Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women is operational in Moldova since 2010 on the basis of former UNIFEM projects, which were laid and active in the country from 2007. It extended continuous support to the Government of Moldova, to key stakeholders from national and local levels, through various programmes and activities aimed at creating an enabling environment for gender equality, recognized as a prerequisite for sustainable development with a strong and active policy on gender equality.

Since 2010 the Government of Moldova (State Chancellery) in partnership with the UNDP and UN Women has been implementing the “Joint Integrated Local Development Programme” (JILDP), funded by the Government of Sweden, and lately by the Government of Denmark. The JILDP was designed to support the Government in improving the policy and legal framework as mandated by the National Decentralization Strategy to ensure local autonomy, availability of resources, and more effective local management for better and equitable service provision, as well as to improving the capacity of Local Public Authorities (LPAs) to deliver efficient, equitable and accessible local public services, to facilitate sustainable development and foster social inclusion. It also assists in building the capacity of LPAs to plan, implement and monitor their strategic plans and improve local public service delivery, engaging women and men from local community groups, including most vulnerable. The program is applying Human Rights Based Approach, Gender Mainstreaming and Women’s Empowerment as guiding conceptual approaches and instruments to its work and interventions, seeking to ensure positive and measurable change in the areas of human rights, gender equality and social inclusion.

Starting with January 2013, a new 3-years phase of JILDP is being implemented with the financial support from Danish Government. With adoption of the National Decentralisation Strategy in April 2012, a comprehensive framework for decentralization in the country has been created. Within the new phase, the JILDP will provide central and local public authorities with technical support in the implementation of this strategy. One important area of such support is related to the elaboration of sector-specific decentralization strategies and the designing of practical arrangements to implement the strategies. The JILDP interventions at the local level (30 target localities) will aim at developing models of operational local governments - ‘champions of change’ - by providing support to implement changes in the operation and structure of local governments in line with the changes brought by the National Decentralization Strategy. JILDP will assist LPAs in improving their capacity and operations, will support target communities and local authorities to provide quality and equitable public services to achieve sustainable human-centered and gender-responsive economic and social development in the main areas affected by the Decentralization strategy.

In 2014, UN Women launched a 3-year regional project on Promoting Gender Responsive Policies (GRB) in South East Europe and Republic of Moldova financed by Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Swiss Agency Development and Cooperation. The project aims to contribute to the implementation of international and national gender equality commitments through the integration of GRB into national and local planning and budgeting systems. The project aims to further strengthen the capacities of central and local governments to fully integrate GRB in the planning and budgeting systems; and of non-governmental actors to hold governments accountable to gender equality commitments using GRB as a tool. GRB project will be implemented on the basis of JILDP interventions, primarily at local level and its implementation is closely linked to JILDP programme

With the overall aim to ensure effective programmes implementation, UN Women plans to hire a Programme Analyst, based in Chisinau. Programme Analyst will bear full responsibility for providing adequate substantive support with special emphasis on gender equality, human rights based approach and local development issues, to overall implementation of the programme document at all levels in efficient and timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Analyst will work under the direct supervision and guidance of UN Women National Programme Officer with the overall aim to ensure effective implementation of JILDP II and GRB Programmes. To ensure full coherence and accountability for JILDP results, the Programme Analyst will plan, coordinate and report programme related-activities to the Joint ILDP UNDP Programme Manager. The regional GRB project will be closely liaised and coordinated with the regional GRB Project management. The incumbent will provide effective and efficient coordination of these programmes, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of programme activities in line with the programme document and the UN Women Strategic Note for 2014-2017. The Programme Analyst applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UN Women corporate rules and regulations.

