Background Information - Job-specific
The Project โSupport to European Integration of North Macedoniaโ is designed to support North Macedonia's accession negotiations and successful management of the overall European Union (EU) integration process. The Project is funded by Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Swiss Government through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Ministry for European Affairs and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Within this context, while building on the momentum created by the predecessor, the Project will enhance the institutional, technical, and administrative capacity of the Government to conduct EU accession and will contribute to enhanced communication of the EU accession negotiation process to the public.
Specifically, this Project through Result 1 will strengthen capacities of national institutions supporting the EU accession through provision of TA and capacity building to the Government Coordination Mechanism for Accession Negotiation and the negotiation structures for the screening and accession negotiations, preparation of negotiation positions in the area of environment and at the same time will facilitate engagement and contributions form relevant stakeholders, and exchange of experiences and cooperation with the EU Member States and countries from the region.
Functional Responsibilities
Within the duration of the assignment, the Capacity Building Specialist is expected to organise and lead capacity building activities tailored to empower participants from MEA and Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) and other institutions part of the negotiation structure with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively implement the requirements in the area of Chapter 27, support the development of detailed Action plans for the identified priority areas and/or Roadmaps (if any) and strengthen the capacities of the MOEPP for the preparation and revision of Direct Specific Implementation Plans (DSIP), improving the knowledge on the role of DSIP during EU negotiations and in introducing transitional periods for implementation of the heavy investment directives within Chapter 27 Environment and Climate Change.
Under direct supervision and guidance of the Project Manager, the Specialist will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:
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Facilitating Workshops and Training Sessions: Delivering workshops and training sessions in line with the Capacity Strengthening Plan tailored to the specific needs of MoEPP and other institutions part of the negotiation structure in the area of Chapter 27. These sessions will empower participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively engage in EU integration processes, including legislative alignment, implementation and enforcement responsibilities.
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Strengthen the capacities of the MoEPP for the preparation and revision of DSIP, improving the knowledge on the role of DSIP during EU negotiations and in introducing transitional periods for implementation of the heavy investment directives within Chapter 27 Environment and Climate Change.
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Support the MoEPP in developing detailed Action plans for the identified priority areas and/or Roadmaps (if any) in line with Screening Report for Cluster 4 - Green agenda and sustainable connectivity (with focus on Chapter 27), and strengthen the capacities of the MoEPP for preparing such strategic documents. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Advanced University Degree preferably in Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Law, Engineering, Management, Economics, Development Studies, or other or other relevant discipline is required.
Work Experience
Minimum five years of international experience in the developing HRM practices/ tools/ training programmes and/or implementation of the capacity building/ training activities in the area of environment is required Previous engagement with or within negotiation structures in any Member State or candidate countries related to European integration issues is strongly desirable; Familiarity with legislative processes, EU acquis screening, and law approximation would be an asset.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required.
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.
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
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - retainer*
Contract level: IICA 2 (ICS 10)
Contract duration: Up to 60 working days during a period of one year
*If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position. 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an independent United Nations (UN) organisation since 1995 (Resolution 48/501, 1994), which succeeded two decades of its operations as a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 1974 when it was established.
The mission of UNOPS is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. As a part of the United Nations family, and as the only self-financed UN organisation, UNOPS is committed to UN values and private sector efficiency.
In Serbia, UNOPS has been active since 2000 and the organisation provides support in conducting demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable local development, good governance, the rule of law, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with funding from the European Union (EU), the Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, and the UN organisations.
UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) also covers Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the need for support and potential engagements are being assessed. The work of UNOPS and the projects it implements is contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives of the countries of its operations.