Background
The Republic of Moldova has undergone a profound socio-economic transformation since gaining independence in 1991. While the country has achieved sustained economic growth over the past decade, its economy remains relatively undiversified and highly vulnerable to external shocks, particularly those induced by climate variability. Agriculture continues to play a central role in Moldova’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to GDP. However, this sector is especially sensitive to climate extremes such as droughts, floods, and temperature fluctuations, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
Over the past 130 years, Moldova’s climate has become markedly warmer and drier. Scientific assessments and long-term meteorological data indicate a trend toward a semi-arid climate, with projections showing further reductions in precipitation and increased evaporation rates. These changes pose serious risks to water availability, agricultural productivity, forest health, public health, and infrastructure resilience. Moldova ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries in Europe, and the medium- to long-term impacts of climate change are expected to intensify across social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
Despite these challenges, Moldova has demonstrated strong political commitment to climate action. The country submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) in 2025, informed by the outcomes of the first global stocktake. It sets ambitious, legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 71% by 2030 and 75% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. It includes strong methane reduction goals and integrates adaptation priorities across agriculture, energy, forestry, health, transport, and water. The strategy is aligned with EU climate goals and Moldova’s accession process, supported by laws and national programs such as the LEDP 2030 and NCCAP 2030. Significant investments are planned in renewable energy, energy efficiency, public infrastructure, and forest expansion. Moldova emphasizes a just transition, gender-responsive planning, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The country has established robust monitoring and reporting systems and is preparing for participation in international carbon markets.
Importantly, Moldova’s climate policy framework emphasizes inclusive and equitable climate action, prioritizing the involvement of vulnerable groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, and low-income communities in decision-making and benefit-sharing. This reflects a commitment to a just transition, ensuring that climate resilience efforts do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
Institutionally, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) serves as the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is responsible for environmental protection, climate change policy, and natural resource management. The National Commission on Climate Change (NCCC), chaired by the Prime Minister, is mandated to coordinate climate policy implementation across sectors. However, both the MoE and NCCC face capacity constraints that limit their ability to effectively plan, coordinate, and monitor climate action.
To address these challenges, the GCF Readiness grant aims to strengthen Moldova’s institutional architecture for climate governance, enhance technical capacities, and improve knowledge management systems. The project will support the operationalization of the NDA and NCCC, mainstream climate priorities into national and sectoral policies, and develop a pipeline of bankable climate finance proposals. It will also promote the development and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned to inform future programming.
The Readiness support specifically targets four critical barriers:
Limited capacity for coordination of climate action – including weak inter-institutional mechanisms and under-resourced climate governance bodies. Insufficient planning and mainstreaming of climate action – with climate risks not adequately integrated into national and sectoral development strategies or budgets. Limited financing, funding, and budgeting for climate action – with a heavy reliance on external donor support and limited capacity to develop bankable proposals. Inadequate data, knowledge, and information management – including outdated climate data, weak dissemination platforms, and limited access to evidence-based decision-making tools.By overcoming these barriers, the project will contribute to Moldova’s ability to meet its national, regional, and global climate commitments, while building long-term resilience and sustainable development pathways. To support the implementation of Moldova’s climate commitments, targeted capacity building is essential across institutions, sectors, and communities. The Readiness grant includes several outputs that directly address institutional strengthening, gender-responsive planning, and climate-resilient technologies.
The Capacity Building Officer, has a key role in strengthening the National Climate Change Commission (NCCC), formalizing its mandate, and embedding its Secretariat within national systems. He/she will be supporting design and delivery of training programs, institutional development, and stakeholder engagement, as well as the development of procedures, tools, and reporting mechanisms to support national climate priorities, EU accession, and international climate commitments implementation. The Officer will ensure that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with Moldova’s national and international commitments. This includes facilitating continuous learning, integrating climate into public finance systems, and strengthening local capacities for implementation and monitoring.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Capacity Building Officer is responsible for implementation of the Activities to ensure the delivery of following results:
Output 1.1.2. NDA mechanisms established or strengthened for interinstitutional coordination, including engagement with the GCF and other climate funds Output 2.2.5. Studies, modelling efforts and other research efforts conducted/developed Output 5.1.1. NDAs, DAEs, DPs have developed knowledge products containing information on LECRD, lessons learned, or best practices extracted from within the country and from other countries Output 5.1.2. NDA has established process, systems and/or platforms for identification of best practices, lessons learned and Knowledge Management and maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, provide information relevant to the project.Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, overall guidance of the UNDP CO (Climate Change, Environment and Energy (EECC) Programme Analyst), the incumbent provides effective and efficient support to the initiative through a range of actions contributing to the management and monitoring of initiative activities. The selected Capacity Building Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results.
