Background

The Republic of Moldova is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particular extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flooding. Due to its rolling topography and current land use patterns, the country is highly exposed to climate-induced flood risks. Many rural communities are located in small towns situated within watershed areas, often in low-lying zones prone to flash floods and river flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

Climate projections indicate that rainfall in Moldova will become more irregular and intense. There is a 66% probability that, under climate change scenarios, precipitation will occur less frequently but with greater intensity. During the summer months, the number of wet days is expected to decrease, while the frequency and severity of extreme rainfall events are projected to rise. This shift increases the likelihood of damaging hydrometeorological events such as flash floods, hailstorms, and river floods, with serious consequences for lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Despite these growing risks, Moldova’s current monitoring and early warning systems are insufficient to provide timely, localized, and actionable information on flood hazards. The country has 50 automatic weather stations (AWS) and 53 hydrological stations (30 of them automatic), all transmitting real-time data. However, this network is limited and unevenly distributed, with most stations located along the country’s two main border rivers – the Prut and the Dniester. As a result, interior regions and smaller river basins remain largely under-monitored, reducing the ability to detect and respond effectively to localized flood risks.

Moreover, the hazard maps used for flood risk management are outdated, and national institutions – including the State Hydro-meteorological Service (SHS) and the National Administration “Apele Moldovei” (NAAM) – currently lack the technical capacities and operational tools needed for hydrological and hydraulic modelling. This limits their ability to conduct robust risk assessments, forecast flood events, and issue effective early warnings at both national and sub-national levels.

In response to these challenges, the “Hydro-infrastructure rehabilitation to mitigate vulnerability to climate-driven extreme events in the Republic of Moldova” Project (hereinafter the Project), implemented by UNDP Moldova with the financial support of ADA, is proposing a set of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s adaptation to climate-driven flood risk through a two-pronged approach. The first will build the essential national hydro-meteorological monitoring and early warning systems, including the institutional capacities to manage and operate them countrywide. The second one will apply an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach to 5 key watersheds that will produce knowledge and institutional capacities for rehabilitation of high-risk hydrotechnical infrastructure, as well as increased participation by local stakeholders in water governance.

With these measures the project will put in place knowledge, capacity, infrastructure, policy and regulatory frameworks to enable a long-term impact of country’s enhanced capabilities to manage the run-off from extreme climate-driven rainfall events to prevent flooding that causes loss of life and property damage. The following are the project outcomes and outputs:

Outcome 1: Increased capacities of the relevant national and local authorities to respond effectively to extreme water-related events

• Output 1.1:  Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management
• Output 1.2: Flash-flood/flood forecasting and early warning system established and operational

Outcome 2:  Enhanced security of the vulnerable rural population in key watersheds from potential failure of flood control infrastructure

• Output 2.1. Methodology, protocol and standards for safe operation of hydro-technical infrastructure developed
• Output 2.2: High risk dams identified in 5 pilot sites, conditions analyzed, and remedial measures identified with priority high risk dams rehabilitated

Outcome 3: Enhanced capacity of the local authorities and empowered community stakeholders to participate actively in governance of integrated water resources management for flood control

• Output 3.1:  Flood risk and water resources planning, and management instruments are available and put at use at the local level

Key measures for Output 1.1 „Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management” will include the design, installation, and operationalization of 10 small-scale automatic weather and hydrological stations in Copaceanca, Solonet, Bahu, Lapusna and Ialpug pilot areas, improvements in data integration and access, and institutional support for hazard assessment and forecasting. These actions will contribute to enhanced national and local preparedness and resilience to climate-induced flood risks. The locations for the weather and hydrological stations were identified jointly by the SHS and international consultants and were preliminarily coordinated with the relevant local and national authorities.
Duties and Responsibilities

The Construction Site Coordinator will support the project team in monitoring and overseeing the construction and installation of five (5) Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and five (5) Automatic Hydrological Stations (AHS), in line with Output 1.1: “Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management”. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the project beneficiaries, namely the SHS for AWS and the NAAM for AHS.

The Construction Site Coordinator will be actively involved in infrastructure-related activities under Output 1.1, including verification of the completeness and quality of technical design documentation, assessment of project cost estimates, preparation of technical tender documentation, and evaluation of bids during the procurement process. The Construction Site Coordinator will play a key role in overseeing the quality, timely execution, and commissioning of construction works. This includes contributing to the planning, coordination, and monitoring of project implementation in accordance with contractual obligations, as well as relevant national building codes, construction standards, and legislation of the Republic of Moldova. In addition, the Construction Site Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the commissioning process for all related construction sites, ensuring that all works are completed in compliance with technical specifications and regulatory requirements.

The Construction Site Coordinator applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Construction Site Coordinator 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.

