Montenegro

Project Management Support - Officer

Organization

UNOPS

Posted 13 Aug 2025 Closing date 21 Aug 2025

Background Information

UNOPS In Montenegro

UNOPS established its office in Montenegro in 2018. Since then, with funding support from the European Union, Norway, the UN SDG Acceleration Fund, and the Government of Montenegro, while closely with national partners, it has implemented projects contributing to the rule of law, local and SME development, education, healthcare, and digital transformation. The Montenegro Office forms part of the UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office, which also oversees activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Project Information

The project “Special Measure on Migration in Montenegro – Automatic Data Exchange System”, funded by the European Union with €2 million, aims to strengthen Montenegro’s capacity to manage borders effectively and combat illegal smuggling. Implemented over 20 months by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the initiative enhances national capabilities in line with EU accession priorities.

This Project is based on the EU Action Document for Individual Measure to Strengthen Border Management Capacities in the Western Balkans for 2023, which identifies border management as the field in which the capacities should be strengthened. The Project is also fully aligned with the border management needs of Montenegro, by addressing the national Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy and Schengen Action Plan (SAP) in the following areas: border security, migrant identification and registration, information management and overall human-rights compliant management of the blue and green borders.

The Project objective will be attained by ensuring the needed upgrades of the communication network and the platform for automatic data exchange. This will enable fast and secure automatic exchange of data between all institutions relevant to border security and management, and finally contribute to the improved fighting against cross-border crime and illegal smuggling. The Project activities will comprise software development and the procurement of equipment including its deployment, installation and configuration, as well as training relevant institutions’ personnel for using the Automatic Data Exchange (ADE).

The Project has been developed with the consideration of the assumptions that the Government of Montenegro will remain fully committed to the implementation of EU accession related reforms and that the relevant institutions will actively cooperate in the implementation of activities, with no policy and legislation changes that could negatively affect the implementation. The key national beneficiary of the Project is the Ministry of Interior.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme, and in close collaboration with Programme Management Office (PMO), Procurement and Finance teams, PMS Officer will support planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities. The incumbent will contribute to the development of project documents, procurement requirements, progress reports, and coordination tasks. While working as part of a project team, the PMS Officer will be responsible for timely delivery of assigned activities in accordance with established standards and procedures.

The role will involve liaising with internal teams and external partners to support operational processes, maintain documentation, and contribute to knowledge management efforts.

The Selected Incumbent Will Undertake The Following Specific Activities/responsibilities

Project delivery and performance

Contribute to preparation, update, and tracking of project work plans and implementation schedules.
Support development of procurement documentation in collaboration with the procurement team, ensuring adherence to organisational policies and procedures.
With expert support, ensure timely development of requirements for procurements.
Participate in tender evaluations, where relevant.
Integrate sustainability considerations, including social and gender inclusion, into procurement processes and project implementation.
Participate in reviewing deliverables and verifying compliance with agreed specifications.
Coordinate with suppliers and contractors on logistical and administrative matters to facilitate delivery of goods, services, and works.
With support from the procurement team, lead contract management duties, including performance monitoring and evaluation of suppliers and contractors.
Assist in monitoring project activities and flagging delays or issues to supervisor
Support the maintenance of risk and issue logs, and contribute to mitigation tracking.
Maintain project documentation and filing systems in accordance with organisational standards.
Identify and report emerging project opportunities to the supervisor for consideration.

Procedures

Ensure compliance with all organisational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual.
In close coordination with the finance team, manage budget, cash flow and commitments.
For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover to the closure manager.
Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

Monitoring and reporting

With support from PMO, prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Agreement and UNOPS requirements.
Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.

Stakeholder engagement

Contribute to development of stakeholder profiles and the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
Establish solid working relationships with the key stakeholders
Contribute to the formulation and delivery of project communications plans
Support coordination of stakeholder engagement and communication

Knowledge management and innovation

Actively interact with colleagues to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices.
Contribute to the identification, recording, and sharing of lessons learned. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Required Selection Criteria

Education

Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Public Administration, Business Administration, International Relations, or other relevant discipline is required
Master Degree in relevant discipline will be considered an advantage

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the field of Project/Programme Management with a focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination is required.
Experience with UN or other international organizations would be advantage
Experience of cooperation with government institutions is an advantage.
Experience in the rule of law sector is considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required

Driving Licence

Driving licence and ability to travel independently is an advantage.

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION

Core Competencies

Strategic Perspective - Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Integrity & Inclusion - Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others - Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering - Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation - Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility - Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused - Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication - Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of Montenegro and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - ICS 8

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org

How to apply

Qualified candidates may submit their application via UNOPS Jobs website at the given link.

Job details

Country

Montenegro

City Podgorica Source

UNOPS

Type

Career category

Program/Project Management

Years of experience

0-2 years

Theme

Disaster Management

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