How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

The Position:

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA implements activities addressing sexual and reproductive health of the population, especially those contributing to achieving three UNFPA transformative results: zero unmet needs for contraceptives, zero preventable maternal mortality and zero violence and harmful practices. UNFPA expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives, aiming at delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Within its unique mandate, UNFPA intensifies activities and advocacy efforts related to the needs and capacities of youth and vulnerable populations, provides data for evidence-based policymaking, and addresses challenges related to demographic changes. UNFPA supports programs promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment and capacity building of national counterparts to prevent and respond to any form of gender-based violence and harmful practices. Guided by the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), UNFPA partners with governments, civil society and other agencies to advance its mission. In Serbia, UNFPA is actively working, as a member of the UN Country Team, towards advancing the country’s development priorities with specific focus on the 2030 Agenda and the country’s EU accession reform processes, through the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. UNFPA’s work is defined by the current Country Programme Document 2021-2025. The programme is focused on women and youth, particularly women from vulnerable groups from urban and rural areas, women with disabilities, Roma, and older people. It is implemented at the national and local levels, in order to achieve the greater impact and improve health, well-being, social equity and the human potential of the people. Planned activities require introducing and managing some new partnerships and expanding the existing ones.

In 2024, within the activities operationalizing LNOB principle, UNFPA is implementing 2 new initiatives in selected municipalities in Serbia:

• the first initiative related to improving living conditions and inclusion of the informal waste pickers, planned within The Joint UN Programme PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature (Programme),
• the second Initiative related to improving health literacy and access to health care services of Roma women and girls.

The Joint UN Programme PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature, jointly implemented by the United Nations Serbia organizations – UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland, was designed to contribute to improving the well-being and quality of life of citizens through improved local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection in 99 cities and municipalities in Serbia. One of the Program’s outputs (Output 2.5) is directed to providing support to informal waste pickers, affected by the modernisation of the waste management system and closing 15 municipal dumpsites, in selected LGs covered by the Solid Waste Programme. The priority target group will be persons directly affected by the Solid Waste Programme (up to 150 waste pickers and up to 250 of their household members – app. 75 households) with a place of residence in 12 LGs (Obrenovac, Ub, Valjevo, Apatin, Odzaci, Kula, Bac, Sremska Mitrovica, Loznica, Prijepolje, Ruma, Sid).

The intervention has a threefold approach:

1. Strengthening capacities of the participating LGs for attaining systemic policy and institutional foundations for addressing the rights and needs of informal waste pickers in their respective areas.
2. Economic empowerment of waste pickers with the aim of sustainable income generation impact.
3. Improving living conditions of the affected informal waste pickers and their families through improved access to social protection, education and health services as supplementary support for income generation.

Project “Improved health literacy and access to health care services of Roma women and girls in Serbia” is designed to increase health literacy and improve access to health services and rights of Roma women and girls, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health through an intersectoral community-based approach.

The method entails a collaborative partnership between key stakeholders on a national and community level with the main goal to create a system that will support final beneficiaries to exercise their rights in selected cities, Belgrade, Kragujevac, Leskovac, Sabac and Pirot.

Activities are targeting:

1. Roma women of various ages (girls, adult women, and older women) in 5 selected cities, empowering them to to exercise their rights and seek access to health services, in particular sexual and reproductive health services,
2. Health professionals in the local health institutions in Serbia, increasing their capacities and cultural sensitivity to provide quality health services and dignified sexual and reproductive health services for Roma women and girls.

The LNOB/Roma Project Assistant is located in the Country Office (CO) and works under direct supervision of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Youth Programme Analyst and overall supervision by the UNFPA Head of the Office.

Job Purpose:

In order to successfully implement planned activities, UNFPA is engaging in a LNOB/Roma Project Assistant (hereinafter referred to as Project Assistant) on a service contract. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, and direct supervision of the SRH and Youth Analyst, the Project Assistant will support the program, financial and administrative management of the described UNFPA initiatives.

Project Assistant will be part of the UNFPA CO team and will ensure that all activities implemented under these two projects are delivered in line with, and contribute to UNFPA Country Programme Document 2021-2025. Specifically, in relation to implementation of the Joint UN Project, the Project Assistant will also work closely with Joint Project staff of other UN Agencies implementing this programme, i.e. UNOPS and UNICEF and will liaise as required with the PRO Programme Officer for Social inclusion.

The Project Assistant will also contribute to all other activities in the domain of LNOB that are delivered by UNFPA Serbia CO in collaboration with other partners.

