Join the UNDP Mission – Regional Programme Manager Role Open

February 7, 2025

8 minutes read

Exciting Career Opportunity: Regional Programme Manager at UNDP in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Join UNDP and Make a Meaningful Impact in the Western Balkans

Are you an experienced professional with a passion for governance, local democracy, and civil society empowerment? The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Regional Programme Manager to lead the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). Based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is a unique opportunity to drive democratic engagement and regional development across multiple countries.

Join the UNDP Mission – Regional Programme Manager Role Open

This full-time position offers a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10) with an initial contract of one year, extendable based on performance. If you have a strong background in project management, local governance, and civil society development, this role is for you!

Why Join UNDP?

At UNDP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind by creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. As a Regional Programme Manager, you will have the chance to contribute to key governance initiatives, ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in local decision-making processes.

UNDP also has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, and exploitation. We uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior, ensuring a safe and equitable working environment for all.

About the ReLOaD3 Programme

The ReLOaD3 programme is a continuation of the successful EU-UNDP partnership, following ReLOaD 1 and 2, implemented from 2017 to 2024. With a budget of USD 13.39 million, the programme will be implemented over 48 months (February 2025 – January 2029).

The project’s core objectives are to:

Strengthen participatory democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans (WB).
Empower civil society and youth to actively participate in local governance.
Enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in sustainable partnerships.
Improve service delivery and promote local development aligned with regional priorities.

The programme will be implemented across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia**. (*Kosovo references are in line with UN Resolution 1244/1999.)

As the Regional Programme Manager, you will take full responsibility for the successful execution of this programme.

Your Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the ReLOaD3 Programme

Oversee the entire programme from planning to execution, ensuring all activities align with the project objectives and annual work plans.
Use Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor and achieve programme results efficiently.
Coordinate with UNDP Country Offices across the Western Balkans to develop annual plans, budgets, and procurement strategies.
Lead analytical reviews to extract lessons learned and propose improvements.
Represent the programme at high-level meetings, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s strategic priorities.
Manage budgets and financial allocations, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of resources.
Supervise and motivate a high-performing team of project personnel, consultants, and service providers across multiple countries.

2. Ensure Smooth Implementation and Coordination

Develop partnerships with government institutions, CSOs, donors, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen local governance.
Ensure effective grant management to support civil society initiatives.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and regional networking conferences to encourage best practices.
Monitor programme risks and propose corrective measures to mitigate challenges.

3. Provide Policy Advice and Strategic Guidance

Offer technical expertise on local democracy, citizen engagement, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
Support government counterparts in analyzing performance and setting strategic priorities.
Identify key policy issues and contribute to UNDP’s knowledge networks.
Ensure alignment of the programme with global best practices in governance and public administration.

4. Develop Strategic Partnerships and Advocate for Local Democracy

Engage actively with stakeholders to ensure inclusive decision-making processes.
Collaborate with UN agencies, donor organizations, and civil society networks to amplify programme impact.
Advocate for gender equality, youth participation, and marginalized communities in local governance.
Promote UNDP’s mission and values at national and international forums.

5. Promote Gender Equality and Knowledge Management

Ensure gender mainstreaming across all programme activities, budgets, and evaluations.
Provide mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for women and youth leaders.
Share knowledge through case studies, reports, and best practice documentation.
Foster a culture of continuous learning among programme teams and partners.

Who We Are Looking For

Education Requirements:

Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field (required).
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 7 years of experience may be considered instead of a Master’s.

Experience Requirements:

Minimum 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) in civil society, local governance, or related fields.
Proven experience in project and programme management.
Deep understanding of the political, administrative, and institutional landscape of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Expertise in grant management and capacity building for CSOs.
Experience in coordinating regional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.

Desired Skills:

Previous experience in partnering with government institutions at various levels.
Experience in policy analysis, gender mainstreaming, and citizen participation.
Strong negotiation and advocacy skills to foster collaboration.
Expertise in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and donor relations.
Fluency in English and one of the BCMS languages (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, or Serbian).

Why Apply?

