Partnerships Advisor (EU negotiations - Chapter 8 Competition – de minimis state aid rules)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on: - Infrastructure - Procurement - Project Management (full service, back on track) - HR and Transactional Services - Grants Management - Technical and Advisory Services - Project Information

Project Information Under the framework of the multi-year project titled “Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans,” UNOPS is providing support in the six countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) with access to tailored expertise, knowledge and best practice to assist them with advancing their respective reform agenda. Learning and exchanges will be promoted across the Region, as well as from neighbouring countries which have joined the European Union (EU). The aim of the project is to strengthen institutional, administrative and legislative frameworks and practices. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, and in close cooperation with beneficiaries, the incumbent will provide technical expertise to government authorities, primarily the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) of the Republic of North Macedonia. The assignment will also be done in consultations with the Secretariat for European Affairs, as well as other institutions as appropriate.

The legislative framework on State aid broadly reflects Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and its corresponding provisions in the SAA. The required amendments to the Law on State aid and its implementing legislation on certain forms of aid and specific sectors, including granting aid of minor importance (de minimis) to align with the EU acquis, have not been developed yet. The regional aid map is still outdated and the State aid inventory lacks transparency. At the same time, understaffing and budgetary constraints remain an issue for the Commission for the Protection of Competition and North Macedonia should invest more in strengthening its capacity.

The EU Country Report 2021 and the priority conclusions of the Subcommittee on Internal Market and Competition of 9 February 2022 point to the need to align the Macedonian legislation with the Notice on agreements of minor importance which do not appreciably restrict competition under Article 101 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (de minimis Notice); and with the Guidance on restrictions of competition "by object" for the purpose of defining which agreements may benefit from the de minimis Notice.

Therefore, North Macedonia needs support for the bylaw on de minimis rules as well as the related guidelines.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Technical Expertise - Assist and provide expert advice in drafting the By-law on agreements of minor importance (de minimis) in line with the Notice on agreements of minor importance which do not appreciably restrict competition under Article 101 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (De Minimis Notice). - Provide expert advice to drafting the Guidelines on restrictions of competition "by object" for the purpose of defining which agreements may benefit from the de minimis by-law in line with the EC Guidance on restrictions of competition "by object" for the purpose of defining which agreements may benefit from the De Minimis Notice.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish solid working relationships, engage, discuss, negotiate and liaise with key national stakeholders, including government officials.
• Support the development of good working relationships with key personnel in the EU, through a large network of key contacts at EU institution

Deliverables:

• A Workplan with details of the steps (activities and measures) that the expert will take for the successful finalisation of the assignment
• Draft By-law on agreements of minor importance (de minimis) drafted. The changes to the bylaw will be proposed in line with the Notice on agreements of minor importance which do not appreciably restrict competition under Article 101 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (De Minimis Notice).
• Guidelines on restrictions of competition "by object" for the purpose of defining which agreements may benefit from the de minimis by-law drafted. The guidleines will be prepared in line with the EC Guidance on restrictions of competition "by object" for the purpose of defining which agreements may benefit from the De Minimis Notice.
• A brief final mission report prepared and delivered to UNOPS. The report should contain the information on the assignment and accomplishments that have been made under the work of the expert.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Law, Economy, EU integration, Finance studies or other relevant discipline is required. - A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work experience - A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience working for/with the EU institution and/or working for/with the beneficiary countries in the field of state aid is required - Knowledge of the EU acquis on de minimis rules is highly desirable - Familiarity with the context of state aid in the Western Balkans region is highly desirable. - Proven records of building strong relationships and/or operate in an influential manner with gov authorities and/or UN officials is required - Ability to consistently exercise discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information is highly desirable.

Languages - Proficiency in English is required. - Knowledge of locally spoken languages including lingua franca is an advantage.

Competencies

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) 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.

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. 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). 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. 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 behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. 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. 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: The contract type will depend on the nationality and country of residence of the selected candidate. Contract level: ICS-11, Retainer Contract duration: 25 days, with possibility of extension (subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and 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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• 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.