Deadline: 04-May-2026
The UN Women Moldova Office is inviting civil society organizations to implement a pilot programme in Bălți focused on improving livelihoods and inclusive employment for vulnerable women. With funding up to USD 100,000, the initiative supports skills development, job access, and family-friendly services. The programme aims to strengthen women’s economic resilience through gender-responsive and inclusive labor market solutions.
The UN Women Moldova Inclusive Employment Pilot (2026–2028) is a targeted initiative designed to improve employment opportunities and livelihoods for women facing multiple vulnerabilities.
Core Objective
To enhance economic participation, resilience, and inclusion of vulnerable women through innovative, pilot-based employment solutions.
Key Programme Details
- Implemented by: UN Women Moldova Office
- Partners: UNFPA
- Funder: Austrian Development Agency
- Location: Bălți region, Moldova
- Total Budget: Up to USD 100,000
- Programme Type: Pilot initiative
Key Focus Areas
The programme targets systemic barriers affecting women’s employment:
1. Livelihood Development
- Creation of innovative income-generating opportunities
2. Inclusive Employment
- Expanding access to:
- Flexible jobs
- Decent work conditions
3. Skills and Training
- Improving access to:
- Vocational training
- Career development services
4. Social Barriers
- Addressing:
- Gender stereotypes
- Care responsibilities
5. Family-Friendly Services
- Enhancing:
- Childcare availability
- Work-life balance policies
Target Beneficiaries
The initiative focuses on:
- NEET women (Not in Employment, Education, or Training)
- Women with children
- Women with disabilities
- Older women
- Rural women
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged women
Strategic Intervention Areas
1. Strengthening Public Institutions
- Build capacity to deliver inclusive employment programmes
2. Supporting Vulnerable Women
- Provide:
- Tailored employment services
- Skills training
- Career guidance
3. Engaging Private Sector and Authorities
- Promote:
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Development of childcare services
Key Concept: Intersectional Approach
What Does It Mean?
An intersectional approach recognizes that women face overlapping barriers due to:
- Disability
- Care responsibilities
- Age
- Socioeconomic status
- Geographic location
Why It Matters
- Ensures targeted and equitable interventions
- Improves effectiveness of employment programmes
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Civil society organizations (CSOs) registered in Moldova
Required Experience
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment
- Employment or livelihood programming
Preferred Capacity
- Ability to:
- Design pilot programmes
- Deliver measurable impact
- Work with multiple stakeholders
Why This Programme Matters
Promotes Economic Inclusion
- Expands access to jobs for vulnerable women
Strengthens Resilience
- Builds long-term financial stability
Supports Gender Equality
- Addresses systemic labor market inequalities
Encourages Sustainable Change
- Influences policy, institutions, and private sector practices
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Call for Proposals
- UN Women invites CSOs to submit applications
Step 2: Proposal Evaluation
- Based on:
- Relevance
- Innovation
- Feasibility
Step 3: Selection of Responsible Party
- One or more organizations selected
Step 4: Pilot Implementation
- Design and deliver targeted interventions
Step 5: Monitoring and Assessment
- Measure:
- Skills improvement
- Employment outcomes
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Requirements
- Study Terms of Reference carefully
Step 2: Develop Project Proposal
Include:
- Objectives
- Target groups
- Activities
- Budget
Step 3: Align with Programme Priorities
- Focus on:
- Inclusion
- Gender responsiveness
- Employment outcomes
Step 4: Submit Application
- Follow official UN Women submission process
Step 5: Prepare for Implementation
- Ensure readiness to execute pilot activities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring intersectionality
- Weak targeting of vulnerable groups
- Lack of measurable indicators
- Generic, non-innovative proposals
- Limited stakeholder engagement
Pro Tips for Success
- Use data-driven needs assessment
- Demonstrate strong partnerships
- Focus on scalable solutions
- Include clear monitoring frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is this UN Women Moldova call for proposals?
A funding opportunity for CSOs to implement inclusive employment programs in Bălți.
2. What is the total funding available?
Up to USD 100,000.
3. Who can apply?
Civil society organizations registered in Moldova.
4. What groups are targeted?
Vulnerable women, including NEET women, women with disabilities, and rural women.
5. What is the programme duration?
Not explicitly fixed, but structured as a pilot initiative under a broader project.
6. What is meant by “inclusive employment”?
Employment systems that provide equal access and support for all individuals, regardless of barriers.
7. What is an intersectional approach?
A framework that considers overlapping social and economic disadvantages affecting women.
Conclusion
The UN Women Moldova Office pilot initiative in Bălți offers a critical opportunity to advance inclusive employment and livelihoods for vulnerable women.
For more information, visit UN Women.