National Project Officer - Grants Monitoring

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, actively encouraging applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of grant components within the ILO's development cooperation project focused on the HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, catering) sector in Kosovo. This sector is identified as having significant potential for driving employment growth and local economic development, particularly in promoting social inclusion among women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and youth. The officer will coordinate various activities, ensuring that they align with the project's objectives and comply with ILO regulations and donor requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing solutions to enhance project outcomes. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, educational providers, and enterprises, to facilitate effective project execution and ensure that the project's goals are met within the specified timeframe.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor the implementation of grant-funded activities under the project, ensuring compliance with approved agreements and ILO regulations.
• Develop and implement monitoring plans and reporting mechanisms to track progress and quality of interventions.
• Conduct regular reviews to identify bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions.
• Review grant applications and financial reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct monitoring visits to beneficiaries and project sites to verify implementation and compliance.
• Liaise with partners and stakeholders to facilitate project implementation and resolve operational issues.
• Maintain accurate records and databases on grant implementation and project results.
• Support budget monitoring related to grant activities and contribute to financial planning.
• Ensure integration of gender equality and sustainability into monitoring activities. 1
• Contribute to the organization of project events and prepare technical reports and documentation. 1
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of DWT/CO-Budapest.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of grant management, monitoring and evaluation, and project implementation processes. Familiarity with skills development and vocational training programs is advantageous. Knowledge of public procurement procedures and compliance requirements for donor-funded projects is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies, or a relevant field is required. An advanced degree in labor economics or a related discipline would be a strong advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in project management, implementation, and grant monitoring at the national level. Experience working with policy-making institutions or development partners is considered an asset, as is prior experience in the HoReCa sector, which would provide valuable insights into the project's context and challenges.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station (Albanian or Serbian) is mandatory, along with a good command of English. Proficiency in additional languages would be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The entry-level salary for this position is €34,571 annually. The ILO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process is subject to specific local criteria, and all candidates must complete an online application form through the ILO Jobs website. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.