National Project Officer - Grant Officer NOA (DC)

Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) will be implementing an EU-funded initiative entitled EU4People: Employment Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, financed under the IPA 2022 framework. The programme seeks to contribute to improving the socio-economic conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its specific objectives include enhancing employment opportunities for young people, rural women, and vulnerable groups of unemployed persons - such as the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, youth transitioning out of social care, and beneficiaries of social assistance - and supporting inclusive post-pandemic economic recovery.

The overall approach of the Action is based on a balanced mix of carefully designed grant schemes and the provision of high-quality technical assistance by the ILO. The technical assistance shapes and guides the grant component to introduce innovation, break entrenched ineffective practices, and introduce sustainability. The National Project Officer – Grant Officer oversees the entire grant cycle, from the design and promotion of Calls for Proposals to beneficiary support, selection, contracting, monitoring, evaluation and final closure, ensuring accurate records and regular reporting. The role also reviews narrative and financial reports, facilitates beneficiary meetings, coordinates with the Technical Assistance Monitoring Officer to integrate PES roles, and prepares portfolio updates for senior management.

Reporting lines

The National Project Officer – Grant Officer will report directly to the Project Manager. S/he works in coordination with the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Central and Eastern Europe in Budapest (DWT/CO-Budapest), with the Senior Employment Specialist of DWT/CO-Budapest as higher-level chief. Cooperation with the relevant ILO HQ departments will be required.

Description of Duties

1.Work in close collaboration with the Project Manager and Technical Specialist (Social Inclusion and Public Employment Services) to design and revise annual work plans related to the project`s grant component, as well as preparation of the budget proposal, considering different approaches and alternative methods, management, problem identification and problem resolution, especially for the parts of the project supporting the design and implementation of the grants, as well as institutional and capacity development of selected implementing partners. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
2.Contribute to design of the work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness, and monitor the progress of project activities related to the project`s grant component. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities. 
3.Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in implementing partners and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets. 
4.Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems and propose solutions and actions. 
5.Provide training on monitoring and evaluation to both beneficiary institutions and grant beneficiaries (implementing partners); Undertake monitoring missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.  
6.Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. 
7.Facilitate regular meetings with grant beneficiaries (implementing partners) to share knowledge, address challenges, and ensure compliance; 
8.Coordinate with the Technical Assistance Monitoring Officer to integrate PES roles in all grant-funded initiatives;
9.Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials. 
10.Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the grant component of the Project. 
11.Perform other duties as may be assigned by the DWT/CO Director.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on labour economics would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least one year of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, grant monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience in the EU funded project and grant scheme management would be an asset. 

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of grant management. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English.

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations. 
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills.
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyse problems with implementation
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
•Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications. 
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.