Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) requires an International Consultant with extensive expertise in NDC implementation, institutional capacity building, and training program development to support the Government of Moldova in enhancing the technical and institutional capacities of national public institutions for mainstreaming climate change into sectoral strategies, policies, and plans. This consultancy is part of the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF) project "Enhancing the technical and institutional capacities of relevant national public institutions in Moldova on mainstreaming climate change into sectoral strategies, policies and plans and on mobilizing resources to meet the country's medium-term (NDC) and long-term (LEDS) climate goals" (PAF25-Q2-BA-06). Moldova has recently submitted its NDC 3.0 (May 2025) and is aligning it with its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). This creates an urgent need to build capacity across key ministries including Environment, Energy, Infrastructure, and Agriculture. The consultant will provide strategic technical guidance and quality assurance for two critical outputs: (1) Capacity Needs Assessment, and (2) Training Programme Development. This consultancy supports UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025 for climate action and NDC implementation support, specifically under the NDC Partnership Action Fund. The international consultant will substantially support and lead activities within the following project outputs: Output 1 delivers a Capacity Needs Assessment that establishes Moldova’s baseline institutional readiness for effective NDC implementation by reviewing existing capacity‑building frameworks, consulting key ministries, and assessing institutional structures, resources, and staff competencies. It identifies technical and organizational gaps, culminating in a validated report with recommended training priorities and stakeholder‑informed selection of national learning partners. Output 2 focuses on developing and delivering tailored training programmes to help planners, technical officers, managers, and decision-makers effectively mainstream climate change at national and sub-national levels. This includes working with national learning partners to design competency frameworks, assess knowledge and skills gaps, and create validated training curricula. Key activities include producing and publishing training materials, delivering training-of-trainers sessions, gathering feedback for monitoring and evaluation, and establishing partnerships with experts and institutions to support sector-specific courses. Cross-cutting Tasks: ● Provide oversight and technical mentoring to local consultants. ● Ensure all outputs adhere to UNEP gender and inclusivity standards. ● Regularly report progress and technical recommendations to UNEP Project Manager. ESTIMATED TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: • 2-3 international missions to Moldova (Chisinau) for CNA validation, training design consultations, and stakeholder workshops (approximately 7-10 days per mission) • Travel costs (flights, accommodation, per diem) will be covered separately by UNEP in accordance with UN travel policies and rates The International Consultant will work collaboratively with local consultants and national partners to support two primary outputs of Moldova’s NDC 3.0 capacity building initiative. The consultant brings international expertise in climate capacity building, NDC implementation support, and training programme development, while local consultants provide Moldova-specific knowledge and on-the-ground implementation capacity. PAYMENT MILESTONE 1 – Inception & Foundation Due: 30 April 2026 | 20 Working Days | Deliverables: D1.1 Inception & Methodology Package – D1.2 Draft CNA Report The CNA establishes a baseline understanding of institutional readiness, technical capacity gaps, and resource constraints that must be addressed for effective NDC implementation. This assessment informs the design of tailored training programmes under Output 2. ACTIVITY 1.1: Desk Review and Expert Consultations Timeline: March - April 2026 Allocation: 5 working days (remote) Description: The consultant conducts a comprehensive desk review and expert consultations to provide a thorough analysis of existing frameworks and best practices for capacity building on climate change mainstreaming. This foundational work examines successful approaches from comparable country contexts and consults with subject matter experts to ensure the assessment is grounded in current knowledge and practical experience. The review includes targeted analysis of previous work conducted under Moldova’s ongoing NDC initiatives (USAID Energy Security Activity, UNEP BTR support, GIZ NDC Readiness project) to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of effort. This activity runs concurrently with Activity 1.2 to maximize engagement efficiency. Key Tasks: - Review