Deputy Team Leader - Helvetas

Job Title: Deputy Team Leader

Contract Type: Full-time

Duration of employment: Maternity cover for 7 months

Deadline: 31.06.2025

Start Date: 08.07.2025

Duty Station: Chisinau, Moldova

Employer: Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Moldova (Helvetas)

Background

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is a leading Swiss non-governmental organisation committed to international development cooperation and humanitarian response.

In Moldova, Helvetas has been active since 2018, primarily through the OPTIM project – “Opportunities through Technologies and Innovation in Moldova” – supporting economic development in the Agri-Food and ICT sectors. The project is currently in its second phase (until 31.12.2026), financed by the Swiss Government.

OPTIM aims to enhance employment and income opportunities, especially for excluded groups, by addressing systemic constraints in selected markets. It uses the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to enable sustainable, large-scale impact through partnerships, innovation, and private sector engagement.

The OPTIM project supports businesses' resilient growth, enhanced competitiveness, and access to high-value markets. It contributes to adopting climate-smart and efficient agricultural technologies and practices, emphasising digital solutions for farm management and cost optimisation in the agri-food sector.  

It focuses on access to markets, technologies, and finance for private sector growth and skills development for employability and better economic opportunities for the population of Moldova.

Helvetas is pleased to announce an opening for the maternity cover for the Deputy Team Leader position. This is a temporary position with an anticipated duration of 7 months.

The employee will be contracted by Helvetas Moldova, the representation of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation based in Chisinau.

Position Overview

The Deputy Team Leader (DTL) supports the Team Leader (TL) in the overall management, strategic direction, and implementation of the project. The DTL leads on key operational and technical aspects to deliver systemic and sustainable economic development outcomes. The DTL also acts as a Team Leader when required.

Together with TL, lead the project and the overall management of the project aimed at meeting the highest organisational and donor standards, reflecting the MSD approach, and in close cooperation and coordination with the partners and stakeholders, contribute to planning and reporting.

In cooperation with TL, provide high-quality program steering and technical support to the team, and ensure the integration of organisational cross-cutting priorities in project interventions with a focus on the application of the market systems development approach MSD.

Together with TL, ensure operational processes for project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Programme Management

• Together with the Team Leader (TL), ensure strategic guidance of the Project Facilitation Unit on the overall implementation of the project.
• Together with TL, ensure high-quality and timely reporting to the donor and HQ, based on the results-based monitoring system.
• Oversee the development of annual work plans, budgets, and implementation schedules across project components.
• Together with the technical team and in coordination with TL, lead on operational planning.

2. Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting

• Ensure timely and quality inputs to donor reports and strategic communications.
• Ensure and contribute towards the enhanced MRM system in compliance with the DCED standard.
• Provide key guidance to the team on the application of the market systems development (MSD) approach through continuous coaching and technical support.
• In consultation with TL, identify and prioritise the backstopping needs, in terms of training or necessary consultancy to the project team and key partners.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Represent the project in meetings with government institutions, private sector partners, donor agencies, and civil society organisations.
• Build and maintain partnerships with implementing organizations, sectoral bodies, and business associations.

4. HR and Support Services Oversight

• Oversee HR planning, recruitment processes, onboarding, performance reviews, and staff well-being in coordination with the TL.
• Together with TL, contribute towards the capacity development of the team as well as contribute to the annual staff appraisals.
• Supervise support services, including administration, procurement, logistics, and IT, to ensure effective project delivery.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager to monitor budget utilisation, contract compliance, and procurement plans.

Key Competencies and Requirements

• Strong understanding of market systems and systemic approaches to development.
• Excellent coordination and facilitation skills, with the ability to build bridges across teams and sectors.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English and Romanian. Russian is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with knowledge management tools is a plus.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in economics, development studies, business administration, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in development cooperation, private sector development, or project management, preferably within an MSD or systems change framework.
• Experience working with OPTIM sectors.
• Experience with cross-functional team coordination, strategic planning, and facilitating adaptive management.

Why Join Us?

At Helvetas, you will join a highly motivated team working on innovative approaches to inclusive economic development. As Deputy Team Leader, you will contribute to shaping impactful, scalable solutions in Moldova’s most critical economic sectors, while fostering team cohesion and adaptive leadership.

References

Please indicate at least two references in your CV or application.

Application process

The willing candidates must submit their CV and motivation letter to the following email: hr@optimproject.md 

Please indicate in the subject line the position you are applying for.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview. References will be checked.

Deadline: 31.06.2025

This is a local position; therefore, only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorised to work in the country are eligible to apply. We reserve the right to choose the most suitable candidate.

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is committed to achieving workforce diversity with regard to gender, ethnolinguistic background, age, etc. Individuals from different minority groups and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

*The information you provide during the application process will only be used to progress your application or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary. We will hold it securely, whether in electronic or physical format.