TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Personal Assistance Service (PAS) is an important tool for social inclusion, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and participate actively in community life, in line with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which the Republic of Moldova ratified in 2010. Currently, the regulatory framework governing the organization and functioning of the PAS is defined by Law No. 60/2012 on the social inclusion of persons with disabilities and Government Decision No. 314/2012 approving the Framework Regulation on the organization and functioning of the PAS, together with the Minimum Quality Standards. However, the existing modalities for employing personal assistants and delivering the service do not adequately meet real needs, resulting in inequities in coverage, quality, and financial sustainability. While the number of beneficiaries has steadily increased in recent years, the human and financial resources allocated have not evolved proportionally to demand. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) intends to revise and improve the contracting and delivery framework of the PAS to ensure a more equitable, flexible, and needs oriented system. This will include differentiating levels of support and exploring alternative financing and contracting mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of strengthening inclusion and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The consultant, in coordination with the financial expert, shall prepare legislative recommendations and costing scenarios for the revision of contracting and delivery modalities of the Personal Assistance Service.
Education
- Advanced (Master's) degree in Public/Administrative Law, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Protection
Work Experience
- At least 8 years of professional experience in legal analysis and regulatory reform, particularly in social services, labor law, or public service contracting
- Proven record of experience in reviewing and drafting legal frameworks related to service delivery mechanisms, contracting modalities, and public or social service provision
Skills
- Strong familiarity with national legislation on social protection, disability rights, labor relations
- Excellent skills in working with a complex group of stakeholders, including government institutions, service providers, and civil society organizations
Desirables
- Demonstrated knowledge of international standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), would be an asset
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Romanian and high command of English
For every Child, you demonstrate...
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 promoting 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.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
A detailed technical proposal: Description of relevant experience in similar types of assignments (maximum 500 words). The submission should also include links to the candidate’s previous work that are relevant to the Terms of Reference (TOR).
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.