international capacity building frameworks (UNDP, NDC Partnership, World Bank methodologies) - Analyze comparable country experiences (Georgia, North Macedonia, Albania, Ukraine) and extract transferable lessons - Map donor landscape in Moldova to identify existing capacity building efforts and gaps - Consult with UNEP technical experts on similar contexts - Review Moldova’s NDC 3.0, NECP drafts, sectoral strategies, and previous project documentation and all related documents Deliverable 1.1: Desk review report documenting existing capacity building frameworks, comparative regional analysis, and international best practices (included in Deliverable 1.2). ACTIVITY 1.2: Stakeholder Consultations and Identification Timeline: March - June 2026 Allocation: 3 working days (1 remote + 2 in Moldova) Description: Working with Ministry of Environment focal points and local consultants, the international consultant supports the identification of relevant government officers and institutions to be included in the capacity assessment. Information gathered during Activity 1.1 informs this stakeholder mapping process. The consultant participates in consultations with the Ministry of Environment and relevant sectoral agencies (Energy, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Economy, Finance) to validate the stakeholder selection and ensure comprehensive coverage of institutions critical for NDC implementation. Key Tasks: - Develop stakeholder mapping framework identifying key ministries, agencies, and levels of government - Conduct consultations with Ministry of Environment and sectoral agencies during Chisinau mission - Identify technical staff, management, and political levels to be assessed - Validate stakeholder list with government counterparts - Ensure inclusion of subnational government representatives Deliverable 1.2: Stakeholder mapping identifying target institutions and officers for assessment (included in comprehensive CNA report). ACTIVITY 1.3: Institutional Capacity Assessment Timeline: April - June 2026 Allocation: 4 working days (2 remote + 2 in Moldova) Description: The consultant, in collaboration with Ministry focal points and local consultants, conducts a comprehensive assessment of current institutional capacities, examining organizational structures, mandates, and decision-making processes of institutions involved in climate change mainstreaming in coordination with local experts. This activity runs in conjunction with Activities 1.1 and 1.2, ensuring the assessment is informed by both international frameworks and direct stakeholder input. The integrated approach captures the nuances of existing institutional arrangements, resource allocations, and coordination mechanisms, enabling the identification of targeted capacity-building needs. Key Tasks: - Design assessment methodology and tools (interview protocols, observation frameworks) - Participate in institutional assessments and interviews with senior officials - Analyze organizational structures, mandates, and decision-making flows - Assess inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms - Document institutional strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement Deliverable 1.3: Institutional assessment findings documenting current capacities and organizational arrangements (included in comprehensive CNA report). ACTIVITY 1.4: Resource Availability Assessment Timeline: March - June 2026 Allocation: 2 working days (in Moldova) Description: The consultant assesses the availability of financial, human, and technological resources dedicated to climate-related work across key institutions in coordination with local experts. This includes reviewing budget allocations, staffing levels and expertise, and available tools and software for climate analysis and planning. Key Tasks: - Review budget documents and financial resource allocations for climate activities - Assess human resource capacity (numbers, qualifications, turnover rates, training received) - Inventory technological resources (software, databases, modeling tools, GIS capacity) - Identify resource constraints limiting NDC implementation effectiveness - Benchmark resource availability against international standards and Moldova’s NDC requirements Deliverable 1.4: Resource assessment findings on financial, human, and technological constraints (included in comprehensive CNA report). ACTIVITY 1.5: Skills Gap Evaluation Timeline: May - June 2026 Allocation: 3 working days (1 remote + 2 in Moldova) Description: The consultant evaluates and identifies gaps in staff skills, training, and expertise across priority technical areas including emissions modeling, climate science, risk assessment, policy integration, climate finance, and MRV systems. Assessment methods include competency testing, interviews, work product review, and self-assessment surveys. Key Tasks: - Develop competency framework for Moldova’s NDC implementation needs - Design and administer skills assessment instruments (technical tests, interviews, surveys) - Evaluate staff capabilities in GHG inventory (energy, AFOLU, IPPU, waste sectors) - Assess capacity for emissions modeling and climate scenario development - Identify critical skill gaps requiring immediate training versus longer-term development - Prioritize gaps based on NDC implementation criticality Deliverable 1.5: Skills gap analysis with prioritized training needs by sector and competency area (included in comprehensive CNA report). PAYMENT MILESTONE 2 – Capacity Assessment & Training Design Due: 30 June 2026 | 12 Working Days | Deliverables: D1.3 CNA Validation & Partner Selection – D2.1 Training Programme Design ACTIVITY 1.6: CNA Report Preparation and Validation
