Background Information – Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ development projects, by providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of success criteria.
As part of its UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) operations, and in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Montenegro, UNOPS is initiating a “Functional analysis of education infrastructure” Project (Project) in Montenegro, which will contribute to improved quality of pre-school, primary and secondary education in Montenegro, by enhancing the capacity of national and local stakeholders, primarily MoE, to better plan, deliver and manage school infrastructure. This Project is part of the broader vision focused on further comprehensive education reforms, and key beneficiaries of the Project are the Ministry of Education and schools in Montenegro.
Functional Responsabilities
Under the supervision of the Project Manager and UNOPS Technical team, and as part of the multidisciplinary team composed of other engineers and education specialists, the tasks the incumbent is expected to perform are as follows, but not limited to:
- Provide inputs from its own area of specialization, in shaping the Methodology for Education Infrastructure Assessment (Methodology), including associated tools;
- Provide inputs to analysis of relevant national policy frameworks, including standards and norms, relevant to education infrastructure;
- Complete the training related to the Assessment in order to adopt and, subsequently, apply the methodology for conducting of assessment of individual education facilities, predominantly schools;
- Train government counterparts or other technical personnel on use of the methodology as required;
- As part of the multidisciplinary team, conduct field visits to the education facilities and conduct assessment of education related infrastructure, from the perspective of his/her own area of specialisation;
- Conduct data collection and data processing related to specific school infrastructure, by using also specific digital tools designed for the purpose of this assessment;
- Review collected information, contribute to data checks and analysis and provide recommendations for infrastructure improvement of specific education infrastructure, including rough/initial cost estimates for the investment;
- Draft Individual School Assessment reports;
- Provide feedback on the education infrastructure assessment process, with purpose of improving methodological approach and further guidance;
- Provide guidance to other stakeholders engaged in the school assessment process;
- Provide technical support/inputs to other UNOPS activities, in the area of specialization and as per PM’s request.
Functional competencies
- Excellent and proven technical, organizational, and teamwork skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to write technical reports;
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Formulates written and oral information clearly and persuasively
Education
- Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering is required
Work Experience
- Minimum two years of relevant working experience in conducting condition and functionality assessment of infrastructure facilities in domain of mechanical engineering is required
- Experience in using online tools for data entering and analysis, office suits (including MSO and G Suite) is required.
- Experience in formulating reports and providing recommendations for improvement of the infrastructure functionality in the domain of mechanical engineering, including cost estimation will be considered an asset.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Montenegrin (speaking, reading and writing) is required
- Intermediate level of English is required
Driving license
- Valid driving license will be considered an advantage
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV ,COVER LETTER AND COPY OF RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION IN ENGINEERING ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION
Competencies
- Strategic Perspective – Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
- Integrity & Inclusion – Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Leading Self and Others – Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
- Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Results Orientation – Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Solution Focused – Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Montenegro and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) – retainer
Contract level: Local ICA, Level 9
Contract duration: Up to 50 days through the period of six months, with possibility of extension
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
Additional Information
- 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. 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.
Background Information
The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 12 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden and North Macedonia.
All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.