EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk: Training on partnership agreements strengthens Moldova’s local social services
In collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union-funded EU4GenderEquality Reform Helpdesk Project (Phase II) organised two face-to-face trainings for Moldova’s Territorial Social Assistance Agencies (TSAA) on 4 April 2025, Bălți municipality, and 14 April, Căușeni city.
The trainings equipped 50 TSAA staff members (50 women and five men) with practical knowledge, tools and negotiation strategies to improve the planning, management and transparency of partnership agreements between public social assistance services and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on victim support, social inclusion and community services. By strengthening the competencies of staff who work directly with vulnerable populations at the local and regional levels, the training contributed to more effective, coordinated and victim-sensitive service delivery by Moldova’s social assistance system. Participants praised the relevance of the trainings, expressing their interest in further training on monitoring partnerships and integrating gender-sensitive approaches in service agreements.
The trainings highlighted the importance of assessing the need for services before initiating partnerships. Trainers presented a methodology and techniques for needs identification, including context analysis, examining administrative data and direct discussions with beneficiaries, particularly survivors of violence and vulnerable community members. Participants learned to identify when services in their areas are insufficient or non-existent, prioritise urgent needs, and map the operational capacity of local, regional and national NGOs.
The trainings examined how to define clear collaboration objectives and identify types of services that can be outsourced or jointly implemented, including practical ways to avoid duplication and pinpoint common points of action between the TSAA and NGOs. Participants reviewed examples of successful service delivery partnerships in Moldova and neighbouring countries, noting lessons learned on shared planning, joint service mapping and regular coordination. Interactive sessions explored negotiation techniques and financial management approaches in collaboration agreements, including roleplaying exercises on managing conflicts. The trainings provided recommendations on the financial aspects of agreements, including cost-sharing mechanisms, realistic budgets, and transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Participants welcomed practical advice on addressing common challenges such as delays in fund transfers, unforeseen costs and the need for flexibility in long-term partnerships. The final module covered the structure and content of partnership agreements, such as including a confidentiality clause to protect beneficiaries’ personal data. Participants also learned how to prevent and address potential risks, maintain open communication, establish dispute resolution mechanisms and conduct regular performance evaluations.
The training is part of the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Eastern Neighbourhood region, including in Moldova.
Learn more about the EU’s support for gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region
Factsheet on the EU4Gender Reform Helpdesk Phase II
EU4Gender Equality Helpdesk Phase II project page
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