ACTIVITY 1.6: CNA Report Preparation and Validation Timeline: May - August 2026 Allocation: 8 working days (5 remote + 3 in Moldova) Description: Based on findings from Activities 1.1-1.5, the consultant collaborates with local consultants to prepare a comprehensive CNA report. The report synthesizes all assessment findings and provides detailed recommendations on priority training programmes to be developed under Output 2. The draft report undergoes validation through a stakeholder workshop where findings are presented to government counterparts for feedback and endorsement. This validation process ensures government ownership and alignment of recommended capacity building interventions with institutional priorities. Key Tasks: - Synthesize findings from all assessment activities into comprehensive report - Develop specific recommendations for priority training programmes - Organize and co-facilitate validation workshop with Ministry of Environment and sectoral ministries - Present CNA findings and gather stakeholder feedback - Incorporate government input into final CNA report - Finalize report for government approval Deliverable 1.6 (Primary): Comprehensive CNA Report including: - Executive summary - Stakeholder mapping - Institutional capacity assessment findings - Resource availability analysis (financial, human, technological) - Skills gap evaluation by sector and competency - Prioritized recommendations on key training programmes to be developed - Implementation roadmap
ACTIVITY 1.7: National Learning Partner Selection Timeline: April - July 2026 Allocation: 3 working days (in Moldova) Description: Following CNA completion, the consultant works with UNEP and government counterparts to identify and assess potential national learning partners (universities, training institutes, government training bodies) to support sustainable delivery of capacity building programmes. The consultant evaluates candidate institutions based on criteria including technical expertise, training experience, government relationships, infrastructure capacity, and long-term sustainability potential in coordination with local experts and their recommnendations. Early partnership engagement ensures training programmes can be embedded within existing institutional structures. Key Tasks: - Define selection criteria for national learning partners – Assess 3-4 candidate institutions (meetings, facility visits, capability review) - Evaluate technical capacity, training infrastructure, and government relationships - Recommend preferred partner(s) and partnership modality - Facilitate government endorsement of selected partner(s) Deliverable 1.7: National training partner recommendation report with assessment findings and proposed collaboration framework. OUTPUT 2: TRAINING PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT 30 Working Days | April 2026 - July 2026 Building on CNA findings, the consultant collaborates with national learning partners to design, validate, and prepare tailored training programmes for identified target audiences including planners, technical officers, management officials, decision-makers, and subnational authorities. ACTIVITY 2.1: National Partner Engagement Timeline: April 2026 - July 2026 Allocation: 3 working days (2 in Moldova + 1 remote) Description: The consultant facilitates early engagement with selected national learning partners to establish clear collaborative frameworks. This proactive partnership approach ensures training programmes leverage national expertise, are tailored to local needs, and are sustainably embedded within existing institutional structures. Partnership discussions align expectations, define roles and responsibilities, and facilitate joint planning for successful delivery and long-term impact of training initiatives. Key Tasks: - Organize partnership launch workshop with selected national institution(s) - Define roles: national partners develop/deliver training, consultant provides technical guidance - Establish collaborative workflow and quality standards - Develop capacity building plan framework for each target audience - Create communication and coordination protocols Deliverable 2.1: Partnership implementation plan documenting roles, workflow, quality expectations, and collaboration mechanisms.
