Project Management Support - Senior Officer for the Capacity Building Sector

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-9 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-9 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The European Union for Local Development Programme - EU PRO Plus will contribute to more balanced socio-economic development in Serbia by enhancing territorial development management, supporting economic growth, and improving social infrastructure and social cohesion of 99 local self-governments in two regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia and South and Eastern Serbia. The European Union (EU) has allocated 30 million Euros through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) 2020 to fund the Programme which will be led by the Ministry of European Integration and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) over a period of 36 months.

There are three results that the Programme will achieve in targeted municipalities:

• Result 1: Improved development planning and introduction of the Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) concept
• Result 2: Enhanced economic growth
• Result 3: Improved social infrastructure and social cohesion

While building on the momentum created by its three predecessors, the Programme also focuses on four cross cutting aspects: good governance, digitalisation and innovations, environmental and climate change aspects and gender equality. In addition, EU PRO Plus will, through its activities, where relevant and feasible, strive to remedy some of the negative COVID-19 effects.

The direct beneficiaries of the EU PRO Plus are the Ministry of European Integration, 99 local self-governments, local administration structures, regional development agencies, other business support organisations, local SMEs, and civil society organisations (CSOs). The final beneficiaries are the inhabitants of 99 municipalities.

All programme activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of Serbia, while respecting the national policies and priorities, in order to ensure national ownership and help develop national capacities. The EU PRO Plus is based on the National Priorities for International Assistance in the Republic of Serbia until 2025 (NAD), crucial for economic and social development and the EU integration process, while particularly contributing to preparation for the fulfilment of the requirements under Chapter 22 of the EU acquis - Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Management Support - Senior Officer for the Capacity Building Sector will manage the Programme’s activities aiming at enhancing national, regional and local capacities for management of integrated and sustainable territorial development (ISTD). S/he will manage Capacity Building Sector personnel and play a leading role in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Sector activities.

The Senior Officer for the Capacity Building Sector will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish and cultivate professional relationship with the counterparts in the Ministry of European Integration (MEI), Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), Programme Local Self-Governments (LSGs), development programmes/projects working on capacity building and other Sector stakeholders
• Develop reports and qualitative and quantitative analysis on the Sector performance
• Contribute to presentation of the Programme’s contribution to enhancing national, regional and local capacities for management of integrated and sustainable territorial development (ISTD)
• Provide support to Programme’s communication and visibility activities

Delivery and Performance:

• Manage and coordinate activities related to the development of the national model for integrated and sustainable territorial development (ISTD)
• Contribute to definition and promotion of the common methodological approach in development of ISTD strategies
• Ensure efficient and effective provision of technical assistance (TA) to national, regional and local partners through development and execution of capacity building activities designed to contribute to the Programme results
• Manage development and implementation of awareness raising and capacity development activities, provision of TA to LSGs in preparation of ISTD strategies and Call for Proposals (CFPs) for implementation of pilot grant scheme for supporting projects derived from developed ISTD strategies
• Organise efficient monitoring of TAs, projects and grants supported through the Capacity Building Sector
• Manage and review quality of implemented activities within the Capacity Building Sector and ensure products are accepted
• Provide advisory and technical support to EU PRO Plus on capacity building activities, with particular attention on coordinating and integrating activities with other sectors
• In cooperation with the Project Manager and the Support Services Team, ensure efficient and effective management of the Sector budget
• Contribute to the Programme planning activities and ensure delivery of approved Work, Procurement, Financial, and other Sector related plans
• With support from the communications team and logistics, organise events and visibility related functions related to the Sector
• Provide timely and punctual information to the Programme team about the Capacity Building Sector’s milestones as well as about relevant external news in relevant fields
• With the guidance of the Support Services team, develop Terms of Reference necessary for engagement of consultants and or consultancies needed for the Capacity Building Sector
• Contribute to identification and management of risks in accordance with the Risk Management Strategy
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers and retainers supporting Sector activities
• Manage establishment and monitor maintenance of archive related to Sector activities
• Provide advice to the Head of Programme on capacity building related activities
• Ensure good governance concept, principles and practices are incorporated into the activities where applicable, in accordance to the Programme objectives and methodology
• Facilitate cooperation between municipalities and ministries, regional development agencies, donors and other programmes in order to help them to identify common projects and funding mechanisms

Procedures:

• With support from the Project Manager, ensure respect of UNOPS project management requirements
• With support from the Head of Support Services and the Procurement Officer, ensure respect of UNOPS procurement procedures
• With support from the Head of Support Services and the Finance Officer, ensure that all Sector’s expenditures comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR)
• Contribute to development and update of Programme’s plans and strategies
• Contribute to identification and assessment of risks and implement mitigation measures in accordance with the risk management strategy
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality reports and inputs as envisaged by the Programme Document
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality inputs needed for monitoring of Programme’s performance, outputs and benefit
• Ensure respect of UNOPS and EU PRO Plus configuration management requirements
• Contribute to high visibility of the EU PRO Plus, its donor, UNOPS and the other stakeholders involved in the Programme
• Ensure that Capacity Building Sector contributes to efficient and effective use of One UNOPS Projects

Knowledge Management:

• Participate in the relevant UNOPS’ Communities of Practice
• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
• Contribute to identification and sharing of Programme’s lessons learned and the best practices as per reporting format
• Liaise with Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) and other UNOPS groups
• Share knowledge and experience with the colleagues and contribute to Programme and RSMCO Centre learning

Personnel Management:

• Manage the Sector personnel, including retainers
• Lead and motivate the Capacity Building Sector personnel and ensure they respect professional standards of conduct
• Ensure good quality conduct of full performance evaluation cycle, completion of mandatory courses and encourage personnel continuous learning and development
• Support personnel development through mentoring

Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree preferably in development, economics or management studies is required
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in management of projects related to capacity building and strategic planning in LSGs in Serbia is required
• Experience in applying the ISTD approach and the European Union Cohesion Policy and related laws is an asset
• Direct experience in development of institutional capacities, strategic planning methodologies, provision of technical assistance in capacity building and strategic planning is an asset
• Experience with the EU or the UN, or another international organisation is an asset
• Experience in supervision of consultants is an asset

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Serbian is required

ALL CANDIDATES AR REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER WITH THEIR APPLICATION.

Certifications

Certification

• PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) Practitioner Certification will be considered as an asset

Driving license

• Driving license and ability to travel independently is required

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 the Republic of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.******** Contract type: Ongoing ICA Contract level: Local ICA 9 Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.

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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background information – UNOPS Serbia

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been active in Serbia since 2000, and the operations of UNOPS Serbia Project Office (RSPO) have since 2017 expanded to North Macedonia and Montenegro.

UNOPS has been a reliable partner primarily of the Government of Serbia, and later of the Governments of North Macedonia and Montenegro, in providing support for demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union.

Currently, the RSMCO is implementing 14 projects focussed on sustainable socio-economic development, social cohesion, creating environment for employability, business and infrastructure growth, increased security, improved education, enhanced social inclusion either via enabling durable housing solutions or providing access to health, education and jobs for the most vulnerable population. All projects have good governance and gender equality as transversal themes. UNOPS projects are contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework and objectives.