Programme Associate for Social Cohesion

The European Union Support to Municipal Development – EU PRO Programme(1) will contribute to a more balanced socio-economic development of Serbia, by enhancing competitiveness and social cohesion of 99 municipalities, in two regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia and South and Eastern Serbia.(2) The European Union (EU) has allocated 25 million Euros for the implementation of the Programme during 36 months. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was selected for indirect management, through a Call for Expression of Interest.(3)

There are three results that the Programme will achieve:

• Result 1: Improved technological structure of SMEs and their ability to export
• Result 2: Improved conditions for business operations through more efficient administrative service provision, better land management and specific infrastructure investments
• Result 3: Better social cohesion and attractive living environment through improvement of small scale public infrastructure and social relations.

The direct beneficiaries of the EU PRO are local administration structures, local SMEs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and business support organisations (BSOs). The final beneficiaries are the inhabitants of 99 municipalities.

The EU PRO Programme is based on the National Priorities for International Assistance in the Republic of Serbia 2014-2017, with projections until 2020 (NAD)(4), significant for Serbia’s EU accession process and socio-economic development. Its activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of Serbia, while respecting the national strategies, laws and relevant development documents, in order to ensure national ownership and help develop national capacities.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Programme Manager, the Programme Associate for Social Cohesion will be responsible for the implementation of the projects supporting enhancement of inter-ethnic dialogue and cooperation, improving social inclusion and cohesion in multi-ethnic communities. He or she will strongly contribute to the development of grant schemes for social inclusion and cohesion projects, provide technical assistance to the beneficiaries of these activities, and ensure efficient and effective monitoring of supported projects.

The Programme Associate for Social Cohesion will undertake the following specific activities/responsibilities:

• Maintain professional relationship with the local self-governments (LSGs), national and local civil society organisations (CSOs), and development programmes/projects working in the areas related to social cohesion
• Closely coordinate social inclusion and social cohesion activities with other relevant UNOPS Serbia projects
• Contribute to presentation of the Programme’s social cohesion activities Provide specialised knowledge needed for development of the Calls for Proposals (CFPs) for social inclusion cohesion projects
• Organise trainings, information sessions, and other events related to promotion of the CFPs for social cohesion projects and capacity building of local and national partners
• Participate in evaluation of project proposals related to social inclusion and cohesion, as per request from the line manager and/or the Programme Manager
• With guidelines from the line manager, manage implementation of projects related to social inclusion and cohesion
• Provide technical assistance to the beneficiaries of social inclusion and cohesion activities in order to ensure fulfilment of products’ quality criteria, enhance outcomes, and address sustainability Provide inputs to the Programme’s work, financial, recruitment and procurement plans in parts related to social inclusion and cohesion
• Contribute to establishment and maintenance of archive related to social inclusion and cohesion activities
• Provide timely and punctual information to the Programme team about social inclusion and cohesion milestones as well as about relevant external developments in this field
• With the guidance of the line manager, coordinate work of retainers and service providers needed for implementation of social inclusion and cohesion activities
• Contribute to identification and assessment of risks and implement mitigation measures in accordance with the Risk Management Strategy
• Contribute to development of the Programme’s reports and analysis related to social inclusion and cohesion, with particular attention to the results of the Programme’s initiatives
• With guidelines from the operations team and the Deputy Programme Manager, contribute to development of documentation needed for procurements and engagement of consultants related to social cohesion
• Responsible for filed implementation of grant contracts related to social cohesion, follow up of grant contract budgets and interim and final reporting
• Draft reports as envisaged by the Programme Document, while in particular considering progress against the indicators in the Logical Framework Matrix
• Contribute to identification and sharing of the Programme’s lessons learned and best practices
• Contribute to efficient and effective use of EU PRO and UNOPS tools for monitoring of the Programme’s performance, outputs and benefits
• Provide support to the Programme’s communication and visibility activities.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Law, Economy, Business Administration, Social or Political Science is required
• Projects IN Controlled Environments 2 (PRINCE2) Foundation Certification – preferred

Work Experience

• Three years of  experience in implementation of projects related to social cohesion is required
• Advanced University degree may substitute for some years of experience
• In depth knowledge of Serbian laws related to social cohesion and social integration is considered as asset  
• Direct experience in working with local governments and CSOs is an asset
• Direct experience in working with multi-ethnic communities is an asset

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Serbian and English is required

Driving license

• Driving license and ability to travel independently is required

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.