As a Regional Programme Manager, you will:

Lead a high-impact regional programme that strengthens democracy in the Western Balkans.
Collaborate with international organizations, government agencies, and CSOs.
Drive positive change in governance, civil society, and youth engagement.
Gain invaluable leadership experience in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
Be part of the UNDP family, working towards sustainable and inclusive development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before February 22, 2025, 6:59 AM (UTC).

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This version is tailored for a website job posting, ensuring it is engaging, informative, and optimized for search engines. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!Exciting Career Opportunity: Regional Programme Manager at UNDP in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Join UNDP and Make a Meaningful Impact in the Western Balkans

Why Join UNDP?

About the ReLOaD3 Programme

The project’s core objectives are to:

Strengthen participatory democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans (WB).
Empower civil society and youth to actively participate in local governance.
Enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in sustainable partnerships.
Improve service delivery and promote local development aligned with regional priorities.

The programme will be implemented across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia*. (*Kosovo references are in line with UN Resolution 1244/1999.)

As the Regional Programme Manager, you will take full responsibility for the successful execution of this programme.

Your Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the ReLOaD3 Programme

Oversee the entire programme from planning to execution, ensuring all activities align with the project objectives and annual work plans.
Use Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor and achieve programme results efficiently.
Coordinate with UNDP Country Offices across the Western Balkans to develop annual plans, budgets, and procurement strategies.
Lead analytical reviews to extract lessons learned and propose improvements.
Represent the programme at high-level meetings, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s strategic priorities.
Manage budgets and financial allocations, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of resources.
Supervise and motivate a high-performing team of project personnel, consultants, and service providers across multiple countries.

2. Ensure Smooth Implementation and Coordination

Develop partnerships with government institutions, CSOs, donors, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen local governance.
Ensure effective grant management to support civil society initiatives.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and regional networking conferences to encourage best practices.
Monitor programme risks and propose corrective measures to mitigate challenges.

3. Provide Policy Advice and Strategic Guidance

Offer technical expertise on local democracy, citizen engagement, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
Support government counterparts in analyzing performance and setting strategic priorities.
Identify key policy issues and contribute to UNDP’s knowledge networks.
Ensure alignment of the programme with global best practices in governance and public administration.

4. Develop Strategic Partnerships and Advocate for Local Democracy

Engage actively with stakeholders to ensure inclusive decision-making processes.
Collaborate with UN agencies, donor organizations, and civil society networks to amplify programme impact.
Advocate for gender equality, youth participation, and marginalized communities in local governance.
Promote UNDP’s mission and values at national and international forums.

5. Promote Gender Equality and Knowledge Management

Ensure gender mainstreaming across all programme activities, budgets, and evaluations.
Provide mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for women and youth leaders.
Share knowledge through case studies, reports, and best practice documentation.
Foster a culture of continuous learning among programme teams and partners.

Who We Are Looking For

Education Requirements:

Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field (required).
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 7 years of experience may be considered instead of a Master’s.

Experience Requirements:

Minimum 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) in civil society, local governance, or related fields.
Proven experience in project and programme management.
Deep understanding of the political, administrative, and institutional landscape of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Expertise in grant management and capacity building for CSOs.
Experience in coordinating regional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.

Desired Skills:

Previous experience in partnering with government institutions at various levels.
Experience in policy analysis, gender mainstreaming, and citizen participation.
Strong negotiation and advocacy skills to foster collaboration.
Expertise in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and donor relations.
Fluency in English and one of the BCMS languages (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, or Serbian).

Why Apply?

As a Regional Programme Manager, you will:

Lead a high-impact regional programme that strengthens democracy in the Western Balkans.
Collaborate with international organizations, government agencies, and CSOs.
Drive positive change in governance, civil society, and youth engagement.
Gain invaluable leadership experience in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
Be part of the UNDP family, working towards sustainable and inclusive development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before February 22, 2025, 6:59 AM (UTC).

Keywords for SEO Optimization

This version is tailored for a website job posting, ensuring it is engaging, informative, and optimized for search engines. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!