National Project Coordinator - NOA (DC)

This position is currently advertised pending the final agreement between the ILO and its development partners on the funding of the project and the resources being made available for the ILO.

The position is located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, being part of the ILO Decent Work Team/Country Office for Central and Eastern Europe (DWT/CO-Budapest). DWT/CO-Budapest provides technical support and guidance related to the ILO agenda in 18 countries of Central and South Eastern Europe (for more see www.ilo.org/budapest).

Covid-19 Investment response – EU4BusinessRecovery is the project funded by the European Union whose overall objective is to contribute  support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in mitigating the economic effects generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) team together to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), agri-food and tourism operators, entrepreneurs and farmers to ensure business continuity despite the negative effects of COVID-19 and creation of innovative start-ups as a response to COVID 19 crisis.

Specific task of the ILO will be to support MSMEs in textile, apparel and footwear sector and creation of innovative start-ups. Support will be provided through: development and implementation of sector-based guidelines for occupational safety and health (OSH); support in product and business innovation and reorganization/ localization of the supply chains to maintain the functioning and increase competitiveness (though the dialogue with international buyers, conclusion of the International Framework Agreements and introduction of Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Programme to create Factory Improvement Plans); support in development of start-ups through Local Partnerships for Entrepreneurship Development and establishment of help desk system to provide financial and legal advices to MSMEs and start-ups.

The National Project Coordinator will provide technical and organizational support to the implementation of the project, including monitoring and evaluation of achieved results, capacity building of service providers and end beneficiaries and implementation of field activities.

Reporting lines

The National Project Coordinator will report directly to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and work 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 Employment Specialist of DWT/CO-Budapest as higher-level chief. Cooperation with the relevant ILO HQ departments will be required.

1. Work in close collaboration with  the CTA to design and revise project annual work plans 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 institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, line ministries, and social partners.

2. Review, verify and analyze work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness and monitor the progress of Project activities. 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 organizations and line ministries at national level, partner 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, propose solutions and actions.

5. Provide programming and administrative support to cooperation activities in the area of private sector development and support to start-ups. Actively participate in and provide inputs to development of the grant investment services, technical assistance and closely monitors achieved results.

6. Provide programming and administrative support to cooperation activities related to development of OSH protocols, introduction and implementation of SCORE programme and development of dialogue with international buyers together with the implementing agents (Employers Organizations).

7. Provide programming and administrative support to cooperation activities related to creation of start-ups and delivery of help desk services together with the implementing agents (Local Partnerships).

8. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.

9. Brief ILO specialists, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. 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 overall activities of the Project.

11. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the CTA.

Throughout the work, the incumbent must follow the ILO Standard Operational Procedures and Rules Concerning Covid-19 as well as the national rules on Covid-19.

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.

At least one year of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of implementation of technical programmes for business operation improvement and grants management. Knowledge of the policy making process and social dialogue.

Excellent knowledge of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and English.

• 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 analyze problems with implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as 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.
• Drivers licence B category and willingness to drive.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.