The selected Capacity Building Officer 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 Capacity Building Officer, in close cooperation with the UNDP CO (EECC Cluster) and all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, it’s subordinated institutions, and LPAs, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, 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 (HRBA) and gender equality (GE) approaches, specifically:
Coordinate effective Outcomes planning and implementation
Develop project planning process and ensure the work plan and a fully costed budget are prepared based on sound capacity assessments and in accordance with UNDP POPP/PPM Guidelines. Coordinate / manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned portfolio and the overall implementation process, including planning and monitoring in order to optimize the use of resources and to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives and results specified in project document. Provide subject matter technical advice and support and ensure outputs are delivered on time, within the set budget and specified constraints, and to high-quality standards. Facilitate establishment of interactive and inclusive platforms for project implementation and collaborate with other Programme units and project teams to ensure integration of critical development issues in the project activities and expected project outputs. Ensure implementation activities are in alignment with UNDP policy and programme management procedures, and all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows. Facilitate the institutional strengthening and operationalization of the National Climate Change Commission (NCCC) including NCCC Secretariat and NCCC Working Groups. Support formalization of its mandate to oversee, guide, and monitor national climate policy and programming, including inter-ministerial coordination, decision-making processes, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure the NCCC Secretariat is legally mandated, adequately staffed and equipped, and embedded within national systems for long-term functionality. Support development and promotion of procedures, tools, and reporting mechanisms to ensure the NCCC functions effectively, transparently, and in alignment with national priorities, EU accession requirements, and international climate commitments. Build NCCC secretariat capacities in strategic planning, inter-sectoral coordination, and financial oversight, thereby enhancing the NCCC’s ability to guide and accelerate national climate action in line with EU accession and international commitments. Lead and coordinate the development of sectoral and cross-sectoral studies (e.g., vulnerability assessments, climate risk modelling, cost–benefit analyses of adaptation and mitigation options). Ensure gender and social inclusion, and promote participatory research and decision-making to inform national planning and budgeting. Ensure integration of gender and social inclusion perspectives into all studies and modelling efforts, ensuring that impacts on vulnerable groups (women, rural households, low-income communities) are captured. Involve CSOs, women’s organizations, and local stakeholders in data collection, validation, and peer review processes. Promote participatory approaches so that research outputs reflect the lived realities of affected populations. Support the NDA in establishment of climate knowledge platforms and institutionalize training programs across government and academia to ensure long-term access to climate data, tools, and expertise. Promote partnerships for curriculum development and continuous learning. Support the development and implementation of a national climate budget tagging (CBT) to systematically monitor climate-related expenditures and investments across sectors. Support ministries and agencies in applying the CBT, and ensure its integration with national planning and reporting tools to improve transparency, accountability, and access to international climate finance. Develop and implement exit and sustainability strategies to secure the continuity of project benefits beyond the implementation period. Ensure institutional ownership by embedding processes and tools within national systems, and support the design of resource mobilization plans to maintain financial viability. Perform any other duties as required by the Project Manager and Country Office Team.Establish partnerships and open channels of communication.
Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and how best to leverage their participation and/or strengthen their engagement. Prepare substantive briefs on possible sectorial and cross-sectorial areas of cooperation, and opportunities for joint initiatives. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies. Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in the meetings. Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. Support resource mobilization efforts and project development. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote awareness of gender-sensitive climate resilience activities at the local level, including in the climate change and interrelated sectors. Maintain a continuous and effective dialogue with key stakeholders, including central and local government, other UN agencies, CSOs, partner organizations, and experts to ensure synergies and avoid overlap. Maintain close collaboration with other related UNDP projects to ensure synergies and complementarities. Ensure consultation and validation of developed sectoral and cross-sectoral studies (e.g., vulnerability assessments, climate risk modelling, cost–benefit analyses) with relevant stakeholders. Guarantee that methodologies follow internationally recognized standards (e.g., IPCC guidelines) and reflect sectoral needs. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and open channels of communication between NCCC Working Groups and key stakeholders. Facilitate regular dialogue, joint planning, and knowledge exchange to support coordinated climate action and policy coherence. Promote multi-stakeholder platforms, working groups, and thematic networks to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared ownership of climate resilience and gender equality initiatives.Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set
Review the results framework and update the indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned portfolio. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. Monitor implementation and progress in achieving goals and targets in accordance with the established quality criteria and UNDP rules, regulations, and standards. Identify, analyze, and take adequate measures to manage emerging issues, problems, and risks. Conduct field visits to project location sites. Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of project outputs and products, as per the Project Document. Develop and submit work plans, narrative progress reports, final reports, and financial status reports to the supervisor. Oversee peer review and validation of developed materials to ensure quality and relevance. Support dissemination through knowledge platforms, workshops, and online channels to inform policy, programming, and practice. Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks and feedback mechanisms for climate finance and other thematic areas. Align indicators and tools with national and international standards, and promote transparency through citizen engagement and grievance redress systems. Provide technical support, conduct reviews, and integrate findings into policies, capacity-building, and investment planning. Capture and document lessons learned, good practices, and innovations throughout implementation. Facilitate knowledge exchange among stakeholders and contribute to the development of knowledge products and communication materials. Maintain and update the project risk log and mitigation measures. Monitor social and environmental risks and ensure compliance with UNDP’s Social and Environmental StandardsFacilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned Outcomes
