Purpose

To manage the “Management of Citizen-Centric Policy Measures – Office of the Prime Minister” project and other initiatives up to a value of 1 million USD annually and to provide support to the Program Analyst for Good Governance with resource mobilization and knowledge codification within the portfolio.

Objective

To ensure result-oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the assigned projects and portfolio activities and achievement of envisaged results.

Background Information

UNDP responds to the global challenge of developing institutions and processes conducive to development.

UNDP work in 2016-2020 through the Country Program Document (guided by the National Priorities for International Assistance, in 2014-2017) and builds on results achieved to date. The focus of the new programme is on: (a) accountable and representative governance institutions serving people; (b) equal participation for women and lives free of violence; (c) inclusive and sustainable growth; and (d) low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

UNDP works across a variety of development contexts including stable, conflict/post conflict and transitional settings, and supports Governments to achieve national development priorities which are in line with globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In order to steer reforms at a fast-track pace, the Office of the Prime Minister is setting up a Delivery Unit as a single information and coordination point supporting the head of Government in reaching evidence-based policy decisions.

The overall objective of the project is to enable the Government to drive forward a set of citizen-centric policy measures and interventions, which will make a substantial difference to the quality of life experienced by Serbia’s citizens.

The purpose of the project is the support the Office of the Prime Minister by providing advisory services to its Delivery Unit tasked with supporting the Cabinet in delivering better results faster in five key priority areas: infrastructure, investment climate, agriculture, restructuring of public enterprises and public administration reform.

Summary of specific functions:

• Management of the projects and implementation of activities to achieve the desired outputs , in accordance with UNDP POPP and the UNDP Serbia Standard Operating Procedures;
• Monitoring of project progress; risks management; ensuring that issues are identified and addressed; Progress and results reporting;
• Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level;
• Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities.

Management of the projects and implementing activities to achieve the desired outputs:

• Day-to-day management and decision-making related to “Management of Citizen-Centric Policy Measures – Office of the Prime Minister” project and other initiatives up to a value of 1 million USD annually; implementation of activities (e.g. procuring goods and services, brokering partnerships, manage project budget etc.)  in accordance with UNDP POPP and UNDP Serbia Standard Operating Procedures;
• Prepare annual project workplans and procurement plan as well as the other regular and demand driven plans;
• Coordinate and supervise the work of the project team;
• Ensure effective and efficient implementation of workplan activities;
• Monitor progress against the approved work-plan;
• Identify issues and agree management responses  with UNDP office and Project Board;
• Draft terms of reference and work specifications and oversee contractors’ work;
• Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, through advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the FACE (Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures);
• Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports; ensue preparation of budget revisions as necessary; follow up with UNDP programme associate and finance staff on issues;
• Prepare and coordinate an exit strategy at least 6 months ahead of the project closure date; ensure closure of the project is done according to the established procedures.

Monitoring of progress and risks, ensuring that changes are controlled and problems addressed; Reporting on progress including measures to address challenges and opportunities:

• Monitor events as determined in the project monitoring schedule plan, and update the plan (in Atlas and off-Atlas) as required;
• Capture, manage and monitor the project risks; escalate emerging risks to the project board for consideration and advice or decision on management response; maintain the project risks log;
• Organize regular Project Board meetings and perform regular progress reporting to the Project Board;
• Prepare progress reports, in compliance with UNDP reporting requirements,   and submit them for supervisor’s review and approval. Share the approved report with the project board;
• Prepare donor reports in compliance with donor reporting requirements;
• Support the preparation of reviews and evaluations as defined in the project document;
• Prepare final project report and lessons learned report.

Support partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy activities at project level

• Coordinate activities with activities of other projects in the governance sector/area;
• Support the partnerships building and advocacy activities pursued by the UNDP office in the governance area/sector;
• Provide support to Programme Analyst for Good Governance in program design areas emerging from the Management of Citizen-Centric Policy Measures – Office of the Prime Minister project.

Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities

• Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;
• Ensure that projects have communication plan; , share with UNDP Communication Officer all relevant information and materials;
• Ensure that briefs, talking points, scene setters and other relevant communication materials are prepared on time;
• Capture lessons learnt during project implementation;
• Actively participate in programme meetings;
• Participate in training events, communities of practice, codifying and sharing knowledge.

Performance indicators and means of verification for evaluation of results

• Project outputs delivered in accordance with expected quality, time and cost;
• Regular exchange of information and dialogue with representatives of national and local assemblies, relevant ministries, other stakeholders and beneficiaries;
• Reports and Annual Workplans developed on time in line with quality standards;
• Project administered in UNDP Software ATLAS;
• Resource mobilization support to Programme Analyst for Good Governance portfolio provided;
• Lessons learnt compiled and knowledge codified;
• Effective management of the Project Team.

• Good application of Results-Based Management;
• Good communication, coordination and facilitation skills;
• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of portfolio work;
• Establishes lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with clients;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards;
• Demonstrated political neutrality.

Education:

• Master degree or equivalent in organizational sciences, economics, law, political and other social sciences or other relevant fields.

Work experience:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in multilateral development context;
• Experience in managing teams and complex projects/processes that included extensive communication, coordination and facilitation requirements;
• Experience in partnership building at international, national, regional and local level;
• The following specific experiences will be considered as an asset: experience working in the UN system or other international organizations; experience in managing projects in the field of good governance in general.

Knowledge:

• Excellent understanding of Serbia's political and socio-economic situation;
• Understanding of current policies and legislation relevant for the field of inclusive political processes;
• Familiarity with the EU accession process;
• Knowledge in the use of computers and office software packages and handling of web based management systems.

Personal qualifications:

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

Language:

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English.

Application instructions:

• Click on the button "Apply now".
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit the tab "submit application" at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11).
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment.
• Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/P11_SC_SSA.doc.

Note:

Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide, prior to the interview the proof of required academic credentials (for external applicants).

Special consideration:

As this position is under Service Contract modality, only applicants with Serbian nationality or valid working permit in Serbia will be considered for the vacancy.