Pool of Consultants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and Business Support Organisations (three retainer positions), Multiple positions

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.

In order to enable both the Programme and SME beneficiaries to reach their full potential in competitiveness development, the Programme is recruiting a pool of Consultants for SME and BSOs Competitiveness with specialised technical backgrounds. The duration of assignments will depend on the number of applications and type of businesses applying for the Programme support. Therefore, the pool will be consisted of consultants with one or more of the following specialties:

• Business finances – internal finances, financial planning and management
• SME related policies – analysis of legal framework
• Marketing and sales
• Access to finance - analysis of the available sources of funding  
• Business management
• Production and technological processes in one of the following sectors: fruit and vegetable processing, dairy, confectionery, bakery, meat processing, metal processing, wood processing, etc.

More specifically, the Consultant for SMEs and BSOs will undertake the following activities/ responsibilities:

• Provide technical advice regarding thematic areas for provision of support to SMEs and BSOs, including definition of eligible activities to be supported by the Programme
• Provide technical advice regarding SME-related legal issues, including guidelines for assessment of their registration, ownership, finances and ethics of SME applicants
• Provide inputs for development of the outreach campaign for SMEs and BSOs including inputs for stakeholder mapping and analysis within the Programme Area of Responsibility (AoR)
• Provide inputs for development of the business plan template to be used as the application form for Calls targeting SMEs and BSOs
• Provide inputs for development of assessment criteria for Calls targeting SMEs and BSOs
• Provide technical advice regarding assessment of SME and BSO applicants and viability of submitted applications to the Programme Grant Evaluation Committee members, as needed
• Participate in meetings with the Programme’s SME and BSO stakeholders in order to obtain information on their needs, as per request and guidelines from the Sector Manager
• During advertisement of the Call for Proposals (CFP), support delivery of info sessions and other outreach activities, by developing and giving presentations and guidance to potential applicants on business planning and other topics that would facilitate good quality applications  
• Visit beneficiary SMEs in order to assess progress and effects of the project and provide technical advice related to strategic planning, management of finances, product development, innovations and other elements that would enhance SME performance (1)
• On as needed basis research current national and EU policies and regulations and provide inputs to the Programme on SME development potentials

Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Economics or Business Administration or relevant field is required
• Master’s degree in relevant discipline will be considered as an asset

Work Experience

• Two years of experience in finance sector or private business in Serbia in business finances and/or SME related policies and/or marketing and sales and/or access to finance and/or business management and/or production and/or technological processes is required
• Two years of consultancy experience in SME development in business finances and/or SME related policies and/or marketing and sales and/or access to finance and/or business management and/or production and/or technological processes is required
• Experience with the EU or the UN, or another international organisation is an asset

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Serbian and English is required

Driving license

• Driving license and ability to travel independently is required

• Proven understanding of all SME competitiveness related aspects
• Proven understanding of Serbian business environment
• Strong knowledge of market development, innovation and project cycle management
• Good organizational and inter-personal skills
• Public speaking clear and focused, with ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a non-specialist audience
• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively
• Accountability for management of time, establishing clear performance goals, standards, and responsibilities
• Demonstrates commitment to UNOPS' mission, vision and values, including cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

• 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.