Project Management Support - Senior Assistant (two regular positions)

Contract

This is a LICA-5 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-5 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The EU for Clean Air Project Project, funded by the European Union (EU) with EUR 10 million through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), is designed to contribute to the improvement of air quality in North Macedonia and consequently decrease risks to human health. With the objective to contribute to the reduction of emissions of pollutants in four large urban centres in North Macedonia, the Project will have a duration of 48 months, with an implementation period of 36 months, and followed by the defects notification period (DNP) of up to 12 months. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been selected as the implementing partner.

The Project is aligned with the EU and national legislative and strategic frameworks, as well as the needs deriving from the health problems and economic consequences air pollution causes. It provides a significant contribution to the country’s environmental protection and green development, being one of the Government’s priorities for 2020-2024, and is contextualised with the EU Green Deal (EUGD), the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) and the Green Agenda (GA) for the Western Balkans. The Project will contribute to the progress made towards meeting the EU accession criteria, primarily under the Chapter 27 (Environment) and to the achievement of the relevant United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

The Project will achieve five results, the first one being related to improving heating systems through the replacement of obsolete and inefficient boilers in 70 public buildings in the cities of Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo, and Tetovo. The second result entails the procurement of six environmentally friendly buses that will reduce emissions in the City of Skopje. Furthermore, six thousand tree seedlings will be procured as a part of the third result, in order to be planted in Skopje, Bitola, Tetovo and Kumanovo. The fourth Project result will support development of the Feasibility Study for the Further Expansion of the Skopje District Heating System (DHS) and the implementation of a public awareness raising campaign. Finally, within the fifth result, the Project will ensure procurement and the delivery and installation of three air quality monitoring stations.

The Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia Project aims to enhance North Macedonia’s capacity for EU integration. It is funded by the Kingdom of Norway with 5.5 million Euros and the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) with 2.05 million Euros.

The Project strengthens capacities for the EU accession through provision of technical assistance and capacity building to the Government Coordination Mechanism for Accession Negotiation. It supports effective alignment of national legislation with the EU acquis and its implementation, while at the same time facilitating engagement and contributions form relevant stakeholders, and exchange of experiences and cooperation with the EU Member States and countries from the region.

In particular, strengthens capacities of the Secretariat of European Affairs (SEA), considering its leading role in coordination, planning, monitoring and management of the EU accession negotiations.

The Project also contributes to enhanced communication of the EU accession process, EU values and benefits. It supports development of the strategic communication approach, and for implementation of priority actions, which will enhance public’s understanding and interest for the EU accession. Grant schemes and capacity building will facilitate engagement of civil society and media, and youth in the accession process.

While building on the momentum and results achieved by the Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia Project, in close cooperation with SEA, UNOPS has initiated development of a successor Project, which will further enhance the institutional, technical, and administrative capacity of the Government to conduct EU accession, while also contributing to the engagement of civil society, media, youth and the general public in the process. It is expected that the successor project will last from middle 2023 until middle 2026.

Functional Responsibilities

UNOPS office in North Macedonia is planning to fill two positions based on this Vacancy for two separate project as noted above

The Project Management Support - Senior Assistant will under supervision of and guidance from the Project Manager (PM) provide assistance to efficient and effective implementation of the Project. In performing her/his work, the incumbent promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach, and works closely with the Support Services and other Projects’ personnel to exchange information and facilitate consistent progress.

The Project Management Support - Senior Assistant will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

• Provide assistance in development of project plans
• With PM’s direction, provide assistance in support of Project activities
• Contribute to the engagement with Project’s stakeholders and beneficiaries, as agreed with the PM
• Engage with the relevant Support Services colleagues, to ensure respect of UNOPS financial, procurement, and other rules and regulations in conduct of activities
• Provide assistance in development of procurement related ToRs, needed in support of work package/product delivery
• Provide support in organisation of training, workshops, information sessions, capacity building or other functions
• Provide assistance in coordination of retainers and service providers
• Provide assistance related to grant management activities, as per the Project need and PM’s request
• Contribute to preparation of Project reports, as envisaged by the Project Agreement, while also considering progress against the indicators in the Results Framework Matrix
• Contribute to identification and sharing of the Project’s lessons learned and best practices
• Contribute to efficient and effective use of Project and UNOPS tools for monitoring of the Project’s performance, outputs and benefits
• Support the Project’s communication and visibility activities, including but not limited to preparation of inputs for briefings
• Prepare minutes from project meetings
• Translate simple correspondences, when needed
• Establish and maintain archives related to Senior Assistant responsibilities. Strongly contribute to maintenance of Project’s overall archive and Project related registers, including in oU Project.
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Secondary school diploma is required. - Bachelor’s degree preferably in Economy, Business Administration, Project Management or related field will be considered as an asset

Work Experience - Five years of experience in project management and/or administrative support activities is required. Bachelor’s degree may substitute for some years of experience. - Experience with International Organisations and/or UN Agencies is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Macedonian and English language is required
• Knowledge of Albanian language is an asset

Certifications

• Driving licence and ability to travel independently is an asset

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

********This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.********

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Support - ICS 5 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – 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.

Background information – UNOPS Serbia

The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 10 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with funding from the European Union (EU), the Kingdom of Norway, the Governments of Switzerland, Sweden and North Macedonia, and UNHCR.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.