Background

Purpose

The purpose of this TOR is to recruit a qualified candidate with experience and knowledge necessary to facilitate activities within the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade, Serbia.

Objective

The Project Assistant will be responsible for backstopping day-to-day implementation of the UNODC Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery initiatives and will be based at the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade (Serbia).

He/she carries out his/her functions under the direct supervision of the Regional Administration and Finance Associate, UNODC Programme Office in Serbia and the overall supervision of the Regional Adviser (Anti-corruption) and Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade.

Background Information

Launched in October 2016, a consolidated Global Programme replaced the then-existing four individual Global Programmes that were being implemented by the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch of UNODC (CEB). Since then, this Global Programme has provided a consistent framework for the delivery of UNODC services with the objective of conducting “effective action against corruption for inclusive and resilient societies and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals”.
To prevent and counter corruption and bolster asset recovery, UNODC seeks to empower the broad range of stakeholders actively engaged in anti-corruption in order to fully implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). To that end, CEB increases awareness around UNCAC, coordinates delivery of anti-corruption technical assistance, reinforces evidence-based decision-making, enhances legal and policy frameworks, strengthens institutions and helps them better coordinate anti-corruption responses at the national, regional and global levels.
Against this backdrop, the Global Programme has to achieve the following outcomes:

• States parties effectively engage in intergovernmental processes to fast-track the United Nations Convention against Corruption, including its Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) and the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM).
• States’ legal and policy frameworks address corruption in line with UNCAC.
• Institutional frameworks, including integrity systems, address corruption in line with UNCAC.
• Anti-corruption practitioners and other stakeholders apply their capacities to prevent and counter corruption.
• Policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders use evidence-based knowledge and tools on anti-corruption to inform decision-making.
• Stakeholders actively support and promote UNCAC implementation.
• Increased international cooperation to prevent and counter corruption, including on asset recovery cases.

By countering corruption, CEB works with partners to contribute to more inclusive and resilient societies. It utilizes its expertise and convening power to persistently influence the commitment of individuals, state and non-state stakeholders across the world towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the framework of the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe, UNODC is implementing additional regional and national projects to support the implementation of UNCAC.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Assistant will be responsible for:

Project management:

• Assist the Regional Adviser (Anti-corruption), Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade in day-to-day support of planning, monitoring and implementation of activities;
• Review, analyse and assist in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals related to the activities under the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap and Asset Recovery project;
• Research and compile information/data on specific programme activities and support writing periodic reports.

Budget management:

• Support the Regional Adviser (Anti-corruption), Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade and Regional Administration and Finance Associate UNODC Programme Office in Serbia in the elaboration of programme/project budgets and support the utilization of the procedures and systems for the appropriate financial control on programme implementation;
• Monitor project expenditures against approved work plans in Umoja and keep track of project expenditure per activity and donor/pledge ID, status of implementation and ensure compliance with United Nations financial rules and regulations; initiate project and/or budget revisions as required; ensure necessary approval and entry in Umoja; initiate financial authorizations for expenditures;
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of budget proposals for the programmes/projects and individual regional/country level budget segments; provide assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; verify availability of funds;
• Provide assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted;

Event Management:

• Provide budget estimates and support for the organization of international, regional and national conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops by liaising with national authorities of the countries concerned as well as administrative and financial departments, regarding hotel reservations, DSA payments and preparing documents such as agendas, lists of attendees and certificates;
• Organize all personnel travel arrangements in Umoja, creation of Umoja authorization of pay disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, and support follow-up actions to close the events’ commitments administratively and financially; etc.
• Handle arrangement for printing and translation as necessary; coordinate shipment arrangements, courier services, etc.

Administrative support:

• Provide administrative support to the Anti-Corruption/Asset Recovery projects of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch and the staff based in South-Eastern Europe related to the administration of the project activities;
• Draft correspondence and communication for specific aspects of the project;
• Organize both incoming and outgoing correspondence, including the establishment of a log/ registry system and filing;
• Support organization of the field missions and coordination of the official meetings;
• Perform other related duties, as required, including, when necessary, support the implementation of the RP SEE in the above fields and support to the UNODC Regional Representative for South-Eastern Europe, and the Regional Administration and Finance Associate in the UNODC Programme Office in Serbia, in the context of the implementation of the RP SEE.

Competencies

• Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, travel and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team and team spirit. Strong interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrates strong IT skills and displays the knowledge in utilization of specific software such as Umoja and Lotus notes or similar;
• Excellent organization skills, ability to work independently, accurately and meticulously and to deliver efficient quality outputs;
• Ability to manage large volumes of work under time pressure is essential;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field is desirable.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant, practical working experience in administration, finance and/or programme support service or other related field is required;
• Experience in projects implementation and working with government counterparts is required;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) is required;
• Experience in the use of UMOJA/SAP will be considered as an advantage;
• Knowledge of UNODC/UN administrative rules and procedures is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Serbian is required. Knowledge of another Western Balkans language is an advantage.

Application Procedure:

The following are steps for on-line application:

Submit the application through the UNDP Serbia Jobs website: https://www.undp.org/serbia/jobs

Upload completed and signed P11 form in the required resume field. The P11 form can be downloaded from: Personal History P11 Form.

Special consideration

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