Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The Government of Serbia has clearly articulated its commitment to strengthening institutions, enhancing regional connectivity, improving the business environment, and creating an appealing investment climate. The Republic of Serbia has been a candidate country for EU membership since 2012. The European Union revised the enlargement methodology and adopted the enhanced one in 2020, aiming to make the enlargement process more credible, predictable, dynamic and subject to stronger political steering. Incentives for candidates who successfully undertake the reform process would be accelerated integration and “phasing in” to individual EU policies, the EU market and EU programmes or increased funding and investments. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans was adopted by the European Commission on 8 November 2023, incentivising enlargement partners” preparations for EU membership by bringing forward some of its benefits ahead of full integration. To support this process, a new €6 billion financial instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, was adopted for the period 2024-2027. On 3 October 2024, the Government of Serbia adopted its Reform Agenda, developed with 37 Serbian institutions and the European Commission, outlining 98 measures across four reform areas.

The Ministry of European Integration, as the coordinator of the process, required support to adjust to new methodology and deliver the structure and plan for conditional membership by 2030, as well as in establishing the monitoring and verification system to coordinate Reform Agenda efforts, and assist with achieving indicators. To strengthen the institutional capacities of the MEI, the coordinating body for EU accession, and building on the implemented Initiation Plan, UNDP and MEI has continued their cooperation through the Supporting Serbia’s EU Accession Negotiation project (2024-2026). The project aims to provide further strengthening of institutional capacities for the EU negotiations requirements. Coordination Specialist will advise and support the Ministry of European Integration (MEI) in the policy coordination of the Serbia’s reforms under the Growth Plan Reform Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project is seeking suitable and qualified candidates to support and lead the initiatives for the Ministry of European Integration. The Coordination Specialist is responsible for leading the ongoing reform agenda initiatives driving the strategic direction of those initiatives and overseeing the successful implementation of the short and long-term plans.

Key Duties and Responsibilities Lead effective designing of the reform agenda-related projects and initiatives, focusing on the coordination and the achievement of the following results:

• Develop and provide technical advice and support in reform agenda-related initiatives and initiatives in line with Serbia”s EU Integration process, including necessary preparation of design, technical support, stakeholder consultation, terms of reference, concept notes, and action plan to operationalize activities.
• Develop and implement long-term plans, annual plans, budgets, operating manuals and policies.
• Design capacity development materials for MEI, provide technical support for capacity-building initiatives, and prepare guidelines and tools.
• Generate new ideas and approaches, consolidate best practices, and propose effective ways of doing things.
• Monitor program implementation of partners in accordance with agreements, work plans, deliverables, and timelines.
• Prepare monitoring and reporting templates and provide technical advice to implementing partners to ensure progress and quality.

Coordinate implementation of the MEI’s projects and initiatives and provide technical oversight, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Lead and oversee implementation of the Reform Agenda, related initiatives to ensure delivery of all the targets with desired outputs and establish and maintain a network of partners and relevant stakeholders to share general information and stay up-to-date on partnership-related issues.
• Organize and facilitate information-sharing, and knowledge-sharing events on the MEI’s initiatives, as well as thematic expert exchange on regulations.
• Analyze and select materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.
• Develop and ensure integration of gender issues and concerns in development initiatives and programming.
• Identify regulatory challenges in relation to problems and propose solutions.
• Ensure that an effective monitoring and evaluation system is in place to determine the effectiveness of the funding provided.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to oversee the performance of monitoring and evaluation of management effectiveness.

Develop strategic partnerships and ensure coordination with all ministries, agencies, local municipalities, and other relevant institutions.

• Analyze information and provide inputs for preparing substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identifying opportunities for initiating new projects.
• Ensure capacity building of partners and organize relevant orientations and trainings for partners.
• Identify potential organizations to engage within the targeted areas and contribute to building a network.
• Maintain communication with stakeholders within the Government of Serbia who are responsible for tasks pertaining to the Reform Agenda.
• Prepare official correspondence for national and international partners.

Lead Knowledge and information management and advocacy

• Document best practices and lessons learned.
• Identify, collect, and analyze policy-related, relevant information and data about  EU Integration-related initiatives in Serbia for the MEI.
• Identify and support the transfer of knowledge and practice regarding regulations and standards.
• Facilitate team learning and knowledge sharing.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the MEI.

Institutional Arrangement

The Coordination Specialist will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Specialist for Governance and Inclusive Growth in consultations with MEI.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management

• Partnerships Management
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Direction & Strategy 

• System Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Partnership management

• Emerging partnerships
  • Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships.

2030 Agenda: Peace

• Governance
  • Local Governance and sustaining peace

Legal  

• Legal analysis skills
  • The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization”s best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in in Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Community Development is required, OR;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Community Development in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s Degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven (07) years (with Master’s degree) or nine (09) years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of experience in legal affairs, public administration, policy initiatives or coordination of technical activities related to public policies
• Experience in building strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Experience in the usage of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages

Desired skills:

• Experience in working in the public sector in project coordination and EU integration processes.
• Experience with local government legal and public affairs.
• Experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders and external actors.
• Experience in coordinating large-scale development projects implementing projects and initiatives.

Languages:

• Fluency in Serbian and English is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.