Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including climate change, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. UNDP is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women, ensuring that development efforts are inclusive and equitable. The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission and goals.

Job Overview:
The Policy Officer position is crucial for supporting Moldova's climate governance and enhancing the country's capacity to address climate change challenges. The officer will be responsible for preparing policy briefs and recommendations that align national strategies and regulations with Moldova's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and new EU climate directives. This role involves facilitating evidence-based learning loops to integrate lessons from implementation into sectoral planning and resource allocation. The Policy Officer will coordinate the development of high-quality, gender-responsive concept notes in priority sectors such as energy, agriculture, and health, and oversee the preparation of technical assessments and feasibility studies to support the transition to full proposals. The position requires close collaboration with national stakeholders, including line ministries, civil society, and the private sector, to ensure coherence and impact in climate action efforts. The officer will also play a key role in mobilizing climate finance and ensuring that Moldova's climate commitments are effectively translated into actionable measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Officer will implement activities to achieve specific outputs, including updating or revising the NDC and developing financing strategies or related policies. Responsibilities include developing concept notes for priority sectors, conducting assessments and studies for quality full proposals, and ensuring effective coordination with project partners. The officer will provide technical advice and support, facilitate inclusive platforms for project implementation, and ensure alignment with UNDP policies and gender equality perspectives. The role also involves providing legal and regulatory support to operationalize Moldova's updated NDC, supporting ministries in applying a climate lens to policies, and developing a pipeline of climate-resilient projects. The officer will establish partnerships, maintain stakeholder engagement, and monitor project progress, ensuring timely reporting and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Law, Environmental Law, Public Administration, Environmental Policy, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree. The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in legal, policy, or regulatory work related to environmental governance, climate change, or sustainable development. Proficiency in using office software and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages are essential. Experience in developing legal frameworks, providing policy support to government institutions, and engaging with stakeholders in the environmental field is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Law, Environmental Law, Public Administration, or Environmental Policy. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and climate policy, as well as for effectively contributing to the development of legal and regulatory frameworks that support Moldova's climate commitments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or 4 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and related to legal, policy, or regulatory work in the fields of environmental governance, climate change, or sustainable development. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these areas, as well as experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with governmental institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of one or more languages relevant to Moldova, such as Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the context of climate action and policy development.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and may involve contract duration specifics that are not detailed in the job posting. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes equal opportunity in its recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.