Background

On 23rd of June 2022, the European Council granted the Republic of Moldova the status of EU candidate country which is a substantial achievement, but which comes with great responsibilities and obligations. One of such obligations is the “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” which includes Chapters on the environment and climate change acquis. In this sense, meaningful reform is expected in view of European Green Deal targets.

The Green Transition Project takes due account of this endeavor. Hence, it will put in place the enabling conditions for a green transformation in Moldova through a combination of cross-sectorial decision-making in joint stakeholder platforms, capacity building measures, general education and awareness raising, dissemination of best policy practices, information sharing and networking, as well as pilot-testing green-transition related solutions and other activities, to ensure that the green transition concept is well understood and implemented.

The established enabling conditions and investments into green-transition solutions will respond to the key development challenges that the country is currently dealing with, such as climate change, environmental pollution, and the energy crisis.

It is well acknowledged that Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate change, given the limited resources and institutional capacities to address the climate change impacts. It is also due to the heavy reliance on the agricultural sector, water scarcity, and other geographical factors. Currently the country is advancing with the national adaptation planning, including in the agricultural sector, aimed at putting in place proper intuitional, technical, and budgeting capacities in the context of climate change, however significant gaps remain in embarking of the sectors into achievement of the long-term adaptation targets.

Environmental degradation is also posing a major threat to Moldova’s development agenda as its economy relies greatly on natural resources which leads to their overexploitation and pollution. Inadequate waste management practices and outdated practices and technologies in the key sectors of the economy also contribute to environmental degradation and pollution. Mainstreaming of the green agenda into the country’s economic activities is taking place slowly.

Moldova is in line with the global trend of continuously growing urbanization, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas expected to rise from 47% in 2010 to 60% in 2030 (UN Habitat). Cities are increasingly and significantly contributing to the main drivers of global environmental degradation. The municipalities have the greatest impact on air quality and are responsible for more than 50% of total air pollution in Moldova.

From energy security perspective – Moldova is highly dependent on imported energy sources and rely mostly on the use of fossil fuels. In addition, inefficient energy supply and consumption across all sectors exacerbates the situation. Until recently being 100% dependent on Russian gas import, the country is actively seeking diversification of energy supplies after the war of aggression in Ukraine. Improvements both in energy efficiency and in the development of domestic resources – including renewable energy resources – for strengthened sustainability, competitiveness, and energy security rank high on the political agenda. Energy sector and also the main source of GHG emissions in the country.

Against this background, the Green Transition Project aims to support the Government of Moldova to engage sustainably in a transformative green agenda by enhancing awareness, building capacities, and encouraging investments into low-emission and resource efficient economy.

The target areas of the project are resource efficiency, green and circular economy, cleaner and sustainable energy, and mobility.

The Project is be implemented under the following three specific components:

1. Socio-economic framework for gender-responsive and inclusive green transition enabled.

2. Capacity and awareness of the inclusive green transition increased among key stakeholders.

3. Additional funding attracted by promoting and piloting investments in green and innovative technologies, while evidence-based decision-making for green transition is improved by deploying a reliable air quality monitoring system.

The Republic of Moldova has committed to advancing its green development agenda as a cornerstone of its European Union (EU) candidacy efforts. These commitments are enshrined in the Association Agreement with the EU, which emphasizes sustainable development and the promotion of a green economy. This strategic alignment underscores Moldova’s determination to implement transformative reforms in environmental governance and sustainability, ensuring progress toward a resilient and inclusive future.

The Green Transition Project is a key initiative supporting Moldova’s green ambitions, focusing on five the following interrelated thematic areas:

• Waste Management and Circularity
• Green Mobility
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework
• Green Financing
• Resource Efficiency
• Air Quality
• Green Innovation & Sustainable Business
• Capacity Building & Awareness

To ensure the successful implementation of its objectives, the project seeks to encourage partnerships and foster cooperation among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including public authorities, private sector actors, civil society, and the general population. Effective collaboration is vital for driving impactful and inclusive interventions across thematic areas.

The implementation period of the project is 48 months, and the total budget is 10 mln EUR.

Aligned with the Green Transition Project objective 1.1.2. Strengthening existing and/or establishing new networks between schools/universities and youth organizations, in view of launching educational or R&I initiatives in selected green transition priority areas —the Green Tech Hub will brace the Republic of Moldova’s startup ecosystem by supporting startups in competitiveness, market access, and financing, ultimately boosting climate resilience and sustainability.

The GreenTech Hub is a transformative platform designed to foster innovation, strengthen capacities, and support the transition to a sustainable and circular economy. It serves as a collaborative space that brings together industry, academia, government, the private sector, and community stakeholders to develop solutions addressing critical environmental and economic challenges.

The Hub's mission is to stimulate research, education, mentoring, and partnership-building to drive the adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices. By facilitating cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the GreenTech Hub aims to accelerate the transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and resource-efficient economy.

