Project Management Support - Officer (Local Country Coordinator)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & 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 - Grant Management - Technical and Advisory Services

Under the framework of the multi-year programme titled "Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans," funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 with advancing their respective reform agenda. Learning and technical exchanges will be promoted across the Region, as well as from (neighboring) countries which have acceded the European Union (EU). The aim of the programme is to strengthen institutional, administrative and legislative frameworks and practices. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and secondary supervision of the Regional Coordinator, the incumbent will support the successful implementation of the programme through an effective management and quality control, as part of the local country coordinators network (a network of experts based in each beneficiary country), facilitation of in-country meetings of UNOPS senior/project management with representatives from the beneficiary countries and relevant entities (such as government authorities, Prime Ministers’ Offices, Ministries of European Integration / of Foreign Affairs or other Ministries and institutions as appropriate, as well as EU Delegations, Norwegian Embassies, other international organizations and key stakeholders), with the aim to scale up effective deployment of technical experts.

The Project Management Support - Officer/LCC will work in close collaboration with the Regional Coordinator and be responsible for facilitating expert deployments in countries, collecting and analyzing information as relevant to the EU accession and integration process and related reforms. Further, the LCC will follow up on all the EU integration related developments, initiatives and similar, and in particular any outstanding issues that may require attention of the CTA and Regional Coordinator providing regular analytical updates. (* All references to Kosovo are made in the context of UNSCR 1244).

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the CTA and secondary supervision of the Regional Coordinator, the Project Management Support - Officer/LCC will facilitate in-country expert deployments by supporting and facilitating relevant meetings (where possible). S/he will support the monitoring of expert deployment activities - through work plans, coordination meetings, as needed, and through calls in an advice/evaluation capacity. In addition, LCC are expected to provide relevant/additional documents to facilitate expert deployments, when needed and in coordination with the national focal points, provide additional technical inputs on expert deployment ToRs, when needed. Also, LCCs are expected to provide country analysis on a monthly basis with a particular focus on the country's EU integration processes linked to the programme. In addition, LCCs may be requested to attend and monitor other donors' activities and coordination meetings related to EU integration as needed. LCCs should be well familiar with the EU enlargement policy and EU integration process and related national reforms in the respective beneficiary country.

The incumbent will be engaged under UNOPS’ retainer contractual modality. This entails that the project team will reach out to the selected candidates on a needs basis, therefore, the engagement with the project will vary and most likely won’t be full-time. It is recommended that the selected candidates shall not resign from their current posts upon completion of the recruitment process.

Under the overall guidance of the CTA/Regional Coordinator, the LCC will have the following responsibilities: - The LCC facilitates the deployment of the experts. - Provide inputs to the project team on the monitoring and evaluation of experts' deliverables. - Provide inputs to on-going deployment status of technical experts in LCC's respective countries with the focus on the status update, work plan delays and key deliverables in consultation with the expert and coordination with the national focal points in order to anticipate any deviation or delay. - Facilitates logistical arrangements with the country focal points (where possible) for a successful deployment of experts such as arranging meetings, compilation of relevant legal/ technical documents. - Provide relevant/additional documents to facilitate the experts' deployments, when needed and in coordination with the national focal points. - LCC provides updates on important country/political developments, areas of particular focus and relevance for the project, when needed. - The LCC contributes to the programme's information flashes, website and provides logistical support for (international ) technical experts and during in-country thematic events.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced University degree is required. Law, Social and Economic Sciences/ Business Administration, Natural Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or other relevant disciplines are required. An emphasis on EU Law is highly desired. - A Bachelor’s degree with additional two years of experience can be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in EU pre-accession issues either with governments or NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, research institutions or similar
• Understanding of Stabilization and Accession Agreements (SAA) and EU accession process in the respective country
• Knowledge of the political and socio-economic context of the country, preferably also familiarity with the socio-political and economic context of the WB region
• Excellent Analytical and communication skills.

Language - Fluency in English and Albanian

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: LICA-8 Contract duration: Retainer, home-based, up to 100 working days within 12 months with the possibility of extensions, subject to the programme's requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The incumbent will be engaged under UNOPS’ retainer contractual modality. This entails that the project team will reach out to the selected candidates on a needs basis, therefore, the engagement with the programme will vary and most likely won’t be full-time. It is recommended that the selected candidates shall not resign from their current posts upon completion of the recruitment process.

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

Competencies

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.

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.