Call for Local Stakeholder and Agriculture Expert/Manager: Contribute to the Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture Study in Moldova (May-Dec 2025)
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is seeking for a local expert in Moldova for a short-term assignment as part of an in-depth study on wastewater reuse in agricultural irrigation in Moldova. This important study supports Moldova’s alignment with Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse, contributing to sustainable water management, circular economy, and climate adaptation efforts.
Background
This assignment is part of the SEI’s Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine project which aims to drive policy change, environmental innovation, and sustainable growth in the region. In line with Moldova’s National Plan for EU accession (2024–2027), this study will help shape the country’s approach to water reuse in agriculture amid increasing climate variability and water scarcity.
The current research builds upon the successful completion of the project’s first stage, which assessed Moldova’s water resources, irrigation infrastructure, and the potential for treated wastewater reuse. Stage 2 will deliver an in-depth, site-specific analysis and a socio-technical feasibility study of water reuse in the agricultural sector.
Stage 1 – Rapid Scoping Assessment
Stage 1 was completed in March 2025 and provides the foundation for strategies to reuse treated wastewater for farm irrigation in Moldova, addressing water scarcity and climate change adaptation. The Stage 1 report reviews the current state of wastewater treatment and agricultural irrigation in Moldova, highlighting the urgent need for innovative water management solutions due to the country's vulnerability to droughts and variable rainfall.
Two stakeholder meetings were held in Chisinau as part of Stage 1:
7-9 October 2024: Inception Workshop
17-19 March 2025: Stage 1 Finalization and Stage 2 Kick-off
Stage 2 – In-depth Assessment (May 2025 - December 2025)
Stage 2 will build on Stage 1 by conducting a detailed assessment of how reclaimed wastewater can be used for irrigation in Moldova. This stage will focus on three pilot sites: Cahul, Cantemir, and Causeni, and will include:
· Evaluating technical capacities of wastewater treatment plants, irrigation systems, and local soil and crops
· Scenario modelling for wastewater supply and irrigation needs under various climate change projections
· Socio-technical feasibility analysis of wastewater reuse in urban-rural agricultural settings
Key components to be assessed include:
· Treated wastewater (quality and safety)
· Irrigation systems (storage, infrastructure, delivery)
· Farm fields (soil characteristics, crops grown)
OPEN POSITION
· Local Stakeholder and Agriculture Expert/Manager: Engage and consult with local farmers regarding irrigation needs and attitudes toward using treated wastewater in the target areas.
Tasks & Deliverables
Key outputs:
Output 1: Stakeholder Mapping and Consultation
1.1. Identify and describe key stakeholders in the treated wastewater reuse value chain, from WWTPs to agricultural end-users.
1.1.1. Provide a spatial overview of agricultural areas near WWTPs, including:
· Land use types (agriculture, construction)
· Property ownership (public, private, cooperative)
· Crop types and growing cycles
· Irrigation needs (including seasonal requirements)
1.1.2 Identify existing or former irrigation infrastructure and practices.
1.1.3 Report on any local irrigation associations or informal farmer networks.
1.2.Summarize stakeholder consultations (town halls, targeted dialogues), covering:
· Attitudes and concerns about using treated wastewater for irrigation
· Awareness of operational and environmental risks
· Knowledge of water treatment and regulations
Output 2: Stakeholder Data Inventory
Gather and summarize data from farmers and local actors on:
· Frequency and impacts of water scarcity and drought
· Irrigation methods and water requirements for a full harvest
· Interest and willingness to pay for treated wastewater
· Skills and qualifications relevant to irrigation and land use
The listed outputs may be revised as research advances and new data becomes available.
Qualifications and Skills
· University degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, water management, or similar field.
· At least 5 years’ experience in agriculture, focusing on field data collection, stakeholder engagement, and irrigation (preferably in Moldova, especially Căușeni, Cahul, and Cantemir).
· Deep knowledge of local agriculture, irrigation needs, and drought impacts.
· Experience organizing community meetings and facilitating dialogue.
· Able to communicate complex information simply and sensitively.
· Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
· Fluent in Romanian; English is an asset.
· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Duration & Contract Details
The assignment is from May 2025 to end-2025, with an estimated 25 working days during Stage 2. Remuneration will be based on experience; additional days may be negotiated if needed.
Other Requirements
· Must meet legal registration and tax obligations in Moldova.
· Proof of tax registration will be required before contract signing.
Application Instructions
To Apply: Submit the following to [email protected]:
Updated CV
Brief cover letter outlining relevant experience
Financial offer indicating your proposed daily fee (in EUR, gross)
Deadline: 26 May 2025 Note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Legal Note: Selected experts are responsible for compliance with all legal and tax obligations in Moldova.
For more details, please review the attached Terms of Reference for each position or contact Tatiana Echim, Senior SEI Expert, Green Agenda Moldova.
Source of the photos: Getty Images