The Green Tech Hub focuses on key thematic areas, including:

• Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency – Advancing solar, wind, and energy storage technologies, optimizing smart grids, and promoting energy-efficient materials and systems (batteries, LED lighting, thermal insulation, etc.).
• Green Engineering & Sustainable Construction – Supporting smart design, green building materials, and infrastructure solutions that enhance resource efficiency and promote circular material use.
• Clean Technologies – Driving innovation in filtration systems, chemical-free treatment methods, and other environmentally friendly technologies.
• Smart & Sustainable Mobility – Developing smart logistics and e-mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and integrated transportation systems.
• Circular Economy & Waste Management – Encouraging textile reuse, product circularity, sustainable waste processing, and innovative plastic and industrial recycling/upcycling solutions.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Strengthening the green startup ecosystem by fostering innovation, providing mentorship, and facilitating investment opportunities in cleantech solutions.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, the GreenTech Hub will act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, supporting businesses, researchers, and policymakers in advancing green technologies and integrating circular economy principles.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

The Project Analyst shall exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies, as well as implementation of effective internal control systems. The Project Analyst will apply and promote the principles of results-based management (RBM) and a client-oriented approach, ensuring alignment with donor regulations and project objectives. The Analyst will anticipate and resolve project-related challenges, ensuring smooth operations and stakeholder engagement.

The Project Analyst will coordinate the implementation of activities to establish and launch the Green Tech Hub, particularly focusing on:

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate collaboration and maintain strong communication with key stakeholders, including universities, the business sector, government entities, public institutions, and international partners.
• Establish and manage strategic partnerships to enhance the Green Tech Hub’s visibility, sustainability and impact.
• Organize meetings, roundtables, and workshops to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue and knowledge exchange.
• Support networking efforts to integrate the Green Tech Hub into national innovation and business ecosystems.
• Identify and engage potential private sector sponsors, investors, and technology partners to support the Hub’s sustainability.

Operational and Procurement Support:

• Provide assistance to the Business Development Manager in drafting tender and procurement documentation for services, equipment, and materials necessary for the Hub’s establishment and operations.
• Support procurement processes in compliance with donor and project regulations, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
• Monitor contract execution and coordinate with service providers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Assist in budget planning and resource allocation to optimize Hub development activities.

Organizational Development and Hub Governance:

• Provide support in developing the organizational structure and governance framework for the Green Tech Hub, ensuring a sustainable operational model.
• Provide support in drafting internal policies, operational guidelines, and procedures for the effective management of the Hub.
• Provide support in developing the Business Plan of the GreenTech Hub in order to ensure its sustainability and business viability.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and collaboration mechanisms among key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with best practices in green innovation and entrepreneurship support.

Coordination of Hub Establishment Activities:

• Oversee the planning and execution of all necessary activities to operationalize the Green Tech Hub.
• Coordinate logistics, facility setup, and infrastructure development for the Hub’s physical and digital presence.
• Ensure the integration of sustainability principles and circular economy concepts into the Hub’s programs and initiatives.
• Track and report on key milestones, risks, and challenges related to the establishment of the Hub.

By executing these functions, the Project Analyst will play a critical role in the successful launch and development of the Green Tech Hub, ensuring its long-term viability and contribution to Moldova’s green transition.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager and Business Development Manager, the Project Analyst shall contribute to the effective and efficient establishment and development of the Green Tech Hub.

The Project Analyst will work in close collaboration with the Business Development Manager, project staff, and key stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector representatives, universities, and development partners, to facilitate the successful implementation of the Green Tech Hub’s activities.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Business development - Collective Intelligence Design:

• Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services.
• Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices.

Business development - Knowledge Facilitation:

• Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Business management - Communication:

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Business management - Change Management:

• Initiate, design and ensure successful implementation of organizational change; prepare and support individuals and teams in implementing change

Business management - Resource Management:

• Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity

Business management - Partnerships Management:

• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business management - Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
• Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
• Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum education requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Business, Management, Public Relations, Economics, Sociology, International Relations, or another relevant field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of experience can be taken into consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• At least 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressive experience in project and/or programme management, reporting, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and/or other substantive areas is required.

Required skills

• Proven experience in elaboration and/or implementation of development strategies and initiatives for SMEs sector and/or organization supporting SMEs.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships including academia, private and public sectors.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Proven experience with UNDP or other UN Agencies in project management and/or implementation.
• Strong understanding of international development processes, donor funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience working directly with or within business incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, technology parks, research centers, or similar entrepreneurial support organizations.
• Experience in managing large-scale development projects, particularly those related to startup ecosystem, economic development, or sustainable development initiatives.

Required language(s)

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required;
• Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and sign language, is an asset.

Professional certificates

• Additional training and/or certification in project management would be an advantage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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