Background
The European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme aims to increase trust between people on both sides of the Nistru river by supporting joint activities in four core areas: 1) Economic development and decent job creation for women and men, 2) Enhanced cross-river thematic cooperation between the civil society from both banks, 3) Community Development and small-scale social infrastructure support, 4) Promotion of cultural heritage.
The Programme has following components (outputs):
1. Economic development and decent job creation for women and men
The goal of the component is to create employment opportunities and livelihoods across the Nistru river by stimulating economic activity and increased cross-river cooperation, thus reducing the growing economic development gap between the two banks. Main focus will be on supporting youth entrepreneurship (with a particular focus on women) through facilitating access to finance and knowledge.
Cross-river cooperation will be strengthened aiming for the development of solutions that would contribute to the improved competitiveness enhancement of MSMEs, and of the business environment on both banks of the Nistru river. At least two cross-river initiatives will be supported, to promote the strengthening of the collaborative activities between academia, industries, civil society to improve innovation and promote future-proof business models, social entrepreneurship initiatives and trade facilitation tools for the benefit of SMEs. Through its activities, this component will be facilitating the access of the MSMEs from both banks to the opportunities offered by the DCFTA between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova.
2. Enhanced cross-river thematic cooperation between the civil society from both banks
The goal of the component is to empower civil society organizations and actors from both banks to participate in collaborative projects which address pressing development needs. It will seek to build on the successful work in this field of the previous phases, and further strengthen and expand the established six cross-river sectoral platforms (Education, Culture, Sports, Health, Environment and Tourism), composed of community representatives, experts and CSOs active in their specific domain. The platforms will be supported to design and implement specific joint solutions and exchange experience and knowledge in their key areas of expertise. A small grants program in support of the most relevant confidence building collaboration initiatives among civil society representatives on both banks will be implemented.
3. Community Development and small-scale social infrastructure support
The goal of the component is to enable and empower people from both banks to jointly participate in local development through tackling community development needs, particularly the rehabilitation of social institutions and basic infrastructure, supporting the service provision. Additionally, the Programme will contribute to the capacity development of the beneficiary communities and create/strengthen communication channels across the river.
The overall focus will be to facilitate the engagement of community members including migrants in the development of their communities of origin. The local initiative Groups to be established will facilitate and streamline people’s engagement. The work above will be complemented with up to six social infrastructure projects to be supported on both banks, with high confidence building potential. Above-mentioned activities will be conducted simultaneously in communities on both banks, thus enhancing the communication between local actors’ participation jointly in capacity building activities and thus contributing to their mutual understanding and strengthening their collaboration and opportunities for further joint cooperation.
4. Promotion of Cultural heritage
The activities under this component will continue the cultural sector support with a focus on the promotion of historical heritage, honouring the past and investing in a shared future and facilitating sustainable development, social resilience, and conflict resolution. This component focuses on the conservation-restoration of up to four small-scale heritage sites which are considered to have a national historical interest for both banks, but also contributing to the tourism development. Staff from public institutions, young professionals and students from HE and VET institutions on both banks of the Nistru will be engaged and capacitated, while joint cultural events and exchanges will be promoted. to improve their knowledge and practices in the field of heritage promotion that can support quality-based cultural tourism.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Economic Growth and Civil Society Organizations Project Analyst will provide short-term support for the implementation of key activities under the EU CBM Programme related to Output 1 and Output 2. Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the consultant will focus on coordinating and supporting activities related to economic growth and civil society development. Responsibilities will include:
Economic Growth Dimension:
• Coordinate planning and implementation of activities focused on MSMEs development, business infrastructure support, and investment facilitation.
• Oversee capacity building and grant support schemes targeting entrepreneurs and local business, with focus on youth, women and vulnerable groups.
• Support the development and scaling of business incubators and value chains with cross-river cooperation potential.
• Facilitate technical assistance and mentoring services for MSMEs and start-ups
• Promote innovative practices including digital transformation and circular economy models within supported enterprises.
Civil Society Organizations Development Dimension:
• Design and oversee implementation of initiatives for CSO capacity building, civic engagement, and cross-river cooperation (strengthening cross-river cooperation through thematic platforms).
• Monitor the implementation of small grants mechanism for CSOs focused on confidence-building, social inclusion, and local development
• Coordinate technical assistance and peer learning activities for grassroots organizations and informal civic groups.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Assist in the organization of thematic events.
• Monitor day-to-day activities to ensure timely, budget-compliant, and high-quality outcomes.
• Provide technical advice and integrate gender equality considerations in interventions.
• Act as a liaison between UNDP and implementing partners to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor, government, and internal reports.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts among stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as needed for the smooth functioning of the office.
Institutional Arrangements
The Economic Growth and Civil Society Organizations Project Analyst will work under the general supervision of the Programme Manager will collaborate closely with other team members.
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:
Business management - 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 Management - Project Management:
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
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 - 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
Business Management - 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
Business Development - Knowledge generation:
• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
• Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches
• Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations
2030 Agenda: Prosperity - Inclusive Growth:
• Economic Diversification
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two 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 relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, and/or hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
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.
• Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools.
Desired skills:
• Experience working in/with Transnistrian region
• Professional experience in coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating projects with CSOs, business development and/or advisory components will be considered an asset
• Experience collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations
Required Language(s):
• 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.
Professional Certificates:
• Additional training and/or certification in relevant thematic areas and/or Project Management would be an advantage.
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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