Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The sustainable energy sector both on the side of energy generation and energy consumption, is a key strategic priority for the Government of the Republic of Serbia in combating climate change and addressing environmental pollution. Under the Energy Portfolio UNDP assists Serbia in achieving its strategic goal by enhancing its legal framework and institutional capacity at all levels, as well as by promoting investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, thereby improving the competitiveness of its economy, and offering opportunities for the highest energy savings and reduction of GHG emissions. Serbia”s commitment to the sustainable energy sector directly corresponds to UN sustainable development goal no. 7: “Ensure access to affordable, and modern energy for all”, and is also reflected in the priority pathways of UNDP Country Program Document (CPD) for the period 2021-2025: (a) more accountable institutions and empowered citizens, (b) inclusive innovation for development and decent work opportunities and (c) strengthening resilience for current and future generations.

This assignment will primarily be responsible to assist the activities and interventions within the Energy Portfolio, in particular “Energy Efficiency in Central Government Buildings” project, funded by Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) loan, so as to support results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the project activities and achievement of project results. The assignment can also entail coordination and implementation of infrastructure projects within the Engineering Tech Cell unit, ranging from educational and cultural facilities to research and development and energy efficiency projects with a significant focus on technical design development, technical control, and execution of works.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Engineering Associate has the responsibility to support buildings renovation (reconstruction and energy rehabilitation) activities related to the design, supervision and quality assurance. The Engineering Associate should provide technical expertise and support assuring that the projects produce the results specified in the Project Documents for the buildings renovation components, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost.

Specific responsibilities will include assistance in the implementation of activities with the aim of achieving the following project results:

Coordinate effective project planning and implementation of all civil work in the project

• Assisting in production of buildings renovation project design documentation such as pre-feasibility and feasibility study, preliminary design, main design, and revision of design documentation.
• Facilitation of needs assessment process with the beneficiary, support in design of tender documentation, preparation and execution of tender processes for procurement of goods and services, according to CEB and national procurement guides, provide inputs for contracts for goods and services.
• Assisting in supervision of project design development process, coordination and supervision of construction works.

Providing technical input and monitoring the implementation of the project.

• Suggest and advise on how to resolve problems and/or conflicts and recommend corrections in terms of design, materials or the quality of work and managing these corrections upon the approval by the Project Manager.
• Support during the on-site monitoring of quality and quantities of works, costs, schedule, safety and environment issues, in full compliance with the applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, technical standards and legal requirements in the Republic of Serbia.
• Support to project management of works with adherent installations aimed at energy efficiency improvements, and related environmental management issues.
• Reporting on on-site monitoring.
• Provide early warning to the Project Manager of potential problems and/or critical issues regarding the infrastructure improvement and execution of the works.
• Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of project annual work plans and progress reports.
• Providing inputs for creation of project monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Ensuring full compliance with activities established project management rules, regulations, and policies.
• Drafting correspondence on project engineering issues for Project Manager, as required.
• Liaising with contractors, municipalities and other partners on project matters

Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project. 

• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Engineering Associate will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager and in cooperation with the Ministry for Public Investment. A total of four individuals will be engaged through this vacancy announcement.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results:  LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Business Direction and Strategy  

Effective Decision Making:

• Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one”s authority, area of expertise, and resources, and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management 

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities to ensure they are being implemented effectively. This includes providing managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. It also involves making independent judgments based on set criteria and benchmarks, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of clients, both current and upcoming.

Digital  

Tech literacy:

• Ability to apply new digital tools or adapting their original use to create new insights, fresh perspectives or develop solutions. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of certain technological developments; being able to identify how technology can add value when it”s used as a “means to an end”.

Systems thinking & transformation:

• Understand that complex problems need a non-reductionistic, holistic approach. Ability to explore challenges from multiple perspectives by zooming in and out, with a focus on relationships and flows rather than individual elements; understand how certain dynamics and conditions are driving and influencing an issue.
• Ability to develop a collective understanding by mapping systems and their dynamics (e.g., flows or resources, information; power relations); is able to handle ambiguity and can help others navigate it. Being able to identify intervention points to leverage change and system transformation by setting out a coherent collection of multiple interventions to probe the system for desirable effects.
• Understand that change is non-linear and unpredictable; being comfortable and able to work with emergence.

Procurement   

Contract Management:

• Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.  Or
• University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in construction-related project management, in particular in the fields of:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Architecture
• Civil Engineering – including structural designs engineering
• Energy Efficiency

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in building strong relationships with clients and external actors.
• Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems

Desired Skills:

• Possession of one of the following licenses: 330, 310, 381, 300, 350, 352.
• Certified user of AutoCAD.
• Experience in coordination and/or management of large-scale projects.
• Experience in preparation of tender documentation, design activities and supervision.
• Experience and knowledge of BIM.
• Work experience in/with international organization and/or government institution.
• Proven track record of sound knowledge of national legislation.
• Familiarity with Law on Planning and Construction.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken Serbian and English is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

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