Background
Digital transformation of the national economy and public administration are among the key priorities of Serbian Government. In addition to providing high-level political support and institutional sponsorship, the government introduced a new institutional framework to manage this process and initiate internal changes. In 2017, the Office for IT and e Government (ITE) was created to consolidate government's ICT resources, develop shared infrastructures and support the transition from an institution-centric to a citizen-centric model of designing and providing e services. ITE was initially formed as a cabinet-level body, and in 2022 with the creation of the new Government, its status changed into a separate organization. ITE also performs the tasks of coordinating the support to the international cooperation on the global market for digital, innovative and creative industries, as well as monitoring and promoting the connection of the public and private sectors in the areas of the digital innovative creative economy, aiming at sustainable and integrated economic growth of the Republic of Serbia.
UNDP has been providing support to this broad digitalization agenda of the Serbian Government since its inception, through \"Serbia at your Fingertips โ Digital Transformation for Development\" project. The second phase of this project will continue to strengthen the pillars of Serbiaโs digital growth. In this new phase, the project will further enhance ITEโs capacity to define and implement strategic priorities, ensuring sustained progress, adaptability to advancing technologies, and alignment with government expectations. It will further support the development of Serbiaโs digital and innovation infrastructures, including the Government Data Center and the Kragujevac Innovation District, while introducing a new component focused on the digital transformation of municipalities. By supporting local administrations in adopting technology and promoting digital literacy and inclusion, the project aims to expand the benefits of digital transformation to a broader population.
As part of this strategy and in order to strengthen human capacities, UNDP is seeking an experienced and dedicated Project Manager to join team in the Office for IT and eGovernment (ITE), responsible for implementing existing projects. The position is based in ITE office in Belgrade.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Managerย is responsible for day-to-day management and decision-making for the relevant project(s). The Project Managerย 's primary responsibility is to ensure that the project produces the results specified in the Project Document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost.
Specific responsibilities include:
Management of designated projects/components in accordance with UNDP Program and Operations Policies and Procedures and UNDP Serbia Standard Operating Procedures:
Be responsible and accountable for the overall management and administration of the Projects, and the timely and quality delivery of all Projects outputs; Ensure implementation of projects activities, by coordionating, advising and empowering the project team and other staff assigned to the projects. Supervises and manages the project staff. Builds, motivates, and leads the project team; Prepare projectโs workplans, annual work plans and ensure timely and good-quality implementation of workplansโ activities. Oversees and participate in the mobilization of personnel, goods, and services and oversees contractorsโ work; Develop and manage, in coordination with partners (donors, IFIs, banks and Government of Serbia and local self-governments), overall Project implementation strategy; Prepare Projects Work Plans and present them to the National Project Director/Project Board for review/approval; Supports the work and decision-making of the Project Board by providing timely, detailed, and accurate information to the Project Board`s members. Prepares Project Board sessions to ensure minute-taking and information-sharing; Coordinate an exit strategy at least 6 months ahead of the project closure date; ensure closure of the project is done per the established procedures; Follow the latest international and national developments in the environment, climate change, circular economy and green agenda-related fields and initiate and establish new partnerships to support project implementation.Monitor progress and manage risks, ensuring that changes are controlled and problems addressed; Report on progress and issues:ย
Support in managing project finances, process invoices, and ensure tax exemption for project-related goods and servicesย Develop Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for tracking and evaluating progress against the agreed targets, measuring impacts of the interventions, Monitor expenditures of financial resources to ensure compliance with rules and procedures and accuracy and reliability of financial reports; ensures preparation of budget revisions as necessary; follows up with the National Project Director and the Project Board on issues; Monitor Projects progress to ensure that it is in accordance with the timetable set out in the Project Documents and preparation of regular updates to Project Boards on projectsโ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions; Collect and manage project data as required by the M&E Plan; Prepare, coordinate and facilitate events related to digitalization and innovation, and organize field visits to the project partners participating in implementation to monitor the project progress and discuss and clarify the related issues; Elaborate and facilitate required institutional and other agreements and coordinate the development of the organizational and systemic solutions and business models in digital and innovation sectors;ย Make sure that successful climate-smart ICT, technical and technological solutions and business models acquired through the project are adequately promoted and lessons learned captured; Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial report; Manage the project risks; inform the Project Boards on emerging issues and risks, update the issue and risk statusโ; Ensure that all draft reports and information that are obligation according to the donorโs procedures are prepared in a timely manner; Ensure reporting to National Project Director/Project Board is prepared timely and the reports are meeting the standards; Support the preparation of reviews and evaluations as defined in the project document; Prepare final project reports and papers; Design Terms of Reference for engagement of consultants and companies; Enable planning and scale up of the project interventions and pilot actions;ย Capitalize on the the project results to draft new projects and initiatives and engage in fundraising for the new projects and initiatives.Networking and support to resource mobilization:ย
Maintain good cooperation and coordination between national counterparts, local self-governments, projectsโ partners, and other stakeholders; Maintain regular contacts with beneficiaries to ensure relevance and quality of projectsโ outputs; Provide substantive advice on key issues within the scope of respective Output; Establish records with contacts, pursue networking and information sharing and follow up on partnership-related issues; Contribute to the development of pipeline initiatives primarily under the themes covered by the project.Communication, knowledge management and learning:
Provide policy advice on issues within the scope of the project; Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices,ย Ensure the project has the required communication package; Prepare communication materials for dissemination inside and outside the UNDP; Support transfer of knowledge and research digitalization and innovation trends of the EU in terms of ensuring alignment with the requirements of Serbiaโs EU Accession process and ensure sustainability by integrating project activities into the EU IPA planning processes; Participate in training events, communities of practice; Facilitate teamโs learning and knowledge sharing.Institutional Arrangement
The Project Managerย will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Analyst (Manager), Digital Innovation in close cooperation with ITE.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision makingยPeople Management Competencies:
As the Project Manager will supervise not only project assistants and/or coordinators, but also a pool of engaged experts and contractors, the selected candidate shall demonstrate the majority of the People Management Competencies. The focus shall be put on:ย ย Face up to organizational and people problems, Not be afraid to take decisions and action when and as needed,ย ย Enable the wellbeing of the team(s),ย Foster learning or development of others by giving feedback, guidance, and support, andย ย Be modest, giving credit for success to others and admit own shortcomings.
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.ย
Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies:
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) in organizational, social, technical, or related field is required OR A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the above fields with additional 2 years of experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Masterโs degree.Experience:
Minimum of 2 years (with a Masterโs degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelorโs degree) ย of relevant experience in management/coordination positions, preferably in international/multilateral development context.Required skills:
Experience participating in projects/processes that included extensive communication, coordination, and facilitation requirements; Experience in partnership building at international, national, regional and local level; Good application of Results-Based Management; Good communication, coordination, and facilitation skills;ย Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of Project work;ย Establishes lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with clients;ย ย Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards; Eager to share knowledge and experience.ยDesired skills:
Experience managing projects in the sphere of digital governance, eGovernment, data policies, digital economy or digital skills will be considered an asset;ย Experience working in or with the public sector or international organizations will be considered an asset;ย Understanding of Serbia's political, institutional and socio-economic situation;ย Understanding of current policies and legislation on eGovernment and technology in Serbia and familiarity with global trends and emerging needs in this regard;ย Familiarity with Serbiaโs tech ecosystem, including private sector, academia, and civil society;ย Proven ability to deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances;ย Excellent writing/reporting and presentation skills;ย Excellent interpersonal, networking and team building skills.ยLanguages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English.Important Information
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.ย
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.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.
Scam alert
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