Digital Transformation Manager

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Over the past decade or more, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) has created automated systems for separate aspects of its work. As a result, it now has 14 different information systems.  These include systems to facilitate online application processes (front-office work), automate business processes (back-office work), and store data on beneficiaries and the type of support they receive.  However, these systems have been created in such a fragmented manner, and use such different software and technologies, that it is impossible to link them up and make them interoperable.

This situation creates numerous inefficiencies.  For example, citizens may have to submit the same documents several times in order to apply for different types of benefits or support.  Case managers cannot access documentation on all the past and present support received by any given household or individual beneficiary. Apart from not having access to data which can help improve the timeliness and type of support provided, this situation has also reduced the Ministry’s capacity to identify and eliminate fraud.  It hinders evidence-based policymaking, as data cannot be easily retrieved and merged to assess targeting efficiency. The latter is currently a source of great frustration within the Ministry, as it limits the data available to guide and inform the current reform processes. Lack of digital links to the territorial offices means that there is no way to document geographical inequalities in access to social services.

The Ministry has drawn up a Theory of Change (TOC) to underpin digitalization in the context of the Restart Reform Programme. Among them are three intermediate outcomes, namely:

• Most-used social and employment services are pro-activated;
• Majority of social and employment services are radically simplified and digitalized;
• A national network of single window centres for social and employment services is functional through a new Automated Informational System (eSocial).

The “Digital Transformation of Social Protection” Project, implemented by UNDP, aims to achieve the above objectives by addressing the fragmented digital infrastructure of the social protection system. UNDP Moldova envisioned a digitalization-oriented workstream dedicated to the meticulous redesign and digitalization of the social protection services. It aims to significantly enhance the functionalities of provision of social services, optimizing them for improved usability by MLSP personnel, management, and the public at large. UNDP has committed its support to the Ministry in constructing a new, integrated digital system – eSocial – for social protection services. The eSocial platform is Moldova’s central digital infrastructure for managing social service programs. It is designed to consolidate multiple fragmented systems and processes under a common digital umbrella. Through secure, role-based access and integration with government platforms like MPass, MNotify, MLog, and MPay, eSocial enables standardized workflows, centralized data, and inter-institutional coordination. Additionally, the establishment of the Digital Center for Social Innovation (DCSI) within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in 2024, is working to ensure self-sufficiency in software development and adaptation of automated systems to future demands.

The MLSP is currently implementing several major reforms, namely that of social services (RESTART); that of the National Employment Agency (NEA); and that of the State Labour Inspectorate; and that of the National Council for Determination of Disability and Work Capacity (CNDDCM). Through the “Digital Transformation of Social Protection” Project, UNDP is supporting the digital aspects of all the reforms listed above, conferring transparency and efficiency to the comprehensive reform effort. This transformation will enable the Ministry to connect social benefits, services, employment programs, and energy subsidies into a coherent support framework. It strengthens Moldova’s capacity to build a shock-responsive, citizen-centered, and evidence-driven social protection system—aligned with the principles of human dignity, inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goal 1.3: “Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems for all.”

Duties and Responsibilities

The Digital Transformation Manager will support the Project Team in setting the strategic direction of all digitalization initiatives planned under the Project, bringing operational expertise in projects involving the development of IT products and digitalization of public institutions and services. Guided by outcomes and indicators outlined in the Project Document, the incumbent will undertake a creative and strategic planning role in the development of project activities, as well as a supervisory role in the monitoring of project activities. The Digital Transformation Manager will be involved in the supervision of the IT development services contracted by the Project, the verification of completeness and IT deliverables, projects’ cost estimates, preparation of technical tenders’ documentation as well as evaluation of bids within the procurement of IT services.

More specifically, the Digital Transformation Manager will be responsible for:

Ensure Management of Digital activities under the DTSP Project:

• Design, plan, guide, and monitor the implementation of IT development for new modules and dimensions of the eSocial platform such as the Case Management module, Data Warehouse component, integration of NEA IT systems, etc.
• Analyze and research information on relevant feedback from stakeholders (specialists in social assistance, employment areas) and citizens on the effectiveness of eSocial adoption.
• Coordinate the engagement of national and international consultants, aligning their contributions with the project goals and UNDP’s objectives in social protection.
• Design, pilot, and evaluate scalable case-based projects for digital transformation.
• Contribute to the series of preparatory steps to be undertaken in implementing the digital solution, including from the perspective of knowledge management and capacity building and adoption of new processes set up with the MLSP and their subordinated bodies’ staff.
• Together with the Project Manager, contribute to planning and conducting procurement processes of relevant services and expertise for the development of digital solutions.
• Develop a comprehensive strategic framework for the institutionalization of the Ministry’s digital transformation portfolio and capacities.
• Support the operationalization of the Digital Centre for Social Innovation and consolidate its human and technical capacities.
• Support the Project Manager and the UNDP CO in general project implementation and related strategic processes.
• Conduct institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment and internal framework reviews pertaining to the Component’s portfolio of social services, as well as play an active role in strategic thinking, and knowledge sharing.
• Elaborate and maintain tracking tools and oversee the accurate reporting and documentation of the Component’s activities through different methods (which may include, but are not limited to data collection and analysis, strategic meetings, field visits, specific reports, etc.).
• Support the Project Manager and project team in overall management of the project, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting processes in the area of responsibility.

Resource mobilization and partnership building:

• Maintain and facilitate effective communication among representatives at central and local level of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements in the area of digitalization of social protection, employment.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners.
• Support resource mobilization efforts and project development.

Knowledge management:

• Keep abreast of UNDP project practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning in areas of digitalization of public services, particularly with focus on social protection, vulnerability reduction and employment.
• Promote flow of information and resource sharing between and among the representatives of the beneficiaries to improve the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of project interventions, sustainability, and results;
• Prepare thematic briefs on areas of improvement with the beneficiary.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements:

The Digital Transformation Manager will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager and the overall guidance of the Employment and Social Protection Programme Specialist, and will support the project team and part-time consultants

The incumbent will work in close cooperation with the UNDP Moldova Country Office, including Operations and Communications, for an effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving project-related issues and information delivery.

He/she will also collaborate with other UN projects, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and subordinated institutions (NEA, CNDDCM, ATAS, STAS, etc.) and other national stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• 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 Competencies:

• Knowledge Facilitation          
  • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. 
  • Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
• Partnerships Management  
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Project Management
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Relationship Management  
  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understanding
• Transformation in developing organizations            
  • Knowledge of re-designing processes and leading projects that involve development issues
• Data analysis
  • Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making
• Digital transformation design            
  • Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organizations

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or another relevant field is a requirement.or;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressive working experience in the areas related to digital transformation, IT, software development or related area.

Required skills:

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups for the delivery of IT products;
• Proven record of accomplishment of successfully managing and delivering complex projects, in the public or private sector;
• Knowledge and experience of IT infrastructure, software development processes, and data management practices.

Desired skills:

• Proven experience in a similar position in UN Agencies;
• Experience in development assistance or related work for a development organization, consulting company, or NGO.

Required language(s):

• Fluency in Romanian and English is required;
• Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and sign language, is an asset.

Professional certificates:

• Additional training and/or certification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, etc.) would be an advantage. 

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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