Project Associate

Contract

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

In August 2022 the United Nations in Moldova launches a new project – “Building sustainable and inclusive peace, strengthening trust and social cohesion in Moldova”.

This project, led by OHCHR, will be implemented primarily by OHCHR, UNDP and UN Women in partnership with civil society organizations, decision-makers and professionals from both banks of the Nistru-river. Under this project OHCHR will work on strengthening the cross-river engagement and productive interaction at the level of government and de-facto structures, civil society organizations, National Human Rights Institution and the human rights focal point on the left bank, community level, and also on strengthening responses to divisive narratives and misinformation to reduce social tensions. The work of OHCHR under the project will be funded by the United Nations Peace Building Funds. The projects runs until August 2023.

The major interventions under the OHCHR-led component of the project will be: • Empowerment of rights-holders – communities, CSOs, the People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) and the Human Rights focal point on the left bank, to strengthen their engagement and contributions to the cross-river dialogue and ultimately to the settlement talks on human rights issues. • Increased capacity of duty-bearers – settlement process actors will have their knowledge and skills increased from a human rights and gender equality perspective, so that these are better integrated into the negotiation agenda. • Awareness raising among society about the misinformation, divisive narratives and hate speech. • Support implementation capacity of authorities in regard to the new legal framework tackling hate speech. • Support initiative on monitoring, reporting and combating misinformation and divisive narratives.

The Project Associate will report to 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 OHCHR component of the “Building sustainable and inclusive peace, strengthening trust and social cohesion in Moldova” project (pending approval). The Project Associate will assist 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.

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.

Corporate Competencies: • Demonstrates commitment to OHCHR, wider United Nations. • Understands and adheres to all relevant rules, regulations and procedures and guidelines, including OHCHR rules and procedures, as well as, where relevant and applicable, UNDP and UNOG rules, regulations and procedures and guidelines. • Adheres to the highest standards of professional ethics in a human rights context. • Exhibits the highest levels of respect for cultural, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, age, sexual orientation and gender identity differences, and endeavors on a permanent basis to advance self-awareness of respect among the diversity of peoples as a core UN value.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning • Shares knowledge and experience • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness • Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment • Excellent interpersonal skills • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Leadership and Self-Management • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure or in situations of multiple demands • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

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.

Inclusivity statement United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds