Programme Support Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Through the development projects and initiatives implemented under the auspices of the Sustainable Growth Sector, UNDP BIH actively contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth of the country. Among others, the main intervention areas include the following:

• Introduction and affirmation of circular economy principles in order to reduce the pressure on the environment, increase the resource base, spur innovations and the overall competitiveness. • Economic development and creation of new jobs, with particular emphasis on strengthening competitiveness of SMEs, boosting export, introduction of inclusive and sustainable business models, enhancing resource efficiency and utilization of renewa-ble energy sources. • Digitalization of business processes and usage of digital tools as a mean of economic growth and business innovations. • Strengthening competitiveness of the country's agri-food sector and rural economy, including rural tourism. • Provision of support to SMEs in order to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemics. This UN Volunteer assignment will be placed within the UNDP's Sustainable Growth Sector which brings together the following initiatives:

• European Union Support to Agriculture Competitiveness and Rural Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU4AGRI) Project, • European Union Support to Covid-19 Recovery and Resilience of Agriculture and Rural Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU4AGRI-Recovery) and
• EU4Business Recovery Project. The main partners in the domain of sustainable economic growth include:
• Relevant government counterparts and ministries; • Private sector entities; • Chambers of commerce and other business associations (IT parks, hubs etc.); • Donors supporting economic development efforts in the country; • Other UN agencies and UNDP BIH CO sectors/projects; • Other relevant stakeholders.

Under the direct supervision of Sustainable Growth Sector Leader, and in close cooperation with other relevant programme staff, the UN Volunteer is expected to support programmatic function and provide substantial and concrete inputs to the work of the Sector and its projects, in the context of the implementation of a portfolio and system-thinking approach to programming, in which innovation is nurtured.

S/he will undertake the following tasks:

Overall technical, administrative, and logistical support • Assist the SG project teams by providing administrative and logistical support in pro-jects’ activities; • Organize and coordinate information exchanges internationally and between participating institutions; • Assist the SG project teams in the process of data collection and analysis, with focus on population of data in thematic registries/databases; • Compile and prepare the documentation necessary for the procurement of services, goods and supplies; • Draft routine official correspondence and assists in the preparation of various reports; • Support drafting of the terms of references for international and local consultants and experts to be hired; • Provide technical and logistical support in the preparation and organization of the various meetings (conferences, project board meetings etc).

Support to the Project teams in implementation of Project business processes • Assist project teams in summarizing key results from research and preparing inputs for technical reports and presentations; • Review best practices in priority areas defined by the project teams and suggest adequate and transferable solutions for Bosnia and Herzegovina, including from the view-point of contribution to achieving the SDGs; • Based on research and analysis, suggest concrete approaches for ensuring gender equality in the SG sector activities and projects.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service when-ever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work in-dependently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent pro-jects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience description • Demonstrated interest and/or experience in economic development, sustainable economic growth and other relevant fields • Good knowledge and/or interest in providing support with project implementation, data research, collection and analysis; • Experience working in the UN, NGO, or civil society organization, or any other nation-al or international development organization is an asset; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development, • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Strong communication and presentation skills; • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (MS Word, Excel, Spread-sheet, Internet etc.) and experience in handling of web-based management system; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the largest urban center with an estimated population of 370,000. The city is situated along the Miljacka river and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. The city is famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Judaism coexisting there for centuries. There are no administrative or other restrictions, apart from visa (exceptions possible), on international staff members' traveling in/within/from the country and in the past two years restrictions imposed by Covid-19 pandemic. In general, regular medical facilities are available, with two main hospitals and a significant number of small private clinics. General sanitary and hygiene conditions are adequate. Good local banking facilities are available (use of credit cards, ATMs). Communication services (domestic and international) are available on a regular basis. Availability of food, furnishings and other necessities is adequate (various grocery stores and markets with fresh food products, shopping centers, etc). Public transportation is available (tram, bus, trolleybus, taxi). International airport is 20 minutes drive from the UN building in Sarajevo. Public water supply, electricity and sewerage system are in place. Sarajevo offers numerous cultural events open also for international population. The most famous ones are Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS (international theater festival), Jazz Festival, Sarajevo Winter, Bascarsija's Nights in summertime, Novi Grad's Days, Agro food, International Book Fair, etc. There are number of galleries and museums, sports facilities open for public use and annual international sports competitions. There are several cinema multiplexes that regularly offer a rich repertoire of latest films, both blockbusters and masterpieces of independent cinema. The UN designated state of alert for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Security Level 1 which is minimal and lowest security level in the Security Level System for the entire country, including the capital of Sarajevo. The situation in BiH is generally quiet; all international agencies consider threats to their staff to be low at this time. However, BiH has the same problems as much of Europe, from pickpockets to traffic accidents, so all staff must exercise appropriate personal security awareness and common sense. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still the country with the largest mine contamination problem. Staff are advised not to deviate from well-travelled routes while in the country.