Project Manager (NPSA-10), Advancing Climate Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Moldova Project, UNDP Moldova

Project Manager (NPSA-10), Advancing Climate Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Moldova Project, UNDP Moldova - 25072

Deadline / Termenul-limită: 2 April 2025

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

Job Description

Background

Forests cover only 385,000 ha, or about 13% of Moldova's territory, (far below the European average of 30%). Furthermore, these are primarily concentrated in the central region (60% of the forest estate), with lower coverage in the northern 26% and southern regions 14%. Around 40% of forests need ecological restoration, making sustainable forest management essential for rural livelihoods. Climate change amplifies existing gender inequalities, as women are more dependent on natural resources for household management, caregiving, and food provision. In the past 10 years, the Government of Moldova has made concerted efforts to increase forest cover to 15%, with an aim to increase economic and environmental benefits to rural communities in general and reduce land degradation in particular. 

According to scientific research, the current forest area is obviously insufficient to meet the ecological and socioeconomic needs of the RoM. In order to ensure a stable ecological balance and a more pronounced influence on the climatic and hydrological regime of the territory and to increase productivity of agricultural land, it is necessary that forests occupy at least 15% of the territory. This would play an extremely important role in watershed protection, while at the same time providing a number of direct and indirect economic and environmental benefits to rural communities: fuelwood, non-wood products, ravine stabilization, landscape beautification and other benefits. Dispersion and fragmentation of forest resources, their uneven distribution in the country is a negative factor in exerting beneficial eco-protective influences on the environment, creating comfortable living conditions for the population, and providing wood and non-wood products. 

The current state of pastures in the Republic of Moldova is generally unsatisfactory, as they are heavily impacted by excessive, unregulated grazing throughout the year and completely lack a management system. Poor management practices have allowed harmful plant species (shrubs and weeds) to invade the pastures, largely replacing valuable plant species. Currently, the effects of pasture degradation are evident in both biodiversity structure and productivity potential. The yields from these pastures are low in both quantity and quality, averaging around 1-3 tons of dry matter per hectare, which supports a grazing load of 0.2 - 0.5 livestock units per hectare. Sustainable pasture management is essential and cannot be achieved without organized land management and pastoral planning (management plans) that incorporate both the enhancement and appropriate utilization of grass cover, as well as the necessary infrastructure and equipment for modern, sustainable use.

The climate change risks are affecting primarily the rural poor and especially women. Rural population is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts^[1] especially women and women-led households, who are not able to provide resources and services needed to ensure water, food, and energy supply for their families.^[2] Rural poor have limited knowledge regarding sustainable agricultural and forestry practices that would increase adaptation and resilience capacities of communities and ecosystems. Women are at higher risk of poverty, 26.3% of women are in absolute poverty, while men at 23.6% and the highest rate of absolute poverty is registered in households with three and more children (36.9%).^[3] Women are more at risk of poverty including from: (i) lower employment of women, especially mothers with pre-school children, limiting career advancement, (ii) substantially lower assets and productive ownership accentuating financial deprivation, (iii) accentuating impact of climate change consequences on the women entrepreneurships.^[4]

The project's ultimate outcome is to increase climate resilience and gender equality in rural Moldova through the sustainable management of forest, pasture, and agricultural resources, coupled with the economic empowerment of women. The project will tackle the development challenges in rural Moldova by implementing a multifaceted approach. It will enhance climate resilience and gender equality through sustainable forest and pasture management, fostering community-based enterprises that engage women. Targeted training will empower rural women with skills in climate-smart agriculture, leadership, and business development. The project will also address barriers to education and finance, ensuring equitable access for women. By promoting inclusive governance and strengthening sex-disaggregated data collection, it will support evidence-based decision-making and policy development. These solutions are designed to build robust, resilient communities and address gender disparities in economic and environmental sectors.

