Project Associate -Legal, NPSA-6

Belgrade

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Belgrade
Grade: Administrative support - NPSA-6, National Personnel Services Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Legal - Broad
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2024-11-29

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 project “Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative” (ACADI) is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Public Investments (MPI) with the purpose to increase MPI`s capacity to implement projects funded by loans thus ensuring timely and impactful implementation. Up to now, ACADI project has been provided with specialized expertise in the areas of project management, public procurement, finance, law, technical sciences, and administration to implement loans and blend loans with budgetary funds. MPI needs additional capacity to implement projects funded by loans. To ensure timely and impactful implementation and to indemnify the Republic of Serbia from the potential interest and charges which would appear in case of slow pace of project implementation, there is a need to establish the Project Implementation Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include:

Legal support:

Provide support in administrative and legal matters, assistance and support to projects implemented within ACADI project.
Assisting in reviewing the legislative framework related to project activities.
Ensure that the legislative framework includes clear definition of the functions and obligations of the responsible parties.
Assisting in verifying all procedures related to project implementation and provide support in proposing remediation measures as necessary.
Provide support in verifying all procedures related to property status, as well as procedures for registration of property and equipment financed from Project funds, and beneficiary status to resolve legal issues and provide support in recommendations to Project Manager.

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.

Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff.
Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action.
Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners

Project management support:

Preparing project-level status reports for internal and external distribution.
Prepares draft acts related to project implementation.
Initiates, if necessary, obtaining opinions from the competent authorities to ensure the correct application of the legislative framework.
Support the organization of events.
Schedule meetings, prepare agendas and compile and distribute minutes.
Provide assistance in coordination with external stakeholders, and provide assistance in advising team members of relevant activities and plans of other government bodies.
Draft correspondence on project issues, as required.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Associate-Legal will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager in the implementation of activities.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Legal	Knowledge of applicable legal framework	Understanding of the legal norms as applied to the United Nations in general, and to UNDP in particular. This includes an understanding of the structure, functioning and operations of UNDP within the broader UN system and the application of international treaties, including the UN Charter, GA resolutions, the relevant basic country assistance agreement and UN system-wide legal instruments, as well as an understanding of the internal legal framework (financial regulations and rules, policies, and procedures) of UNDP.
Legal	Legal research	The ability to identify and retrieve information to support legal positions and corporate decision making from all relevant sources. In the UNDP context, this skill includes, amongst other things, proactive seeking of information in anticipation of the different angles that any given issue may present.
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
Business Direction & Strategy	Business Acumen	Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization
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
Communication	Communication	Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
General (across the functions)	Event planning and execution	Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education is required.
University degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Social Science, Law and Economics, or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not requirement.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible work experience in the legal office work, legal support, including contract planning, compliance documentation, and implementation

Required skills and competencies:

Knowledge of government structures.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards.
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
Compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies of financial activities ensured.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc, knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

Previous experience in governmental, donor funded projects.
Experience in drafting legislative documents.
Experience in cooperating with state ministries and public sector,
Previous experience in governmental, international, or non-governmental settings would be an asset,
Excellent understanding of legal system, law making and legislation processes in Serbia,
Good understanding of Serbian public administration system
Knowledge of national legal rules and regulations
Knowledge of government structures.

Required Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Serbian is required.

The online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application.

Only attaching a CV is not sufficient for applicants to be considered for positions. All applicants have to complete the Experience, Education, Language, and Nationality & Permanent Residence fields fully.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

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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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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