Strategic ESG Analyst, Short-Term

Background

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On 23rd of June 2022, the European Council granted the Republic of Moldova the status of EU candidate country which is a substantial achievement, but which comes with great responsibilities and obligations. One of such obligations is the “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” which includes Chapters of the environment and climate change acquis. In this sense, meaningful reform is expected in view of European Green Deal targets.

The Green Transition Project takes due account of this endeavor. Hence, it will put in place the enabling conditions for a green transformation in Moldova through a combination of cross-sectorial decision-making in joint stakeholder platforms, capacity building measures, general education and awareness raising, dissemination of best policy practices, information sharing and networking, as well as pilot-testing green-transition related solutions and other activities, to ensure that the green transition concept is well understood and implemented.

The established enabling conditions and the investments into green-transition solutions will respond to the key development challenges that the country is currently dealing with such as climate change, environmental pollution, and the energy crisis.

It is well acknowledged that Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate change, given the limited resources and institutional capacities to address the climate change impacts. It is also due to the heavy reliance on the agricultural sector, water scarcity and other geographical factors. Currently the country is advancing with the national adaptation planning, including in the agricultural sector, aimed at putting in place proper intuitional, technical, and budgeting capacities in the context of climate change, however significant gaps remain in embarking of the sectors into achievement of the long-term adaptation targets.  

Environmental degradation is also posing a major threat to Moldova’s development agenda as its economy relies greatly on natural resources which leads to their overexploitation and pollution. Inadequate waste management practices and outdated practices and technologies in the key sectors of the economy also contribute to environmental degradation and pollution. Mainstreaming of the green agenda into the country’s economic activities is taking place slowly.

Moldova is in line with the global trend of continuously growing urbanization, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas expected to rise from 47% in 2010 to 60% in 2030 (UN Habitat). Cities are increasingly and significantly contributing to the main drivers of global environmental degradation. The municipalities have the greatest impact on air quality and are responsible for more than 50% of total air pollution in Moldova.

From energy security perspective – Moldova is highly dependent on imported energy sources and rely mostly on the use of fossil fuels. In addition, inefficient energy supply and consumption across all sectors exacerbates the situation. Until recently being 100% dependent on Russian gas import, the country is actively seeking diversification of energy supplies after the war of aggression in Ukraine. Improvements both in energy efficiency and in the development of domestic resources – including renewable energy resources – for strengthened sustainability, competitiveness, and energy security rank high on the political agenda. Energy sector and also the main source of GHG emissions in the country.

Against this background, the Green Transition Project aims to support the Government of Moldova to engage sustainably in a transformative green agenda by enhancing awareness, building capacities, and encouraging investments into low-emission and resource efficient economy.

The target areas of the project are resource efficiency, green and circular economy, cleaner and sustainable energy, and mobility.

The Project is be implemented under the following three specific components:

1. Socio-economic framework for a gender-responsive and inclusive green transition enabled.
2. Capacity and awareness on the inclusive green transition increased among key stakeholders.
3. Additional funding attracted by promoting and piloting investments in green and innovative technologies, while evidence-based decision-making for green transition is improved by deploying a reliable air quality monitoring system.

The Republic of Moldova has committed to advancing its green development agenda as a cornerstone of its European Union (EU) candidacy efforts. These commitments are enshrined in the Association Agreement with the EU, which emphasizes sustainable development and the promotion of a green economy. This strategic alignment underscores Moldova’s determination to implement transformative reforms in environmental governance and sustainability, ensuring progress toward a resilient and inclusive future.
The Green Transition Project is a key initiative supporting Moldova’s green ambitions, focusing on five the following interrelated thematic areas: 

• Waste Management and Circularity 
• Green Mobility 
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework 
• Green Financing   
• Resource Efficiency   
• Air Quality  
• Green Innovation & Sustainable Business Development 
• Capacity Building & Awareness

To ensure the successful implementation of its objectives, the project seeks to encourage partnerships and foster cooperation among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including public authorities, private sector actors, civil society, and the general population. Effective collaboration is vital for driving impactful and inclusive interventions across thematic areas.

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and digital economic growth in line with its European integration agenda and international climate and development goals. The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MEDD) plays a leading role in formulating national economic and digital policies and aligning them with principles of environmental sustainability, social equity, and good governance.

Moldova is actively advancing its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy framework to align with European Union (EU) standards and foster sustainable economic development. This initiative is part of the country's broader efforts to integrate ESG principles into national strategies, enhance transparency, and attract responsible investments.

In this context, the MEDD seeks to engage a Strategic ESG Analyst to provide strategic guidance to incorporate ESG framework into national development strategies, promote responsible investments, and enhance Moldova’s alignment with EU sustainability standards, including the European Green Deal, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main objective of the assignment is to support the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MEDD) in providing technical assistance in the development, implementation, and monitoring of green transition and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies.

Under the supervision of the Green Transition Project Manager and in coordination with the MEDD, the Analyst is expected to:

1. Legislative Analysis and Alignment (ESG Acquis & National Framework)

• Conduct an in-depth review of laws and sub-laws under MEDD’s mandate that intersect with ESG (corporate reporting, sustainable finance, environmental governance, procurement within economic/industrial policy), identifying concrete alignment gaps and overlaps.
• Assess alignment needs with EU best practices and instruments relevant to MEDD (e.g., CSRD/ESRS for reporting orientation, CSDDD due-diligence concepts, EU Taxonomy basics, sustainable public procurement provisions) and propose a phased approximation plan tailored to MEDD’s roadmap.
• Draft MEDD-owned legal and sub-legal proposals (amendments, regulations, ministerial orders, methodologies, guidance notes) to operationalize ESG across economic policy tools and programs.
• Analyze sustainable-finance enablers relevant to MEDD instruments (e.g., credit guarantees, concessional lines, vouchers/grants) and propose legislative/operational fixes that unlock ESG-aligned investments.
• Prepare priority drafting packages (text + justifications) and MEDD briefing materials emerging from the above reviews.

