Legal Analyst, Short-Term

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 the strictest 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. 

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, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and 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. DCSI experts engaged by the Project support the development of the eSocial digital platform and its adoption within MLSP and subordinated institutions: ATAS (regional agencies for social assistance), STAS (regional structures for social assistance), NEA, SLI, CNDDCM, AGSSSI (the Agency for the Management of Highly Specialized Social Services), etc.

The MLSP is currently implementing several major reforms, namely that of social services (RESTART); that of the National Employment Agency (NEA); that of the State Labour Inspectorate (SLI); 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

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the Digital Development Specialist, the Legal Analyst will provide legal expertise and advisory support to the project team and national counterparts in advancing the legal and regulatory framework required for the digital transformation of social protection. The assignment focuses on thematic pillars: the eSocial platform, the social protection data warehouse, the AI sandbox environment, and compliance with the EU AI Act.

The Legal Analyst’s key responsibilities will include:

Legal Framework for eSocial Platform Operationalization

Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Social Protection Data Warehouse

Legal Framework for the AI Sandbox Environment

EU AI Act Alignment and Legal Approximation

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 Legal Analyst will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, in close collaboration with the Employment and Social Protection Programme Specialist, Digital Development Specialist, and the project’s technical team, to ensure that legal frameworks effectively enable the deployment and institutionalization of targeted digital systems.

The Legal Analyst will serve as a key contact point for national counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP), Ministry of Economy and Digitalization, the E-Governance Agency (EGA), the State Chancellery, and the Data Protection Authority. 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 and Technical Competencies

Business Management - Communication     

Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking     

Business Management - Knowledge Facilitation 

Business Management - Working with Evidence and Data    

Digital - Policy/regulations for digital and emerging technology    

Digital - Regulatory sandboxes    

Legal - Legal analysis skills    

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum education requirements:   

Minimum years of relevant work experience:     

Required skills:  

Desired skills: 

Required languages:     

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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