Project Associate

Project Associate

Job Description

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Moldova is part of the EU’s European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and in the Eastern Partnership framework, which aims at strengthening individual and regional relationships between the EU and countries in its neighborhood. Moldova is also part of the Energy Community Treaty since 2010 and has signed the Association Agreement with EU in June 2014, including the DCFTA which entered into force in 2016. As a follow-up, Moldova is required to ensure transposition of the EU acquis Communautaire, which underpins the EU energy legislation on electricity, gas, oil, renewables, energy efficiency and environment. The country has synchronized its electricity network with the ENTSO-E to connect to European electricity market.

Considering the ongoing energy crisis, the energy sector is one of the top priorities for the Government and it is addressed in Government’s Plans and a number of policy documents, laws and regulations which outlined the need to undertake more actions towards a green and just energy transition of the Republic of Moldova.

In accordance to the existing strategic planning documents, one of main priorities of the Government is to diversify the energy mix with more renewable energy, which is also fully in line with commitments under the EU Clean Energy for all Europeans package. Achieving this goal will require significant investment in the medium and long term, but also the country’s ability to attract and absorb the funds. The development of renewables, such as wind and solar, will also depend on improving the balancing capabilities of the Moldovan power system and its integration with neighboring countries.

In this regard the EU and Moldova stressed the importance of resilience against any potential efforts by third parties to use energy as a geopolitical level. The EU has urged Moldova to ensure that the energy sector reform demonstrates full respect of the Energy Community acquis and is in line with the EU Third Energy Package. The EU side confirmed its support to the objective of Moldova for integration into the EU energy system and market, an important step being the recent synchronization of its electricity network with the Continental European Network (CEN).

Recognizing the importance of a just and green energy transition in addressing the root causes of the ongoing crisis, the Accelerating a Just Energy Transition in the Republic of Moldova portfolio of interventions has emerged - co-designed with the Government and other representatives of the energy system to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Through this Portfolio of interventions, the Government of Moldova will be further assisted to tackle the current energy crisis and energy poverty, and addressing prioritized systemic elements in the energy sector to cope with potential future energy crisis.

The Accelerating a Just Energy Transition in Republic of Moldova has the following five key areas of intervention:

• Accelerate Energy Diversification and Efficiency: By supporting the modernization of infrastructure, buildings, and the grid, the Project aims to increase access to renewable energy sources, promote energy efficiency, and encourage investment in renewable energy and innovative technologies.
• Decarbonizing Industries and Economic Sectors: The Project seeks to drive the decarbonization of various economic sectors such as construction, transportation, agriculture, and the private sector. It aims to promote sustainable practices, share green business models, and develop vocational skills for the green energy sector to create equitable employment opportunities and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Foster Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Through comprehensive public awareness campaigns and educational materials, the Project aims to deepen understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy among community members, business leaders, and government agencies. It strives to promote behaviour change towards sustainable energy practices, particularly among vulnerable populations.
• Strengthen Inclusive Energy Governance: The Project recognizes the importance of inclusive energy governance at both the national and local levels. It aims to strengthen the capacity of relevant institutions and stakeholders to effectively govern and manage the energy sector. By promoting transparency, accountability, and participation, the Project seeks to ensure that decision-making processes related to energy transition are inclusive, empowering all segments of society, including marginalized groups.
• Addressing Energy Vulnerability and Promoting Resilience: One of the Project's primary focus is to address energy vulnerability and promote resilience among households and businesses. It will provide further support to the Government in improving and implementing compensation mechanisms, including the established an on-bill compensation mechanism targeting the households by level of vulnerability. This intervention aims to provide immediate relief to energy-poor households and the private sector, while also fostering long-term energy resilience and efficiency. To this end, it will explore conceptualisation of decentralized energy solutions, off-grid options, and harness the role of energy access in conflict and disaster recovery efforts, livelihoods, and social inclusion.

Implementation period: 2023-2027.

Duties and Responsibilities

The specific duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate during the assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Assist in efficient delivery of the projects, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Undertake administrative, logistical, travel, procurement, financial and asset management tasks in full compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies;
• Provide support to procure goods and services required by the projects, in liaison with the relevant staff and units of UNDP Country Office;
• Provide administrative support in arranging Projects related meetings when needed.
• Participate in the preparation of work plans, operation plans and procurement plans and periodical reviews thereof;
• Provide support in quality control of Projects activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery;
• Maintain an appropriate filing system and documenting the implementation to enable further operational and financial closure of the projects;
• Provide support in regular monitoring and data collection of Projects activities in accordance with work plan and procurement plan;
• Provide general secretarial and administrative assistance to the projects in close liaison with UNDP teams, other UN agencies.