Project Assistant vacancy - Integrated Migration and Local Development Project - UNDP Moldova, Europe & the CIS, Chisinau UNDP - United Nations Development Programme Closing date: Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Project Assistant vacancy
Integrated Migration and Local Development Project
UNDP Moldova, Europe & the CIS, 
Chisinau 
UNDP - United Nations Development Programme 
Closing date: Tuesday, 25 September 2018

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	The Government of Moldova explicitly acknowledges its commitment to link migration and development at the local level. Institutions at all government levels are becoming increasingly aware that migration is one of development factors; this is especially true for emigrees and their potential support to the home communities through local essential service improvement (water, sanitation, education, health and social services), skill and knowledge transfer and income generating opportunities. Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy and embedding migration aspects into development processes, the State Chancellery together with United Nations Development Programme have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme. The project is designed to support Central Public Authorities (CPAs) and LPAs to develop and implement strategic policies, methodologies and procedures related to temporary, permanent and circular migration and link them to local development processes, which will enable further design and implementation of joint service improvement and income-generating initiatives, ensuring equal access for women, children, young people the elderly, the disabled, and other population groups  in selected localities. Moreover, the project is developed as a replicable approach with potentials for scaling up, with intensive capacity building and strengthening of national and local public authorities to better plan, manage, budget, and implement public service management with participation of community members, including migrants. Thus, as seen above, integrating migration into local development requires a systematic, tangible and programmatic approach. The current project is proposed on the basis of the results achieved during the implementation of 3 phases of JILDP (2007-2015), which has put a series of methodological approaches and strategic frameworks in place. It supports integrated and systematic local development planning and management, by tackling both central and local levels. The Overall Objective of the Programme is Communities affected by migration benefit from improved essential local services, namely water and sanitation, health, social and education services, and have access to income-generating opportunities, including improved employment reintegration support for returnees. Considering the specific local development context, current situation and needs, the project sets two primary outcomes: Outcome 1: The Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family and the National Employment Agency have mandates, capacities and resources to provide qualitative employment reintegration services to all returnees. Outcome 2: Local public authorities have the capacities and resources to engage with community members, including migrants, and to promote know-how transfer from abroad with a view to improving local essential services and offering opportunities for income-generating activities. 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. The intervention supports the implementation of national development priorities, while responding to challenges of European Union driven reform. It is built on the priorities of the Government Programme 2015-2018, the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, the National Decentralization Strategy 2012-2015, the Strategy on Migration and Asylum, the United Partnership Framework (for 2013-2017), and Swiss Cooperation Strategy Republic of Moldova 2014-2017. In order to ensure an impact maximization and tangible results, the project intervention envisages strong synergies with BRD/IOM and NEXUS, as part of the programmatic intervention funded by Swiss Cooperation Office SDC.
	Duties and Responsibilities
	Under the guidance of the Project Associate and direct supervision of the Project Manager the incumbent assists in the effective and efficient management of the project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Assistant applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Project Assistant works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/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. Administrative management Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans; Assist the Project Associate in all administrative-related matters, such as logistics support to different events organized by the project, drafting of the minutes for these events and, coordination of field visits and international missions to the project; Provide support to international consultants in the implementation of their tasks for the achievement of project results (communication, contracts, agenda, visas, hotel reservations, etc); Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures; Prepare and issue contracts; Maintain the project’s database, including registry and maintenance of project files, records and archiving; Maintain office equipment and manage office stationary supplies; Provide general efficient receptionist and information services; Compile, copy and distribute all project reports; Draft minutes of Project Board and other project related meetings; Arrange external and internal meetings (including the meetings of the Project Board, Technical level, as well as other relevant meetings etc.); Provide other support when required by project management. Financial management Prepare requests for advance of funds and/or direct payments; Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions; Prepare proposals for budget revisions; Prepare and submit expenditure and programme budget status reports; Respond to queries from the beneficiary, donors and UNDP with respect to financial aspects of the programme, liaise with UNDP-appointed and external auditors wherever required; Prepare recurring reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget preparations and audit; Advise and assist international advisors and national consultants on all aspects of allowances, travel claims and other financial matters and calculate payments due for claims and services; Undertake other financial and administrative tasks on an ad hoc basis. Procurement In accordance with the Work Plan arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services; Process in ATLAS the transactions in line with the Internal Control Framework; Arrange for equipment maintenance and insurance as required; Ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP procedures; Physically clear and ensure delivery of equipment and supplies procured for the various programme sites; Maintain an equipment and spare inventory including verification and transfer when required.
	Competencies
	Core Competencies: Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status. Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Self-development, demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Initiative-taking. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Acting as a team player and facilitating team work Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively Creating synergies through self-control. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Managing conflict Informed and transparent decision making Functional Competencies: Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Basic research and analysis Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (broad range of specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting). Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments Client Orientation: Maintains effective client relationships Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients Responds to client needs promptly
	Required Skills and Experience
	Education: University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, public administration or other related field. Experience: At least 4 years of experience in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required. Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company, or NGO is a very strong advantage. Previous working experience with a UN agency is an asset; 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 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.