ACTIVITY 2.2: Competency Framework Development Timeline: March 2026- June 2026 Allocation: 4 working days (remote) Description: The consultant guides development of dedicated competency frameworks that clearly define the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required for each target group involved in climate change mainstreaming activities. These frameworks map core and specialized competencies across different roles (policymakers, technical staff, sectoral practitioners) to ensure training programmes are precisely targeted to actual job requirements. The frameworks establish performance expectations and provide a foundation for pre/post-training assessment. Key Tasks: - Define competency domains for each target audience (technical officers, managers, senior officials, subnational staff) - Specify knowledge components, skill requirements, and performance indicators - Establish competency levels (awareness, basic, proficient, advanced) - Link competencies to Moldova’s NDC priorities and sectoral needs - Validate frameworks with government and national partners Deliverable 2.2: Competency frameworks for all target groups documenting required knowledge, skills, and performance expectations.
ACTIVITY 2.3: Training Needs Data Collection Timeline: March 2026- June 2026 Allocation: 2 working days (1 remote + 1 in Moldova) Description: Working with national partners, the consultant gathers and analyzes additional data to identify existing knowledge levels, specific skill gaps, and priority learning needs for each target group. This supplements CNA findings with detailed input directly from intended training participants. Data collection methods include surveys, focus group discussions, and consultations to understand learning preferences, barriers to participation, and post-training support requirements. Key Tasks: - Design training needs surveys for each target audience - Conduct focus group discussions with representative participants - Analyze existing knowledge baselines and priority skill gaps - Identify learning preferences, format preferences, timing constraints - Document barriers to training participation and application Deliverable 2.3: Training needs analysis report synthesizing data on current capacities, priority gaps, and participant preferences.
ACTIVITY 2.4: Training Programme Design Timeline: March - June 2026 Allocation: 6 working days (remote) Description: In close collaboration with national partners, the consultant designs tailored training programmes for each target stakeholder group based on CNA findings, competency frameworks, and training needs data. Programme designs specify learning objectives, curriculum content, delivery modalities, materials requirements, and sustainability mechanisms. Each programme balances international best practices with Moldova-specific contexts, practical application needs, and implementation constraints. Key Tasks: - Design 3-4 priority training programmes matched to target audiences - Develop detailed curricula (modules, sessions, learning activities, timing) - Specify delivery modalities (in-person, hybrid, duration, language) - Outline required materials (participant manuals, exercises, job aids, slides) - Incorporate sustainability features (train-the-trainer, peer learning, ongoing support) - Ensure programmes use Moldova data, examples, and policy contexts Deliverable 2.4: Training programme design documents (3-4 programmes) each including objectives, detailed curriculum, materials outline, logistics specifications, and sustainability plan.
PAYMENT MILESTONE 3 – Training Programme Implementation Due: 31 October 2026 | 23 Working Days | Deliverables: D2.2 Validated Programmes & Workshop Reports – D2.3 Implementation Support Package ACTIVITY 2.5: Validation Workshops with Target Groups ACTIVITY 2.5: Validation Workshops with Target Groups Timeline: May - June 2026 Allocation: 5 working days (4 in Moldova + 1 remote) Description: The consultant organizes dedicated consultation workshops for each target stakeholder group to review and validate proposed training programme designs. These interactive workshops create platforms for participants to provide direct feedback on relevance, content, structure, and delivery methods. Stakeholder engagement in this validation process ensures programmes align closely with actual needs and expectations. The workshops facilitate rapid feedback cycles, allowing timely refinements to training designs. Key Tasks: - Design validation workshop approach for each target group - Organize 3-4 half-day validation workshops (technical officers, managers, senior officials, subnational) - Present training programme designs and facilitate feedback sessions - Conduct sample exercises to demonstrate proposed teaching approaches - Document stakeholder input and prioritization of content - Refine programme designs based on validation feedback Deliverable 2.5: Validation workshop report summarizing feedback from each stakeholder group and programme adjustments made.