The Programme Analyst will work in close collaboration with UN Women Country Office Operations team for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UN Women programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

More specifically, he/she will perform the following tasks:

• Ensure sound management of project from the planning to evaluation stages
• Coordinate and ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Programme outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Ensure overall coordination activities of the programme implementing partners;
• Within the strategic framework concerted with the national counterparts, prepare work-plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Programme activities, an continuously update implementation plan to ensure timely implementation of the programme;
• Be responsible for the coordination of the overall Programme work plans according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Programme in accordance to prevailing UN Women rules, regulations and procedures;
• Liaise with the Programme Board, national counterparts, donors, and UN Women offices to ensure that Programme results are achieved and resources are managed efficiently and effectively;
• Ensure the effective management and supervision of human resources pertaining to the Programme, including both staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
• Coordinate the efficient use of financial resources of the Programme, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
• Continuously record and maintain relevant Programme activities, issues, risks, etc. as per existing rules and procedures.
• Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and related activities relevant to the overall implementation of the Programme;
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Programme activities to the mass media and stakeholders;
• Perform other tasks, as required

• Monitor programme implementation and activities versus set targets and indicators;
• Monitor the implementation of activities and the expenditure of funds by the Civil Society partners using internal systems and rules and regulations
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of baseline, monitoring, evaluation plans and reports (flash, progress and final);
• Identify key performance indicators as well as develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports;
• Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the UNDP Programme Manager,  Programme Board and UN Women;
• Monitor overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure funds are properly allocated and appropriate actions are taken to optimize use of programme funds;
• Contribute to UN Women by providing inputs from JILDP II and GRB programmes’ activities and results
• Perform other tasks, as required

• Ensure provision of advice and technical support to promoting gender equality and women’ human rights throughout the program results areas. This implies ensuring development of the quality of products and capacity development tools through gender mainstreaming and women empowerment across all programme activities, with emphasis on ensuring evidence-based approaches (e.g. training materials, training workshops, tools, knowledge-sharing, publications and outreach materials developed). 

• Ensure timely and proper documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced in accordance with the UN Women guides;
• Document and analyze lessons learnt that might be useful to UN system at large and UN Women in particular;
• Advise UN Women on strategies and approaches for promoting gender equality and women’s human rights based on the lessons learnt;
• Contribute to the exchange of information and knowledge product within the programme and outside
• Advise on national developments in gender equality and women’s human rights relevant to JILDP programmatic objectives
• Ensure incorporation of gender equality and women’s human rights in all JILDP activities and documents, namely: implementation of local development strategies, planning and improvement of local public services, community mobilization & women empowerment; relevant policy documents (sectoral decentralization roadmaps/strategies, assessment methodologies, etc.)

• Facilitate partnership building with, where appropriate, national and local state actors, national and international civil society actors, especially, women's organizations, bilateral, UN, World Bank, donors, academia, private sector and private foundations for more effective and coordinated JILDP programme implementation; especially within related component
• Participate actively in the work of existing coordination mechanism to ensure coherence of the programme with other processes in the country including national development policy-making, UN programming and coordination processes, donors’ council work, etc.;
• Contribute to ensuring effective partnership, networking and coordination between other ongoing UN Women programmes, projects and activities in the country for a more holistic and coherent approach to programme implementation;
• Perform other tasks as requested.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standard;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN Women;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility;
• Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

• Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
• Proven ability to lead and manage “smart” business solutions in challenging environment;
• Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
• Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities;
• Ability to establish priorities for self and others, achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout;
• Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.
  

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities;
• Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UN Women’s development objectives within the country and regional context;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
  

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter

• Demonstrates knowledge of human rights and human rights-based approaches, as well as human rights issues pertaining to local governance in Moldova;
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of the issues of women's rights and gender equality;
• Knowledge and experience with programming, monitoring and evaluation;
• Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

• Proven ability to problem-solve and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment;
• Proven ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them for development results;
• Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UN Women in national and regional fora;
• 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;
• Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Programme Document;
• Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities;
• Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master degree or equivalent in public administration, budget, law, human rights, gender equality, management or other related areas. Additional training and certification in programme management would be an advantage

• At least four years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in managing complex and/or multi-component programme interventions, preferably related to women’s empowerment, gender equality and human rights;
• At least 3 years of collaborative work experience with national partners at policy/decision making and/or institutional and local level, including government and civil society organisations;
• Proven experience in working with international organizations will be a strong advantage;
• Experience in gender mainstreaming in planning / program / policy documents;
• Experience and knowledge on the issues faced by women, vulnerable, marginalized people from a human rights perspective;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

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

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply. Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed UN Women Personal History Form as attachment instead of CV/resume, with the mark “Programme Analyst (JILDP&GRB)/UN Women Vacancy” by 1 August 2014, COB.

Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.

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

Please note that UN Women Moldova reserves the right to select two or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.