Local Development Specialist job at United Nations Development Programme

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    CONTRACTOR
  • Posted:
    2 months ago
  • Category:
  • Deadline:
    26/07/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DETAILS:

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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 Government of Serbia has clearly articulated its commitment to strengthening institutions, enhancing regional connectivity, improving the business environment, and creating an appealing investment climate. These efforts aim to increase the economy’s competitiveness, ensure sustainable growth, and enhance the living standards of all citizens. The overall objective of the Government Unit for Accelerating Citizen-Centric Measures is to enable the government to implement a set of citizen-centric policies and interventions, making a substantial difference in the quality of life for Serbia’s citizens and directly contributing to the achievement of specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project aims to provide advisory services to support the Cabinet in delivering better results faster in top priority areas, following the Prime Minister’s Exposé. Responsibility for these priorities will remain with the respective ministries and agencies, while a systematic and evidence-based approach to project implementation and execution will be embedded.
The Government of the Republic of Serbia, through the Office of the Prime Minister is prioritizing the strengthening of local development. Serbia’s local development priorities focus on comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, digitalization, and sustainable economic growth to reduce regional disparities and enhance citizens’ quality of life. Key initiatives include improving transportation networks, expanding broadband access, and promoting e-government services. Support for local entrepreneurship, tourism, and cultural preservation is also emphasized. In rural areas, modernization of agriculture and rural development programs are vital. Sustainable development efforts target environmental protection and smart urban planning. Social inclusion policies support national minorities and vulnerable groups, ensuring equal access to education and healthcare. Balanced regional growth and cross-border cooperation further contribute to Serbia’s long-term economic and social objectives. Aligned with these goals, Serbia is committed to promoting local development while respecting the cultural rights of national minorities. Policies are in place to support economic growth and preserve cultural heritage, ensuring an inclusive approach to development. In his Exposé, the Prime Minister emphasized the ongoing construction of roads, railways, and numerous facilities in preparation for the Expo 2027 fair and tourism development. The government also plans to invest in cultural institutions such as museums and places of cultural remembrance, continuing the progress made in cities like Subotica, Jagodina, and Niš.
Local Development Specialist advise and support the Government of Serbia, as well as lead implementation of  citizen-centric policy measures and interventions. This role will contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved living standards for all citizens.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project is seeking suitable and qualified candidates to support and lead the initiatives for the Office of the Prime Minister. The Local Development Specialist is responsible for leading the ongoing local development initiatives driving the strategic direction of those initiatives and overseeing the successful implementation of the short and long-term plans.

Lead effective designing of the local development projects and initiatives, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Develop and provide technical advice and support in local development initiatives and initiatives in line with Serbia’s integral development program, 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 municipalities, 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.

Lead implementation of the local development projects and initiatives and provide technical oversight, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Lead and oversee implementation of local development 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 training, information-sharing, and knowledge-sharing events on the initiative, as well as thematic expert exchange on regulations on a local level.
  • Analyze and select materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders on the local level.
  • Develop and ensure integration of gender issues and concerns in local development initiatives and programming.
  • Identify regulatory challenges in relation to problems on the local level and propose solutions.
  • Ensure that an effective monitoring and evaluation system is in place to determine the effectiveness of the funding provided.
  • Coordinates with stakeholders to oversee the performance of monitoring and evaluation of management effectiveness.

Develop strategic partnerships and ensure coordination with all ministries, agencies, and local municipalities

  • 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 local partners and organize relevant orientations and trainings for local 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 project’s scope of work.
  • Prepare official correspondence for national and international partners.

Lead Knowledge and information management and advocacy

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  • Document best practices and lessons learned.
  • Identify, collect, and analyze policy-related, relevant information and data about local development initiatives in Serbia for the Office of the Prime Minister.
  • Identify and support the transfer of knowledge and practice regarding local level 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 Office and the Organization
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
  • Partnerships Management
    • Ability to 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.
  • 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.
  • Emerging partnerships  
    • Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships.
  • Governance     
    • Local Governance.
  • 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:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent in law, economics, social sciences, community development is required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in combination of additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s degree.
Experience:
  • Minimum of seven (7) years (with a Master’s degree) or nine (9) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in legal affairs, public relations and public administration at local level is required.

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record of working on policy initiatives or coordination of technical activities related to education.
  • 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.
  • Experience with local government legal and public affairs.
  • Experience in providing support in coordinating and implementing projects and initiatives.
  • Experience in providing administrative support relevant for the project implementation.

Languages:

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  • Fluency in written and spoken Serbian and English is required.

Institutional Arrangement

The Local Development Specialist will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Specialist for SDG integration.

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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ABSTRACT:

United Nations Development Programme Local Development Specialist Serbia UNDP Jobs 2024

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United Nations Development Programme looking for “Local Development Specialist”. Applicants with an Advanced degree may apply on or before 26-Jul-24.

The United Nations Development Programme has published a job vacancy announcement on 12/07/2024 for qualified applicants to fill in the vacant post of Local Development Specialist to be based in Belgrade , Serbia. For more jobs, please visit https://unjoblink.org

Company Name: United Nations Development Programme

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Job Title: Local Development Specialist

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Duty Station: Belgrade , Serbia

Country: Serbia

Application Deadline: 26-Jul-24

This job has expired.