Lead and coordinate capacity-building and knowledge-sharing events, including planning, preparation of materials, and engagement of stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Ensure inclusive participation with attention to gender, youth, and vulnerable groups, and involve national and international experts for trainings and peer exchanges. Oversee logistics, documentation, and reporting, and ensure follow-up actions such as dissemination of results and integration of recommendations. Organize study visits and regional/EU exchanges to promote peer learning and best practice transfer. Maintain a close collaboration with other related UNDP projects to ensure synergies and complementarities; Ensure high quality information and visibility of the project activities to the mass media and stakeholders and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local, national, and as required at international levels; Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required; Produce accessible, gender-responsive knowledge products, policy briefs, case studies, and reports on climate adaptation and mitigation. Gather inputs from ministries, academia, civil society, and the private sector, ensuring alignment with Moldova’s NDC, NCCAP, and EU standards. Facilitate awareness and outreach activities to promote broad use of climate knowledge platforms (e.g., www.clima.gov.md) as central hubs for data, tools, and best practices. Encourage stakeholder contributions and feedback to enhance platform relevance and usability. Organize targeted trainings and workshops to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, planners, and technical staff. Promote cross-sectoral coordination and stakeholder engagement for evidence-based and climate-resilient planning and budgeting. Support the development and institutionalization of climate-related curricula and training modules in collaboration with educational institutions and training centers. Promote long-term capacity development through partnerships and accreditation processes. Capture and disseminate lessons learned and successful practices from project implementation through knowledge-sharing events, publications, and integration into policy and planning processes.Key Results:
The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of Capacity building for climate action in the Republic of Moldova Project Outcomes as follows:\\
Outcome 1.1: Country NDAs or focal points and the network/ systems that enable them to fulfil their roles, responsibilities and policy requirements are operational and effective Outcome 2.2: GCF recipient countries have developed or enhanced strategic frameworks to address policy gaps, improve sectoral expertise, and enhance enabling environments for GCF Programming in low-emission investment Outcome 5.1: Best practices with respect to institutional capacity building and coordination, direct access, and pipeline development are developed and disseminated to strengthen engagement by NDA, DAEs, and delivery partners with the GCFAccurate 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 Capacity Building Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and overall guidance of the Climate Change, Environment and Energy Programme Analyst 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 and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. He/she will coordinate the part time consultants, as envisaged in programme’s organizational chart.
The Capacity Building Officer will work in in close cooperation with the UNDP CO EECC Cluster team and Project stakeholders for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex project/project-related issues and information delivery.
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 competencies
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 goalsBusiness 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 systemBusiness 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 & Innovation - Agile methodologies and practices:
Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising 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 - Digital capacity building:
Ability to increase the impact of digital communications through trainings, partnerships and relevant resourcesDigital - Innovation capacity building:
Ability to define and create the conditions for trying out new ways of working or introducing new problem-solving approaches to an organisation. Ability to develop, manage and evaluate a learning curriculum that raises awareness, builds confidence, strengthens innovation capabilities around a certain method, tool or technique; or helps develop an innovation mindset. Ability to create the authorising environment (mandate, incentives) to embed and spread new ways of working. In-depth knowledge of one or more innovation methods, broad knowledge of innovation processes and innovation management. Ability to align a learning and development strategy with broader innovation strategy.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced degree in Public Administration, Economics, Environment, Climate Change, or related fields, etc; OR A first-level university degree (Bachelors’ Degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s degree.Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressive experience in guiding the implementation of the environment/climate change programmes and projects; Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.Desired skills and experience:
Experience in capacity building, technical assistance, and institutional strengthening for public sector actors. Demonstrated experience in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, private sector actors, central and local public authorities. Experience in supporting inter-institutional coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement for policy alignment and implementation in the Republic of Moldova.Required Language(s):
Fluency in Romanian and English language is required. Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant to Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language, is an asset.Professional Certificates:
Additional training and certification in project management and/or business administration 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.
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