Background

Climate change is projected to increase the occurrence of intense rainfall events in Moldova with potential consequences for damaging flooding, given the country’s rolling topography and current land use patterns. The majority of Moldova’s 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. 

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.^[1]

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 The network of stations cannot adequately detect fluvial and flash flood risk, and hazard maps are out of date.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 - the State Hydro-meteorological Service (SHS) and the Agency “Apele Moldovei”(AAM) - 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. 

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 users’ groups and other land use regulatory institutions are weak or non-existent. Water users’ 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 country’s 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 country’s enhanced capabilities to manage the run-off from extreme climate-driven rainfall events to prevent flooding that causes loss of life and property damage. The following are the project outcomes and outputs of the project: 

Outcome 1: Increased capacities of the relevant national and local authorities to respond effectively to extreme water-related events 

• 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 operational 

Outcome 2:  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 developed
• Output 2.2: High risk dams identified in 5 pilot sites, conditions analyzed, and remedial measures identified with priority high risk dams rehabilitated

Outcome 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:  Flood risk and water resources planning, and management instruments are available and put at use at the local level

The 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.   

Another target group is the Local Public Authorities 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. 

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 Agency “Apele Moldovei” and the State Hydro-meteorological Service who will benefit from instruments and knowledge to better understand the flood-related risks, prevent and prepare for these. 

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.   

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Programme Analyst, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of the Flood Management Project, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, as follows:

Oversee day-to-day operations and implementation of project activities;

• 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, leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Develop Work Plan, periodic narrative progress and final reports and expenditures status reports and submit to the supervisor; 
• Ensure the implementation of the activities under the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as the overall management of the Project in line with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Support UNDP CO in effectively managing human resources pertaining to the Project, including staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; 
• Support the efficient management of the Project financial resources, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain Project issues and risks and suggest mitigation measures.
• Maintain a close collaboration with other related UNDP programmes to ensure synergies and complementarities; 
• Maintain a continuous effective dialogue with the key stakeholders, central and local government authorities, other UN agencies and actors active in the sector, CSOs, partner organizations, international and national experts in the areas of the Project intervention in view of identifying synergies and avoiding overlapping of assistance; 
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation and evaluation of the Project as required. 

Knowledge Management and Sharing

• Assist in coordinating the exchange of information internally and between relevant project  stakeholders;
• Ensure timely and proper documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced in accordance with the UNDP guides;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the programme activities to the mass media and stakeholders and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local, national, and as required at international levels;
• Capture and disseminate good practices locally, nationally and as required internationally;

Develop strategic partnerships

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners;
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation;
• Substantively contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. 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.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set

• Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting;
• Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management;
• Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections;
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions;
• Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities;
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

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 Flood Management Project.  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 Project Manager will work under the supervision 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 Project 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 is responsible and accountable to the Project Steering Committee for the Project’s results. 

The Project Manager will coordinate the project team, consisting of up to 6 full time employees and part time consultants, as envisaged in project organizational chart.

The Project Manager will work in close cooperation with the the Programme, Operations, Communications and other teams in the UNDP Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. 

He/she also collaborates with other UN projects, national stakeholders and other development partners in supporting the Government in energy related area. 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.

The Project Manager in close collaboration with the Programme Analysts and the Programme Specialist, supports UNDP Country Office in developing concept notes and project documents in the energy related area to further develop the programme portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cluster.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management Competencies:

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management   

• Results-based Management       
  • 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
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Monitoring & Evaluation
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. 
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• 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 audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Business Direction and Strategy     

• Business Acumen            
  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome 
  • Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization

Business Direction and Management       

• Effective decision making               
  • Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Partnership management            

• Resource Mobilization   
  • Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in environmental studies, engineering, law, public and/or business administration, economics or related areas, or; 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s 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 5 years (with Master’s Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects-based activities, preferably related to the legal and institutional support, infrastructure establishment, awareness raising, promotion of partnership, work with the LPAs.       
• 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 and experiences:

• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team or coordination between different teams is an asset.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage.
• Prior experience with UN/DP Project management and/or implementation is an advantage
• Additional training and certification in project management and/or business administration would be an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required. 
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is 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. 

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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