The Project Assistant will contribute to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with related counterparts from the Government, civil society, international partners, other UN Agencies representatives and all other relevant partners for this programmatic area. The expected results have an impact on efficient, effective, transparent and accountable implementation of the CO work-plans.

The Project Assistant will represent UNFPA at the technical meetings and working groups as per the CO division of labor.

Major Activities/Expected Results:

Program Management Support

• Responsible for the implementation of the UNFPA activities within:

1. the Joint UN Programme PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature, Output 2.5 related to informal waste pickers; and
2. the Project “Improved health literacy and access to health care services of Roma women and girls in Serbia”, by providing support to the CO team in conceptualizing and developing project related documents, such as work plans, budgets and proposals on project implementation arrangements and reports.

• Responsible for making relevant arrangements and working closely together with UNFPA implementing partners/consultants of the Joint UN Programme, and UNFPA project;
• Builds and develops partnerships related to the projects and other UNFPA alliances relevant to the UNFPA programmatic activities, including Government, CSOs, international partners, other UN Agencies etc.;
• Regularly monitors the performance to ensure and measure relevance, efficiency, results, effectiveness, and impacts of the activities; Analyzes basic factors affecting the achievement of results, recommends corrective actions and follows up on recommendations;
• Engages with a range of partners to ensure effective implementation of the projects activities;
• Engages in regular coordination meetings and support with targeted spot checks ensuring that activities are implemented, and adjustments are undertaken if needed;
• Under the guidance of the supervisor, assembles briefing materials and prepares power-point and other presentations for the internal/external meetings related to the projects and other LNOB issues that are relevant to the CO;
• Assists in the preparation of materials relevant to concept notes, project proposals and draft Terms of Reference for new projects design in the domain of LNOB and Roma inclusion;
• Provides logistical support to programme activities (project missions, study tours, trainings, conferences and workshops) including travel arrangements, accommodation, collecting supporting documents and organizing the venue;
• Contributes to communication/advocacy efforts relevant for the project implementation, including the preparation of the marking of the relevant International Days (i.e. International Roma day, WCD, etc.);
• Contributes to the work of the CO beyond the projects and participates in the work of various inter-agency coordination groups/bodies as agreed with the CO.

Financial Management Support

• Assists in the management of the project budget, monitoring expenditures, and preparing revisions according to the project needs.
• Supports the monitoring of project finances by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over/ under expenditure problems and proposes remedial action;

Administrative Support

• Provides administrative support to implementation of activities under direct UNFPA execution and direct payments;
• Provides administrative support to the IPs in implementing project activities and organization of events, meetings and workshops, etc.;
• Develops tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring of IP project budget, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to Admin/Finance Associate on a continuous basis;
• Supports in procurement processes and initiates procurement procedures for office and project equipment, supplies and services in a transparent and cost-effective manner. Contributes to the smooth running of the project/office by ensuring provision and maintenance of services and supplies following-up processes and maintaining up-to-date inventory and records;
• Supports the administrative and financial reporting of IPs in line with segregation of duties and as per internal policy;
• Supports travel arrangements for the CO team.

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO

• Contributes to the documentation of lessons learned and best practices related to UNFPA’s work in LNOB, and Roma inclusion related areas;
• Identifies and participates in communities of practice related to LNOB, Roma inclusion, gender equality and SRHR and shares new approaches with CO staff, and national partners;
• Acts as primary source of knowledge on LNOB/Roma issues in the office.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Completed first level university degree preferably in the domain of social science, political science, economy, human right/gender studies. A Master’s degree will be considered an asset.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Professional level with a minimum of 3 years of experience in project development, implementation, oversight, monitoring and reporting as well as in relevant finance and admin matters;
• Good knowledge and some experience in the thematic areas relevant for this job, i.e. LNOB, Roma inclusion, human rights, sexual/reproductive health, and rights of marginalized populations;
• Work experience and knowledge within the UN system or some other international organization is an asset;
• Experience in partnering with government institutions and CSOs relevant for the subject programmatic area;
• Work experience in administrative support of development programme/projects is an advantage;
• Experience in working in a computer environment using multiple office software packages;

Languages:

Fluency in English (written/spoken) and the local language is required.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity;
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system;
• Embracing cultural diversity;
• Embracing change.

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results;
• Being accountable;
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen;
• Thinking analytically and strategically;
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships.

Functional Competencies:

• Leveraging the resources of partners/ Building strategic alliances and partnerships;
• Delivering results-based programmes;
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization;
• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda;
• Planning, organizing and multitasking.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.