The Joint UN Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" contributes to improving the quality of life of citizens through the improvement of local governance, social inclusion and environmental protection in 110 cities and municipalities throughout Serbia. The Programme is jointly implemented by the United Nations Agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland, in the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2026.
To achieve the Programme’s Objective, the intervention will focus on three key Pillars and Outcomes:
Pillar Good Governance, Outcome 1: Local self-governments LSGs improve capacities and apply good governance principles in practice;
Pillar Social Inclusion, Outcome 2: LSGs and other relevant local actors improve capacities and develop evidence-based local social protection policies;
Pillar Environmental Governance, Outcome 3: LSGs improve capacities and apply environmental governance processes in practice.
The key stakeholders at the local level are also direct users of support: local governments (cities and municipalities), including their administrations/staff, other relevant local organisations and institutions (Centres for Social Work - CSWs, Primary Health Centres - PHCs, pre-school institutions and schools), and local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The final users of support will be the citizens from participating LGs, especially those from left behind groups, with a focus on people with disabilities, Roma, children and families, youth and older people. The support will be provided to a certain number of informal waste pickers as well.
All Programme activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of Serbia, especially the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Governments (MPALSG), the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs (MLEVSA), the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP).
The Programme will coordinate its activities with the key line national-level institutions while observing the national strategies, laws and relevant development documents, which will contribute to sustainability, ensure national ownership and develop national capacities.
Under the direct supervision of the Capacity Building Officer for Governance and overall guidance of the Senior Officer for Good Governance, the Capacity Building Officer for Local Self-governments (LSGs) is tasked with the provision of technical assistance (TA) to 15 LSGs that have been encompassed by the Programme’s Citizens Satisfaction Survey (CSS), conducted in December 2023, on a representative sample of 50 LSGs from the Programme Area of Responsibility (AoR).
The list of the participating 15 LSGs will be produced by the Programme.
Capacity Building Officers for LSG will be responsible for planning and delivering the TA to the LSGs in question that will focus on supporting LSGs to develop new or upgrade existing local policies and normative/regulatory framework pertaining to public service delivery. This must be closely linked to and based on the specific CSS results and findings that each of the targeted LSGs have received from the PRO Programme at the end of the CSS process, in the form of the LSG CSS Report.
More specifically, Capacity Building Officer for LSG will undertake the following activities:
Preparatory phase:
Technical Assistance to the 15 LSGs may include but is not limited to:
Support LSGs to identify up to three low rated local public services, and/or represent a priority for the LSG in question for addressing. This will be comprised out of the following:
Support LSGs to develop, adopt and implement new or improve existing grievances and citizens’ case control and management systems. The new/improved systems should address at least the following:
Final Report
Work Experience
Language Requirements
Fluency in Serbian and English is required
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER INDICATING A PREFERENCE IN TERMS OF DUTY STATION ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) |
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. |
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. |
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). |
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. |
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. |
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. |
This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - retainer
Contract level: Local ICA, Level 8
Contract duration: Up to 40 working days per position within one year
Terms and Conditions
The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 16 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden and North Macedonia.
All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.