Closing Date : 2019-11-25 Duty Station : Belgrade, Serbia See all 3 jobs in Belgrade, Serbia Application : Apply for the job

Background information

UNOPSis 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.

In Serbia, UNOPS has been active since 2000, became the Project Centre (RSPC) in 2012, and was reclassified, due a growing portfolio, to Operations Centre (RSOC) at the beginning of 2017. Since 2017, RSOC operations have expanded to North Macedonia, Georgia and Montenegro.

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

Currently, the RSPO is implementing 14 projects focussed on sustainable socio-economic development, creation of a more favourable 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.

The European Union Support to Municipal Development EU PRO Programme(1) will contribute to a more balanced socio-economic development of Serbia, by enhancing competitiveness and social cohesion of 99 municipalities, in two regions: umadija and Western Serbia and South and Eastern Serbia.(2) The European Union (EU) has allocated 25 million Euros for the implementation of the Programme during 36 months. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was selected for indirect management, through a Call for Expression of Interest.(3)

There are three results that the Programme will achieve:

Result 1: Improved technological structure of SMEs and their ability to exportResult 2: Improved conditions for business operations through more efficient administrative service provision, better land management and specific infrastructure investmentsResult 3: Better social cohesion and attractive living environment through improvement of small scale public infrastructure and social relations.

The direct beneficiaries of the EU PRO are local administration structures, local SMEs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and business support organisations (BSOs). The final beneficiaries are the inhabitants of 99 municipalities.

The EU PRO Programme is based on the National Priorities for International Assistance in the Republic of Serbia 2014-2017, with projections until 2020 (NAD) (4) significant for Serbia s EU accession process and socio-economic development. Its activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of Serbia, while respecting the national strategies, laws and relevant development documents, in order to ensure national ownership and help develop national capacities.

(1)The Programmes is based on Serbia Local Development Action Document within the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) 2016 http://europa.rs/eu-assistance-to-serbia/ipa/ipa-2016/?lang=en

(2) Forty-five municipalities are from the third and the fourth category of development, 44 are from the first and the second. The two regions, umadija and Western Serbia and South and Eastern Serbia, are less developed comparing to Belgrade and Vojvodina.

(3) The Call was organised by the Delegation of the European Union (DEU) in cooperation with the then European Integration Office of the Republic of Serbia (SEIO) in July 2016. The criteria included adequate administrative, financial and technical capacity, as well as criteria related to the quality of the Concept Note, including relevance; consistency with the objectives, results and activities of the Action, expected impact; sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

(4) Available at: http://www.evropa.gov.rs/Documents/Home/DACU/12/74/NAD%202014-2017%20with%20projections%20until%202020%20(english).pdf

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Management Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOs, the Senior Assistant will provide assistance in implementation of activities within the Sector for SMEs and BSOs. He or she will work closely with Sector Associates in order to contribute to efficient and effective monitoring of implementation of projects within this Sector, to support provision of assistance to SMEs and BSOs in the Programme Area of Responsibility (AoR) aiming at improved technological structure of SMEs and their ability to increase their market share.

The Senior Assistant will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

Maintain relationship with the Sector beneficiariesProvide assistance in development of reports on Sector activitiesProvide assistance in organisation of functions to present the Programme s support to SMEs and BSOsWith guidelines from the Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOs, and in coordination with the Sector Associates, closely monitor implementation of projects related to SMEs and BSOsConduct field visits to Sector beneficiaries in the AoR assigned by the Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOsLiaise with the support services team to support successful implementation of grant agreements by maintaining regular communication between the programme and support services units in order to ensure timely exchange of information on the status of provision of services, procurements and grant agreementsWith guidelines from the Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOs, and in coordination with the Sector Associates, provide basic technical assistance to the Sector beneficiaries in implementation of projectsProvide assistance in collection, preparation, and archiving of documentation related to processing of Sector related financial transactionsEstablish activity progress tracking sheets and regularly update with inputs provided by beneficiaries and services providersMaintain archive related to SME and BSE activities, as per agreement with the Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOs and in line with the UNOPS/EU PRO requirementsReport on the key local developments that are relevant for the SectorWith the guidance of the Senior Officer for SMEs and BSOs, liaise with retainers and service providers to support implementation of the Sector activities including gathering data on their engagement, collecting and storing their reports, communicating directly with retainers in relation to administrative and procedural issuesContribute to identification and assessment of risks and assist in implementation of mitigation measures in accordance with the Risk Management StrategySupport organization of trainings, information sessions, and other events related to promotion of the CFPs for SMEs and capacity building of potential beneficiaries to adequately respond to the CallsAssist in drafting reports as envisaged by the Programme DocumentAssist in development of the Programme s plansAssist in monitoring and reporting on the progress of activities against the Logical Framework Matrix indicatorsContribute to identification and sharing of Programme s lessons learned and best practicesContribute to efficient and effective use of EU PRO and UNOPS tools for monitoring of Programme s performance, outputs and benefitsContribute to the successful administrative and financial closure of activities within the Sector for SMEs and BSOsProvide support to Programme s communication and visibility activitiesReview documentation related to implementation of SMEs and BSOs grants and propose revisions, approvals of the next phases of implementation.Monitor and report on Corporate Social Responsibility activities implemented by grant beneficiaries, SMEs and BSOs.Provide feedback and support to grant beneficiaries, SMEs and BSOs regarding preparation and filing grant related documents. Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent s scope of services above.

Required Selection Criteria

Education

Secondary education is required.Bachelor s degree preferably in economics, social sciences, engineering or development studies is an asset

Work Experience

Five years of experience in project support functions in Serbia is required. Bachelor s degree may substitute for some years of experience.Familiarity with Serbian business environment is an assetDirect experience in assisting implementation of grant schemes is an asset

Language Requirements

Fluency in Serbian and English is required

Driving License

Driving license and ability to travel independently is required

Core Competencies

Strategic Perspective– 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)

Integrity & Inclusion– 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.

Leading Self and Others– 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.

Partnering– 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).

Results Orientation– 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.

Agility– 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 behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused– 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.

Effective Communication– 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.

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Ongoing ICA
Contract level: Local ICA 5
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-of…

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen timeApplications 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 typesFor staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the postThe 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.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org

How to apply:

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter to UNOPS via UNOPS Jobs at following link:

https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=18814