Project Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Human Rights Adviser presence was established in Moldova in 2008. It presently consists of 13 staff. Following the break-out of war in Ukraine in February 2022, OHCHR in Moldova started to conduct protection monitoring to understand needs of refugees, including of most vulnerable, to feed this information to the humanitarian infrastructure for appropriate responses. OHCHR, since the break-out of war and refugee influx in the country, has been engaged in mainstreaming human rights in the humanitarian response. In June 2023, OHCHR will start the implementation of a 12-months protection monitoring project aiming at improving the protective environment and the equal access to services for refugees with specific needs and the most vulnerable host community members. The Project Associate will report to the Human Rights Officer – Project Coordinator and the Finance and Administrative Associate heading the project management support team.

The Project Associate will support OHCHR in ensuring the smooth running and implementation of the project, assisting in the implementation of day-to-day activities, in the framework of the OHCHR Annual Work and Cost Plans. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with all relevant programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies applying.

The Project Associate will contribute to the below:

Administrative management • Assist in the smooth and efficient implementation of project activities, as requested; • Provides logistical support to the organization of meetings, events, external translation and other related activities; • Assist the OHCHR Finance and Administrative Associate and other key OHCHR staff 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;
• Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance, if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with policies and procedures in force; • Prepare and issue contracts related to the project; • Make pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of project activities; • Handle the preparation of all project-related documents;
• Maintain the project’s database, including registry and maintenance of project files and records; • Maintain office equipment and manage office stationery supplies; • Provide general efficient receptionist and information services; • Draft and translate correspondence, when needed;
• Compile, copy and distribute all project reports; • Conduct other related tasks as requested.

Financial Management • Prepare requests in advance of funds and/or direct payments; • Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of budget and spending; • Prepare proposals for budget revisions; • Prepare and submit expenditure and budget status reports; • Undertake other financial and administrative tasks on ad hoc basis; • Arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services.

The achievement of the above key results will have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Project.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OHCHR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other relevant substantive area is required.

Previous experience in an international organisation, consulting company, or NGO is a very strong advantage.

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language is an asset.

According to the country analysis at the World Bank, the Republic of Moldova remains among the poorest countries in Europe. More information about the country is available here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/moldova/overview. The Republic of Moldova has a population of 2,6 million (2022) and is bordered by Ukraine to the north, east, and south and shares a direct border with Romania. On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted European Union Candidate status to Moldova.

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is the largest and well-developed city, located in the middle of the country. The city has a high degree of security, lots of parks, lakes and nice places with affordable restaurants and coffee places. It offers a diverse range of accommodation with properly working utilities. The public transport is cheap and accessible, but during the rush hours the city has problems with the traffic due to high number of cars. Taxi service is also available and can be ordered through the phone and mobile applications. The city has a lot of shops and several malls with a good selection of products. The Internet and mobile operators are not expensive and running with a good quality of the connection. There are public hospitals, laboratories, and private clinics, depending on the budget and needs.

Moldova is a unique country and OHCHR is a unique organisation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): MDL 14516.91 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): MDL 1209.74 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: 30 days Uncertified sick leave: 7 days Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

Reasonable Accommodation for person with disability can be arranged.