The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), is looking for a National Project Coordinator (full time, f/m/x) for the project “Facility supporting the strengthening of the Rule of Law in the Republic of Serbia”.
1. Background and Introduction
The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), together with the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Lithuanian Central project management agency (CPMA), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been pre-selected by the European Union (EU) to implement a strategic project focusing on the support of the Serbian Government in its EU-accession progress in Chapter 23 in the field of preventive anti-corruption activities and victims support.
The project will be implemented under a Multi-Partner Contribution Agreement (MPCA) in Serbia with an implementation period of 36 months. ADA is therefore looking for an experienced National Project Coordinator based in Belgrade for a maximum of 39 months (including inception/closure period) planned to start in first quarter of 2022.
The Overall Objective of the Action is to contribute to the achievement of the obligations stemming from Chapter 23 - Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, in line with the EU acquis.
The Specific Objective of the Action is to contribute to the achievement of the interim benchmarks in the key areas of Chapter 23, in particular in the areas of fundamental rights protection and fight against corruption.
2. Detailed Terms of Reference
In close cooperation with the Programme Management in ADA Headquarter in Vienna the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for detailed planning, initiating, facilitating and managing project activities and measuring performance and reporting on project results and outcomes. This position is based in the project office in Belgrade with business trips within Serbia and occasionally abroad.
ADA will rely on three partner organisations for the implementation of its activities, therefore coordination and close cooperation with them, as well as with GIZ, CPMA and OSCE key experts, and with local and regional authorities and institutions as well as with non-governmental partners, is a core task of the assignment.
2.1. Specific Duties
- Assure overall results-based technical and financial management of ADA’s project component in close cooperation with the Finance and Administration Officer;
- Regularly monitor and analyse the project environment and timely provide suggestions for adjustment of the implementation as needed in line with EU and ADA regulations;
- Coordinate the project team (ADA staff as well as external key experts);
- Ensure regular monitoring and controlling of the awarded grants, thereby ensuring compliance of procurement and grant procedures with EU and ADA regulations;
- Draft regular narrative and financial reports and submit them for approval and proposing corrective action to the HQ Programme Manager;
- Conduct payments and other financial activities together with the Finance and Administration Officer, in particular ensuring compliance with ADA and EU rules and regulations;
- Participate in the project steering group meetings and assure implementation of its recommendations;
- Effectively liaise with the GIZ and the other project partners (CPMA and OSCE) in order to achieve a maximum outcome of the project;
- Effectively liaise (serve as the project key liaison) with government counterparts and the EU Delegation, as well as with the project stakeholders, beneficiaries, other donors and the public to develop professional relationships;
- Contract and support external audit;
- Regularly monitor potential risks as well as develop and implement risk mitigation measures;
- Ensure high EU and ADA visibility in line with the project’s communication and visibility plan;
- Carry out any other duties as required.
3. Qualification and experience
- University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Law, Business Administration, Management).
- At least 5 years of working experience, a minimum of 3 years experience in a similar position or similar international environment.
- Proven knowledge of Serbia’s pre-accession process and status.
- Experience in the fields of anti-corruption and/or victims protection is strongly desired.
- Experience in implementation of EU funded projects.
- Demonstrated work experience with international institutions and agencies.
- Professional fluency in Serbian and English languages, German would be an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Flexibility to adjust working hours to actual workload as required.
- Demonstrated gender, diversity and environmental competence.
- Creative thinking, initiative and self-motivation in handling all assigned tasks.
- Understanding of international development cooperation principles and quality standards.
- Ability to work under pressure and availability to travel inside the country and abroad.
Disclaimer: this employment is subject to the conclusion of the Multi-Partner Contribution Agreement between the European Union and the other Parties. The probation period will be three months.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence and no application fees or information with respect to bank account details are required by ADA for our recruitment process. Please note that in the event of an invitation for an interview, ADA is unable to reimburse costs incurred. Candidates must expect that references from previous employers will be requested by ADA.
How to Apply:
All applications are due by COB 21.01.2022. CET. If you wish to apply for this position, please submit your application (Cover Letter and CV (in English) as well as other relevant documents incl. your salary expectations) electronically.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
To protect our employees and partners, preference is given to candidates who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.