ACTIVITY 2.6: Training Materials Preparation and Train-the-Trainer Timeline: June - Sept 2026 Allocation: 4 working days (3 remote + 1 in Moldova) Description: Following validation, the consultant works with national partners to finalize development of training modules and supporting materials, ensuring they are tailored to specific needs and contexts of each target group. Materials undergo thorough review and validation with input from national partners and ministerial stakeholders to guarantee accuracy, relevance, and practical applicability. In parallel, the consultant participates in training-of-trainers events, equipping selected individuals (institutional focal points, educators, sectoral experts) with the knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to effectively deliver the training content, ensuring sustainability beyond the project period. Key Tasks: - Review and quality-assure participant manuals, facilitator guides, presentation slides, exercises - Validate technical accuracy and Moldova relevance of all materials - Ensure materials are available in Romanian and Russian as appropriate - Participate in train-the-trainer workshops (2-3 days) - Provide guidance on effective training delivery and adult learning approaches - Certify national facilitators are prepared to deliver programmes Deliverable 2.6: Complete training materials packages (participant manuals, facilitator guides, slides, exercises, job aids) for all programmes, validated and ready for delivery.
ACTIVITY 2.7: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Timeline: July - September 2026 Allocation: 2 working days (remote) Description: The consultant prepares feedback questionnaires, reporting templates, and statistical frameworks to monitor and evaluate the capacity development and training programmes. The M&E system captures participant reactions, learning outcomes, behavioral change, and institutional impact to enable continuous improvement. Key Tasks: - Design four-level evaluation framework (reaction, learning, behavior, results) - Develop evaluation instruments (feedback forms, pre/post tests, follow-up surveys) - Create reporting templates and data collection protocols - Establish continuous improvement process for training quality - Define institutional capacity indicators for long-term impact assessment Deliverable 2.7: M&E framework document with complete evaluation instruments, data collection protocols, and reporting templates.
ACTIVITY 2.8: Materials Publication and Dissemination Timeline: August - September 2026 Allocation: 1 working day (remote) Description: The consultant supports publication of print and online versions of finalized training materials and uploads digital versions to public repositories for broader dissemination. Materials are made accessible through government platforms, UNEP knowledge systems, and NDC Partnership portals to enable replication and adaptation by other countries. Key Tasks: - Organize print production and distribution of training materials - Develop brief case study documenting Moldova’s capacity building approach for international sharing - Ensure materials are accessible and well-organized for future use Deliverable 2.8: Published training materials (print and online) with documentation on dissemination channels and accessibility.
ACTIVITY 2.9: Expert Partnerships for Specialized Training Timeline: March - September 2026 (ongoing) Allocation: 3 working days (remote) Description: The consultant establishes and manages partnerships with specialized experts and training institutions to support development and delivery of sector-specific or technically advanced training courses where national partner capacity gaps exist. This may include international experts on advanced climate modeling, climate finance mechanisms, or specialized sectoral applications. Key Tasks: - Identify topics requiring specialized expertise beyond national partner capacity - Source and engage appropriate experts (national, regional, international) - Define expert roles and deliverables for training contributions - Coordinate expert participation in training programme development and delivery - Ensure knowledge transfer from experts to national partners for sustainability Deliverable 2.9: Expert partnership arrangements documentation including roles, contributions, and engagement protocols.
