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For every child, support
Moldovan political commitments have deepened the path toward European integration. A turning point was in 2022, when Moldova received candidate status for integration with the European Union, whereas in June 2024, the government started negotiations with the EU. As Moldova advances toward European integration, UNICEF, jointly with key line ministries, launched the European Child Guarantee and organized a national dialogue. The dialogue provided a platform to discuss existing gaps in services and design a route for aligning Moldovaโs national policies with EU child-related standards. The dialogue was around the causes of child poverty and exclusion as well as measures to combat it by aligning national policies and implementation plans with the European Child Guarantee initiative. Thus, the National Dialogue in Moldova has laid the groundwork for a short-term inter-sectoral plan to implement the initiative.
The key result of the event was a declaration and validation of the Road Map for Moldova on the implementation of the European Child Guarantee into the national framework. It outlined the shared vision for Moldovaโs child welfare policies, covering the key line ministries, including the role of public authorities and stakeholders, and the commitment to aligning with EU policies.
Besides this, in 2024, UNICEF provided technical assistance in the comparative analysis of the European Social Rights Pillar, which revealed Moldovaโs significant progress in achieving greater coverage and child-sensitive policies. Also, Moldova set out concrete initiatives to assess and align national standards in line with EU negotiating chapters (e.g., chapters 19, 26, 28) on Social Rights. Many reforms have yet to be further developed and implemented in line with EU good practices and standards to support accession to the European Union.
In a proactive move to implement the European Child Guarantee initiative, coordination support is required, which is built upon current cross-sectoral initiatives and aims to facilitate technical assistance on the European Child Guarantee.
How can you make a difference?ย
Purpose of the technical assistance
The overall objective of the technical assistance is to provide coordination support to the government line ministries, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP), the Ministry of Education and Research (MER), and the Ministry of Health, in implementing the Road Map on European Child Guarantee and, in particular, to assist the ministries in developing the capacities required for Child Guarantee, including the deep and child-sensitive policies. ย
Objectives of the technical assistance
The consultant will coordinate the activities reflected in the roadmap, provide inputs and ensure knowledge sharing, support policymaking and strategic planning, and enhance stakeholdersโ knowledge and awareness of the European Child Guarantee initiative and its incorporation into national policies, legislation, regulations and tools. A specific support will be given to ensure the financial feasibility of the initiative and its practical implementation. The specific objectives are as follows: ย
Support the coordination Committee in overseeing the roadmap implementation, making high-level decisions, and ensuring cross-sectoral cooperation. Provide an evidence-based understanding of child vulnerability in Moldova to guide the rest of policy making and implementation of the European Child Guarantee and ensure key line Ministries of Labour and Social Protection, Education, and Health review the EU CG documents and papers, ensuring alignment with sectoral policies and application by national policies. Provide technical support to UNICEF sector-specific sections, including supporting the development of the European Child Guarantee in Moldova.Details of how the work should be delivered
The consultant will work in close collaboration with key line ministries in the Social Protection and Child Protection, Education, and Health sectors. As this is cross-sectoral work, each UNICEF section will provide technical backstopping for each sector that falls under the mandate of the section. The technical support will be conducted in close collaboration with UNICEF, and with regular meetings at central and local levels to coordinate actions. Details on the approach to be followed will be developed by the consultant, under guidance from UNICEF and government institutions.
