Consultant on the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) - retainer position

Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia

The Government of Norway has decided to fund a sub-regional programme “Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia” to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project consists of a socio-economic development support to the more undeveloped parts of the country and also envisages support to the Macedonian authorities responsible for leading the renewed efforts on the EU accession process.

The Government of Norway has allocated funding for the implementation of the Project in Macedonia during 24 months.

The Overall Objective is to contribute to a more balanced socio-economic development and contribute to the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and EU accession negotiations priorities.

Specifically, the programme has objectives at the local and national levels i.e. locally, to increase employment opportunities, support social cohesion as well as to enhance local infrastructure in the less developed areas with a focus given to the inclusion of youth, women and vulnerable groups in the labour market. Nationally, the programme aims at supporting the government to improve its capacity for EU integration.

The project should achieve three results:

Result 1: Improved Access to Employment of the Most Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups (in Particular Women and Youth)

Result 2: Enhanced Social Inclusion, Living Conditions and Local Infrastructure improved

Result 3: Support the government reform agenda in the accession process

All Project activities will be undertaken in partnership and cooperation with national and local institutions, with the aim of allowing them to adopt/adapt the legal requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria. This will ensure national ownership and support the development of national capacities.

Background Information - in relation to the SAA (Stabilization and Association Agreement), and its transition into the second stage

Macedonian Government is in process of preparations for formal opening of the accession negotiations with the EU, and is accelerating government reforms, including the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) in two successive stages. At present, there is an on-going transition to the second stage of the SAA, and of explanatory meetings of the chapters of the acquis with the European Commission. The overall process is coordinated by the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA), as the main coordination body in the accession negotiation process.

The National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA), the key strategic and planning document in the accession negotiation process, encompasses the on-going process of gradual approximation of legislation with the acquis covering all areas already in the first stage of the SAA, including those foreseen for the second stage. The NPAA is planned, monitored and updated on a regular basis, by working groups for approximation to the acquis, following the structure of 33 chapters of the acquis.

With the official transition into the second stage of the SAA, relevant to this assignment, the country will have to assess implications, take measures to ensure compliance with all obligations arising from the second stage, and set-up the roadmap of the accession negotiation process.

SEA prepared an initial analysis of the obligations under the second stage of the SAA (Title V), in the areas of movement of workers, establishments, supply of services, and movement of capital, with recommendations for further work in various areas.

The key legislation in this respect includes: Company Law, Law on European Companies, Law on Ownership and other Rights, Law on Construction Land, Law on Agriculture Land, Law on Foreigners, Law on Employment of Foreigners, Draft Law on Services, Law on Foreign Exchange Operations, and other relevant legislation. The full list of relevant legislation and acquis will be provided by SEA.

With the transition into the second stage of the SAA, and further advancement in the accession process, the country needs to assess the effects and implications, possible derogations, and/or transitional periods, and/or application of provisions on a reciprocal basis, and define positions on specific aspects, for consultation with the European Commission.

SEA will serve as the focal point, provide all relevant documentation, working tools and instructions, and designate a contact person/ coordinator to facilitate the work of the selected Advisor under this ToR.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Consultant on the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) – 2nd Stage will provide technical support to the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) and relevant ministries, in regards to the review of on-going transition to the second stage of the SAA.

All relevant documents for this assignment will be provided by the project in cooperation with the SEA.

More specifically, the Consultant will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

• Prepare summary of key aspects of the transition into SAA second stage, obligations in the accession negotiations, and assist SEA and relevant ministries in the assessment of the effects and implications in various chapters of the acquis;
• Prepare legal analysis of key legislation under Title V of SAA, and the extent of fulfilment of the obligations, with assessment of possible derogations and/or application of provisions on a reciprocal basis, and/or transitional periods, provide recommendations for various modalities, and advise SEA in consultation with the European Commission, as relevant;
• Identify important issues for consideration and provide assistance to SEA and relevant ministries, in the definition of roadmap for gradual harmonization, before and at the time of accession, taking into consideration the level of alignment and plans in various chapters of the acquis;
• Conduct up to three workshops on: key aspects of the transition to SAA second stage and its implications; legal analysis of the key legislation with recommendations for various modalities for consultation with the EC; roadmap for gradual harmonization, with recommendations in relevant chapters of the acquis;
• Identify issues and areas that may be subject to further project assistance or other donor assistance.

This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of the Republic of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit. Contract type: Local ICA Retainer
Contract level: L-ICA 10
Contract duration: Up to 40 working days in period of one year

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development 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.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.