Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  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 ‘leave no one behind’ 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.

 
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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is providing assistance to the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) in the preparation and implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) funded project “Further strengthening of national capacities for risk management of Hazardous Substances throughout their life cycle”. The project will assist the Government of Serbia in further development of needed regulatory framework to improve and upgrade the sound management of chemicals and waste.

The main objective of the project is to support country-driven institutional strengthening in the context of an integrated approach to address the financing and sound management of chemicals and wastes, considering national development strategies, plans and priorities. Also, the project will, in a sustainable manner, increase capacities of institutions and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. businesses, CSOs, academia) for the sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle. Institutional strengthening will enable and facilitate the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

The project will bring together representatives of government, media, civil society, health professionals to increase understanding of chemicals safety management, on chemicals in products. In the future, these stakeholder groups will provide significant support to the newly established regulatory system and become an important partner in reaching the general public and spreading information regarding harmful chemicals in products placed on the Serbian market. In addition, there is a need to raise the level of environmental awareness and culture of the entire society in the Republic of Serbia on safe chemicals and waste management as well as professional knowledge among producers and distributors of chemicals. 

Having all abovementioned in mind, UNDP is seeking a Project Coordination Associate to assist the UNDP Programme Analyst in the implementation of project activities. The purpose of this position is to provide support services for the UNDP project and accountable implementation of the project activities and achievement of project results.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

His/her key responsibilities of the role include:

Support in Project coordination:

  • Be responsible for generating quality results and outputs from the project activities through providing high quality; project implementation and management inputs to Programme Analyst and relevant project partners;
  • Ensure regular support, follow-up and monitoring of the planning, development and implementation of project activities with special consideration of poor, marginalized and disadvantaged groups and gender issues;
  • Manage, mentor and coordinate with project partners and beneficiaries for enabling them to ensure successful accomplishment of project targeted activities, trainings, events and overall performance;
  • Deeply analyze workplan, progress reports etc. received from beneficiaries and contracted parties, prepare analytical findings, share with Programme Analyst, other concerned and national partners for devising necessary future steps for ensuring quality project results;
  • To prepare the project progress reports with the coordination of monitoring component of the project.

Project administrative and financial tasks:

  • Draft TOR for hiring experts for providing technical and expert supports to project partners, and beneficiaries in connection to project needs and annual workplans;
  • Make all efforts as coordinator to provide technical and administrative support for the organization and the management of the activities in close cooperation with all the stakeholders;
  • Monitor and manage contracted parties so that due deliverables are made as per the contract and workplan, review and analyze progress reports together with financial reports made by contractees;
  • Provide trouble shooting supports as and when requires so that expected results are made in line with the  Project outputs and objectives;
  • Provide support to the expert teams and beneficiaries so that deliverables are made ensuring value for money, required staffs are recruited following appropriate rules and policies;
  • To prepare an Annual Work Plan and Budget.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Guide expert teams for ensuring closer coordination with the project partners, coordinate field visits by various external visitors (donors, UNDP CO, study/evaluation team, local, central government representatives, media etc.);
  • Regularly update stakeholders on project status, milestones achieved, and any potential risks or issues;
  • Partnership management and fund disbursement implemented in coordination with the Programme Analyst;
  • Regular liaison with project partners and other government institutions in relation to providing substantial support to the organizing of training and workshops.

To assist any other relevant tasks that may emerge as important in the course of this assignment, and which deems to be appropriate for the Programme Analyst. 

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Coordination Associate will report to the Programme Analyst. S/he will also work in close coordination with the project stakeholders, other team members of the project and UNDP.

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 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
  • Strategic Thinking:          
    • Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision toreality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
    • Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.
  • Effective Decision Making:
    • Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority area of expertise and resources.
  • Knowledge Generation:
    • Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need.
  • Integration within the UN:           
    • Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/ or practical situations.
  • Results-based Management:    
    • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
  • Risk Management:          
    • Ability to identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
  • UN policy knowledge – ethics:  
    • Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
       
Required Skills and Experience

 
Education:
  • Secondary Education is required.
  • University degree (Bachelor´s degree) in social sciences or any other relevant subject will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 (seven) years (with Secondary Education) or 4 (four) years (with Bachelor´s degree) of experience in providing project support with involving international organizations/ national governments.

Required Skills:

  • Practical experience working with the Government awareness raising, capacity building and other   relevant areas is an asset;
  • Having project Monitoring and Reporting skills is required;
  • Experience with project management would be considered an asset;
  • Basic skills on MS office and full computer literacy networking;
  • Good communication skills and effectively maintain liaison with the relevant stakeholders;

Desired Skills:

  • Experience in one or more of the following: procurement, recruitment, finance, logistics, general administration, communication and PR. Please clearly indicate in which area(s) you have experience in your application;
  • Experience in organization of various events including high-level ones;
  • Evidence of ability to express ideas clearly; to work independently and in teams; to demonstrate a sense of self-assuredness combined with cultural and gender sensitivities;
  • Experience working in the UN system or other international organizations will be considered an asset. 
  • Experience in working in the relevant areas (environment and climate change, energy, agriculture, forestry) would be considered an asset;

Languages:

  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters 
 
Note: 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. 
 
Non-discrimination 
 
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.   
 
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.  
 
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