Deliverables and delivery dates
Tasks
Deliverables
Tentative Timeframe
Support the establishment of Coordination Working Group The working group has a clear composition with defined roles and responsibilities. Terms of reference have been drafted, and a coordination mechanism is in place.20 working days
Organize stakeholder consultations process (Matrix Process for Target Groups and Services) Detailed feedback and insights from discussions on policies and interventions is provided. Priority areas and strategic framework for actions and interventions is developed20 working days
Provide support to technical experts in data collection for national assessment of the EU CG Contribution to the European Child Guarantee assessment and MLSP, MER, MH review the draft.20 working days
Provide support for launching the Pact for Children as a political commitment and a national awareness campaign for the need to act. The Pact will be developed separately by national counterparts and UNICEF. Adoption of the Declaration concerning the Pact for Children as a strategic investment for the future of the Republic of Moldova Launch an awareness campaign on the need to act and the drafting of the EU CG framework20 working days
Provide support for the drafting of Policies (e.g. laws and regulations). Provide support for the development of Practical Interventions (e.g. tools and instruments) on integrated services and interventions for the most vulnerable children Circulate the EU CG framework for all stakeholders to review and comment on. This process shall also include consultations with child representatives to ensure their voices are reflected in the policy choices.20 working days
Support the development of the monitoring and evaluation framework, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms for tracking progress. KPIs and evaluation mechanisms are designed and consulted with key stakeholders20 working days
Support the setup of a comprehensive governance mechanism that ensures coordination across ministries, local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Governance structure is set up and activated30 working days
Engage the Ministry of Finance and line ministries in drafting the financing plan for EUCG. This should include costing, domestic resources, EU funding (e.g., ESF+, RRF, ERDF), and potential international donor contributions. Explore support from EU institutions and other donors, ensuring alignment with Moldovaโs EU accession goals Cost estimations of EUCG and determination of the funding sources20 working days
Translate the entire EU CG framework into a child-friendly format, ensuring it is accessible to children from various backgrounds and age groups Consultation with children, ensuring that their voices have been properly reflected in the final EU CG framework, is organized. Child-friendly version of the EU CG framework, final feedback incorporated, and approval-ready draft.20 working days
Support the adoption and launch of the EU CG framework.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Support the participation of high-level political leadership to highlight the significance of the Child Guarantee for Moldovaโs EU integration and child welfare. A finalized EU CG framework was formally adopted through a government decision. Organize an official launch event to disseminate the NAP to the public, with a special focus on children, CSOs, and key stakeholders30 working days
* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature.
To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the individual consultant, under the guidance of UNICEF, will:
Conduct briefing and de-briefing meetings with UNICEF, key ministries as well as other partners as required. Prepare the final version of the policy brief with all key findings and validate the briefs in technical meetings, including ministries and UNICEF feedback.The consultant will coordinate with each UNICEF homonymous section depending on the sector-specific intervention; the focal person for overall coordination and guidance will be the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultantโs performance and quality of work.
All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of the workplan electronically (in Word format) and in Englishand Romanian. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent/confirmed with/ to the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, with Deputy Representative and Child Protection Specialist in copy.
Performance indicators for evaluation of results:
The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:
Completion of tasks specified in ToR; Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables. Quality of work. Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterpartsDefinition of supervisory arrangements
The consultant will work under the oversight of Social Policy Specialist of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.
Work location and official travel involved
The work will be conducted on-site in Chisinau, Moldova, without the need for local missions. If necessary, UNICEF will organize local meetings separately.
Support provided by UNICEF
UNICEF in coordination with other partners will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. UNICEF will provide an initial package of relevant documents and available research, and an initial list of relevant experts and counterparts to work with. UNICEF will also request relevant data โ as agreed upon with the consultant โ from relevant government counterparts.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆย
An advanced university degree (Masters, or PhD) in law, social sciences, public policy or international development policy. A minimum of five years of professional experience in technical assistance, project management and coordination. Knowledge of national public policies and policy-making process related to social policy (e.g. social protection, education, health and child welfare. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Romanian and working knowledge of English.ย Experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis (a strong asset). Previous experience in international organizations, UN or EU agencies, and/or national government institutions on social policy (a strong asset).For every Child, you demonstrateโฆย
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).ย
To view our competency framework, please visit here.ย
For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)
ย 2025 ToR_National coordinator for EU CG.docx
HOW TO APPLY:ย Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (template below).ย
Content of technical proposal:ย Please provide your Curriculum Vitae.
Content of financial proposal:ย The applicant should fill in theย ย Financial Offer_EU CG.xlsx and specify the consultancy fee in MDL, per day of work, requested to complete the deliverables described in the Terms of Reference.
Other expenses directly related to the ToR assignments and deliverables such as: (translation/interpretation costs, local transportation etc.) may be included in the financial offer unless specified that UNICEF will cover them separately (see paragraph 14 and 15 below).
The final selection will be based on the principle of โbest value for moneyโ i.e. achieving desired outcome at lowest possible fee.
If not provided by ToR, UNICEF will not reimburse costs not directly related to the assignment. This contract does not allow payment of off-hours, medical insurance, taxes, and sick leave.
UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.
Evaluation criteria for selection
The total amount of points to be allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points (30) will be allotted to the lowest price proposal of a technically qualified offer. Points for other offers will be calculated as Points (x) = (lowest offer/ offer x) * 30.
The selection process is aimed at selecting the applicant who obtains the highest cumulative score (technical evaluation + financial offer evaluation points) following โbest value for moneyโ principle
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Remarks:ย ย
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.ย
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFโs policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.ย
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.ย