Partnerships Advisor Roster (Programme Advisor/Technical expert on the Reform and Growth Plans and the Reform Agendas)

Senior Programme & Policy Leadership

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

Background Information - 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, Türkiye, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

Programme Information

Under the framework of the multi-year programme titled “Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans,” funded by the Government of Norway, UNOPS provides support to the six Western Balkans partners (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 Agendas. Learning and exchanges are promoted across the region, as well as from neighbouring countries which have joined the European Union (EU).

The aim of the programme is to strengthen institutional, administrative and legislative frameworks and practices. To this end, UNOPS will create a pool of national, regional and international programme implementation Advisors to be deployed to support governments with regards to the implementation and monitoring of the Western Balkans Six (WB6) Reform Agendas under the Reform and Growth Facility, as well as to facilitate the sharing of regional best practices.

Selection of experts will be made from the Roster based on beneficiaries’ needs. The incumbent will be engaged as a retainer and asked to perform specific tasks linked to supporting the delivery of the Reform Agendas of the Western Balkans Six when the needs arise.

Duty station: Please be aware that this is a home-based position, with the duty station being your city of permanent residence. Regular travel may be required.

**** All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)*

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the AUMCO Chief Technical Advisor and in close cooperation with beneficiaries, the Partnerships Advisor Roster (Programme Advisor/ Technical expert on the Reform Agendas under the Reform and Growth Facility) will provide technical expertise to line Ministries and public authorities dealing with monitoring and implementation of the Reform Agendas under the Reform and Growth Facility. The experts should have a high level of expertise and professional experience in one or more of the following areas of the EU and/or beneficiaries’ action and policy, which are relevant to the Reform Agendas: (1) Rule of Law and Fundamentals i.e. the relevant principles such as fundamental rights, democratic principles, justice, anti-corruption, equality and non-discrimination, including their mechanisms and frameworks for support and monitoring ;

(2) Governance, Public Administration Reform and Public Financial Management i.e. institutions and processes, transparency and accountability, human rights, legislative reforms, service delivery improvement, human resources management, budgeting, revenue administration, expenditure management, financial reporting and procurement;

(3) Human Capital i.e. fairness and inclusiveness in growth, a well-functioning labour market, a well-trained and productive workforce and, overall, the areas of education and skills, employment, and social protection and inclusion including youth, healthcare, culture and sport etc;

(4) Energy and Green Transition i.e. addressing reliance on fossil fuels, transition to renewables, energy efficiency, addressing energy poverty, developing energy market mechanisms, decarbonisation and private sector participation etc;

(5) Digitalisation i.e. the interconnection of administration, research and education networks, high-performance computing, the Digital Agenda, internet access and digital skills, addressing fragmentation in the digital market; and

(6) Private Sector Development and Business Environment i.e. a robust private sector for regional socio-economic development and integration, improvement of competitiveness and job creation, supporting start-ups and micro-, small and medium-sized businesses, innovation and open, innovative, business friendly eco-systems etc.

When submitting your application, please include a short Cover letter (max. half a page) indicating one or more of the above areas of specialisation.

Selected experts will work on the implementation, monitoring and the overall physical and financial management of the Reform Agendas of the beneficiaries. In that regard, they should be able to provide evidence of experience in the implementation or monitoring of results-based, EU-funded programmes/projects entailing structural reforms and/or investments in the EU or accession countries (mandatory specialisation).

The selected candidates will perform functions such as the following with a thematic focus, according to their expertise in line with the thematic areas’ categories from (1) to (6) specified above. They will support the beneficiaries by

• providing technical advice in line with their thematic area of expertise; and/or

• supporting the implementation, monitoring, reporting, financial control and evaluation of the Reform agendas under the respective Reform Agendas, and in particular their:

  • measures, including structural reforms, investments, and measures to ensure compliance with related EU and national objectives;
  • investment projects and programmes intended for financing under the WBIF, including respective investment volumes and envisaged timelines for implementation;
  • alignment with the indicative timetable and the envisaged payment conditions;
  • measurable qualitative and quantitative steps and relevant indicators;
  • outreach, communication and visibility plan for local audiences

Other Tasks and Responsibilities may include:

• Provide process advice, in line with the Regulation on the establishment of the Reform and Growth Facility; and
• Prepare technical meetings and workshops related to the execution of the Reform Agenda.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - An advanced university degree or higher, preferably in Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies or Natural Sciences or in any other field related to the 6 thematic areas specified above i.e.

(1) Rule of Law and Fundamentals; (2) Governance, Public Administration Reform and Public Financial Management; (3) Human Capital; (4) Energy and Green Transition; (5) Digitalisation; and (6) Private Sector Development and Business Environment.

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. Experience

7 years of experience in working for/with the EU institutions or EU Member States’ entities and/or working for/with the beneficiary countries on - Programme planning, implementation or monitoring within the context of public sector reform, governance, or development projects;

AND/OR - Technical aspects of reforms and investments in the context of the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries/territories.

Experience in management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects including budgeting, scheduling, monitoring, and evaluation and technical aspects;

AND/OR - In-depth understanding of reform processes, including legislative, administrative, and economic reforms in the context of the EU accession process of the Western Balkans.

Familiarity with project management tools. Desirables/ Assets:

Experience in the planning, implementation and monitoring of reform and investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plans of the EU Member States. Demonstrated experience in the Western Balkans, with a good understanding of the socio-political and economic dynamics of the area.

Languages . Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in one or more languages of the Western Balkans (e.g., Serbian, Croatian, Albanian, Macedonian) is highly desirable.

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

1. Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
2. Contract level: ICSC 11/ IICA 3
3. Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, 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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Added 5 days ago - Updated 3 days ago - Source: jobs.unops.org