Project Monitoring Associate (NPSA-6)

Belgrade

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Belgrade
Grade: Administrative support - NPSA-6, National Personnel Services Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2023-12-05

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The project aims to transform Serbia into a country of expertise, knowledge, and innovation by supporting the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (MoSTDI). It aims to add to the achievement of the CPD Outcome Equitable economic and employment opportunities are promoted through innovation and circularity through four main activities. The first activity Capacities of the new MoSTDI Reenforced - focuses on reinforcing the capacities of the new MoSTDI by designing and implementing development plans, modernizing premises, upgrading digital capacities, and improving the capacity support team. The second activity Research and Innovation EcoSystem Improved, aims to improve the research and innovation ecosystem in Serbia by enhancing the functionality of eScience and launching an innovation in science challenge. The third activity - Outreach & Exposure to International Best Practices, focuses on outreach and exposure to international best practices by developing a communication strategy and plan, implementing promotional activities, and assisting the Ministry in identifying and implementing new ideas and best practices. Finally, the fourth activity - Using science to meet the SDGs, focuses on using science to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by aligning targeted promotional activities with the Development Plan and Communication Strategy, with particular attention given to promoting STEM education and careers for women and girls, as well as facilitating the use of space and space available data (geolocation and satellite) to assist Serbia’s work in meeting the SDGs.

In collaboration with the Ministry for Public Investments, the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (MoSTDI) places significant emphasis on capital investments and infrastructure projects in science. Under the "Research and Development in the Public Sector" Project, specifically in the group responsible for investments and monitoring the work and operations of organizations, the aim is to monitor and analyze the construction, financial, and other documentation associated with the project. These implemented initiatives aim to enhance the infrastructure network that supports scientific and innovative development. This is achieved by establishing and equipping centers of excellence, scientific research institutes, startup centers, scientific and technological parks, and other facilities, thereby strengthening the support network for researchers, scientists, and entities involved in innovative activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordination and monitoring of the project activities:

Coordinate communication and collaboration between the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (MoSTDI), consultants, and engineering team within the project "Research and Development in the Public Sector".
Support in implementing monitoring systems of infrastructure initiatives within the project "Research and Development in the Public Sector".
Support monitoring technical documentation for the construction of facilities within the implementation of infrastructure initiatives and record the progress.
Coordination between relevant state-owned stakeholders to meet all required preconditions for construction.
Assist in analyzing received reports on the progress and implementation of infrastructure and other projects within the MoSTDI.
Support the Ministry regulations and plans, periodic and final reports on project implementation, as well as reports on the work of the technical implementation unit.
Assist and organize field visits to provide in-time technical inputs to selected construction firms, to facilitate the quality and timely delivery according to approved specifications and as per best engineering practices.
Support the reviews of drawings and documentation of conceptual and leading projects, providing final comments and suggestions on proposed solutions on behalf of the Ministry.
Draft a progress report of the civil works on the project template and submit it to the Ministry.
Supporting monitoring and evaluation systems for the performance of contractors working on various work packages by measuring, assessing, and appraising the works regarding design requirements.
Assisted in developing specifications/TORs for projects that require the input of the civil engineer.

Stakeholder Management

Support strong partnerships with all partners and stakeholders (relevant local institutions, academia and CSOs) in the country.
Support in creating high quality information and visibility of the project activities among the stakeholders.
Facilitate regular communication on relevant project issues with the stakeholders with a focus on sustainability and exit strategy towards the end of the project.

Knowledge and Data Management

Support in creating service center-wise project progress reports, plans of action, and other documentation per the provided template.
Draft documents for progress, review, and steering committee meetings.
Maintain records of project deliverables, documents, files, data, and materials that are part of the project.
Carry out any other assignments related to the timely and effective implementation of the project as may be requested by the Project Manager.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Monitoring Associate will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Analyst, SDG Integration.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Results-based Management	Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business Management	Risk Management	Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Management	Monitoring	Ability to identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Partnership Management	Relationship management	Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Digital & Innovation	Data analysis	Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum Secondary Education is required
University Degree in engineering and technical science, or other related field, will be given due consideration

Experience:

Minimum 6 years (with Secondary education) or 3 years with Bachelor’s degree of progressively responsibility on project support, and engineering sector experience is required

Required skills:

Good proficiency in MS office software
Good organizational and time management skills.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards.
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

Experience in UNDP/UN/International development agencies/ SCO is highly preferable.
Experience and knowledge in implementing projects in related to the civil engineering.
Knowledge on basic project management and development project management.
Work experience in international organization and or government institutions would be desirable.
Experience in communication with different state and international stakeholders.

Required Language(s)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English.

Disclaimer

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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