Policy Component Manager - Migration and Local Development Programme (MiDL) Programme - UNDP Moldova

On the global level, migration has been increasingly recognized as a positive development factor. The 2030 Agenda calls for well-managed migration policies to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people in its 10.7 target. The need for concerted efforts among nations on migration issues determined the negotiations on the Global Compact on Migration, an intergovernmental agreement defining a common vision embraced by signatory governments on “making migration work for all”. The first of its kind, it lays out the nations’ vision on broadening the opportunities, benefits and contribution of migration to the development and prosperity of countries, and the collective power of all nations to improve global governance on migration.

Migration in the Republic of Moldova is requesting attention and concrete actions to make the most of this phenomenon for the country’s development. The Moldovan Government (GoM) acknowledges that, if addressed and managed properly, human mobility can also bring many opportunities, changes and improvements in the country. Due to the Swiss development support, the GoM migration policy focus shifted from a management and control perspective to capitalizing on the opportunities provided by migration. Building on the previous SDC-funded UNDP positive experience at local level, in 2017 the Moldovan Government approved a decision, hence recognizing the success of the UNDP/MiDL model of engaging women and men migrants in local development processes and providing the normative basis for scaling up and ensuring the sustainability of the experience piloted by UNDP/MiDL of mainstreaming migration in local policies.  The need to effectively address migration issues, along with creating conditions for a business enabling environment, job creation and infrastructure development are also listed as main Government priorities for the next four years. In line with these priorities, the proposed initiative aims to further support the country’s development processes also capitalizing on best practices and lessons learnt in this field.

During the first, 3 years, phase of implementation (2015-2018) the Migration and Local Development (MiDL) Project proved that the diaspora can contribute a lot back to their places of origin: it is now more engaged in home communities development through 38 Home Town Associations (HTAs), providing already over 6 mln. Lei to local development projects. A unique model of engaging migrants in the development of their home communities was successfully developed and tested. Centered around HTAs, local public administration with improved migration management capacities, and their permanent interaction, it proved to work well in all Moldovan regions, including Gagauzia and the Security Zone.

The next phase of the MiDL Project is expected to be implemented over a period of four years (2019-2022). The Overall Goal of the initiative is maximizing the impact of migration on the socio-economic development through an improved institutional framework and engaged Diaspora. Both areas of the project emphasize the national ownership and strengthening capacities at national and local levels to enable a socio-economic environment, secure employment support, reduce disparities and inequalities, provide income generating opportunities, and ensure sustainable local development. The project intervention will apply human rights based and gender equality approaches, including community empowerment and mobilization models with migrants’ engagement, and various tools for efficient service provision.

Under Outcome 1, the project will ensure that Moldovan labour, potential, actual and returning migrants benefit from comprehensive employment support services. To that end, national and local authorities will be fully equipped to answer to the needs of all categories of migrants at each stage of migration (pre, migration, post).
Under Outcome 2, efforts will warrant that community members, including migrants are meaningfully engaged in the local development process. In line with that, activities will focus on working close with public authorities, other local actors and migrants for the effective implementation of local development initiatives aimed at improving local services and offering income-generating opportunities at local level.
 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the MIDL Project Manager and with overall guidance from the UNDP Programme Specialist, the Policy Component Manager ensures the effective and efficient management of Policy Component of MIDL by supporting the design, planning and management of component. The Policy Component Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.  

The Policy Component Manager works in close collaboration with the Project Manager and other Project Officers for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex 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.

Summary of Key Functions:

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches.  More specifically:

1.    Strategic visioning for Policy Component of MIDL and guidance to project staff in close cooperation with UN Agency for Migration, Mission in Moldova, and governmental stakeholders (Ministry of health, Labour and Social Protection, National Employment Agency and Bureau for Diaspora Relations), in the field of employment, labour migration, migration and development:

• Ensure cooperation and synergies with the OIM for the policy component; provide guidance in accurate planning, timely implementation of activities and delivery of outputs, as well as quality assurance of all deliverables produced under the component managed by the OIM.
• Identify key domains to initiate and conduct policy advise and capacity building activities for the Ministry of Labour, Social protection and Family and National Employment Agencies to develop and implement comprehensive labour migration and employment reintegration policies as well as services at the local level.
• Advise and assist the National Employment Agency in redesigning and improving employment service quality, as well as its network of Labour Migration/Reintegration Focal Points within Territorial Employment offices so that they have all the skills, knowledge, attitude and tools, to provide qualitative employment assistance to labour migrants and reintegration support to returnees..
• Promote a participatory, human rights and gender sensitive approach to employment, labour migration, reintegration service provision at local level in close coordination with other local and national referral partners.
• Promote information sharing with the relevant donor community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings with the donors and preparing briefs on migration, employment, labour migration, reintegration, Diaspora, Migration and Development, local/regional development progress and activities.
• Support the MIDL Project Manager, CO in general project development, implementation and project-related strategic processes.  
• Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews) highlighting UNDP support and strategy. Play an active role in policy advice, strategic thinking, knowledge sharing.

2.    Project Management Capacity building activities, Policy Component of MIDL:  

• Take full responsibility for the effective and efficient management of Policy Component activities in line with MIDL objectives, implementation timeframe and ensured attainment of key project results through: (i) the timely delivery of inputs, (ii) organization of planned activities and their monitoring, (iii) effective coordination with project partners and key counterparts based on UNDP rules and procedures.
• Identify, adapt and devise strategies and methodologies; elaborate TORs, identify competent advisors and consulting companies, manage contracts and their implementation in order to achieve the programmatic outcomes and outputs.
• Build, motivate and lead a high performing team consisting of project personnel, expert consultants, translators, etc.  Undertake personnel performance appraisals and career development coaching at project level.
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas (Prince 2, etc).  Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning, including in the areas of HRBA and GE.

3.    Knowledge Management:  

• Initiate and sustain national network/s for knowledge management and information sharing to improve employment, migration and labour migration, employment, Diaspora, Migration and Development, reintegration service provision, human rights and gender responsive local development and accountable and participatory local leadership.
• Promote information sharing within MIDL, with national stakeholders and the relevant donors’ community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings and preparing briefs on local development progress and activities
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in national and international fora, making substantive contributions as appropriate.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the MiDL project.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner.  The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Programme Steering Committee and UNDP management.
 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Education:    

• Master’s Degree in social sciences, public policy, public administration, economy, law or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:    

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the field of social policy, employment or migration, preferably in an international organization, national agency, national ministry, non-governmental organization/think-tank, or private sector. Previous experience of working with Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection will be an asset.

• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a strong advantage.

• 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.

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

Online applications can be submitted by registered users only. Self-registration link is available at the next page and requires candidates to provide a valid email address.