable for the Republic of Moldova. It is the largest river in the Republic of Moldova, covering 70% of the country's water consumption needs, thus being considered a strategic surface water resource for both environmental and socio-economic security of the country.

For the joint Moldovan-Ukrainian management of the Dniester River, a topic of major importance for Moldova is the impact of the operation of the Dniester Hydropower Complex (HPC) on the Moldova’s territory. In the frameworks of project "Study of social and environmental impact assessment of the Dniester Hydropower Complex" funded by Swedish Embassy and implemented by UNDP in 2018-2021, there was clearly shown its negative impact on the environment downstream. 

According to Water Law no. 272/ 2011, river basin district management plans (RBDMP) are being developed for 6-years cycle. It shall be mentioned that the Ukrainian side is also concerned with the development of the Dniester River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the years 2025-2030. Important methodological aspects were harmonized between countries’ experts and institutions, and joint Strategic Action Program had been elaborated with assistance of the GEF funded project. The Strategic Action Program (SAP) is one of the key strategic documents of the Commission on Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin. It is based on the findings of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Dniester River Basin. Both documents have been developed according to the methodology agreed by the two countries and have been extensively consulted. The documents contribute to the Dniester River basin management planning at the national level, as well as support implementation of international commitments to develop joint plans for the transboundary basins. On March 31, 2021, there was signed a Joint Statement on the approval of the Strategic Action Program for the Dniester River Basin for 2021 between the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

Along with attempts to solve the cross-border aspect of the Dniester River management on the platform of the Dniester Commission, currently, environmental institutions are in an extensive process of functional analysis aimed at streamlining the structure, functions, and capacities in the field of integrated management of water resources. 

The strategy of the project “Support to the Moldovan authorities for the sustainable management of the Dniester River” is to improve environmental and social conditions in the Dniester River Basin District through enhanced management of water resources on the basis of updated regulatory framework, comprehensive and reliable river basin management planning, improved water management institutional capacities and implementation of practical environmental activities that would improve the ecological status of the Dniester River, identified as part of the Dniester Impact Study (2021). 

The project is funded by the Government of Sweden, with an implementation period from August 2022 to August 2026.

The Overall Objective of the project is to increase the capacity of the Moldovan Government to sustainably manage the Dniester River basin at the national and transboundary levels, including:

• To ensure that Moldova has sufficient regulatory framework for the sustainable river management based on the basin wide approach supported by the WFD provisions,
• To provide the Moldova Government for comprehensive and realistic Management Plan for the Dniester River Basin developed in compliance with the WFD,
• To provide continuous support for enhancement of capacities of national authorities responsible for water management, as well as the Moldovan representatives under joint Moldovan and Ukrainian bodies tasked with cross-border management of the Dniester River,
• To improve social, economic, and environmental conditions of the Dniester River. 

The project encompasses four key components:

1. Enhancement of the water-related regulatory framework.
2. Elaboration of the 2nd Management Plan for the Dniester River Basin District.
3. Support provided to Moldovan water management authorities in sustainable management of the Dniester River both at national and transboundary/international levels.
4. Implementation of on-the-ground activities to improve the current ecological conditions of the Dniester River.

In this regard, a project team is being put in place to support the project’s 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 confidence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Analyst - Integrated Water Resources Management will provide technical and operational support for the implementation of the Dniester 2 Project. The Analyst will work closely with the project team, national authorities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation in line with the project objectives. The key focus areas will include: 

• Strengthening the institutional capacities of Moldovan water management authorities to sustainably manage the Dniester River at both national and transboundary levels.
• Supporting the implementation of on-the-ground activities aimed at improving the ecological conditions of the Dniester River, including the administration and oversight of grant-funded initiatives.

Contribute to effective project planning and implementation:

• Participate in 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;
• 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;
• Participate in operational management of assigned portfolio including through timely procurement of goods and services etc.

Establish partnerships and open channels of communication:

• Actively contribute to building and maintaining strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, national stakeholders, and beneficiaries; 
• Foster collaboration to achieve key objectives and promote inclusive implementation and participation within the assigned portfolio;
• Support the development and continuous updating of stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify needs and optimize participation;
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners.

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

• Contribute to the review of results framework and update of indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned portfolio. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting;
• Assist in monitoring the implementation and progress towards 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;
• Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements.
• Contribute in proper operational and financial closure of the project.

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

• Contribute to organization of 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.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Contribute to preparation of regular progress reports, technical documents, and policy recommendations to update project stakeholders on the status of activities and outcomes;
• Support the preparation of donor and UNDP reports in line with project and organizational requirements. 

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 Analyst in Integrated Water Resources Management will work under the general supervision of the Project Manager, will collaborate closely with the project team 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. 

The Integrated Water Resources Management Analyst 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 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:

• Knowledge Facilitation:
  • Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, 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 programme management and results.
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes 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.
• 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.
• Solutions Mapping:
  • Ability to engage and build rapport with vulnerable communities and get consent, facilitate participatory processes and navigate intricate power relations and cultural UNDP | People for 2030 – Competency Framework – Technical Competencies (2024) dynamics. 
  • Having the sensitivity and ability to identify grassroots solutions, capacities, assets, coping strategies that impacted communities have developed or used to address (emerging) development challenges. 
  • Being able to understand these solutions from a people's perspective and learn about the conditions that enable or prevent communities from developing such grassroots solutions or coping mechanisms. 
  • Understand how solutions and needs are paired, and how grassroots solutions can be used as an entry point to identify unaddressed or unmet development challenges and how to use these insights to inform policy design. 
  • Ability to reverse engineer solutions, understanding what aspects (artifactual, principles, conditions, configuration) can be scaled and how, being able to assess their potential to be transferred to other domains, regions or contexts and build a case for that. 
  • Ability to appreciate and integrate various sources of knowledge (academic, experiential, observational, traditional, indigenous) in problem solving processes. 
  • Set up structures and processes to collect ideas, solutions and facilitate matchmaking between supply and demand of solutions.
• Nature:
  • Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field is required, or; 
• 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:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project design and implementation, preferably in the field of Integrated Water Resources Management or Environmental Protection.

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.

Desired Skills:

• Proven experience in developing and/or implementation of environmental strategies and policies, with a strong understanding of IWRM principles;
• Experience working with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the development and implementation of water management plans;
• Familiarity with the Dniester River Basin or similar transboundary water basins is a strong advantage.

Required Languages:

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

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 39,600 MDL to 48,700 MDL net, depending on the candidate’s level of experience and qualifications.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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