Project Associate, NPSA-6

Background

The project “Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative” (ACADI) is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Public Investments (MPI) with the purpose to increase MPI`s capacity to implement projects funded by loans thus ensuring timely and impactful implementation. Up to now, ACADI project has been provided with specialized expertise in the areas of project management, public procurement, finance, law, technical sciences, and administration to implement loans and blend loans with budgetary funds. MPI needs additional capacity to implement projects funded by loans. To ensure timely and impactful implementation and to indemnify the Republic of Serbia from the potential interest and charges which would appear in case of slow pace of project implementation, there is a need to establish the Project Implementation Unit.

This position will ensure results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the Project activities and achievement of Project results.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Support coordination and implementation of designated project activities:

•     Assist in conceptualization, coordination, and implementation of selected activities/components in the area of the circular migration.
•     Provide inputs for development of project monitoring and evaluation framework.
•     Prepare regular updates and reports to Project Boards on projects’ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems and proposals for necessary remedial actions.
•     Identify and collect policy-related and other relevant information, documents and data, compile and analyze data for further use in project management.

Support to project administration:

•     Support organization and coordination of meetings, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and project events and prepare reports and meeting minutes, as required
•     Support in managing project finances, process invoices and ensure tax exemption for project related goods and services.
•     Support procurement processes, provide inputs for request for quotations/proposals, prepare tenders and small procurements (canvassing), provide inputs for UNDP procurement plan.
•     Draft terms of reference for consultants and contractors, as required and support recruitment of short-term consultants in line with rules and regulations.
•     Follow up with (sub)contractors to ensure time delivery of outputs.
•     Assist project teams, experts and consultants on travel and logistics matters.
•     Coordinates and organizes trainings, field visits, missions and conferences.
•     Perform other tasks ad duties as assigned by the supervisor.
•     Liaising with contractors, municipalities, contracted consultants and other partners on project matters
•     Ensure full compliance of activities with UNDP rules, regulations, and policies.

Network with partners and beneficiaries:

•     Maintain communication with stakeholders within the Government of Serbia responsible for tasks pertaining to the project’s scope of work.
•     Maintain cooperation and communication with project’s partners and beneficiaries on the implementation of the agreed activities, especially for the events, trainings, workshops.
•     Establish record with contacts, pursue networking and information sharing and to follow up on partnership related issues.
•     Prepare official correspondence for national and international partners.
 

 Institutional Arrangement

The Project Associate will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager and in cooperation with the Ministry for Public Investment.
 

Competencies Core 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 improvements 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 flexible 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: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  Thematic Area Name Definition External Relations & Advocacy Event 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. Operations: Administration Events management Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. 2030 Agenda Governance Civil society engagement

Required Skills and Experience   Education:

• Secondary education is required with background in Economics, Business, Social Sciences or a related filed or 
• Bachelor’s in Economics, Business, Social Sciences or a related field will be given due consideration, but it is not requirement
    Experience:  
  •    Minimum six years with Secondary education or three years  with Bachelor’s degree of relevant work experience in implementation of large strategic investment projects in construction, transport and infrastructure areas

    Required skills:

    • Experience in project coordination, coordination of procurement processes and implementation of activities. 
    • Strong oral and written communication skills in Serbian and English language;
    • Good organizational and time management skills;
    • Excellent writing/reporting and presentation skills;
    • Excellent interpersonal, networking and team building skills;
    • Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
    • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
    • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
    • Treats all people fairly without prejudice;
       

      Desired skills:

      • Experience in providing support in coordinating and implementing infrastructure projects;
      • Experience in providing administrative support relevant for the project implementation;
      • Experience in project procurement processes, contract management, preparation of tender documentation;
      • Experience in working with NGOs, governmental and/or international organizations;
      • Experience in cooperation and collaboration with stakeholders in the field of capital projects, large infrastructure projects and similar

        Languages:

        • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English

          The online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application. 

          Only attaching a CV is not sufficient for applicants to be considered for positions. All applicants have to complete the Experience, Education, Language, and Nationality & Permanent Residence fields fully.

          Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

          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. 

          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. 

          Right to select multiple candidates

          UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  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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