Background
Climate change is projected to increase the occurrence of intense rainfall events in Moldova with potential consequences for damaging flooding, given the countryโs rolling topography and current land use patterns. The majority of Moldovaโs rural population lives in small towns located in these watersheds, which are often found in low lying areas and other areas at risk of flooding as a result of heavy rains.
On average, under climate change, rainfall will become (with 66% probability) more frequent, either in absolute terms or as a proportion of total precipitation, that is, less precipitation with a higher proportion of heavy rain events. Potentially damaging and life-threatening river floods are expected to intensify. ย Given that over 4,000 small and medium reservoirs and ponds have been constructed, the structural integrity of dams and weirs is therefore critically important in any long-term national climate change adaptation strategy. Most dams were designed in the former Soviet republic using empirical formulas based on the hydrological and climatological conditions of more than 30-40 years ago. As such, no climate change allowances were made during the design of these dams. As well, an unknown number of dams have been built ad hoc by individuals or communities without any proper design and/or permit. ย At the same time, the State Hydro-meteorological Service (SHS) monitoring capacities are insufficient to assess local-level hazards and vulnerabilities with sufficient precision, and the current early warning system for flooding is weak. SHS monitoring stations are unevenly distributed, with the vast majority found on the two largest border rivers (Prut and Dniester), leaving the interior under-served. The network of stations cannot adequately detect fluvial and flash flood risk, and hazard maps are out of date. The state institutions - SHS and the National Administration โApele Moldoveiโ(ANAM) - charged with hazard analysis and risk assessments currently lack the technical capacities to carry them out effectively, and they have no hydrological or hydraulic modelling capacities which is limiting the efficient flood forecasting. ย
Compounding vulnerability from the threat of flooding, local governance institutions have insufficient capacities for effective flood risk and water resources planning and management at the sub-basin level. Local governance institutions and community stakeholders lack the organizational and technical capacities to carry out participatory integrated water resource management and flood risk assessment and management. Under the provisions of Water Law No. 272 of 2011, some elements of integrated water resources management at local level have been delegated to sub-basin committees. While sub-basin committees have been established, they meet irregularly, have no long-term strategy for engaging local land users in analysis and planning, and their links with local water usersโ groups and other land use regulatory institutions are weak or non-existent. Water usersโ groups lack the support they need to ensure adequate capacities for appropriate maintenance of private and public hydro-infrastructure.
Against this background, the project is proposing a set of measures aimed at strengthening the countryโs adaptation to climate-driven flood risk through a two-pronged approach. The first will build the essential national hydro-meteorological monitoring and early warning systems, including the institutional capacities to manage and operate them countrywide. The second one, will apply an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach to 5 key watersheds that will produce knowledge and institutional capacities for rehabilitation of high-risk hydrotechnical infrastructure, as well as increased participation by local stakeholders in water governance.
With these measures the project will put in place knowledge, capacity, infrastructure, policy and regulatory frameworks to enable a long-term impact of countryโs enhanced capabilities to manage the run-off from extreme climate-driven rainfall events to prevent flooding that causes loss of life and property damage. ย The following are the project outcomes and outputs of the project: ย
Outcome 1: Increased capacities of the relevant national and local authorities to respond effectively to extreme water-related eventsย
Output 1.1: Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management Output 1.2: Flash-flood/flood forecasting and early warning system established and operationalOutcome 2: ย Enhanced security of the vulnerable rural population in key watersheds from potential failure of flood control infrastructure
Output 2.1. Methodology, protocol and standards for safe operation of hydro-technical infrastructure developedย Output 2.2: High risk dams identified in 5 pilot sites, conditions analyzed, and remedial measures identified with priority high risk dams rehabilitatedOutcome 3: Enhanced capacity of the local authorities and empowered community stakeholders to participate actively in governance of integrated water resources management for flood control
Output 3.1: ย Flood risk and water resources planning, and management instruments are available and put at use at the local levelThe project will have several categories of target groups such as, firstly, the local population from the pilot areas who are directly exposed to the flood-related hazards, namely, those living in floodplain areas or having agricultural land and/or economic activities in these areas. ย ย
Another target group is the Local Public Authorities (LPAs) from the selected pilot regions. As the custodians of the hydro-technical infrastructure, they bear the responsibility to ensure their proper operation and maintenance in order to mitigate the flood risks. ย
The next target group of the project is the central public authorities such as the Ministry of Environment with its subordinated institutions, that is, the NAAM and the SHS who will benefit from instruments and knowledge to better understand the flood-related risks, prevent and prepare for these. ย
The last target group of the project is the private sector who rent the hydra-technical infrastructure form the LPAs and who have the role of water users.
This is a 4-year project with an allocated budget from the Austrian Development Agency totaling 4 mln EUR. Additional funding would have to be mobilized from the LPAs for the rehabilitation of the identified hydro-infrastructure in the 5 pilot areas. ย
Duties and Responsibilities
Capacity Building and Outreach Project Analyst - is responsible for implementing activities related to strengthening the capacities of local government institutions for effective planning and management of flood risk and water resources at the sub-basin level, within Outcome 3, and maintains close coordination with project partners, ensures synergies, avoids overlaps in project implementation, provides relevant information for the project, provides support in monitoring and evaluation.
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 initiative ย through a range of actions contributing to the management and monitoring of initiative ย activities. The selected Community mobilization, capacity building and outreach Project Analyst 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 selected Capacity Building and Outreach Project Analyst 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.
Capacity Building and Outreach Project Analyst, in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office and all 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:
Coordinate effective project planning and implementation:
Develop the assigned portfolio 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.ย 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. 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. 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 development partners, government officials, local authorities, 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.ย Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and opportunities for resource mobilization.ย 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.ย Support resource and community mobilization and engagagement efforts and project development. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote awareness of gender-sensitive climate resilience activities at the local level, including flood risk and water resources management at the sub-basin level. 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.ย 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. 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.ย 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.ย Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Hydro-infrastructure rehabilitation to mitigate vulnerability to climate-driven extreme events in the Republic of Moldova (Flood management) 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.
Institutional Arrangement
Community Capacity Building and Outreach Project Analyst - will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and overall guidance of the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Programme 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 Project 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
Achieve Results:ย LEVEL 1 - Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlineย
Think Innovatively:ย LEVEL 1 - Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements ย
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1 - Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedbackย
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1 - Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible ย
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1 - Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confidentย
Engage and Partner:ย LEVEL 1 - Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationshipsย
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย LEVEL 1 - Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย
Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesย
Business Management - 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.ย Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.Business Managementย -ย Project Management:ย ย ย ย
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.Business Direction & Strategy -ย System Thinking: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.Business Management - Monitoring and Evaluation: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;ย 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. 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.ย Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.Digital - Agile' methodologies and practices: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.Digital - 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.ย 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.Partnership Management - CSO Engagement:ย ย ย ย
Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOsRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required, orย A first-level university degree (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:
Applicants with a Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Minimum 2 years (with 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. ย 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.Additional desired skills and experience:
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. Demonstrated experience with Monitoring & Evaluation requirements and donor reporting. Demonstrated ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.Required Language(s):ย
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.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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