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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, access.

During the last decade, the Republic of Moldova registered a significant increase in information technology usage and coverage with the rollout of large-scale fixed and mobile broadband networks. Nowadays, Moldova has dynamic and competitive information technologies characterized by high internet access speeds, a high level of mobile services accessibility, and technological development. Despite progress in the digital transformation of government institutions, particularly the social protection sector, the national IT system still has issues with interoperability, accessibility, and coverage. Implementing the Digital Transformation Strategy (MDTS) is a priority for the Government of the Republic of Moldova to align with the European and international standards of a modern and innovative digital society.[1].

Over the past decade or more, the social protection system has produced automated systems for separate aspects of its work. As a result, it now has 14 information systems that cover different social sectors such as social insurance, social assistance, and disability.  These systems streamline processes such online application processes (front-office work), automate business processes (back-office work), and beneficiary data management. However, due to their fragmented development and the use of diverse software and technologies, integrating these systems and ensuring their interoperability remains a significant challenge.

In 2023, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP) launched the RESTART Reform of Social Assistance System to enhance governance and quality and improve access to social assistance through the digitalization of the system but also to strengthen the institutional and human capacity to deliver social protection services in an efficient and effective manner. As part of this reform, the Ministry aims to encompass a new focus on integrated approaches to data and information management, enhance the capacities of the social workforce, capable of assisting decision-makers with more harmonized and systematic information across social protection programmes to ensure coordinated responses to the multi-dimensional vulnerabilities of children, women and other vulnerable groups. In 2023-2024, UNICEF partnered with UN agencies to support the Ministry in advancing digitalization efforts. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the social protection system falls under the responsibility of the National Office of Social Insurance (CNAS), which daily manages millions of cash payments. CNAS oversees the tracking of contributors and their social insurance contributions, as well as the payment, and recording of social benefits, including those related to social protection for families with children.

Currently, CNAS is undergoing a transformative digitalization process aimed at enhancing integration with social services managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP), as well as other public services operated by various institutions. A key objective is to establish seamless connectivity with a central system managed by E-Government.

In response to a request from CNAS, UNICEF will provide technical assistance to assess the digitalization of social protection business processes within CNAS. Additionally, UNICEF will draft the Terms and Conditions to guide the next steps. This consultancy will play a crucial role in advancing national priorities for digitalizing social systems and strengthening capacity-building initiatives.

How can you make a difference? 

The consultant will assist the National Office of Social Insurance in aligning with the goals of the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030 and Government Decree no.788/2022 on information system of social protection. This support is continuation of previous efforts and will focus on implementing the digital transformation of social protection programs, particularly family and child-sensitive cash transfer programs such as Ajutor Social, childcare benefits, childbirth grants, disability benefits, and maternity protection. Additionally, the technical assistance will contribute to Action 5 of the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030, which aims to enhance the digitalization of public services.

Objectives of the technical assistance:

The two primary objectives of the consultancy are as follows:

• Assess business processes of cash transfer programs administered by the National Office of Social Insurance. In close collaboration with UNICEF, the consultant will support CNAS and coordinate with key stakeholders in digitalization process. This will involve reviewing and refining the flows of business processes, drafting notes on good practices and recommendations on digitalization, and sharing them with the CNAS.
• Draft Terms and References for the implementation of the modern integrated information system, specific to the processes carried out by CNAS, based on modern technologies, with aim on optimizing the processing, analysis and reporting flows of information. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF in supporting the CNAS management and IT experts to draft an adaptable Terms and Conditions technical report (such as to-be reports), which should include workflows, business processes, implementation issues, needs and gaps related to social protection within by the National Office of Social Insurance and its territorial offices (CTAS). The consultant will deliver workshop sessions and conduct ad-hoc capacity-building and skills transfer activities as requested, ultimately enhancing effective project management and oversight of IT systems within the organization and ensuring the transfer of the knowledge to sustainable Management and information systems of CNAS. 

The consultant is also expected to be flexible and responsive as required by the UNICEF Moldova Social Policy Specialist and CNAS focal person within the current ToR, and as agreed upon during the inception phase.

Details of how work should be delivered

The consultancy requires a part-time engagement and aims to provide technical support to CNAS in the digitalization of the social protection sector under national priorities such as the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030 and Government Decree no.788/2022 on the social protection information system. The working schedule and arrangements will be agreed upon with the selected consultant during the inception phase. The consultant will develop a detailed inception report and working plan under the guidance of the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist and in coordination with CNAS. The timeframe will be set in close consultation with CNAS until the end of the project. The consultant will submit intermediate versions, and upon approval of the plan, the timeframe for the intermediate versions should be agreed with UNICEF and CNAS.