3.2 TIMELINE AND PHASING Total Duration: 7 months (March 2026 - October 2026) International Consultant Engagement: 55 working days spread across the implementation period Phase 1: – Inception, Assessment & Draft CNA (March–May 2026 | 20 days) • Activities 1.1–1.2: Desk review and expert consultations; stakeholder identification and mapping • Activities 1.3–1.5: Institutional capacity assessment; resource availability assessment; skills gap evaluation • Mission 1 to Chisinau: 5–7 days for stakeholder consultations and institutional assessments • Deliverables: D1.1 Inception & Methodology Package – D1.2 Draft CNA Report • Due: 30 April 2026 | 15% of contract value (USD 5,462) Phase 2 – CNA Validation, Partner Selection & Training Design (May–June 2026 | 12 days) • Activities 1.6–1.7: CNA report preparation, validation workshop and national learning partner selection • Activities 2.1–2.4: National partner engagement; competency framework development; training needs data collection; training programme design • Mission 2 to Chisinau: 5–7 days for CNA validation workshops and partner engagement • Deliverables: D1.3 CNA Validation & Partner Selection – D2.1 Training Programme Design • Due: 30 June 2026 | 35% of contract value (USD 12,744) Phase 3 – Workshops, Materials & Implementation (June–October 2026 | 23 days) • Activities 2.5–2.9: Validation workshops with all target groups; training materials finalization; train-the-trainer; M&E framework; publication and dissemination; expert partnerships • Mission 3 to Chisinau: 5–7 days for target group workshops and train-the-trainer • Deliverables: D2.2 Validated Programmes & Workshop Reports – D2.3 Implementation Support Package • Due: 31 October 2026 | 50% of contract value (USD 18,205) Note: Activities from Output 1 and Output 2 run in parallel where feasible. National partner engagement (Activity 2.1) begins while the CNA is being finalized (Activities 1.6–1.7).
3.3 DELIVERABLES SUMMARY Output 1 Deliverables: Deliverable 1. D1.1 – Inception & Methodology Package (8 days): Desk review report (international capacity building frameworks: UNDP, NDC Partnership, World Bank; comparative regional analysis: Georgia, North Macedonia, Albania, Ukraine; donor landscape mapping in Moldova); stakeholder mapping identifying key ministries, agencies and government levels for assessment; assessment methodology and tools (interview protocols, observation frameworks, competency survey instruments); inception report with detailed work plan and quality assurance framework • D1.2 – Draft Capacity Needs Assessment Report (12 days): Institutional capacity assessment findings (organizational structures, mandates, decision-making flows, inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms); resource availability analysis (financial, human and technological resources); skills gap evaluation across priority areas (GHG inventory, emissions modelling, climate science, risk assessment, policy integration, climate finance, MRV systems); prioritized recommendations on key training programmes to be developed; implementation roadmap Deliverable 2 • D1.3 – CNA Validation & Partner Selection (5 days): Delivery of 2 validation workshops for CNA report and training programme design; stakeholder feedback synthesis and incorporation; revised and government-endorsed final CNA report; national learning partner assessment of 3–4 candidate institutions (technical capacity, training infrastructure, government relationships, sustainability potential); recommended partner(s) with proposed collaboration framework; validation workshop report • D2.1 – Training Programme Design (7 days): Partnership implementation plan (roles, workflow, quality standards, communication protocols); competency frameworks for all target groups (technical officers, managers, senior officials, subnational staff) specifying knowledge, skills and performance expectations at awareness / basic / proficient / advanced levels; training needs analysis report (current capacities, priority gaps, participant preferences); draft training programme designs for 3–4 priority programmes (learning objectives, detailed curricula, delivery modalities, materials outline, sustainability plan) Deliverable 3 • D2.2 – Validated Programmes & Workshop Reports (13 days): Delivery of all 5 target group workshops (technical officers, managers, senior officials, subnational staff, train-the-trainer) with workshop reports; validated and finalized training programme designs per stakeholder group; programme refinements based on stakeholder feedback; validated CAN report • D2.3 – Implementation Support Package (10 days): Complete training materials packages for all programmes (participant manuals, facilitator guides, presentation slides, exercises and job aids in Romanian/Russian as appropriate); M&E framework with four-level evaluation instruments (reaction, learning, behaviour, results), data collection protocols and reporting templates; train-the-trainer documentation and certification of national facilitators; published training materials (print and online) with dissemination documentation; expert partnership arrangements for specialized topics (advanced climate modelling, climate finance mechanisms)
