A new digital, gender-neutral job evaluation tool for equal pay developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) enables employers in Moldova to assess and compare jobs using objective criteria and identify potential unjustified pay differences.
The automated Excel-based tool calculates the functional value of different jobs within an enterprise and compares remuneration for jobs of equal or comparable value.
Jobs are assessed independently of the personal characteristics of the employee holding the position, based on four objective factors: skills and qualifications, responsibilities, effort and working conditions.
"The tool is practical and pragmatic. It allows enterprises to enter the necessary data and immediately obtain a precise diagnosis of gender-based pay differences," said Rosalia Vazquez-Alvarez, Senior Economist at the ILO. "Instead of leaving the assessment to perceptions or stereotypes, employers and workers can benefit from a tool that provides a clear understanding of a gender-neutral salary structure, and respects the principles of social dialogue. It helps the enterprise to plan any required adjustments over time."
The tool helps enterprises prepare for pay-transparency requirements, including those arising from the 2023 EU Pay Transparency Directive. Moldova has already introduced definitions of work of equal value, gender-neutral job evaluation and pay-transparency obligations into its national legislation.
Companies put the tool to the test
Ten Moldovan companies of varying sizes, sectors, and regions piloted the tool and provided feedback on its usability and practical value. The companies are members of the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM).
For EuroCredit Bank, the main advantage is the clear picture the tool provides of an enterprise's remuneration practices.
"The tool is easy to understand, user-friendly and does not require additional budgets to implement a complex job classification and evaluation system," said Oxana Cortac, Head of the Human Resources Department at EuroCredit Bank.
"The diagnostic assessment helps us identify potential gender pay differences and areas requiring improvement. It can reduce subjectivity in pay-setting and support decisions based on clear and objective criteria," she added.
The ILO, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and social partners will continue supporting the use of the tool in Moldova. Next steps include adapting it for companies with fewer than 50 employees and transforming the current Excel-based instrument into a more accessible web application.
This initiative is part of the ILO's technical support to help national constituents in Moldova build capacity to implement the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and advance equal pay, a shared priority under the Decent Work Country Programme for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2027.
The tool was developed with financial support from the ILO and the Government of Switzerland, under the ILO project "Enhance Peace and Prosperity through Women's Leadership and Inclusion (Women for Peace & Prosperity)".
