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 of 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 the 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 Inadequate waste management practices and outdated practices and technologies in the key sectors of the economy also contribute to environmental degradation and pollution.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:
Socio-economic framework for a gender-responsive and inclusive green transition enabled. Capacity and awareness on the inclusive green transition increased among key stakeholders. 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 Development Capacity Building & Awareness on Green TransitionTo 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
3. Scope of Work
Moldova is strengthening its climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, integrating sustainability into national strategies. To support this transformation, the Green Transition Project is developing the Sustainable Moldova Online Platform, a digital hub to drive green transition, ESG reporting, and access to financing opportunities.
The Sustainable Moldova platform will provide user-friendly reporting tools for SMEs, best practices on meeting ESG criteria and applying green solutions, success stories from companies already reporting on ESG, a carbon footprint calculator, and training and educational materials on ESG.
An essential element of the platform is a voluntary ESG reporting system for SMEs, complemented by training and ongoing support.
The objective of the assignment is to support the Green Transition Project team in developing the Sustainable Moldova online platform under the \"Sustainable Moldova\" campaign by creating a voluntary, user-friendly ESG reporting system tailored for SMEs. The ESG Reporting Analyst will design practical ESG reporting tools, develop a reporting methodology aligned with EU sustainability frameworks (CSRD, ESRS), draft a standard ESG reporting template, prepare training curricula on ESG principles, and assist in platform testing with SMEs.
Specifically, the ESG Reporting Analyst will contribute to developing content and analytical components for the Sustainable Moldova platform, ensuring that ESG reporting tools are simple, scalable, and accessible for businesses of different sizes and sectors. Furthermore, the Analyst will assess SME user needs, regulatory requirements, and market practices to propose ESG reporting methodology and guidelines improvements to the ESG reporting functionalities, public ESG data accessibility, and SME support materials, ensuring alignment with international best practices and Moldova’s green transition objectives.
The ESG Reporting Analyst will apply results-based management principles and a client-oriented approach to ensure that outputs meet project objectives, align with EU sustainability standards, and address the needs of the Moldovan private sector.
The ESG Reporting Analyst will ensure that ESG tools and training materials are fully integrated into the platform’s structure, accessible to SMEs, and promote voluntary but progressive ESG reporting practices.
The ESG Reporting Analyst shall ensure full compliance with UNDP programming, procurement, financial, and administrative rules, regulations, and policies, and contribute to the establishment of effective internal control systems.
Moreover, the ESG Reporting Analyst will support the development of the ESG reporting methodology, guidelines, templates for the Sustainable Moldova platform, provide support in drafting the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the ICT company that will develop the platform, and provide necessary methodological support related to ESG reporting throughout the platform’s development and implementation process.
Summary of key functions:
The ESG Reporting Analyst will support the development and implementation of the ESG reporting methodology, voluntary reporting template and guidelines for SMEs and trainings program development by focusing on the following key areas:
The ESG Reporting Analyst will support the development and implementation of the ESG reporting methodology, voluntary reporting template and guidelines for SMEs and trainings program development by focusing on the following key areas:
ESG Reporting Methodology
Lead the conceptualization and design of the one of the Sustainable Moldova platform’s modules: ESG Reporting, ensuring it aligns with international best practices and user-friendly design. Analyze ESG reporting frameworks applicable to SMEs (e.g., VSME, ESRS, GRI etc.) and propose best one for the platform, taking into consideration the current ESG reporting national legal framework, SMEs capacities etc. Develop an adapted ESG Reporting Methodology tailored to Moldovan SMEs, considering local regulatory trends, EU CSRD requirements, and voluntary reporting needs. Define core and optional ESG indicators: Core indicators: environmental performance (energy, waste, emissions), social aspects (employees, diversity), governance aspects (ethics, compliance). Optional sector-specific indicators. Outline data collection processes, including manual entry and automated integration with utility providers.ESG Reporting Template
Create an editable ESG Reporting Template to be integrated into the platform's online tool. Ensure the template is: Modular (basic/advanced options based on SME readiness). Clear, simple, and aligned with EU reporting standards. Draft practical guidance notes for users completing the template Collaborate with ICT Analyst to define key reporting variables (if the case), including: Enterprise categorization algorithm based on ESG compliance. Verification mechanisms for ESG reports/applicants. Automated report generation and validation process.Procurement & Technical Documentation