Deliverables and delivery dates

Tasks	Deliverables	Timeline*
Task 1: Review relevant documents, including the Project Document on Digitalization of Social Protection, Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023-2030 and Government Decree no.788/2022 on the social protection information system, descriptions of existing business processes Draft an inception report with findings and propose a methodology and work plan.	Inception report, including methodology, initial funding, work plan validated by UNICEF and CNAS	20 days
Taks 2: Conduct a digital assessment of the CNAS’ social protection programs and digital systems, including business processes and service delivery workflows of selected cash and compensation programmes. Work with UNICEF and CNAS teams, IT and social protection experts, to assess the existing social protection and digital systems of the CNAS and gather the information necessary to define future digital needs and associated capacity and technology requirements and draft activity report.	Interviews, data analysis and activity report submitted to UNICEF and CNAS	20 days
Task 3 Draft of the Terms of Reference for the development of the information system, accompanied by public procurement documentation. The Terms of Reference shall be developed in compliance with IT regulations and standards and shall ensure that the developed requirements properly describe an information system, which shall be used as a single mechanism for: 1) record keeping of contributors and their obligations to the state social insurance budget; 2) nominal record keeping of insured persons and individual record keeping of social insurance contributions; 3) receipt from the State Tax Service and processing of indicators related to declarations on nominal record keeping of insured persons and declarations on the calculation and use of mandatory state social insurance contributions; 4) daily receipt from the State Treasury and processing of payments collected in the social security budget (BASS), as well as the refund of amounts from the budget; 5) establishment of pensions (including survivor benefit for children) and social insurance benefits (including child-related benefits) as well as other social benefits in accordance with the regulatory framework; 6) records of beneficiaries of pensions and social insurance benefits, as well as other social benefits according to the regulatory framework; 7) records of payment of pensions and social insurance benefits, as well as other social benefits according to the regulatory framework; 8) management of operational, statistical and analytical data/reports on BASS revenues and expenditures	Terms and references are drafted and validated by CNAS and UNICEF	55 working days

* Exact deadlines will be mutually agreed upon contract signature.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the individual consultant, under the guidance of UNICEF, will:

• Review and adjust as necessary the documents and work plan for the assignment, including the data collection, as per UNICEF and CNAS recommendations.
• Conduct briefing and de-briefing meetings with UNICEF and the CNAS, as well as other partners as required;
• Review and adjust if necessary, the desk review of relevant legal documents and brief notes;

Changes to the agreed dates for deliverables must be mutually agreed in writing by UNICEF and the contractor, and in consultation with CNAS.

Reporting requirements

The consultant will report to the UNICEF Moldova Social Policy Specialist, who will regularly communicate and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultant’s performance and quality of work.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF and CNAS. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of the deliverables electronically in English and Romanian (in Word format). At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the Social Policy Specialist.

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 in compliance with regulations and IT standards, as well as ensuring the completeness of the document (the extent to which all sections and requirements necessary for the performance of the activity are included in the Terms and References report) with the use of appropriate technical terminology;
• Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterparts

Definition of supervisory arrangements

The consultant will work under the oversight of Social Policy Specialist of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

Work location and official travel involved

The work will be conducted remotely or on-site in Chisinau, Moldova, without the need for international missions. If necessary, UNICEF will organize local meetings with partners separately.

Support provided by UNICEF

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. UNICEF will provide an initial package of relevant documents and available research, and an initial list of relevant experts and counterparts to work with. UNICEF will also request relevant data – as agreed upon with the consultant – from relevant government counterparts

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Advanced university degree (master's or PhD) in sciences, business and administration or Information Technology.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in business process mapping, digitalization and management and information systems related to public policy or/social protection policy.
• Experience in qualitative analysis and quantitative experience in the collection and analysis of data is required.
• Demonstrated experience in developing Terms and Reference reports for an integrated information system is required.
• Skills in database administration and optimization, as well as in the field of hardware and software architecture, are required. Strong knowledge of the social protection system is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear and succinct reports.
• Demonstrated relevant working experience with government officials and authorities, and UN agencies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Romanian and a working knowledge of English are required. Knowledge of Russian would be an advantage. 

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):

 UNICEF ToR Digitalization of CNAS_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below).

 Technical Offer_CNAS.docx

Content of technical proposal

• Relevant experience with similar type of assignments.
• Proposed approach and methodology (max 1500 words), including:
• Timeline and milestones
• Curriculum Vitae.

 Financial Offer_CNAS.xlsx

Content of financial proposal

The applicant should fill in the Financial Offer Template and specify an all-inclusive fee in USD, per day of work, requested for the deliverables described in the Terms of Reference, as well as breakdown of other costs if applicable (as specified in paragraph 14 of this ToR).

Other expenses directly related to the ToR assignments and deliverables such as: (translation/interpretation costs, local transportation etc.) may be included in the financial offer unless specified that UNICEF will cover them separately (see paragraph 14 and 15 below).

The final selection will be based on the principle of “best value for money” i.e. achieving desired outcome at lowest possible fee.

If not provided by ToR, UNICEF will not reimburse costs not directly related to the assignment. This contract does not allow payment of off-hours, medical insurance, taxes, and sick leave.

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

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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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 visa (if applicable) and 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.