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 SDG Acceleration Framework Project, as a Development Services Agreement, is entered with the Government’s central authority – the General Secretariat of the Government, in order to provide services to a wider range of authorities at the national level, as the General Secretariat supports the work of the Government for general and operational affairs.
The Development Services Agreement between Government of Serbia and UNDP is envisaged to provide a framework for services requested by the Government, for ongoing initiatives of the Government, for which it bears full accountability. Most development services envisaged under the Agreement relate to support to policy making through research, advocacy or policy alternatives, aimed at fulfilling priorities as articulated in the Government plans, presented before Parliament, and in line with progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Project includes, among the rest, support in promoting the acceleration of progress on sustainable development and launching a national programme of action on SDGs in the Decade of Delivery. The overall objective of the portfolio of activities is to meet specific needs of central authorities for SDG integration in all initiatives at the policy and institutional levels and in detailed planning and implementation including varied outreach activities related to promoting and monitoring SDG implementation to become fully aligned with the EU acquis.
Public Policy Secretariat (PPS), as the Governmental body that implements activities aimed at achieving proclaimed economic and social goals, performs tasks related to the creation and management of public policies, implementation of regulatory reform and analysis of the effects of public policy documents and regulations prepared by the ministries and special organizations. This includes different tasks and responsibilities related to analytics, data collection and interpretation, preparation of different analyses, providing support in preparation, monitoring and implementation of different programmes and plans. Some examples include but are not limited to the plans and programmes such as Economic Reform Programme (ERP), Action Plan for the implementation of the Government Program, SDGs mainstreaming and contribution to the preparation of the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), contributing to the preparation of the OECD publication “Competitiveness Outlook”, and other activities and initiatives of national importance upon request of the national authorities.
Having said the abovementioned and taking into consideration the existing capacities, the Government of Serbia intends to further strengthen the capacities of the Public Policy Secretariat, as described above. In this sense, the presented ToR will enable UNDP CO Serbia to provide such support to the Public Policy Secretariat.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support to research and analytics:
- Assist in the development and implementation of public policy initiatives and programs.
- Support different research and analysis related to policy issues and provide recommendations to senior staff.
- Support the research and analytical process aimed at monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Government Program (APSPV) and the collection and processing of data related to the values of indicators and sub-indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Assist in drafting policy briefs, reports, and other written materials for internal and external audiences.
- Assist in preparing and processing data for the analysis of key obstacles by areas defined in the annual Program of Economic Reforms (13 areas) and their impact on competitiveness, the environment and employment (including social outcomes and gender equality), with special reference to the analysis of achieved indicator values and sub-indicators of the SDGs.
- Work closely with other team members to ensure that SDG-related activities are aligned with broader organizational goals and priorities
- Support data collection and databases development as per specific needs for the preparation of various analyses upon request of the national authorities;
Support to public policy development processes:
- Support the organization and coordination of stakeholder consultations and meetings relevant for the public policy management.
- Support the monitoring and tracking of the policy developments and trends, and provide regular updates to senior staff.
- Assist in the organization and coordination of stakeholder consultations and meetings related to SDG monitoring and reporting.
- Provide administrative support as needed, and maintaining files and databases.
- Perform other duties as assigned by senior staff.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Public Policy Data Assistant will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Program 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 |
| Annex 1 Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) Annex 2 and Annex 3 | Thematic Area | Name | Definition | | Digital and Innovation | Data Collection | Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data | | 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. | | Legal | Legal Research | The ability to identify and retrieve information to support legal positions and corporate decision making from all relevant sources. In the UNDP context, this skill includes, amongst other things, proactive seeking of information in anticipation of the different angles that any given issue may present. | | Programme and Policy | SDG Integration | SDG Monitoring and Reporting | | |
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Completion of secondary education is required. OR
- A university Degree in social or natural sciences will be given due consideration, but not a requirement
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years (with high school diploma) or 1 year (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in areas of data research and analysis (collection and processing of data), public policy management, monitoring and reporting
Required skills and competencies:
- Good organizational and time management skills;
- Good application of Results-Based Management
- Good communication, coordination and facilitation skills
- Ability to establish lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with clients.
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in the use of MS Office package, especially Excel and Power Point.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Sound understanding of Serbia’s political, institutional, and socio-economic situation.
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling
Desired additional skills and competencies:
- Experience in implementation of projects that included research and data processing for the analysis and/or in policy-oriented projects.
- Experience in working within the governmental or international/multilateral development context.
Languages:
Fluency in Serbian and English language is required.
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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