For the given purpose, under supervision of the Project Manager, and the Coordinator for Outcome 1, the Construction Site Coordinator shall implement the following tasks:

• Provide methodological assistance to Beneficiary and Designers for the development, verification, and approval of technical design documentation, ensuring alignment with the contractual obligations.
• Organize pre-bid meetings and/or site visits, if necessary, to clarify technical and implementation-related aspects for potential bidders.
• Respond to technical inquiries from bidders during the tendering process.
• Review technical drawings and execution documentation prepared for the implementation of civil and installation works.
• Submit written progress reports confirming the achievement of contractual milestones related to design and construction.
• Support the Project Team in evaluating and organizing construction, equipment installation, and commissioning activities.
• Oversee contract implementation, providing professional technical assistance to both Project Coordinator/Beneficiary and Contractor to ensure quality results and timely completion.
• Facilitate the handover of the site from the Beneficiary to the Contractor at the commencement of works.
• Verify the availability of all necessary permits, certificates, and approvals for both Contractor and Subcontractors prior to initiating works.
• Monitor construction volumes and quality; ensure proper maintenance of site documentation such as the construction logbook and technical book.
• Coordinate with the Contractor to promptly resolve on-site issues and immediately inform the Project Coordinator of critical matters.
• Review and confirm Contractor’s records of completed works.
• Monitor implementation schedules to ensure compliance with contractual timelines.
• Review and confirm coordination procedures and documentation throughout all implementation phases.
• Verify site conditions against project documentation and notify the Designer and Project Team of any discrepancies.
• Oversee implementation of the Contractor’s quality control procedures, including material testing and verification.
• Brief Project team/Beneficiary on the technical and implementation aspects of the project.
• Participate in work acceptance procedures, ensuring that technical documentation complies with relevant legislation and contract provisions.
• Verify origin, quality, and compliance of construction materials prior to use on site.
• Assist the Beneficiary in obtaining building permits and registering the project with the Technical Supervision Agency.
• Review and approve:
  • the technical procedures for carrying out the works.
  • the schedules for completion of works.
  • the reports related to not completed or disputed works.
• Ensure corrective actions are taken for any non-compliant or defective works.
• Obtain the Designer’s approval for any significant deviations or rectifications affecting key project requirements.
• Immediately report any quality or safety concerns that could pose risks to people, property, or the environment to the Project Coordinator and relevant authorities.
• Maintain and update the Register of completed and paid works.
• Verify and sign Final Work Completion Documents upon acceptance of completed works.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Project Coordinator, highlighting challenges and proposed mitigation actions.
• Support efforts to ensure all works are completed within the stipulated contractual period.
• Assist in organizing final project handover and acceptance procedures.
• Ensure full completion and submission of the technical book in coordination with the Contractor and commissioning committee.
• Participate in the final project commissioning process.
• Validate actual work volumes and cost estimates; prepare reports on approved and excluded works, as needed.
• Document site progress through photographs during each site visit.
• Provide ongoing support to the Project Team throughout the entire implementation cycle.
• Fulfil any other duties arising under applicable national laws and technical regulations.

The Construction Site Coordinator must ensure the provision of development service and product of the highest quality and standards to national counterpart and client through applying HRBA and GE approaches, as well as, through both overseeing and direct contact with project beneficiaries.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Flood Management Project in Moldova. 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.

The key result of this contract will consist in timely commissioning of the construction works for all 10 sites.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and direct overseeing of the Coordinator for Outcome 1 and overall supervision from Project Manager, the incumbent contributes to an effective and efficient implementation of the Project related to infrastructure construction activities in line with Output 1.1: “Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management”, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities.

The Construction Site Coordinator works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/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 – Project Management:

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

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.

Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil
  and understand the real customers” needs.
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients” immediate requests.
• Ability to anticipate client”s upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management – Communication:

• Ability to 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.

Administration & Operations – Building, facilities & office space management:

• Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data.

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

• Urban Community Infrastructure/Assets

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master”s Degree or equivalent) in civil engineering, water and sanitation, architecture, or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s 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:

• 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 work experience in the field of civil engineering, architecture or other relevant related area at the national or international level.
• Experience in usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems. User knowledge of specialised software: WinSmeta 2000 etc.

Additional desired skills and experience:

• Additional years of progressive working experience as a Construction Site Coordinator at the national or international level in the areas of civil works, preferably hydro-technical constructions and infrastructure. Relevant professional experience of engagement with a large variety of stakeholders (public, private, LPAs, central public authorities, mass-media etc.)
• Prior experience with UNDP and/or project implementation is an advantage.
• Familiarity or prior experience with the donors requirements and procedures is considered as an asset.

Required Language(s):

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