Background

UNODC is implementing the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe (RP SEE) which provides the overall platform for UNODC’s engagement in South-Eastern Europe, including in BiH, in support of the various thematic areas of the UNODC mandate. Following two previous cycles from 2016-2019 and 2020-2024 respectively, a new cycle of this programme will cover the period from this year until 2029.

The RPSEE places a strong emphasis on pursuing South-Eastern European priorities based on an integrated approach that supports the region’s aspirations for European integration under the umbrella of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSCDFs) for the region.

Sub-Programme 3 of the Regional Programme focuses on priority actions in the area of anti-corruption and asset recovery, identified in cooperation with the governments in the region and through a dialogue with national, regional and international partners.

The project “Strengthening the Capacity and Coordination of Judiciary and Law Enforcement Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Effectively Address Corruption and Organized Crime” will be implemented within the framework of the RPSEE’s Sub-Programme 3.

The Project Associate will be responsible for supporting day-to-day implementation of the UNODC project “Strengthening the Capacity and Coordination of Judiciary and Law Enforcement Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Effectively Address Corruption and Organized Crime”, as well as other anti-corruption and asset recovery initiatives.

The incumbent will work within the framework of the UNODC Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe. He/she will carry out his/her functions under the direct supervision of the Regional Specialist (Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery), UNODC Programme Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative, Regional Office for South Eastern Europe.

The Project Associate will be required to support coordination and facilitation of administrative and finance related matters with a primary focus on the abovementioned UNODC project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other UNODC initiatives implemented in the South-Eastern Europe region as and when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate will be responsible for the following:

Project management:

• Assist the Regional Specialist in Sarajevo in day-to-day planning, monitoring and implementation of activities, with specific emphasis on finance and administrative-related aspects of the project “Strengthening the Capacity and Coordination of Judiciary and Law Enforcement Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Effectively Address Corruption and Organized Crime”.
• Review, analyse and assist in the finalization of planning, cost estimates and budget proposals and reports related to the activities under the project, and the implementation of other anti-corruption and asset recovery initiatives in the designated region
• Research and compile information/data on specific project activities and support writing periodic reports.
• Assist the Regional Specialist in communications and visibility efforts.
• Provide effective support to the administration and activities of the Programme Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including participation in/support for UNCT related activities.

Budget management:

• Support the Regional Specialist in the elaboration of programme/project budgets and support the utilization of the procedures and systems for the appropriate financial control on project 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/country level budget segments; provide assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; verify availability of funds;
• Assist in the preparation and submission for approval of the financial reports as per donor requirements and ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted.
• Closely liaise with all relevant partners and monitor timely disbursement of payments.

Event Management:

• Provide budget estimates and support for the organization of conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops by liaising with national as well as administrative and financial departments, regarding hotel reservations, Daily Subsistence Allowance (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.

General administrative support:

• Provide administrative support to the UNODC Programme Office in BiH in regard to human resources activities, including travel and training, monitoring of contract expiry dates, recruitment, separation of staff members etc, in line with United Nations regulations/rules, and relevant Administrative Instructions and procedures;
• Draft correspondence and communication for specific aspects of the project;
• Prepare, maintain and update files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; design and generate a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports and other background materials.
• Organize both incoming and outgoing correspondence, including the establishment of a log/ registry system and filing;
• Support organization of field missions and coordination of official meetings;
• Support correspondence and communication with all relevant counterparts of UNODC.
• Perform other related duties, as required, including, when necessary, support the implementation of the RP SEE in the relevant fields and support to the UNODC Programme Office in BiH 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;
• 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 Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and/or Social Sciences or related field is desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• At least 6 years (with secondary school) or 3 years (with BA) of relevant, practical working experience in finance, administration and/or project support or other related field is required;
• Experience in project 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 areas of Rule of Law, Anti-Corruption, Criminal Justice, Organized Crime or related subjects 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 official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina is required.