Transport Legal Analyst

Background

On 23rd of June 2022, the European Council granted the Republic of Moldova the status of EU candidate country which is a substantial achievement, but which comes with great responsibilities and obligations. One of such obligations is the “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” which includes Chapters of the environment and climate change acquis. In this sense, meaningful reform is expected in view of European Green Deal targets.

UNDP Moldova takes due account of this endeavor and work towards putting in place the enabling conditions for a green transformation in Moldova through a combination of cross-sectorial decision-making in joint stakeholder platforms, capacity building measures, general education and awareness raising, dissemination of best policy practices, information sharing and networking, as well as pilot-testing green-transition related solutions and other activities, to ensure that the green transition concept is well understood and implemented.

The established enabling conditions and the investments into green-transition solutions will respond to the key development challenges that the country is currently dealing with such as climate change, environmental pollution, and the energy crisis.

It is well acknowledged that Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate change, given the limited resources and institutional capacities to address the climate change impacts. It is also due to the heavy reliance on the agricultural sector, water scarcity and other geographical factors. Currently the country is advancing with the national adaptation planning, including in the agricultural sector, aimed at putting in place proper intuitional, technical, and budgeting capacities in the context of climate change, however significant gaps remain in embarking of the sectors into achievement of the long-term adaptation targets.

Environmental degradation is also posing a major threat to Moldova’s development agenda as its economy relies greatly on natural resources which leads to their overexploitation and pollution. Inadequate waste management practices and outdated practices and technologies in the key sectors of the economy also contribute to environmental degradation and pollution. Mainstreaming of the green agenda into the country’s economic activities is taking place slowly.

Moldova is in line with the global trend of continuously growing urbanization, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas expected to rise from 47% in 2010 to 60% in 2030 (UN Habitat). Cities are increasingly and significantly contributing to the main drivers of global environmental degradation. The municipalities have the greatest impact on air quality and are responsible for more than 50% of total air pollution in Moldova.

From energy security perspective – Moldova is highly dependent on imported energy sources and rely mostly on the use of fossil fuels. In addition, inefficient energy supply and consumption across all sectors exacerbates the situation. Until recently being 100% dependent on Russian gas import, the country is actively seeking diversification of energy supplies after the war of aggression in Ukraine. Improvements both in energy efficiency and in the development of domestic resources – including renewable energy resources – for strengthened sustainability, competitiveness, and energy security rank high on the political agenda. The energy sector is also the main source of GHG emissions in the country. 

In 2022, the European Council bestowed EU candidate status upon Moldova, signaling a pivotal juncture in EU-Moldova relations. This milestone underscores the need for closer alignment of Moldova’s national legislation with EU regulations. As Moldova embarks on its journey toward EU accession, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assumes a critical role in supporting the Moldovan government. 

In a decisive move, the Moldovan government approved the National Action Plan for Moldova’s EU accession for the period 2024-2027 through Government Decision No. 829/2023 (HG829/2023). This comprehensive plan outlines strategic objectives, policy reforms, and institutional enhancements necessary to meet EU standards. UNDP actively collaborates with Moldovan authorities to ensure the effective implementation of this ambitious roadmap.

In December 2023, the European Council took a momentous step by initiating negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the EU. These bilateral discussions will shape the future of Moldova’s integration process. UNDP recognizes the significance of these negotiations and stands ready to provide invaluable support. 

One of the project focuses is the transport sector and it aims at supporting the policy planning frameworks to promote sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.

The evaluation of the implementation results of the Transport and Logistics Strategy for 2013-2022, approved by Government Decision No. 827/2013, revealed numerous systemic deficiencies in the development of the transport system. Recent regional and global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the security crisis in the region triggered by the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, have posed a serious stress test for the transport system. This has been particularly evident through the energy system shortages, the blockade of Black Sea ports, and the pressure created by the transit of goods to and from Europe, as well as the movement of displaced persons.

The key challenges in the transport sector that require urgent and decisive responses from Government side are the following:

The above provides an overview of the challenges that Moldova is facing in the transport sectors were addressed within its new Mobility Strategy 2030, approved in 2024.

The Green Transition project's interventions in the area of green transportation and green mobility aim to significantly enhance Moldova's capacity to transition towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. The project recognizes that transportation plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving overall energy efficiency.

Under the project, one of the key activities involves developing a policy planning framework to promote sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. This will contribute to the overall green transition by aligning the country's transportation policies with environmentally friendly goals. These will provide innovative solutions to support the transition to greener transportation systems, considering Moldova’s socio-economic conditions, and the government's green economy aspirations.

The project also targets the development of sustainable mobility and transportation systems as part of a broader pipeline of projects under Moldova's Green Economy Programme. The focus here will be on promoting energy- and resource-efficiency through transport systems, integrating them into Moldova's green transition framework, and addressing urban mobility challenges.

Alongside this, the project will support the EU accession process by providing consultancy for the alignment of national legislation with EU directives and regulations. This effort will facilitate Moldova’s integration into the European framework and enhance its compliance with international standards. Currently, the country is engaged in the RM-EU bilateral screening process, during which further legal transposition requirements will be established, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meeting EU standards in the field.

Additionally, it sets the groundwork for pilot initiatives in greener transportation. These initiatives, supported by feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations, will help to create the necessary conditions to implement innovative, eco-friendly transport solutions that align with Moldova's long-term green transformation goals.

Among others, the project will pilot innovative sustainable mobility solutions aligned with Moldova’s National Mobility Programme and Action Plan. The activities will include testing intelligent transport systems, incentivizing the renewal of vehicle fleets, and exploring the development of biofuels. These measures are intended to reduce emissions and enhance mobility within urban areas.

By integrating these interventions, the project will facilitate a transformative shift towards greener transportation and mobility solutions in Moldova, ultimately contributing to the country’s sustainability and climate change mitigation goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Transport Legal Analyst’s primary responsibility is to provide technical assistance to MIRD in EU accession, offering legal drafting support for the transposition of EU Directives and Regulations into Moldovan legislation. Her/His role primarily focuses on Chapter 14 of the EU Acquis (Transport Policy) and would require collaboration with the State Chancellery and/or the Bureau for European Integration.

The Analyst will apply and promote the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Transport Legal Analyst shall 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.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Green Transition Policy and Legal Development Manager, in close coordination with the UNDP Climate Change, Environment and Energy (EECC) Cluster representative, and in collaboration with other team members, the Transport Legal Analyst will conduct and implement the following tasks (but not limited to):

1. Legal Analysis & Legislative Alignment

2. Screening Documentation & Position Papers

3. Stakeholder Coordination & Bilateral Meetings

4. Legal Support for EU Accession Negotiations

5. Advisory & Ad-hoc Support

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Transport Legal Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring that the Green Transition Project actively support Moldova in advancing to a greener transportation and mobility solutions in Moldova. 

Key Results

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the green development agenda and to deliver transformative reforms as part of the EU candidacy effort. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and UNDP management. 

Institutional Arrangement

The Transport Legal Analyst will work in close collaboration with the representatives of Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and under the supervision of the Policy and Legal Development Manager, contributing to the implementation of the projects activities on greener transportation and mobility solutions in Moldova. 

Competencies

Core

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 Direction & Strategy - System Thinking:    

Business Development - Knowledge Generation:    

Business Management - Communication:    

Business Management - Digital Awareness and Literacy:    

Business Management - Working with Evidence and Data:    

Business Management - Monitoring:    

Business Management - Evaluation:    

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired skills:

Required language(s):

Professional certificates:

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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