Provide support in developing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the ICT company responsible for developing the Sustainable Moldova platform. Provide support in testing and validation of the ESG reporting module.Development of Key Features of the ESG module
Define and oversee the implementation of core features (if the case), including: Online ESG reporting tools (pre-built templates, automated compliance checks). Carbon footprint calculator for businesses (with support of the Ministry of Environment). E-learning & training modules on ESG, sustainability, and compliance.Long-Term Sustainability & Platform Evolution
Provide recommendations for long-term sustainability, for the ESG reporting module of the Sustainable Moldova platform. Identify and analyze the possibility of adding additional information on ESG criteria under the report in the future for a more complex reporting. Ensure compliance, when necessary, with national and EU legal frameworks. Ensure consultations with businesses through Business Support Organizations (BSOs) from Moldova and ODA to validate the proposed ESG reporting methodology.Platform Testing and Validation
Collaborate with the ICT team and Green Transition Project team to test the ESG Reporting Module. Support testing sessions with SMEs to evaluate the ESG tools and training materials. Collect user feedback and propose adjustments and improvements.ESG Training & Capacity Building
Contribute to the development of a training guide on ESG reporting module for the Sustainable Moldova platform users. Carry out the training sessions for SMEs, government agencies, and stakeholders on ESG reporting and digital tools. Design an ESG Training Concept tailored for SMEs. Develop a Curriculum covering: Introduction to ESG and green transition in Moldova. Deep dive into environmental, social, and governance topics. CSRD, VSME and ESRS overview and relevance to SMEs. Using the ESG Reporting Template. Using the Carbon Footprint Calculator. Access to Green Financing and how ESG impacts funding Case studies from Moldova and EU best practices. Analyze the possibility to develop ESG reporting online webinars.Advisory Support
Provide advice during the platform integration phase, ensuring ESG data flows and public ESG database setup meet international standards. Participate in relevant meetings (e.g., Advisory Board discussions, public consultations).By executing these functions, the ESG Reporting Analyst will play a key role in ensuring the successful development, implementation, and optimization of the Sustainable Moldova Online Platform, contributing to Moldova’s digital transformation and green transition efforts.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the overall guidance of the Green Transition Project Manager, the ESG Reporting Analyst will contribute to the effective development and implementation of the Sustainable Moldova Online Platform, focusing on the design of the ESG reporting methodology, reporting tools, and capacity-building components for SMEs.
For the ESG Reporting System development (Section A–D of the Scope of Work), the ESG Reporting Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Business Development Manager, collaborating closely with the ICT Analyst, ICT development team, Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, Organization for Enterprise Development, other partners, and private sector stakeholders.
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 and Technical Competencies
Partnership management - Private sector engagement:
Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector.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 Generation:
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.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:
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 - Working with Evidence and Data:
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Economics, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in ESG reporting, corporate sustainability, data analysis, or sustainable finance.Required skills and competencies:
Experience in developing and implementing ESG solutions, including digital platforms, databases, and reporting methodologies, training programs (at least 2 projects/assignments). Demonstrated ability to draft technical documentation such as Terms of Reference, technical specifications, and user requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including government institutions, private sector, and technical experts.Desired additional skills and competencies:
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, development partners, UN Agencies, Governmental institutions. Proven experience in similar positions in UN Agencies. Experience in analyzing sustainability reporting frameworks for SMEs. Experience with ESG tools and/or ESG digital reporting systems. Proven experience working with or supporting projects related to Moldova’s business environment and/or alignment with EU sustainability regulations and standards. Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy. Ability to achieve results and deadlines in a timely manner, maintaining a high standard throughout.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 Sustainable Finance and/or ESG Investing and/or reporting framework 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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