Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. ย
The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) strengthens the EU integration process in the Western Balkans (WB) by empowering civil society and youth to actively participate in decision-making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Working across the WB region, ReLOaD3 will enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realisation of local priorities in line with local development strategies and needs. The programme`s duration is 48 months (Feb 2025 - Jan 2029).
ย Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of Project Manager, and in close cooperation with the Community Support Officer, the incumbent willย support policy processes and ensure timely implementation of activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,. Responsibilities include coordinating the adoption and implementation of a transparent fund disbursement methodology within local governments, overseeing the vertical integration process, supervising consultants, and coordinating capacity development activities to embed the methodology into local practices.
The incumbent will be based in the UNDP BiH office in Sarajev
Summary of key functions:
Contribute to coordination of activities concerning transparent CSO fund disbursement mechanisms at local level Contribute to coordination of activities concerning the integration of CSO anddisbursement mechanisms process at different government levelsย Fostering cooperation between local governments and civil society organizationsย Capacity building of local governments and Associations of Municipalities and Cities: Mainstreaming gender equality and ensuring knowledge managementContribute to coordination of activities concerning transparent CSO fund disbursement mechanisms at local level:
Support Project Manager in the selection process of the partner LGs (develop criteria and scoring system, organize the evaluation commissions and field visits, conduct risk assessments, etc.). Support Project Manager inย activities related to the adoption and implementation of a methodology for transparent fund disbursement within local government practices. Develop system and procedures to ensure continuous and accurate monitoring of the status of the projectโs activities in partner LGs. Support the engagement with key institutional partners in horizontal scaling and coordinate horizontal integration of transparent funding mechanisms beyond partner local governments. Assist the ReLOaD regional component to revise the LOD methodology and ensure cooperation with institutional partners.ย Coordinate activities related to capacity development of partner LGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and facilitate knowledge building and propose scaling-up mechanisms. Assist LGs in developing work plans and propose actions to ensure the activities are implemented in line with local development strategies section plans and Annual Work Plan (AWP). Analytically capture lessons-learned and draft reports based on the projectโs experiences, and monitor the progress against targets set providing recommendations for tailored support. Maintain close collaboration with other relevant projects/programs and organizations in BiH. Regularly meet with the representatives of partner LGs to ensure good relations throughout the project's lifetime.Contribute to activities concerning the integration of CSO and disbursement mechanisms process at different government levels:
Assist in the comprehensive mapping of the existing funding mechanisms to civil society organizations at the cantonal, entity, and state level including the methodology and impact. Provide input for setting up the mechanism for cooperation and coordination among different government levels to avoid overlapping and lack of support for key priorities. Provide input for setting up working groups including the representatives of state, entity, and cantonal level,ย representatives of local governments and civil society organisations. Ensure that all participants in the working group understand the necessity of the process of transparent fund disbursement for CSO.ย Coordinate all steps with other stakeholders contributing to legal framework adoption for transparent fund disbursement, including all necessary steps. Ensure the necessary involvement of key actors from civil society organizations, consulting them directly and through public hearings. Ensure that information about verticalization processes is accessible and comprehensive to everyone. Ensure networking and a good cooperative atmosphere among different stakeholders in the process. Assist LGs to involve citizens is co-designing and implementing small scale projects like park clean-ups, cultural activities.Fostering cooperation between local governments and civil society organizations:
ย Assist in comprehensive mapping of the existing forums in partner local government and ensure there is a strategic approach that builds trust, promotes mutual understanding, and encourages collaborative action. Organise forums to share ideas, challenges, and ensure progress., using tools like websites, and newsletters to keep each other informed, and making sure that both partners have nominated designated contact persons for communication. Involve CSO in local government budgetary planning and policy making.ย Ensure that LG makes information about decision-making and funding allocation readily available. Facilitate knowledge exchanges such as workshops on best practices on CSO project implementation on small-scale projects that involve joint efforts, serving as models for broader collaboration. Ensure successful partnerships among CSOs and LG are recognized through awards, public acknowledgments, or media coverage. Gather input from both partners and the community to refine practices.Capacity building of local governments and Associations of Municipalities and Cities:
Mainstreaming gender equality and ensuring knowledge management:
Supports the Project Manager and CSOs in mainstreaming gender equality in the project implementation.ย Ensures gender is effectively mainstreamed throughout the projectsโ activities, work plans, budgets, reports, research, analyses, and, where specifically relevant, analysed in detail.ย Ensures that all the data, when collecting and compiling inputs relating to programme are gender disaggregated.ย Ensure knowledge on gender equality is incorporated in project knowledge products.ยThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, and in close cooperation with the Community Support Officer, the incumbent will be responsibleย that civic engagement activities and grant scheme initiatives are positively embraced by both civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens.ย
ย Competencies
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: Strategic Thinking:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDPโs mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks. link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight. Effective Decision Making:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications. Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches.ย Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas.ย Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange. Partnerships Management:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. CSO engagement:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs. Relationship management:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding. Required Skills and Experience ย Education: Masterยดs degree in Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences or related field is required, or Bachelorโs degree in Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration. Experience: Applicants with a Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experienceย Applicants with a Bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional work experience in project management at the national or international level.
Languages:
Fluency in English and languages of people in BiH (Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian) is requiredRequired Skills:
Experience in cooperating with different government levelsย in Bosnia and Herzegovina.ย ย Previous experience in provision of technical assistance and training to public institutions/local governmentsย in Bosnia and Herzegovina countries in development management.ย ย Experience and proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word and MS Excel spreadsheet).ย ย Experience in sharing of knowledge and good practices.ย Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.ย Understand the language associated with gender, equity inclusion, and diversity.ย Good understanding of post-war and post-socialist transition context, poverty, and local development support strategies.ยDesired Skills:
Proven experience in supporting peace- and trust-building activities and civil society initiatives.ย Knowledge of the EU (European Union) guidelines and procedures and PCM Techniques.ย Previous experience in capacity development of civil society organizations and successful cooperation with local governments representatives;ย ย Previous experience on-job coaching with local government representatives;ย ย Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks in organized manner;ย Good reporting skills. Previous experience of working with UN/UNDP. Disclaimer ย Applicant information about UNDP rostersย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย
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