Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is dedicated to providing assistance and support to the authorities in addressing various threats to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security. Established to tackle issues such as remnants of war, armed violence, and man-made disasters, UNDP operates within the framework of the Justice and Human Security portfolio. The organization focuses on effective governance and has a significant presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, working on multiple projects aimed at enhancing security and defense sector reforms. UNDP collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities and international partners, to implement initiatives that align with the goals of the SALW Roadmap 2030, which aims to combat the illicit possession and trafficking of small arms and light weapons in the Western Balkans. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender perspectives and community engagement in its projects, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups are addressed. UNDP's mission is to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in fulfilling its obligations under international and regional small arms control instruments, ultimately contributing to the country's goal of EU accession.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the coordination, design, and implementation of project activities related to the SALW Roadmap 203

• This position requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that activities are aligned with best practices and the overall goals of the project. The incumbent will provide substantive and operational support to the Project Manager, contributing to the preparation and review of annual work plans, monitoring project progress, and providing analytical inputs based on implementation experiences. The Project Officer will also be responsible for raising awareness about illicit arms trafficking, strengthening the capacities of women police officers, and coordinating with contractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project outputs. This role involves significant collaboration with law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations, promoting an inclusive approach to project activities and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. The Project Officer will also be tasked with preparing reports, facilitating knowledge management, and ensuring gender mainstreaming throughout all project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating the design and implementation of project activities, providing operational support to the Project Manager, monitoring project progress, and contributing to the preparation of annual work plans. The Project Officer will review results and monitor progress against set goals, provide analytical inputs based on monitoring data, and support awareness-raising activities. Additionally, the incumbent will strengthen the capacities of women police officers, manage contractors and consultants, and ensure timely delivery of project outputs. The role also involves providing operational assistance to law enforcement agencies, preparing analytical reports, and facilitating communication with project counterparts. The Project Officer will contribute to the preparation and monitoring of Low Value Grant Agreements, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and promoting knowledge management and gender equality within the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Human Rights, Law, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with two years of qualifying work experience, will be considered. The position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to gender equality and human rights. Proven experience in project management, particularly in the context of security sector reform or arms control, is highly desirable. Familiarity with procurement procedures in international organizations and experience in facilitating dialogue with civil society organizations will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Human Rights, or Law is required. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in these areas must have at least two years of relevant professional experience to be considered for the position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of project management and the specific challenges related to small arms and light weapons control.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level, particularly in administrative or project roles. Applicants with a master’s degree are not required to have prior professional experience. Experience in engaging with security sector agencies, preparing narrative reports, and understanding procurement procedures in international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the specific challenges related to SALW control will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and project documentation. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the incumbent will report directly to the Project Manager. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes the importance of equal opportunity in its recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future.