Project Description

Recognizing the importance of a just and green energy transition in addressing the root causes of the ongoing crisis, UNDP’s “Accelerating a Just Energy Transition in the Republic of Moldova” portfolio of interventions—specifically the “Project for a Resilient, Inclusive and Digitalized Energy Sector in Moldova,” part of the JET portfolio supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)—aims to accelerate a just green transition in the energy and transport sectors. The portfolio builds on UNDP’s experience in strengthening energy security by addressing the impacts of the energy crisis while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and long-term transition.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 

One of the key priorities of the project is to strengthen the cybersecurity and climate resilience of Moldova’s energy sector, given the increasing exposure to cyber threats resulting from the digitalization of energy systems, as well as growing vulnerabilities to climate-induced risks such as extreme weather events. The proposed intervention focuses on deploying integrated technical solutions, strengthening institutional capacities, and supporting regulatory adaptation to ensure the secure and resilient operation of critical energy infrastructure.

The need to strengthen cybersecurity and climate resilience of the energy sector is driven by increased exposure to cyberattacks and cybersecurity incidents due to the digitalization of the energy system, as well as vulnerability to climate-induced risks such as extreme weather events. It is essential to deploy integrated solutions that protect critical energy infrastructure from both cyberattacks and climate risks, alongside comprehensive capacity building programs.

Scope of Work

The Cybersecurity Analyst will support the implementation of the following activities: 

• Support the establishment of a Coordinating Council for Energy Cybersecurity - provide support for creating a Coordinating Council for Energy Cybersecurity, tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of cybersecurity measures across Moldova’s energy infrastructure. 
• Support the implementation of integrated cybersecurity and climate resilience solutions for the institutions of critical importance in the energy sector - in collaboration with system operators and based on existing cybersecurity audits and Technological Needs Assessment (TNA) for resilience of the energy system, support the deployment of integrated solutions to protect critical energy infrastructure from both cyberattacks and climate risks. 
• Build capacity for cybersecurity, climate risk management, and resilience planning, and will maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, provide information relevant to the project, support with M&E.

The Cybersecurity Analyst will conduct and implement the following tasks (but not limited to): 

Support to the Establishment of the Coordination Council for Energy Cybersecurity

• Provide technical and organizational support for the establishment and operationalization of the Coordination Council for Energy Cybersecurity as a national coordination mechanism.
• Support the Ministry of Energy and other authorities in defining the mandate, roles, responsibilities, and governance structure of the Coordinating Council according to the Program for the digital transformation of the energy sector in the Republic of Moldova for the years 2026-2030.
• Facilitate coordination and structured dialogue between the Coordination Council and at least seven state-owned energy system operators founded by the Ministry of Energy and the Agency for Public Properties.
• Contribute to the development of a national coordination framework for cybersecurity in the energy sector. 
• Support the organization and facilitation of initial meetings and technical working sessions in order to establish a functional short- and medium-term roadmap to support the implementation of the objectives set out in the Programme for the Digital Transformation of the Energy Sector for 2026–2030.

Deployment of Integrated Cybersecurity Solutions 

• Provide technical advisory support for the implementation of integrated cybersecurity and climate resilience solutions for institutions of critical importance in the energy sector.
• Support system operators in identifying priority cybersecurity and climate resilience interventions based on identified vulnerabilities and risks.
  Contribute to the technical specification and deployment of integrated solutions, including:
  a.    real-time monitoring and early warning systems;
  b.    intrusion detection and prevention systems;
  c.    cybersecurity firewalls and network protection measures;
  d.    climate adaptation measures addressing physical risks to energy infrastructure.
• Ensure that deployed solutions protect both digital and physical assets related to energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage.
• Provide technical input to procurement-related documentation (technical specifications, evaluation criteria, deliverables) related to cybersecurity and climate resilience solutions, as required.

Facilitate knowledge and Capacity Building for Cybersecurity 

• Design and contribute to the implementation of capacity-building programmes on cybersecurity and climate risk management for:
  a.    Ministry of Energy;
  b.    energy system operators;
  c.    National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE);
  d.    National Cybersecurity Agency.
• Develop training materials and technical guidance covering:
  a.    cyber risk identification and response protocols;
  b.    climate risk assessment and adaptation strategies;
  c.    resilience planning for critical energy infrastructure (e.g. substations, transmission lines, power plants).
• Promote the integration of cybersecurity and climate resilience considerations into the operational and management practices of energy sector institutions.
• Support the development of the concepts for workshops, trainings, and technical sessions for relevant stakeholders and contribute to post-training evaluation and knowledge documentation. 
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.

Coordination and reporting 

• Ensure close coordination with UNDP, national counterparts, and project stakeholders to avoid duplication and ensure complementarity with other ongoing initiatives.
• Prepare concise technical reports, recommendations, and inputs related to assigned tasks, in line with UNDP quality standards.
• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and good practices related to energy cybersecurity and climate resilience.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The selected Cybersecurity Analyst is expected to collaborate also 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.

The Cybersecurity Analyst, in close cooperation with the UNDP Country Office and all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy, National Cybersecurity Agency, energy operators, ANRE, and other relevant entities, will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the initiative) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying human rights-based and gender equality approaches.

The Cybersecurity Analyst might perform other duties within its functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Organization.

Key Results: 

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the project priorities related to energy cybersecurity and climate resilience. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary, and UNDP management.

Institutional Arrangement 

The Cybersecurity Analyst will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, and overall coordination of the Just Energy Transition Programme Manager and the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Cluster Lead and will ensure the provision of development services and products commensurate with the scope of the Programme and assigned area of responsibility of the highest quality and standards to national and local counterparts. 

The Cybersecurity Analyst will work in close cooperation with the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex project/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.

Competencies

Core

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 & Technical

Business Management - Results-based Management    

• Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. 
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Management - Project Management    

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking    

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

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.

Digital - Agile' methodologies and practices    

• Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement.  
• Ability to manage a self-organizing cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. 
• Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.

Communications - Cybersecurity    

• Ability to analyze and advise on cybersecurity issues and policies for digital communications.

Information Management & Technology - IT Security Management    

• Knowledge of Cyber Security technologies, processes, techniques and tools. 
• Apply practical innovations to solve cybersecurity problems. 
• Capability to keep UNDP systems

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Academic Education    

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) University degree in areas such as computer sciences, engineering, cybersecurity, telecommunications or related fields, or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience  

• Minimum of 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) in information technology on positions involving cyber security projects and/or information security management, implementation and/or assessment.   
• Proven experience in implementation and/or provision consultancy/advisory services related to assessment of ICT and cyber security processes and tools (at least 3 projects).

Required skills    

• Good understanding of,  and exposure to national cybersecurity ecosystem and legislative framework. 

Additional desired skills and experience    

• Relevant professional experience of engagement with a large variety of stakeholders (public, private, central public authorities, academia).
• Experience in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure or energy systems.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for NGOs, academia, a donor organization, development partners, UN Agencies.
• Demonstrated specialized professional experience in engaging with cybersecurity activities.

Required Language(s) 

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

Professional Certificates 

• Certifications CISSP and CISM or similar is an asset.

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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