PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT - ADVISOR ON EU ACCESSION NEGOTIATION (RETAINER POSITION)

Through a flexible advisory instrument, UNOPS in North Macedonia  is aiming to provide support to enhance the institutional, technical, and administrative capacity of the relevant government structures for European integration and other relevant  partners for successful management of the overall European Union (EU) integration process.
UNOPS in North Macedonia as part of the RSMCO, aims to maximise its impact and create a collaborative environment towards the shared objective of EU accession for the Western Balkans and wider.
Although the WB countries are each at different stages in the accession process, they face many common challenges when it comes to reforming their economies, political systems, and public administrations.
In addition to the reforms on a national and local level, regional cooperation in South-East Europe remains a key condition for EU Accession.
Through access to tailored expertise, knowledge and best practice in the region, UNOPS will provide guidance on identifying and addressing the challenges and drawbacks of each of the Western Balkan partners in implementing the new enlargement methodology, assist them with advancing their respective reform agenda in line with accelerated EU integration and Growth Plan for the Western Balkans(1) and engagement of relevant stakeholders in the EU process (civil society, media, academia, private sector and youth).
Considering the new enlargement momentum, and formal start of the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, through learning and capacity building, the experience and best practice of the WB countries in the EU accession process will facilitate a smoother EU accession process for the new candidate countries of the Eastern Partnership countries.
1  https://neighbourhood-enlargement.
c.
uropa.
u/enlargement-policy/new-growth-plan-western-balkans_en Functional Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Head of Programme through Project Manager, the PMS...
Under the supervision of the Head of Programme through Project Manager, the PMS Advisor will provide strategic advice to the Government Negotiation Structure, Chief Negotiator, Core Negotiation Team, the Ministry for European Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other ministries in regards to coordination of EU accession process, strategic planning and aligning future actions with the accelerated integration and “phasing-in” to individual EU policies, the EU markets and EU programmes.
Based on the characteristics of the EU integration process but also the “accelerated integration” as defined in the official EU documents, the PMS Advisor will provide advice for the processes that are currently underway and/or planned, with special attention to the substantial reforms needed in line with the revised methodology, harmonisation processes and the required mechanisms, both from a policy and an institutional perspective.
S/he will provide technical expertise and advice in streamlining processes and development of documentation, while reflecting good experiences from the region.
The PMS Advisor’s support will focus on the following strategic aspects of the EU integration process.
EU Membership Negotiations Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP).
Revised Enlargement Methodology EU Policy and various Chapters of the EU Acquis Communitaire Networking with EU institutions Implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Reform Agenda  EU Funding Cooperation mechanisms with the media, CSO, academia, private sector and youth.
The selected candidate will perform functions as follows.
Provide technical expertise and advice on SAA process Provide technical expertise and advice to the beneficiaries on the EU negotiations, in the line with the revised enlargement methodology, negotiating framework, negotiation positions, roadmaps and benchmarking, derogations and transitional arrangements, while reflecting on good practices and lessons learned from the region Provide technical expertise on EU alignment process in line with EU Policy and the reforms under various Chapters of the EU Acquis Communautaire Provide advice and support development of legal and operational documents (decisions, procedures, guidelines, instructions etc.), to support the efficient functioning of the negotiation structure in accordance with the country’s Negotiating Framework, based on good practices and lessons learned from accession process; Provide technical expertise regarding networking with the EU institutions, and facilitate the access to the relevant EU institutions Provide technical expertise and advice on the implementation of the Reform Growth Facility for WB (RGF) instrument, its coordination and control mechanism and implementation of RGF Regulation on a needs based cases Provide technical expertise and advice on efficient stakeholder engagement in the EU accession process, including on the role and cooperation with other stakeholders such as the Assembly, media, civil society, chambers and business community, academia and other institutions involved in the process Education/Experience/Language requirements Education  Master’s degree preferably in Law, Economy, Political...
Education  Master’s degree preferably in Law, Economy, Political Science, European Studies, International Relations or other relevant discipline is required Bachelor’s degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master degree Work Experience  At least seven years of working experience as head and/or member of EU accession negotiation team is required Experience in direct coordination, negotiation and organisation of the accession negotiations is required   Experience in preparation and participation in screening exercise, negotiation positions and of Intergovernmental Conferences would be an asset Diplomatic experience working in Brussels based Permanent representation office would be an asset Experience in overseeing implementation of Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) would be an asset Language Requirements Fluent knowledge of English language (speaking, writing and reading) is required Competencies Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
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) 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.
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.
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).
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.
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 behavior.
Performance is consistent, even under pressure.
Always pursues continuous improvements.
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.
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 Contract type.
International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Retainer* Co...
Contract type.
International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Retainer* Contract level.
I-ICA 3 (ICS11) Contract duration.
up to 100 w/days in the period of one year with possibility of extension  *If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link.
https://www.
nops.
rg/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.
spx Additional Information Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications rec...
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.
Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract.
Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers.
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 – UNOPS Serbia The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an independent United...
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an independent United Nations (UN) organisation since (Resolution ), which succeeded two decades of its operations as a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since when it was established.
The mission of UNOPS is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
As a part of the United Nations family, and as the only self-financed UN organisation, UNOPS is committed to UN values and private sector efficiency.
In Serbia, UNOPS has been active since and the organisation provides support in conducting demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union.
The projects focus on sustainable local development, good governance, the rule of law, social cohesion, environment and emergency response.
The projects are implemented with funding from the European Union (EU), the Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, and the UN organisations.
UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) also covers Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the need for support and potential engagements are being assessed.
The work of UNOPS and the projects it implements is contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives of the countries of its operations.