Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of people and build resilient nations. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster inclusive growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. In Montenegro, UNDP is actively involved in supporting local municipalities to enhance their infrastructure and climate resilience, ensuring that development efforts align with national priorities and international standards.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position is crucial for the successful implementation of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing local development and climate resilience in Montenegro. The role involves both technical and operational responsibilities, ensuring that project activities are executed effectively and in compliance with relevant standards. The Project Associate will work closely with the Project Analyst and the Team Leader for Inclusive and Green Growth, contributing to the management of project tasks, monitoring and evaluation, and the preparation of progress reports. This position requires a strong focus on engineering oversight, as the incumbent will be responsible for the technical execution of activities related to the development of main designs, procurement, and implementation of construction works. The Project Associate will also play a key role in ensuring that all engineering deliverables meet national legislation, technical standards, safety norms, and environmental requirements. The position emphasizes the importance of gender equality and social inclusion, integrating these principles into all aspects of project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting the Project Analyst in managing administrative, technical, programmatic, and budget-related aspects of project implementation; developing and implementing work plans for project components involving design preparation, infrastructure improvements, and construction works; providing technical and analytical inputs to project documents and implementation strategies; contributing to the preparation of regular narrative and technical progress reports; supporting the collection of sex-disaggregated data and ensuring inclusive design principles; coordinating procurement processes for engineering and construction services; assisting in the recruitment and coordination of engineering experts and consultants; monitoring project risks and issues; providing inputs to communication and visibility efforts; and supporting knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Project Associate will also be responsible for day-to-day project activities, including coordinating and monitoring construction-related activities, reviewing and validating technical documentation, maintaining communication with contractors and regulatory authorities, and preparing routine technical and administrative documentation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a secondary education as a minimum, with a University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Civil Engineering being advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a minimum of 7 years of relevant project coordination experience with secondary education or 4 years with a Bachelor's Degree. Desired skills include experience with national construction legislation, technical standards, and permitting procedures; proven experience in preparing and reviewing technical documentation; experience in coordinating designers, contractors, and public authorities; familiarity with environmental, safety, and sustainability standards; and proficiency in technical reporting related to construction works. Additionally, candidates should have advanced knowledge of office software packages, particularly MS Word and Excel, and hold a valid license for design and execution of civil works as per Montenegrin legislation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education as a minimum. A University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Civil Engineering is preferred and will be given due consideration, although it is not a strict requirement for applicants. The emphasis is on relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Project Associate role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years of relevant project coordination working experience if they possess only secondary education, or at least 4 years of experience if they hold a Bachelor's Degree. This experience should be directly related to project management in the context of infrastructure development, construction, and engineering oversight, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Montenegrin languages is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication within the project team, with stakeholders, and in the preparation of technical documentation and reports.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with international and national partners. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.