Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

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Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission/Project Manager, and direct supervision of the  Project Coordinator, the  Senior Project Associate will be responsible and accountable to coordinate implementation of the ICT component activities within the two EU-funded projects ‘Individual measure to strengthen Integrated Border Management capacities in Montenegro’,’EU Support for Migration and Border Management in Montenegro: Individual measure to strengthen Integrated Border Management in Montenegro II’ and IOM Podgorica office, all in line with IOM policies and procedures and donor requirements.

The main responsibilities will include but not limited to the following activities:

– Coordinate the implementation of  ICT projects including planning, execution and monitoring.
– Monitor the availability of the budget and plan the necessary funds for individual ICT projects.
– Acts as the operational focal point related to IT-related activities and interventions planned under the project.
– Support and provide technical guidance to project team on IT systems, databases, technical support etc.
– Support implementation of activities related to establishment of electronic surveillance system.
– Collaborate constructively with the project team in defining, developing and implementing technology solutions as well as in carrying out all its administrative and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements.
– Assist the project team in drafting the technical documentation related to the procurement, development and implementation of IT systems solutions and IT purchases that are to be implemented within the project, in line with the IOM ITC Standards and Instructions.
– Assist in collecting and compiling necessary documentation for tenders (ToRs, specifications, drawings, RFQs), liaise with different units and stakeholders to collect inputs, and draft tender’s evaluation reports according to established procurement procedures.
– Assist in the IT Vendors verification process.
– Assit in the IT Vendors market research.
– Maintain day to day contact with technical staff of state partners and local authorities, verifying all documents are in place for tendering and technical requirements are correct in the procurement process, participating in Bid Evaluation Committee, drafting evaluation reports, coordination between state partner and Service Providers/Vendors, monitoring of service progress and purchases until equipment and software installation,  finalization of the goods and services received, reporting etc.
– Coordinate the technical evaluation of the tender documents with the RMU and participate in the technical clarification meetings with Service Providers/Vendors.
– Liaise with government counterparts regarding the needs, compatibility and feasibility of the proposed and planned IT technical solutions and products.
– Liaise between government counterparts, external IT specialist company/Service Providers/Consultants and IOM to provide adequate ideas and solutions regarding the design and implementation of IT related activities and interventions within the projects.
–  Support national and international experts in conducting analyses and assessments of the IT networks and systems of the beneficiaries.
– Participate in independent small-scale assessments of the IT systems of the beneficiary authorities.
– Conduct field visits to project sites for quality assurance on the technical level and follow up on project IT related activities.
– Prepare field and weekly reports and submit to Project Coordinator.
– Gather and analyze information about IT project related activities, regularly review activities’ status, draft project reports for donors, IT budgets and financial reports.
– Monitor and verify the time schedule & overall progress of the third-party service providers in coordination with Project Coordinator and state partners accordingly and submit progress reports to the Project Coordinator, identifying shortfalls in delivery and making recommendations for issues/challenges encountered.
– Establish a filing system, ensure the permanent update and accuracy of archives, and coordinate closely with the team members to ensure appropriate document processing and follow-up on pending documentation.
– Assist the PC to liaise with RMU (finance and procurement staff in Podgorica) to follow up on contract extensions, renewals, invoices, the release of payments to Vendors (service providers/Consultants etc.), and other relevant tasks.
– Verify bills for the completed services/purchases and recommend payments to the Vendors for IT-related activities and interventions.
– Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• University/Institute Degree in Computer Science, System Engineering Information Technology, Web Design, Database Management, Software Development, Mathematics or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant working experience, or
• School diploma with six years of relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE

• ICT project management
• Ability to work in a team environment; able to initiate and manage group studies to learn more about supporting the current infrastructure.
• Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language to non-technical staff and end-users’ knowledge of an issue-tracking system an advantage;
• Hands-on experience of Windows based server/client systems (installation, configuration, administration, maintenance and troubleshooting).
• Good understanding of Software Development Life Cycle.
• Solid technical background with understanding or hands-on experience in software and web technologies.
• Experience in the preparations and review of Terms of References, Technical Specifications is an advantage.
• Experience in the preparation of IT budgets, financial reports, and project reports for donors is an advantage.
• Experience in working in an international environment and in liaising with a variety of partners at all levels of the hierarchy is an advantage.
• Knowledge of border surveillance systems and technologies is an advantage.

SKILLS

• High degree of computer literacy in MS Office.
• Strong technical skills in software and hardware systems design and implementation.
• Effective organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and plans, ability to work under pressure and cope with deadlines.
• High level of dependability. Proactive and responsible for ensuring implementation quality and client satisfaction in general.
• Demonstrated problem-solving attitude and skills.
• Good written and spoken communication skills, good negotiation skills, good interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Good English drafting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent computer skills; and,
• Driving license B – active driver.

LANGUAGES

For this position, fluency in English and Montenegrin is required (oral and written).

COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable, and security clearances. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.
3. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
4. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply and reasonable accommodation is available throughout the recruitment, hiring and employment cycle, in accordance with IOM procedures.
5. This post is subject to local recruitment. Moreover, Montenegro nationals/citizens and persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Montenegro will be eligible for consideration.
6. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
8. IOM reserves the right to contact shortlisted candidates only.