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Project Management Support – Specialist for Assessment of Roma Inclusion Strategy Implementation - retainer position
Details
Deadline: Jul 30, 2025
Location: Home Based
Organization:United Nations Office for Project Services (HQ)
Job type:Contract, 4 to 12 months
Languages:
English
Work experience:Min 5 years
Date posted: Jul 17, 2025
Description
Job categories: Project Management
Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5109/30484
Level:ICS-10
Department/office: ECR, RSMCO, Serbia
Duty station: Home based
Contract type:International ICA
Contract level: IICA-2
Duration:Up to 40 working days over a 6 month period
Application period: 17-Jul-2025 to 30-Jul-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
The Project “Support to European Integration of North Macedonia” is designed to support North Macedonia's accession negotiations and successful management of the overall European Union (EU) integration process. The Project is funded by Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Swiss Government through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Ministry for European Affairs and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
This Project will strengthen the capacities of national institutions supporting the EU accession through provision of TA and capacity building to the Government Coordination Mechanism for Accession Negotiation. Support will facilitate effective alignment of national legislation with the EU acquis and its implementation, while at the same time facilitating engagement and contributions form relevant stakeholders, and exchange of experiences and cooperation with the EU Member States and countries from the region.
In line with the obligations under Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights – the Project acknowledges the critical importance of North Macedonia demonstrating a sustained commitment to the protection of human rights, the fight against discrimination, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, with particular focus on the Roma population. As part of the EU accession process, the country is required to ensure that the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030 is fully aligned with the EU’s Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation (2020–2030). This entails not only adopting a comprehensive strategy but also ensuring its implementation through clearly defined targets, adequate budgetary allocations, and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
To meet these commitments, North Macedonia must establish and operationalize strong coordination structures for Roma inclusion. This includes ensuring that the Cabinet of the Minister without Portfolio for Roma Integration functions as the national contact point, with a clear political mandate, sufficient human and financial resources, and authority to oversee implementation. Furthermore, there is a strong expectation for inter-institutional cooperation, particularly between central government bodies and local authorities, to ensure that Roma inclusion policies are meaningfully translated into action at the municipal level.
North Macedonia is also expected to ensure that Roma inclusion efforts are evidence-based, relying on the collection and use of disaggregated data in line with EU data protection standards. Regular progress reporting is essential to measure results and adjust policies where necessary. Combatting anti-Roma discrimination remains a central obligation, requiring strengthened legal frameworks, institutional responses, and targeted training for public officials, law enforcement, and judiciary. Equally important is the active participation of Roma civil society and community representatives in the design, implementation, and monitoring of relevant policies. Ensuring access to justice, including legal aid and protection against discrimination, is fundamental. These obligations form an integral part of North Macedonia’s alignment with the EU acquis and are closely monitored by the European Commission, serving as a critical indicator of the country’s commitment to fundamental rights and democratic values.
Following its formal designation in January 2025 as the National Contact Point (NCP) for the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, the Cabinet of the Minister without Portfolio assumed responsibility for coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on the Strategy’s implementation. However, limited staffing and technical capacity have hindered the Cabinet’s ability to fully carry out these functions and ensure effective implementation of the Strategy across sectors and governance levels.
In response, the Cabinet has requested targeted technical assistance from the Project to assess the current status of implementation, identify key challenges and gaps, and support evidence-based planning for the next phase. This request is closely aligned with North Macedonia’s EU accession priorities under Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security), all of which emphasize inclusive policymaking and the protection of vulnerable groups.
To address this need, the Project will deploy a Specialist under the supervision of the Project Manager to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030. The expert will review progress to date, evaluate implementation effectiveness, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and future planning. The assignment will also contribute to reinforcing the Cabinet’s institutional role and technical capacity in fulfilling its mandate as the National Contact Point.
The Specialist will carry out the following tasks:
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Conduct a desk review of existing strategy documents, action plans, reports, and relevant government and donor materials.
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Identify and assess:
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Key achievements to date;
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Implementation challenges and institutional bottlenecks;
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Coordination and monitoring gaps across institutions and sectors.
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Conduct stakeholder consultations with the Cabinet, line ministries, local authorities, and Roma civil society representatives.
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Review the functionality and usage of the Roma digital monitoring platform (developed with Council of Europe support).
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Prepare a report on the status of the implementation of the Roma Strategy, implementation and coordination gaps, challenges and opportunities.
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Provide strategic recommendations for improving implementation and monitoring of the Strategy.
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Propose institutional and operational measures to support the Cabinet’s role as NCP and align with EU reporting standards.
Education
- Advanced university degree in public policy, social sciences, development studies, EU integration, or related fields is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Work Experience
- Minimum of five years of relevant experience in policy assessment, social inclusion, minority rights, or Roma integration is required
- Experience with EU-funded projects and the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030 is an asset
- Proven knowledge of institutional frameworks in North Macedonia and/or the Western Balkans is an asset
- Experience in coordinating with government bodies and Roma civil society organizations is an asset.
- Familiarity with digital monitoring platforms and data management is desirable.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.
| 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) |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| 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 behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
| 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. |
| 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - retainer*
Contract level: IICA 2 (ICS 10)
Contract duration: Up to 40 working days over a 6 month period
*If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position.
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 -
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
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Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
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Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
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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.
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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
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For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an independent United Nations (UN) organisation since 1995 (Resolution 48/501, 1994), which succeeded two decades of its operations as a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 1974 when it was established.
The mission of UNOPS is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. As a part of the United Nations family, and as the only self-financed UN organisation, UNOPS is committed to UN values and private sector efficiency.
In Serbia, UNOPS has been active since 2000 and the organisation provides support in conducting demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable local development, good governance, the rule of law, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with funding from the European Union (EU), the Governments of Switzerland, Sweden, Serbia, and the UN organisations.
UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office (RSMCO) also covers Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the need for support and potential engagements are being assessed. The work of UNOPS and the projects it implements is contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives of the countries of its operations.
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