Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
The project “Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative” (ACADI) is implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Public Investment (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 specialised 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
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate has the responsibility to support infrastructure activities related to the design, supervision, and quality assurance. The Project Associate should provide technical expertise and support assuring that the projects produce the results specified in the Project Documents for the infrastructure components, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost.
Specific responsibilities will include assistance in the implementation of activities with the aim of achieving the following project results:
1. Provide Technical Support for Project Implementation:
• Assisting in the production of infrastructure project design documentation such as pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, preliminary design, main design, and revision of design documentation.
• Facilitation of the needs assessment process with the beneficiary, support in the design of tender documentation, preparation, and execution of tender processes for the procurement of goods and services, procurement guides, and providing inputs for contracts for goods and services.
• Support to project management of works with adherent installations aimed at energy efficiency improvements, and related environmental management issues.
• Suggesting and advising on how to resolve problems and/or conflicts and recommending corrections in terms of design, materials, or the quality of work, and managing these corrections upon approval by the Project Manager.
• Ensuring full compliance of activities with established project management rules, regulations, and policies.
2. Support Coordination and Stakeholder Communication:
• Liaising with contractors, municipalities, and other partners on project matters.
3. Supervision of Design and Construction Works:
• Assisting in the supervision of the project design development process, as well as the coordination and supervision of construction works.
• Support during the on-site monitoring of quality and quantities of works, costs, schedule, safety, and environment issues, in full compliance with the applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, technical standards, and legal requirements in the Republic of Serbia.
4. Support Monitoring, Reporting, and Technical Analysis:
• Reporting on on-site monitoring.
• Providing early warning to the Project Manager of potential problems and/or critical issues regarding the infrastructure improvement and execution of the works.
• Collection, analysis, and presentation of background information for the preparation of project annual work plans and progress reports.
• Providing inputs for the creation of the project monitoring and evaluation framework.
5. Administrative and Documentation Support:
• Drafting correspondence on project engineering issues for the Project Manager, as required.
6. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing:
• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products, and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Coordination Associate will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager and in cooperation with the Ministry for Public Investments.
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 | |||||||||||||||||
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Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
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Required Skills and Experience
Education:
-
Secondary education is required. OR
University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement
Experience
- Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in construction-related project management and supervision is required
Required skills
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Desired skills
- Experience in coordination and/or management of large-scale projects.
- Experience in preparation of tender documentation, design activities, and/or supervision in accordance with the Law on Planning and Construction requirements.
- Project experience that requires knowledge of national legislation (Law on Planning and Construction).
- Work experience in/with international organization and/or government institution.
Languages:
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Fluency in English and Serbian is required
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.
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 ma
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.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.