The project intends to achieve the ultimate outcome trough three intermediary outcomes: 

1. By the end of 2029, target regions will benefit from healthier and more resilient ecosystems through the implementation of sustainable forest and pasture management practices. Both women and men will be actively engaged in these practices, supported by the establishment of community-based forest enterprises, afforestation and reforestation initiatives and training programs in climate-smart agriculture and environmental stewardship. This will contribute to increased biodiversity and improved ecosystem services.
2. By the end of 2029, rural women in selected districts will implement economic and income generated activities in climate responsive agri- and forest businesses. They will benefit from participation in community-based forest enterprises and improved roles in natural resource management. This will be supported through targeted business development assistance, financial literacy programs, and leadership training, addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable access to economic resources and decision-making processes.
3. By the end of 2029, local public authorities (LPAs), education institutions and communities will have developed and implemented inclusive governance frameworks that promote sustainable forest and pasture management. By the end of 2029, local public authorities (LPAs) and communities will have developed and implemented inclusive governance frameworks that promote sustainable forest and pasture management. This will be achieved through collaborative policy development that ensures women’s meaningful participation in decision-making processes. 

Additionally, specialized educational institutions will play a critical role by offering gender-sensitive, climate-smart curricula and capacity-building programs that support both community members and policymakers in integrating sustainability and gender equality into local governance and management practices.
 

[1] 3^rd National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

[2] Gender Equality Strategy of Moldova 2017-2021

[3]https://www.undp.org/moldova/press-releases/profiling-poverty-beyond-income-shows-where-have-biggest-impact-world-crisis 

[4]https://moldova.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/ENG_Gender%20assesment%2028.04.pdf 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Programme Specialist, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of the Project, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project 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:

Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee Day-to-Day Operations and Implementation of Project Activities:

• Exercise close monitoring of project activities and produce monitoring reports; 
• Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products, as per the Project Document, leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Develop Work Plan, periodic narrative progress and final reports and expenditures status reports and submit to the supervisor; 
• Ensure the implementation of the activities under the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as the overall management of the Project in line with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• 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; 
• Support the efficient management of the Project financial resources, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain Project issues and risks and suggest mitigation measures;
• Maintain a close collaboration with other related UNDP programmes to ensure synergies and complementarities; 
• Maintain a continuous effective dialogue with the key stakeholders, central and local government authorities, other UN agencies and actors active in the sector, CSOs, partner organizations, international and national experts in the areas of the Project intervention in view of identifying synergies and avoiding overlapping of assistance; 
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation and evaluation of the Project as required. 

Facilitate Knowledge Management and Sharing:

• Assist in coordinating the exchange of information internally and between relevant project stakeholders;
• Ensure timely and proper documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced in accordance with the UNDP guides;
• 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;
• Capture and disseminate good practices locally, nationally and as required internationally.

Develop Strategic Partnerships:

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships with UN Women and other stakeholders and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners;
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation;
• Substantively contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. Make recommendations to the 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:

• Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework;
• Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting;
• Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results;
• Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management;
• Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations;
• Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections;
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions;
• Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements;
• Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities;
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

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 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 Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Climate Change, Environment and Energy 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 is responsible and accountable to the Project Steering Committee for the Project’s results. 

The Project Manager will coordinate the project team, consisting of up to 4 full time employees and part time consultants, as envisaged in project organizational chart.

The Project Manager will work in close cooperation with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other teams in the UNDP Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. 

S/he also collaborates with other UN projects, national stakeholders and other development partners in supporting the Government in energy related area. 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 Project Manager in close collaboration with the Programme Analysts and the Programme Specialist, supports UNDP Country Office in developing concept notes and project documents in the energy related area to further develop the programme portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cluster.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results:
  • LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively:
  • LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems. 
• Learn Continuously:
  • LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility:
  • LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination:
  • LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner:
  • LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
  • LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

• Results-based Management: 
  • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• Business Acumen:
  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. 
  • Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.
• Project Management: 
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Monitoring & 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Agile Methodologies and Practices:  
  • Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. 
  • Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. 
  • Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Studies, Engineering, Public and/or Business Administration, Economics or related areas is required, OR; 
• Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
   

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects based activities, preferably related to climate change adaptation area, afforestation, promotion of partnerships, work with the LPAs.       

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;
• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team or coordination between different teams.

Desired Skills:

• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, implementing agency, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage;
• Prior experience with UNDP Project management and/or implementation is an advantage;
• Experience in leading resource mobilization is an advantage.

Required Languages:

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

The monthly salary for this position ranges from 60,400 MDL to 74,900 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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