Capacity Building Specialist for Contract Management in Infrastructure - retainer position

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme through Project Manager, the Capacity Building Specialist for Contract Management in Infrastructure will be responsible for provision of technical assistance to the Project/Project Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Health in management of contracts related to reconstruction of the four main Clinical Centres in Serbia. 

The Capacity Building Specialist will be responsible for enhancing the contract management capacity of the PIU. 

The Capacity Building Specialist will undertake the following specific activities/responsibilities:

• Provide advice to the Project Manager/PIU regarding the management of contracts for the reconstruction of Clinical Centres

• Provide expert opinion regarding compliance of contracts, addendums, and supporting documents with legal, regulatory, and administrative requirements

• Provide advice on possible contractual disputes or issues

• Provide technical support and inputs in drafting of contract related documentation 

• Conduct contract-related analysis and, where relevant, provide recommendations for contract management action  

• Support identification and addressing of potential risks in contracts and agreements.

• Support monitoring of adherence to contractual obligations across projects.

• Assess contract management capacity of the PIU and propose measures to address identified gaps  

• Design and deliver training to enhance contract management capacity of the PIU, including on-the-job training

• Advise on application of contract management guidelines, templates and tools

• Collaborate with Project Manager, project team and PIU to improve contract lifecycle management.

• Provide technical support to other RSMCO projects within their field of expertise

Education  

• Advanced University degree (Master or equivalent) in preferably Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other relevant discipline is required

• Bachelor’s Degree in combination with additional two years experience in related field may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced university degree

• Passed bar examination is an asset

Work Experience 

• Minimum five years of experience in providing capacity building or technical assistance or advisory services related to preparation and/or management of public works contracts is required.

• Experience in preparing and/or managing contracts financed by international financial institutions (IFIs) or through official development assistance (ODA)  is an asset.

• Experience in developing policy-level documents and knowledge of the government processes and legal and regulatory framework at the national level is an asset.

• Experience with the EU, the UN, or another international organisation is an asset.

Language Requirements

•   Fluency in Serbian and English is required 

This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

• 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.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure, and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation, and transactional services, with a focus always on developing national capacity.

Active in Serbia since 2001, UNOPS has supported sustainable development in Serbia by providing project management, infrastructure, procurement, human resources and advisory services. UNOPS Serbia supports partners’ efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure and procurement, and supports post-disaster rehabilitation and disaster risk reduction efforts. UNOPS further supports the socio-economic development of underdeveloped areas in Serbia and contributes to the institutionalisation and promotion of good governance principles. From reconstructing roads damaged by floods, to creating favourable environments for business and infrastructure growth, UNOPS enables its partners to make vital improvements that drive sustainable development throughout the country.