National Individual Consultancy on mapping the existing platforms to support migrants to manage and monitor the remittances sent to the households in Moldova

UNICEF Moldova is hiring a National Individual Consultant, to identify and evaluate the current financial instruments and platforms that assist migrants in managing and monitoring remittances sent to households in Moldova. Additionally, the consultancy seeks to propose recommendations for developing new monitoring tools and/or enhancing existing ones to better meet the needs of the primary beneficiaries.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, care

Migration is a fundamental aspect of human existence, significantly impacting economic and social development globally. Migration has always played a crucial role in human development by fostering connections, transforming communities, and empowering individuals. It is also vital for economic growth and sustainable development at both national and local levels.

In 2023, IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO with financial support from the UN Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund launched the project “Leveraging the positive impact of migration on Moldova’s development through improved policy evidence and better engaged diaspora”.

The project aims to overcome the barriers that limit the diaspora’s ability to engage locally and nationally, whether through returning or investing in their home country. Highly skilled expatriates will contribute to various key development areas at both national and local levels, including social and economic development, health, education, culture, digital transformation, urban planning, and engineering, through short-term engagements or temporary returns to Moldova. 

One of the project output focuses on mapping, reviewing and re-design of the instruments for remittances and investments management and monitoring and development of new innovative instruments for engagement of migrants’ economic resources, and entrepreneurship culture and financial literacy.

The economic importance of remittances cannot be overstated. Remittances are a crucial contribution to the well-being of migrants’ communities back home. In Moldova, they help lift thousands of families out of poverty, and allow them to improve their access to healthcare, education, and housing.

In January – July 2024, the volume of remittances transferred to Moldovan households amounted to $951.79 million, which is by $20.03 million (2.06%) less than in the same period of 2023. The volume of money transfers to Moldova from abroad in favour of individuals through banks amounted to $664.48 million in January – May 2024, down by $20.16 million (-2.9%) compared to the same period in 2023.[1]

Beyond their undeniable economic importance, remittances are a vital lifeline for underprivileged children and marginalized communities. For many households, in regions where economic opportunities are scarce, remittances stabilize household incomes and offer a buffer against financial shocks.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The aim of this assignment is to identify and evaluate the current financial instruments and platforms that assist migrants in managing and monitoring remittances sent to households in Moldova. Additionally, it seeks to propose recommendations for developing new monitoring tools and/or enhancing existing ones to better meet the needs of the primary beneficiaries

2. Deliverables and timelines

*Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature

Changes to the agreed dates for deliverables must be mutually agreed in writing by UNICEF and the consultant, and in consultation with line ministries involved in the capacity building activities.

3. Reporting requirements

The selected consultant will report to the UNICEF Social Policy Officer, who will regularly communicate with the selected consultant and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy. 

The consultant will produce the above-mentioned deliverables and products during the assignment implementation. All deliverables will be prepared and presented electronically to UNICEF for approval. The reporting language is English.

4. Performance indicators for evaluation of results

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR.
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables.
• Quality of work.
• Demonstration of high standards of cooperation and communication with UNICEF and with counterparts.

5. Evaluation criteria for selection

The candidate is expected to reflect in the submission the qualifications, knowledge and experience related to the requirements listed above. Technical evaluation will be performed through a desk review of applications, evaluation of technical proposals, and if necessary, may be supplemented by an interview.

The total amount of points to be allocated for the price component is 30. The maximum number of points (30) will be allotted to the lowest price proposal of a technically qualified offer. Points for other offers will be calculated as Points (x) = (lowest offer/ offer x) * 30.

The selection process is aimed at selecting the applicant who obtains the highest cumulative score (technical evaluation + financial offer evaluation points) following “best value for money” principle.

6. Payment schedule

 The payment will be linked to the following deliverables, upon satisfactory completion and acceptance by UNICEF:

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered for failure to meet deadlines.

7. Definition of supervision arrangements

The selected consultant will work under the oversight of Social Policy Officer of UNICEF Moldova and in close collaboration with IOM. Fees will be rendered upon written approval by the UNICEF Supervisor, and contingent upon the quality of deliverables.

8. Work location and official travel involved

The work will require local travels (Chisinau) to conduct focus groups/interviews with the target group (diaspora representatives and experts in the banking sector).

The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange and schedule such visits, including transportation. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Advanced degree in sociology, economics, or other relevant disciplines.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in developing analytical works in sociological, demographical, or migration-related fields.
• Experience in applying qualitative research methods.
• Good knowledge of the migration & development concept and diaspora, as well as remittances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English and Russian is required.
•  

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)  

 2024_ToR_Nat Indiv Consultant_Remittances Monitoring_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.  

 Technical Offer_Remittances Monitoring.docx

 Financial Offer_Remittances Monitoring.xlsx

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants  are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.