National Project Coordinator - NOA (DC)

Introduction

1.   General information about the context in which the official will work

The position is located in Chisinau, Moldova and it is part of the ILO Decent Work Team/Country Office for Central and Eastern Europe (DWT/CO-Budapest). The DWT/CO-Budapest provides technical support and guidance related to the ILO agenda in 18 countries of Central and South Eastern Europe (for more see www.ilo.org/budapest). 

The development gap between Moldova and the rest of Europe has narrowed, however the country still has one of the lowest per capita incomes and gross wages per worker in Eastern Europe. Key labour market’s main problems include low employment rates and high levels of inactivity, particularly among youth, women, and older workers. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the recovery of the labour market is lagging with an inactivity rate that remains high. Using the full potential of the care sector to create jobs could therefore be an important avenue to expand job opportunities in a relatively limited labour market. ILO research shows that above 75% of the employment created in the sector goes to women. At the same time, the absence of quality, accessible childcare services have implications for women’s income-generating capacities and potential to participate in the labour market as workers and entrepreneurs. 

The project, “Childcare in Moldova: A systemic approach to improve provision and strengthen formalization,” aims at supporting the implementation of the National Employment Strategy, and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Roadmap, endorsed by the National Economic Council. The project will also work to apply a systemic approach to strengthening the childcare sector, identifying root causes for the current misalignment between childcare service provision and current and future demand for childcare, and addressing these through several pilot interventions with both national private and public sector actors. 

The main purpose of the incumbent is to support the technical implementation of the project in the country in close coordination with the national counterparts, notable the Ministry of Labour and the social partners, and, where relevant, to engage with other private sector actors providing or facilitating access to childcare services.

2.    Reporting lines

The position will directly report to the Senior Gender and Formalization Specialist. The staff member will work under the overall guidance of the Director at the ILO DWT/CO Budapest. The incumbent will work closely with and support the National Coordinator for ILO in Moldova. The position will receive technical support and guidance on systemic approaches from the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme, based within the ENTERPRISES Department. 

Description of Duties

1.    Work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, line ministries, social partners, and other relevant partners from the private sector to develop a workplan for the implementation of the project and maintain engagement and consultative approaches throughout the duration of the project to ensure smooth implementation of project activities in coordination and with the support of technical units of the ILO. 

2.    Oversee the team of consultants undertaking a systemic analysis of the childcare sector to understand mismatches in the supply and demand within the sector and identify opportunities and barriers for implementing the above-mentioned national policies, with a focus on expanding access to childcare services for low-income families and addressing informality and other decent work deficits in the sector. 

3.    In consultation with relevant stakeholders and social partners, design pilot interventions to implement alternative modalities of childcare. These may include a) Initiative to support the transition to the labour market for women on childcare leave; b) Models to set-up home-based nurseries and worksite childcare centres in selected geographical areas; c) Initiatives to incentivise and support the formalisation of individual carers and address other decent work deficits in the sector. 

4.    Provide technical guidance and support the implementation of the pilot interventions by consistently liaising with project partners, managing contracts and overseeing the deliverables. 

5.    Share information and provide technical assistance to the social partners to help facilitate their engagement in technical discussions on the issues around gender equality. 

6.    Facilitate discussions and make recommendations for the design of a strategy to advance the agenda on long-term care.

7.    Participate in the meetings of the UN Thematic Group on Gender Equality and contribute to the technical discussions on issues related to the world of work.  

8.    Provide programming support to cooperation activities in the area of care policies, equal pay and violence and harassment 

9.    Participate in the preparation and conduct conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone.

10.    Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials related to the project. 

11.    Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project. 

12.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on gender issues would be a strong advantage

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in the area of gender equality and economic empowerment of women. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset. Experience working with private sector and an understanding systemic thinking and models to development is also desirable. 

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of gender issues as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process. Familiarity and/or an openness to applying systemic approaches and piloting innovative models is desirable. 

Languages

Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English.

Competencies

•    Technical knowledge and experience in gender equality and non-discrimination in the world of work.
•    Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise
•    Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and excellent drafting skills
•    Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
•    Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
•    Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
•    Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
•    Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
•    Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications 
•    Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.