Background and Organizational Context

The UN Human Rights Office (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

The OHCHR field presence in Moldova, led by the Human Rights Adviser, assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova (UNCT), Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights-based approaches, working closely with the UN Country Team on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are: Strengthening rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination Integrating human rights in sustainable development; Enhancing civic space and people’s participation.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the incumbent supports and guides the effective and efficient management through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of activities of OHCHR in the Republic of Moldova. The Associate applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with the relevant UN rules and regulations, in harmony with rules and regulations of donor organisations or entities.

The Associate is the focal point in the field for all OHCHR administrative and financial matters in the Republic of Moldova.  The Associate works closely with all OHCHR personnel, including those working on the implementation of projects, in OHCHR Moldova and ensured good coordination with respective staff of OHCHR HQ. The incumbent also works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other UN staff 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 UN programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Administrative Management

• Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as well as in coordination with relevant OHCHR ECA, Finance, DEXREL and related personnel, manages day-to-day OHCHR financial and administrative matters in the field;
• Coordinates the work of other OHCHR administration/financial-related personnel in the field;
• Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day OHCHR Annual Work Plan and project-related implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
• Supports key OHCHR processes, including budgeting and reporting;
• Works with UNDP, UNOG and other relevant entities to ensure smooth processing of payments, contracting;
• Maintains records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures;
• Prepares and issues contracts;
• Makes pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of activities;
• Maintains files and records;
• Provides support to international consultants as concerns communication, contracts, agenda, visas, hotel reservations, etc.;
• Arranges external and internal meetings.

Financial Management

• Prepares requests for advance of funds and/or direct payments;
• Monitors budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of budgets and spending;
• Prepares proposals for budget revisions;
• Prepares and submits expenditure and budget status reports;
• Liaises with internal or external auditors wherever required;
• Prepares reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget preparations and audit;
• Advises and assists international and national consultants and others on all aspects of allowances, travel claims and other financial matters and calculate payments due for claims and services;
• Undertakes other financial and administrative tasks on an ad hoc basis.

Procurement

• Arranges for procurement of equipment, supplies and services as needed;
• Arranges for equipment maintenance and insurance as required;
• Ensures that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP, OHCHR and/or UNOG procedures;
• Physically clears and ensures delivery of equipment and supplies procured.

Research and Practical Support

• Attends meetings and prepares minutes or meeting summaries;
• Assists in the drafting of concept notes, budgeting, logical frameworks, or other project design.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and supervises the work of other OHCHR administration/financial-related personnel in the field.

Education

• Secondary Education is required.
• University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, human rights, public administration or another related field will be given due consideration..

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

At least six years(with high school) or 3 years (with a Bachelor’s Degree) of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level.

• Previous experience in an international organization, consulting company, or NGO is a very strong advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Knowledge of specifics of UNDP, OHCHR and/or UNOG rules and procedures; knowledge of multiple rules frameworks, in particular OHCHR frameworks, is an advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience with EU and other donor financial or grant-related rules is an advantage.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja and/or Inspira is desirable.
• Fluency in oral and written English, Russian and Romanian is a must.
• Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian is an advantage.

Core Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.

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