Partnerships Advisor EU Accession and Integration - retainer position

Job categories Partnerships

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5110/29860

Level ICS-11

Department/office ECR, RSMCO, Serbia MCO

Duty station Home based

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-3

Duration Up to 60 w/days in one year period with possibility of extension

Application period 11-Mar-2025 to 01-Apr-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ development, humanitarian and peacebuilding projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in conducting demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, rule of law, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. Major projects have been implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, as well as UN organisations such as UNHCR and UNEP. UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) also covers Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the need for support and potential engagements are being assessed in parallel to establishing in-country presence.

The work of UNOPS and the projects it implements is contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives of the countries of its operations.

In the light of accelerated EU accession of the Western Balkans along with the Eastern Partnership Countries, and based on the multiple needs for assistance identified by national governments and the ministries in charge of EU affairs, the RSMCO needs to mobilise additional expertise in EU integration for better shaping support of the Multi-Country Office capacity, resources and experience to partners.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the RSMCO Director, with the guidance and in close coor...

Under the supervision of the RSMCO Director, with the guidance and in close coordination with the Partnerships Specialist (PS) and Head of Programme (HoP) and in collaboration with Project Managers and Team Leaders, the Partnerships Advisor for EU Integration will provide strategic advice for ongoing and future UNOPS operations, contribute to defining the RSMCO approach and actions, and provide guidance in application of knowledge, lessons, best practices and experience for optimising the initiatives related to the requested area of expertise.

She/he will provide substantial contribution in identification, design, and implementation of the programmes and projects contributing to the EU accession of the aforementioned regions.

The candidate is expected to possess knowledge in the areas including, but not limited to, the below listed:

1. EU institutional framework and policies (institutional set-up and decision-making processes of EU institutions, enlargement policies and integration mechanisms, harmonisation requirements)
2. EU accession process & enlargement policy (Strategies and negotiation frameworks, including Copenhagen Criteria and revised Enlargement Methodology)
4. EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Reform and Growth Facility Instrument
5. Economic integration and EU funding mechanisms ( Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), EU Single market, Cohesion Policy, and Structural Funds)
6. Upgrading capacities of national institutions on the countries’ EU accession paths
7. Creating platforms for engagement and cooperation mechanisms public institutions, businesses, academia and civil society on EU integration matters.
8. Communications and visibility of the EU assistance
9. Inter- and intra-regional networking and cooperation

The incumbent will undertake the following specific tasks/responsibilities:

Advise the RSMCO Director, HoP, PS and other senior RSMCO personnel on the EU accession and integration matters and the directions for UNOPS, in particular the most recent issues and future developments in EU main policies and financial frameworks
Provide guidance for strategic and operational engagement in EU accession and integration of the Western Balkans countries
Provide regular or ad-hoc analyses of EU enlargement and Western Balkans accession and integration trends, policies and institutional frameworks
Monitor and provide updates on funding opportunities for projects supporting EU accession and integration in the Western Balkans
Facilitate the expansion of the RSMCO network of national and international stakeholders relevant for the countries’ EU accession and integration, including the local EU delegations and Brussels based EU institutions
Contribute to development/writing of programmes and projects supporting EU accession

The candidate will provide technical support on all the aforementioned areas and aspects through

narrative inputs to documents including concept notes, project proposals, analyses, presentations and other
participation in internal and external meetings, events and other fora relevant for the RSMCO and the Western Balkans countries’ EU accession and integration
advisory and capacity building through on-the-job advisory or training sessions, in person or online

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Advanced University Degree preferably in EU integrati...

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Retainer* Co...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applications rec...

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background information – UNOPS Serbia

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an independent United ...

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APPLICATION TIPS

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.