1904 - Software and Applications Associate - PPID for e-Government

a.             Purpose

The purpose of the position is to provide technical assistance related to Software and Applications within the Project Preparation and Implementation Department (PPID) in charge of projects financed by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) within the Office for IT and e-Government (ITE).

b.             Objective

To ensure results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of project activities and achievement of project results.

c.             Background Information

Digitalization is increasingly becoming the backbone of any and all functional restructuring in the public sector, an objective driver of change management and a precondition for transformative development. Going digital, being a horizontal measure, is also accelerating the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While it directly falls under SDG 16, e-governance is contributing to building stronger institutions – effective, accountable and transparent – at all levels.

The Government of Serbia, elected in June 2017, has heavily prioritized digital transformation of the national economy and state administration. The Prime Minister's Keynote Address before the Parliament stressed digitalization and education as the most important catalysts of innovations, competitiveness and growth for Serbia in the coming years. It also stressed the need for a rapid digitalization of public administration and provision of integrated, secure and citizen-focused electronic services. This political support has materialized in August 2017, when the new Government formed the Office for IT and e-Government (ITE) and appointed the Prime Minister as head of the Council for Innovative Entrepreneurship and Information Technologies (IT Council).

UNDP has been providing support to this broad digitalization agenda of the Serbian Government since its inception, through the "Serbia at your Fingertips – Digital Transformation for Development" project. This Project comprises five segments. The first three relate to development of the e-government system, the fourth includes support for implementation of activities from the agendas of ministerial IT and Creative Industries councils, while the fifth includes support for implementation of big infrastructural projects.

In addition, the Government of Serbia has requested assistance of the World Bank in supporting the reform efforts, through a loan. To this effect, the World Bank has initiated the development of the Enabling Digital Governance Project (EDGE). The project, expected to be launched in 2019, aims at contributing to development of the digitalization ecosystem in Serbia, through implementation of the following components: 1) Foundations for Digital Service Delivery; 2) Transforming Services for Citizens and Businesses; and 3) Change Management and Institutional Strengthening.

For the purposes of effectively managing and coordinating these and future projects with IFI financing, UNDP is supporting the establishment of a Project Preparation and Implementation Department (PPID) at the ITE.

Measurable Outputs of the Work Assignment

Overall responsibilities:

The Software and Applications Associate will be responsible for preparation and delivery of technical documentation for software-related activities, solutions and applications on the project. This documentation shall be aligned and produced in line with requirements of the relevant beneficiaries and financiers. The Software and Applications Associate will ensure that relevant documentation is kept up-to-date on a daily basis and will regularly report to the PPID Project Manager. The Software and Applications Associate will review and provide inputs on technical specifications for tendering both under the project (to be funded by the WB) and other sources of funding (state budget, other donors etc.). The Software and Applications Associate will provide technical support and carry out other duties requested by the PPID Project Manager in the project preparation and implementation phase, in the form required by the relevant financier.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Plan and prepare technical documentation related to software items and applications for the project, aligned with relevant beneficiaries;
• Support relevant beneficiaries in developing technical specifications for software-related activities, solutions and applications within the project scope, goals and deliverables;
• Collect information from the beneficiaries regarding their functional requirements for new applications and design technical specifications in compliance with the overall e-government systems architecture;
• Ensure compatibility of developed software solutions and applications with the central eGovernment Portal;
• Provide inputs to the PPID team on operating systems, embedded software, ICT equipment, as well as processing, storage and networking requirements of applications;
• Review and provide inputs on technical specifications for procuring software solutions and applications both under the project (to be funded by the WB) and other sources of funding (state budget, other donors etc.);
• Participate in testing the implemented/installed software solutions and applications, using established test procedures and diagnostic tools;
• Review documentation of all installed/implemented software/applications, and ensure that configuration management, system monitoring, data protection, information security and other relevant records are up-to-date;
• Provide relevant inputs regarding the project schedule and timeline;
• Track deliverables, monitor and report on project progress to internal and external stakeholders;
• Implement and manage technical changes when necessary to meet project objectives;
• Provide training on defining and preparing technical documentation for the staff of ITE and relevant ministries;
• Prepare monthly reports for the PPID Project Manager, summarizing key issues, emerging and day-to-day tasks undertaken;
• Prepare ad-hoc reports and documents when so required by the project.

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results

• Expert assistance and advice provided in support of the project activities;
• Project documentation timely prepared, updated and maintained;
• Ensured compatibility of new e-government software solutions and applications with the overall e-government architecture and the central e-Government Portal;
• Ensured that installed/implemented software/applications are tested and that configuration management, system monitoring, data protection, information security and other relevant records are up-to-date;
• Reports and work plans developed on time and in line with quality standards;
• Project activities and achievements captured and presented;
• Direction and guidance to project team and relevant stakeholders provided;
• Dialogue with relevant ministries, stakeholders and beneficiaries established and maintained.

• Good application of Results-Based Management;
• Good understanding and experience in project management;
• Good communication, coordination and facilitation skills;
• Consistently ensuring timeliness and quality of project work;
• Establishing lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with partners;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrating cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrating integrity by modelling ethical standards.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, business economics or similar relevant field.

Work experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in writing and reviewing technical specifications in the field of ICT;
• Deep understanding of complex software solutions and applications, and demonstrated experience in their implementation, preferably in large enterprises or government;
• Experience in working on projects governed by international institutions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of computer, office software and web-based applications use;
• Knowledge of the e-government architecture and functioning of the central e-Government Portal would be an asset.

Personal qualifications:

• Ability to function within a team, deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances;
• Strong writing/reporting and presentation skills;
• Strong interpersonal, networking and team building skills.

Language:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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