Project Associate [Open to internal and external applicants], Chisinau, Moldova

## Project Associate [Open to internal and external applicants], Chisinau, Moldova - Organization:UNDP - United Nations Development Programme In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby: - Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026. - Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments - Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers - Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply. UNDP Moldova, through its Effective Governance Cluster implemented projects, has a long-standing experience in providing democratic governance assistance, building democratic frameworks to improve representation, accountability, and transparency for the benefit of citizens. In this context, UNDP will initiate the implementation of the FPI funded Resilient Democracy through Anti-Corruption" (REDACT) Project, designed to respond to an urgent need to combat and reduce impunity for electoral corruption and illicit political finance, posing a significant threat to Moldova's democratic continuity. The project aims to support the Government of Moldova in strengthening electoral integrity by enhancing the capacities of key anti-corruption and rule of law institutions to address electoral corruption and illicit political finance. The specific objectives of the intervention are: - Enhancing institutional capacities to detect, investigate and prosecute instances of electoral corruption and illicit political finance and enforce the law. - Strengthening inter-institutional coordination mechanisms for a more efficient whole-of-Government response to electoral corruption. - Increasing monitoring and public awareness of electoral corruption to promote transparency and public trust in democratic processes. To achieve the objectives and ensure sustainability of results, the implementation strategy will be collaborative, engaging with government bodies, civil society, and international partners to achieve its objectives. In this regard, a team is put in place to support implementation of project activities related to tackling electoral corruption and illicit finance. In this context, UNDP is seeking a Project Associate to ensure efficient administration of the project, as well as to support the Project Management Coordinator in project implementation and reporting. Project Associate will be responsible for the operations of the project activities and timely inputs of data and records into cloud-based digital engagement platform Quantum. Duties and Responsibilities The Project Associate in close cooperation with the project team, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, will ensure the efficient administration of the project assigned, as well as support the Project Manager in project implementation and reporting. The specific duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate during the assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following:Assist in efficient delivery of the project, focusing on achievement of the following results: - Undertake administrative, logistical, travel, procurement, financial and asset management tasks in full compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies; - Provide support to procure goods and services required by the project, in liaison with the relevant staff and units of UNDP Country Office; - Provide administrative support in arranging project related meetings when needed; - Participate in the preparation of work plans, operation plans and procurement plans and periodical reviews thereof; - Provide support in quality control of the project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery; - Maintain an appropriate filing system and documenting the implementation to enable further operational and financial closure of the project; - Provide support in regular monitoring and data collection of the project activities in accordance with work plan and procurement plan; - Provide general secretarial and administrative assistance to the project in close liaison with UNDP teams and other UN agencies. Ensure administration and implementation of operational strategies, adapt processes and proceduresfocusing on achievement of the following results: - Full compliance with respective UNDP and donor rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and follow-up on audit recommendations; - Implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system; - Personal initiative to perform daily work timely, efficiently, and in compliance with established rules and plans; - Keep abreast of UNDP rules and regulations in the area of responsibility and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning; - Provide regular updates to the Project Manager and flag any deviations from the work plans immediately. Provide financial support to the project, focusing on achievement of the following results: - Assist the project team in drafting project progress reports with financial data; - Assist project management in performing budget cycle: planning, preparation, revisions, and budget execution; - Provide assistance to partner agencies involved in project activities, performing and monitoring financial aspects to ensure compliance with budgeted costs in line with established policies and procedures; - Monitor project expenditures, ensuring that no expenditure is incurred before it has been authorized; - Perform preparatory work for mandatory and general budget revisions, annual physical inventory, auditing; and assist external evaluators in fulfilling their mission; - Ensure that all project financial activities are carried out on schedule and within budget to achieve the project outputs; - Ensure timely submission of financial reports to the UNDP Country Office to verify the accuracy of such reports for the national partner or donor; - Perform all other financial related duties, upon request. Provide operations support to the project, focusing on achievement of the following results: - Ensure that UNDP procurement rules are followed during procurement activities that are carried out by the project and maintain responsibility for the inventory of the project assets; - Organization of procurement processes including preparation of RFQs, ITBs or RFPs documents, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their preliminary evaluation, note-to-files and justifications in cooperation with the UNDP Operations Unit; - Coordination of surveys, DSA, travel agencies, organization of common services and other administrative surveys; - Prepare and timely submit travel documents in accordance with UNDP requirements; - Support with protocol matters, registration of staff, coordination with national partners on space and other administrative matters; - Compile, organize and file information and documents for reference and use by team members; - Preparation of documents set for vendor creation; - Ensure proper control of the supporting documents for payments; - Prepare and timely submit payment requests with proper support documentation to the UNDP Country Office; - Provide financial monitoring over project commitments and expenditures and assist the Programme Manager in assuring proper project delivery; - Keep regular contact with project experts and consultants