Project Description
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.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP
Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens (STRONG) project
Migration is a defining aspect of human existence, significantly impacting economic and social development across the globe. UNDP seeks to maximize the benefits of migration while addressing its challenges, focusing on both short-term responses to emigration and long-term sustainable solutions.
In Moldova, high levels of emigration have led the government to recognize the diaspora's potential for development. The Swiss-funded Migration and Local Development Project (MiDL) has shifted the focus of migration policy from management to capitalizing on opportunities. Since 2015, MiDL has connected Moldovan emigrants with their communities, enhancing local infrastructure and services for over 310,000 citizens and supporting economic development in 25 localities.
Building on MiDL's achievements, the Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens (STRONG) project aims to foster social cohesion through partnerships and interventions that empower diaspora members, returning migrants, and local citizens. The project aims to improve living standards in Moldova by promoting an inclusive, accountable, and evidence-based governance model, increasing diaspora participation in sustainable development.
Outcome 1 focuses on enhancing governmental mechanisms for community development and supporting the Diaspora Relations Bureau to institutionalize best practices. Outcome 2 enhances the capacities of the HTA Alliance as a knowledge center, enabling local stakeholders and the diaspora to engage in community development and social cohesion initiatives. STRONG is part of the third phase of the SDC Program \"Moldova - Making Most of Migration,\" targeting relevant local authorities and community organizations to foster resilience and democratic engagement among diaspora members, returnees, and refugees.
The UNDP project \"Leveraging the Positive Impact of Migration on Moldovaโs Development through Improved Policy Evidence and Better Engaged Diaspora\" is part of a thematic Programme on diaspora engagement, implemented by IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO with financial support from the UN Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund. This initiative aligns with the UNDP-IOM Multi-Year Roadmap for Cooperation on Migration and Sustainable Development in Moldova, launched in June 2021, to enhance coordination and joint efforts in migration and development.
The project's overall objective is to leverage migration's positive impact on Moldova's socio-economic development while minimizing its negative effects. This will be achieved by addressing the capacity limitations of the Government of Moldova (GoM) in formulating effective migration policies that target marginalized groups and highly skilled migrants.
Outcome 1 focuses on strengthening public governance and development programs to facilitate effective diaspora engagement based on improved evidence. This includes enhancing the capacities of relevant public authorities for effective migration policy design and management through detailed analyses of various migrant categories and the impacts of migration on communities.
Outcome 2 aims to engage the Moldovan diaspora in sustainable homeland development through innovative models. The project will implement participatory platforms to strengthen diaspora engagement, drawing on their skills, knowledge, and expertise for development initiatives.
Scope of Work
The Diaspora Engagement and Return Support Project Officer will provide short-term support for the implementation of key activities under the STRONG and M-MPTF projects. Under the supervision of the Project Manager and Project Component Manager, the consultant will focus on coordinating and supporting activities related to diaspora engagement and community development. Responsibilities will include:
STRONG Project
Support Diaspora Engagement Framework:
Assist the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) in strengthening the Diaspora Engagement for Development framework, focusing on public participation, governance, policy development, and community engagement efforts.Coordinate and Monitor Responsible Party Agreements (HACT) with responsible parties (HTA Alliance and CALM):
Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the HACT agreements with HTA Alliance and CALM, verifying that all activities are implemented according to the agreed frameworks. Monitor the progress of activities outlined in the agreements, ensuring they are executed on time and meet the projectโs objectives. Review financial and progress reports to ensure transparency, proper allocation of resources, and alignment with the agreed budgets. Provide technical support and guidance to the responsible parties to ensure successful implementation and address any capacity-building needs. Oversee data collection, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of progress, outcomes, and challenges in line with UNDP standards. Facilitate communication and coordination between UNDP and the responsible parties, ensuring alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. Identify and address any risks or challenges in the implementation of the agreements, working with the responsible parties to propose solutions and mitigate issues. Ensure regular feedback and updates to stakeholders, ensuring any necessary adjustments to the implementation process are made in a timely manner and in compliance with UNDP procedures.ยM-MPTF Project
Coordinate support for the operationalization of the Diaspora Engagement Platform and Thematic Working Groups. Facilitate the engagement of highly qualified diaspora practitioners in priority development areas at both national and local levels, including case management for practitioners, ensuring smooth onboarding and integration into assigned roles. Support partnership building between diaspora and Moldovan entrepreneurs for local economic development.Additional Responsibilities:
Oversee consultant support across STRONG and M-MPTF activities, ensuring tasks are aligned with project objectives. 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. Participate in advocacy efforts to promote development and diaspora engagement. Perform other related duties as needed for the smooth functioning of the office.Institutional Arrangement
The Diaspora Engagement and Return Support Project Officer will work under the general supervision of the Project Manager and Project Component Manager and will collaborate closely with other team members.ย
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results - LEVEL 1:ย ย ย ย
Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlineยThink Innovatively - LEVEL 1: ย
Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements ยLearn Continuously - LEVEL 1:ย
Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedbackยAdapt with Agility - LEVEL 1:
Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible ยAct with Determination - LEVEL 1: ย ย ย ย
Engage and Partner - LEVEL 1:ย ย ย ย
ย Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationshipsยEnable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 1:ย ย ย ย
ย Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination ยCross-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 toolsBusiness Management - Project Management:
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goalsBusiness 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 policiesBusiness 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 audienceย Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channelsBusiness Management -ย Monitoring & Evaluationย 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. 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 ย ย ย ย
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 - Recovery Solutions and Human Mobilityย ย ย ย
Remittances and DiasporasMinimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
Minimum Education requirementsย ย ย ย
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Migration Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, International Relations, Development, Business Administration, or related field is required, orย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degreeMinimum years of relevant work experience
Minimum 2 years (with Masterโs degree) or 4 years (with Bachelorโs 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.ยRequired 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.ย Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies sectionย ย ย ย
Professional experience in coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating projects with CSOs, local development and/or advisory components will be considered an asset. Familiarity with diaspora engagement strategies and community development frameworks. Experience collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.ยRequired Language(s) ย ย ย
Fluency in English and Romanian is required.ย Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and sign language, is an asset.ยProfessional 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.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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
ย