2. Support the Policy Development Process (inside MEDD and its subordinated institutions/agencies)

• Assess how current MEDD strategies, programs, and policy instruments integrate ESG; identify precise entry points to mainstream ESG within MEDD’s policy cycle (design, budgeting, implementation, M&E). Co-develop with MEDD a MEDD ESG Roadmap (scope, sequencing, roles, KPIs, resourcing) covering policy, legal, institutional, data, skills, and financing measures under MEDD’s remit.
• Provide guidance on digital and data-driven approaches for MEDD (e.g., interfacing with the “Sustainable Moldova” platform and relevant state systems) to collect, validate, and use ESG data for policy and monitoring.
• Design incentive options for MEDD (recognition schemes, targeted support windows, light-touch compliance tools) and define performance indicators—paying attention to women-led and underrepresented enterprises.
• Prepare MEDD concept notes and internal proposals for targeted pilots and technical assistance (e.g., voluntary SME ESG reporting cohorts; due-diligence in priority value chains; green procurement pilots in MEDD-linked programs).

3. ESG Implementation Pilots & Tools (anchored at MEDD)

• Design and coordinate MEDD-led pilot initiatives that demonstrate ESG integration in practice (e.g., a voluntary SME ESG reporting cohort aligned to simplified VSME standard-for-SMEs; a pilot tender using ESG criteria within a MEDD-influenced scheme; a value-chain due-diligence pilot or other initiatives).
• Produce MEDD-branded practical tools (i.e. reporting checklists, supplier due-diligence guides, KPI dashboards, model procurement clauses and scoring rubrics, and standardized data-submission formats for programs under MEDD).
• Support engagement with financial institutions through MEDD (roundtables, technical notes) to introduce simple ESG risk/opportunity assessment in products linked to MEDD programs (guarantees, concessional finance, vouchers).
• Collect and analyze stakeholder data on ESG readiness and barriers; feed findings into MEDD pilots, guidance, and the MEDD ESG Roadmap.

4.    Institutional & Stakeholder Coordination (MEDD-first)

• Serve as MEDD focal point for ESG and green-transition matters; coordinate inputs across MEDD directorates and subordinate entities to ensure coherent policy, legal drafting, and pilot execution.
• Provide guidance and support to MEDD in maintaining a mapping of actors, initiatives, and funding related to ESG; in curating a light repository of MEDD-relevant activities, including its subordinated institutions (if the case), to avoid duplication and to align partner efforts to MEDD priorities.
• Ensure inclusive participation within MEDD processes (e.g., consultations, pilots, training), addressing green-skills gaps and the needs of women and underrepresented groups in MEDD-supported programs.
• Engage other ministries, regulators, donors, private sector, and CSOs as needed and via MEDD to advance MEDD’s ESG agenda and resource mobilization priorities.

5. Operational Support to MEDD

• Provide on-demand technical advice to MEDD leadership/teams; prepare briefs, memos, policy notes, and presentations aligned with the MEDD ESG agenda, the Moldova Reform Agenda and other relevant policies.
• Lead/coordinate the day-to-day implementation of agreed MEDD pilots and activities (workplans, risk logs, stakeholder engagement, delivery tracking).
• Design and deliver MEDD-targeted training and coaching (policy teams, procurement, program managers, data/IT) on ESG standards, practical implementation, and benefits.
• Provide support to MEDD in establishing and running a MEDD-specific M&R cadence (baselines/targets, sex-disaggregated indicators, quarterly progress notes) for ESG actions supported by the project.
• Other activities/tasks/assignments relevant to the main scope of work, coordinated with the Green Transition project manager.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Strategic ESG Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring that the Green Transition Project actively supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in advancing the ESG and green transition related agenda.  

Institutional Arrangements

The Strategic ESG Analyst will work under the guidance and technical supervision of Business Development Manager and the Green Transition Project Manager performing his/her daily activity being based within the MEDD and working in close collaboration with the staff of the MEDD and UNDP/Green Transition project team and/or experts.

The Strategic ESG Analyst will apply results-based management principles and a client-oriented approach to ensure alignment with project objectives and donor requirements. The incumbent 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.

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 and Technical Competencies 

Business Direction & Strategy - Strategic Thinking    

• Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; 
• Learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; 
• Demonstrate foresight.

Business Direction & Strategy - Systems Thinking    

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Development - 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.

Business Management - Communications

• 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

Partnership management - EU Partnerships    

• Knowledge and understanding of EU strategies, approached, processes and systems.

Partnership management - CSO engagement    

• Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Public Administration, Law, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Business Administration, or a related field in combination with an additional two years of relevant experience; OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional four years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) in developing and/or implementing ESG and/or Green Transition policies, public administration, capacity building, institutional and/or legal development or other areas relevant to the assignment. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including government institutions, private sector, and technical experts.
• Capacity to assess existing information systems and propose practical, innovative technical improvements.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and policy development skills.

Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with environmental, sustainability, ESG policies, standards, growth plan is considered an asset.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for NGOs, academia, a donor organization, development partners, UN Agencies is an asset. 
• Previous experience of working with the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and/or Economic Council to the Prime Minister and/or Ministry of Environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated specialized professional experience in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public, private, local public authorities (LPAs), central public authorities, etc., in the context of institutional development and capacity building.  

Required language(s):

• Fluency in English and Romanian 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 ESG and/or sustainable finance 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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