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.ย
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.ย
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 impactsย 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.ย 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%).ย 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.ย
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:ย
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. 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. 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 womenโs 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.Duties and Responsibilities
Capacity building and outreach Officer- is responsible for implementation of the Activities related to the forestry and pasture management under the Outcome 1 and 2, and partially under Outcome 3, and maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, provide information relevant to the project, support with M&E.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, overall guidance of the UNDP Climate Change, Environment and Energy (EECC) Cluster Analyst, the incumbent provides effective and efficient support to the initiativeย through a range of actions contributing to the management and monitoring of initiativeย activities. The selectedย Capacity building and outreachย Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results.
The selectedย Capacity building and outreach Officer is expected to collaborate also with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (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.ย
Capacity building and outreach Officer, in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office and all relevant stakeholders, incl. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mold Silva, LPAs, academia, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the initiative) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying human rights-based (HRBA) and gender equality (GE) approaches, specifically:ย
Coordinate effective project planning and implementation.
Develop 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. Coordinate / manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned portfolio and the overall implementation process, including planning and monitoring in order to optimize the use of resources and to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives and results specified in project document. 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. Ensure operational management of assigned portfolio including through timely procurement of goods, services and/or infrastructure (as relevant), effective management of human, technical and financial resources, etc. Oversee the effective content and operational management of activities related to capacity building, awareness, and outreach. Coordinate training activities at the national and local levels and facilitate community engagement of the projectโs target groups, where relevant. Ensure implementation of activities under the project work plan in line with indicators, and overall project management in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations, and procedures. Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study visits, and other project-related events. Support UNDP CO in effectively managing human resources for the project, including consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals and build, lead, and motivate a solid team of professionals. Support efficient management of project financial resources, including budgeting, budget revisions, and expenditure tracking and reporting. Continuously record and maintain project issues and risks and propose mitigation measures.Establish partnerships and open channels of communication.
Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio. Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and how best to leverage their participation and/or strengthen their engagement. Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint initiatives. 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. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote awareness of gender-sensitive climate resilience activities at the local level, including in the forestry and interrelated sectors. Maintain a continuous and effective dialogue with key stakeholders, including central and local government, other UN agencies, CSOs, partner organizations, and experts to identify synergies and avoid overlap. Maintain close collaboration with other related UNDP projects to ensure synergies and complementarities.Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.
Review the results framework and update the 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. Monitor implementation and progress in 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. Liaise with the Finance team to ensure administrative requirements, budgets and use of financial resources are managed and executed in a timely and appropriate manner and within UNDP and donor rules and regulations. Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project. 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. Develop and submit work plans, narrative progress reports, final reports, and financial status reports to the supervisor.Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).
Organize 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 UNDPโs engagement in this area. Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. Ensure high-quality information and visibility of project activities in the media and among stakeholders; support knowledge exchange mechanisms at local, national, and 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 Advancing Climate Resilience and Womenโs Empowerment in Moldova (Community forest) Project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDPโs position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.ย
Institutional Arrangement
Capacity building and outreach Officer-ย will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Analyst 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. He/she will coordinate the part time consultants, as envisaged in programmeโs organizational chart.
Capacity building and outreach Officer-ย 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.
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Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovatively:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.ย Learn Continuously:ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. Adapt with Agility:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.ย Act with Determination: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. Engage and Partner:ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.ยCross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Results-based Management:ย ย ย ย Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. Project Management:ย ย ย Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. System Thinking:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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 Monitoring and Evaluation:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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.ย 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.ย Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools.ย Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Agile' methodologies and practices:ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement.ย Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning.ย Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context. Innovation capacity building:ย ย ย ย Ability to define and create the conditions for trying out new ways of working or introducing new problem solving approaches to an organisation.ย Ability to develop, manage and evaluate a learning curriculum that raises awareness, builds confidence, strengthens innovation capabilities around a certain method, tool or technique; or helps develop an innovation mindset.ย Ability to create the authorising environment (mandate, incentives) to embed and spread new ways of working. In-depth knowledge of one or more innovation methods, broad knowledge of innovation processes and innovation management.ย Ability to align a learning and development strategy with broader innovation strategy. CSO Engagement:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Masterโs Degree in Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental and Engineering Sciences, and other closely related fields is required, OR; Bachelorโs 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 of 2 years with a masterโs degree OR; Minimum 4 years with a Bachelorโs degree of progressively acquired experience in capacity building, project coordination, business development, stakeholders engagement, with a preference for experience related to environmental, and climate subjects. 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.Desired skills:
Relevant professional experience of engagement with a large variety of stakeholders (public, private, LPAs, central public authorities, mass-media, etc.); Previous experience in development assistance or related work for the Government, NGOs, academia, a donor organization, development partners, UN Agencies. Prior experience with UNDP consultancy and/or project implementation. Familiarity and prior experience with the donors requirements and procedures; Demonstrated ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.Required Languages:
Fluency in English, Romanian and Russian is required.ย Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.Professional Certificates:
Additional training and certification in project management and/or business administration 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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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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