Background Information- UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been active in Serbia since 2000, and the operations of UNOPS Serbia Project Office (RSPO) have since 2017 expanded to North Macedonia and Montenegro.
UNOPS has been a reliable partner primarily of the Government of Serbia, and later of the Governments of North Macedonia and Montenegro, in providing support for demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union.
Currently, the RSMCO is implementing 14 projects focussed on sustainable socio-economic development, social cohesion, creating environment for employability, business and infrastructure growth, increased security, improved education, enhanced social inclusion either via enabling durable housing solutions or providing access to health, education and jobs for the most vulnerable population. All projects have good governance and gender equality as transversal themes. UNOPS projects are contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework and objectives.
Project background
The European Union for Local Development Programme - EU PRO Plus is designed to contribute to reduction of socio-economic disparities in Serbia. It will support Šumadija and Western Serbia and South and Eastern Serbia, the two less developed regions, to tackle persistent underutilisation of development potentials and reduce social exclusion. While building on the momentum created by its three predecessors, this Programme will enhance territorial development management, support economic growth, and improve social infrastructure and cohesion. The European Union (EU) has allocated 30 million Euros for the implementation of the Programme during 36 months. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was selected for indirect management.
The EU PRO Plus Programme will enhance national, regional, and local capacities for management of integrated and sustainable territorial development (ISTD) while considering the European Union (EU) territorial instruments and contributing to the fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter 22 of the EU Acquis related to the Regional Policy and the Coordination of Structural Instruments. These instruments are supporting local communities to take more responsibilities for planning their development and tackling socio-economic challenges, thus the approach is effective in terms of addressing regional disparities.
There are three results that the Programme will achieve:
- Result 1: Improved development planning in targeted municipalities and introduction of the ITI concept
- Result 2: Enhanced economic growth in targeted municipalities
- Result 3 Improved social infrastructure and social cohesion in targeted municipalities
The direct beneficiaries of the EU PRO Plus are the Ministry of European Integration, local self-governments, regional administration structures, SMEs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and business support organisations (BSOs). The final beneficiaries are the inhabitants of 99 municipalities.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Officer for the Sector for Infrastructure, the Project Management Support - Senior Assistant for the Sector for Infrastructure will provide assistance in implementation of activities within the Infrastructure Sector. S/he will work closely with Sector Associate(s) and Engineer(s) in order to contribute to efficient and effective monitoring of implementation of projects within this Sector aiming at creation of improved conditions for business operations through provision of more efficient administrative services, enhanced land management and implementation of social and economic infrastructure projects.
The Senior Assistant will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:
- Maintain relationship with the Sector beneficiaries
Provide assistance in development of reports on Sector activities
Provide assistance in organisation of functions to present the Programme’s support to Infrastructure
With guidance from the Senior Officer for the Sector Infrastructure, and in coordination with the Sector Associate and Engineer, closely monitor implementation of projects related to Infrastructure
Conduct field visits to Sector beneficiaries in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) assigned by the Senior Officer for Infrastructure
Liaise with the Support Services team to support successful implementation of grant agreements by maintaining regular communication between the programme and Support Services units in order to ensure timely exchange of information on the status of provision of services, procurements and grant agreements
With guidance from the Senior Officer for Infrastructure, and in coordination with other Sector personnel, provide basic technical assistance to the Sector beneficiaries in implementation of projects
Support organization of training, information sessions, and other events related to promotion of the CFPs for Infrastructure and assist in capacity building of potential beneficiaries to adequately respond to the Calls.
Review documentation related to implementation of Infrastructure grants, and propose revisions and obtain approvals of the next phases of implementation.
Provide assistance in collection, preparation, and archiving of documentation related to processing of Sector related financial transactions
Establish activity progress tracking sheets and regularly update with inputs provided by beneficiaries and services providers
Maintain archive related to Infrastructure activities, as per agreement with the Senior Officer for Infrastructure and in line with the UNOPS/EU PRO Plus requirements
Report on the key local developments that are relevant for the Sector
With the guidance of the Sector Senior Officer, liaise with retainers and service providers to support implementation of the Sector activities including gathering data on their engagement, collecting and storing their reports, communicating directly with retainers in relation to administrative and procedural issues
Contribute to identification and assessment of risks and assist in implementation of mitigation measures in accordance with the Risk Management Strategy
Assist in drafting reports as envisaged by the Programme Document and other reports required by the Sector Manager
Assist in development of the Project’s plans
Assist in monitoring and reporting on the progress of activities against the set indicators, with data disaggregation needed for reporting on outputs, outcomes and impact
Contribute to identification and sharing of Project’s lessons learned and best practices
Contribute to efficient and effective use of EU PRO Plus and UNOPS tools for monitoring of Project’s performance, outputs and benefits
Contribute to the successful administrative and financial closure of activities within the Sector.
Provide support to Project’s communication and visibility activities
Provide assistance to other Programme Sectors including but not limited to monitoring, and field visits to beneficiaries, within efforts to optimise use of resources
Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
Required Selection Criteria
Education
- Secondary education is required
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in engineering, urban/municipal planning, environmental studies, social science or any related field is an asset
Work Experience
- Five years of experience in project support functions related to infrastructure is required. Bachelor’s degree may substitute for some years of experience.
- Direct experience in assisting implementation of grant schemes is an asset
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Serbian and English is required
Driving License
- Driving license and ability to travel independently is required
Core Competencies
Strategic Perspective - Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Integrity & Inclusion - Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others - Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering - Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation - Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility - Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused - Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication - Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION
Contract type, level and duration
This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of the Republic of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.
Contract type: Ongoing ICA
Contract level: Local ICA 5
Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to satisfactory performance
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org**
How to apply:
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter to UNOPS via UNOPS Jobs at following link:
https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=21464&media=print