Background
Montenegro is steadily advancing its digital transformation and green transition as part of its broader commitment to sustainable development and EU integration. The financial sector plays a critical role in this transformation, requiring modernization to meet European standards, support economic resilience, and promote environmentally responsible innovation.
In this context, the โFINSTEM: Financial Innovation, Stability, and Transformation for EU-Ready Montenegro Financial Sectorโ project aims to support the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) in its operational, technological, and institutional transformation. The project focuses on strengthening financial stability, enhancing digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, streamlining internal processes, and expanding public engagement through digital platforms.
Key initiatives under FINSTEM include the development of a CBCG Information System Strategy, business process improvement, external IT security assessments, the launch of an online educational platform, and support for the implementation of EU-aligned frameworks such as PSD2, SEPA, and the Automated Clearing House (ACH). The introduction of the TIPS clone system, in cooperation with the European Central Bank, will enable real-time payments across Montenegro, increasing the speed, security, and efficiency of financial transactions in line with EU standards.
FINSTEM also contributes to climate resilience and green finance by strengthening institutional readiness for climate-related shocks, facilitating access to EU climate finance instruments, and enabling transparent, technology-driven tracking of green investments. The project is part of a broader UNDP-supported portfolio that integrates digital innovation with sustainable development goals, helping to prepare Montenegroโs institutions for a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready economy.
Duties and Responsibilities
I Ensure overall administrative, logistics and accounting support to implementation/delivery of different aspects of the project work
Draft routine correspondence, facsimile, memoranda and reports from oral instructions, previous correspondence or other available information sources, in accordance with the standard office procedures Ensure appropriate follow-up; write minutes from the meetings; provide translation/interpretation services into English and vice versa, when needed. Support the respective Portfolio and Policy Analyst in day-to-day management and oversight of project activities. Assist the M&E Officer in matters related to M&E and knowledge resources management and in the preparation of progress reports. The project teams report progress twice a year to the donors, at least once a year to the Project Boards, and continuously to the CO management, and the task is to support these reporting processes with continuous track record of implemented activities. Assist in the preparation of substantive progress and financial plans and reports. Ensure all project documentation (progress reports, consulting and other technical reports, minutes of meetings, etc.) are properly maintained in hard and electronic copies in an efficient and readily accessible filing system, for when required by the Project Boards, Technical Advisory Committee, UNDP, project consultants.ย Provide logistical support to the Inclusive and Green Growth portfolio of projects and ensure provision of adequate administrative and interpretation facilities (organization of Projectsโ events, meetings and study tours, travel arrangements, arrangement of shipments, project vehicles maintenance, conference facilities arrangements, visits of experts, timely processed daily subsistence allowances, etc.). Maintain day-to-day communication with Operations Unit regarding the projects related administration matters: procurement, human resources, travel and finance matters; provide administrative support regarding hiring of experts and procurement of goods and services under the projects. Provide regular feedback, guidance and assistance to project team in order to ensure compliance with UNDP and Donor requirements. Keep track of the changes of UNDP procedures and provide timely advice to the respective project team on what are the applicable procedures to fulfilling the project objectives. Perform regular financial and administrative duties necessary for the successful and timely implementation of the project:ย- Ensure daily transactions are processed in the Quantum system (vendors, invoices, requisitions, etc.).
- Ensure accurate and timely financial transactions, including monitoring expenditures, budget revisions, and reporting, in coordination with the operations team.
- Keep track of all transactions in a budget notebook.
- Perform regular budget revisions.
- Provide regular delivery estimation and monthly expense estimation to the Finance Unit; provide regular reporting regarding the Projectsโ expenditures.
- Prepare periodic Projectsโ asset/inventory reports. Ensure completeness of documentation, check accuracy of calculation for all financial transactions related to the ย ย project and prepare/process financial transactions in the system in accordance with UNDP rules and procedures.
II Ensure all procurement related processes support is provided for successful implementation/delivery of the project
Provide support to procurement processes related to the implementation of projects in hand: enter project procurement plans in Quantum.ย Provide support to organization of procurement processes including preparation of tender documents. Provide support to organization of the tendering and contracting procedure (publishing tender, if necessary organizing pre-bid conference and site visit, selecting and contracting companies), support with receipts of quotations, bids or proposals, and their preliminary evaluation.ย Provide support to monitoring of consultantsโ works and related payments, provide support to identification of needs for equipment, and procurement and installation of necessary equipment. Support the integration of gender-responsive considerations into project planning, reporting, and coordination activities, as relevant.III Support effective coordination, implementation, and day-to-day management of activities under the โFINSTEM: Financial Innovation, Stability, and Transformation for EU-Ready Montenegro Financial Sectorโ project
Coordinate communication with all project partners, stakeholders, and vendors to ensure timely implementation and alignment with project goals. Act as a central point of coordination among project team members and external consultants, ensuring consistency and efficiency in follow-up. Support the preparation and execution of administrative, procurement, and recruitment procedures in line with UNDP rules and standards, maintaining proper documentation and records. Provide logistical and organizational support for meetings, workshops, and site visits, including minute-taking, follow-up on agreed actions, and maintaining an updated activity calendar. Monitor implementation progress, track deliverables, and assist in preparing inputs for reports to the Project Board, donors, and UNDP senior management. Help maintain an organized project archive and ensure all coordination and implementation efforts are in line with quality, timeliness, and accountability standards.IV Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project
Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project. The 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 Portfolio and Policy Analyst for Climate Change and Biodiversity, and overall supervision of the Team Leader for Inclusive and Green Growth Cluster in UNDP Country Office in Montenegro, Project Associate will be responsible to provide daily support to Portfolio Analyst on respective project listed in the Background section of the Terms of Reference. The incumbent will be based in UNDP Country Office in Podgorica.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discriminationยCross-Functional & Technical competencies
Digital Awareness and Literacy:
Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others toย use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.Communications:
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and chose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.ยEvent planning and execution:
Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.Gender:
Gender Equality Seal for public institutionsAccounting General:
Customer Satisfaction/Client Managementย
Ability to respond promptly and effectively, delivering timely and high-quality solutions that address client needs. Proactively contribute to customer service strategies, anticipate future needs, and add value beyond immediate requests.Partnership Management
Ability to 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.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education is required. Or University Degree (Bachelorยดs degree) in Social Sciences, Economics, Management or related Sciences will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.Experience:
Minimum 6 years (with Secondary education) or 3 years (with Bachelorยดs degree) of progressively responsible administrative, finance, coordination experience is required.Required skills:
Proficiency in the use of computers and standard office software packages (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and database tools.
Required languages:
Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required.
Desired additional skills and competencies:
Proven experience in project administration and financial processes, including budgeting, procurement, and documentation. Experience in working with web-based project management systems and digital platforms for monitoring and reporting. Demonstrated experience in logistical coordination and organization of events, workshops, or stakeholder meetings. Experience in supporting project coordination, including preparation of reports, monitoring of activities, and support to evaluation processes. Experience working on projects implemented in cooperation with international organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, or civil society organizations. Previous work experience in areas related to public finance management, public administration reform, or sustainable development.Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, and to taking appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to have access to UNDP job opportunities and benefit from participating in UNDP selection, hiring and employment processes. UNDP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during recruitment, hiring and employment.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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