“Empowering Local Democracy: Regional Programme Manager Role at UNDP Sarajevo”

February 20, 2025

11 minutes read

Regional Programme Manager – UNDP (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

This position is a full-time role within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), specifically under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) initiative. The project is focused on strengthening participatory democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans by supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) and local governments. The programme covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Key Responsibilities:http://UNDP Regional Manager Job Posting

The Regional Programme Manager will be responsible for overseeing the ReLOaD3 programme, ensuring its successful implementation across the Western Balkans region. The position involves working closely with local governments, CSOs, and international stakeholders, particularly the EU and UNDP country offices.

Overall Programme Management:
- Coordinate and manage programme activities across the Western Balkans.
- Ensure compliance with UNDP’s Results-Based Management (RBM) approach.
- Lead and motivate a regional team, ensuring effective programme execution.
- Monitor financial allocations and approve expenditures.
- Ensure proper coordination between UNDP country offices, local governments, and CSOs.
Implementation and Supervision:
- Oversee the execution of activities and deliver results as per project plans.
- Manage partnerships with government institutions, donors, and NGOs.
- Monitor and analyze risks while ensuring programme transparency.
- Ensure all activities align with EU-UNDP governance policies.
Policy Advice & Capacity Building:
- Provide technical guidance to government counterparts on governance, civil society engagement, youth participation, and gender equality.
- Organize capacity-building sessions for CSOs and local authorities.
- Conduct policy research and contribute to strategic planning for civil society development.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:
- Build and maintain partnerships with donors, UN agencies, and government bodies.
- Represent UNDP at national and international forums, promoting local democracy.
- Advocate for citizen participation, youth empowerment, and gender mainstreaming in governance.
Gender & Inclusion Mainstreaming:
- Ensure all programme activities incorporate gender equality and social inclusion.
- Promote diversity, equity, and non-discrimination within the project framework.

Key Qualifications and Experience Required:@vacancyspaces.com

Education:
- Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related fields (preferred).
- A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable with 7 years of experience instead of 5.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in relevant fields, including:
  - Civil society engagement
  - Local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)
  - Project management
  - EU and UN funding mechanisms
- Strong understanding of public administration and institutional frameworks in BiH.
- Experience in grant management, risk analysis, and capacity-building activities.
- Previous experience working with government institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.
Languages:
- Fluent in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian (BCMS).
Technical & Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership, team management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage budgets, and ensure financial accountability.
- Knowledge of EU partnerships and UNDP project implementation frameworks.
- Expertise in gender mainstreaming and human rights-based approaches.

Contract & Work Conditions:

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10)
Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
Salary: Aligned with UNDP’s NPSA-10 pay scale.

Why is this Role Important?

This role plays a key part in strengthening democracy and governance in the Western Balkans.
It helps bridge the gap between civil society and government institutions.
The job supports youth and community engagement, ensuring marginalized voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Application Process:

Regional Programme Manager – UNDP (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Introduction to the Role

The Regional Programme Manager plays a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). This is a UNDP-led initiative funded by the European Union (EU) to support participatory democracy, civil society engagement, and local governance reforms across the Western Balkans region.

The position is based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and involves cross-border collaboration with local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of ReLOaD3, managing resources, overseeing programme execution, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This role is well-suited for experienced professionals in governance, public administration, civil society engagement, and international development who are passionate about strengthening democracy and EU integration in the Western Balkans.

Programme Overview: Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3)

1. Background of the Programme

The ReLOaD3 programme builds on the successes of previous ReLOaD phases, aiming to:

Enhance participatory democracy in the Western Balkans.
Improve local governance by fostering cooperation between municipalities and CSOs.
Strengthen EU integration efforts by aligning local policies with European governance standards.
Increase youth participation and promote social inclusion, especially for marginalized groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.

By supporting civil society organizations and enhancing municipal capacities, the programme ensures that local governments can deliver high-quality public services in an accountable and transparent manner.

2. Main Objectives of ReLOaD3

Strengthen institutional mechanisms for cooperation between local governments and civil society.
Promote the use of transparent public funding models for CSOs.
Enhance citizen participation in local decision-making.
Build CSO capacity to implement community projects aligned with development priorities.
Mainstream gender equality and social inclusion within local policies.

3. Programme Implementation Approach

The ReLOaD3 programme follows the EU’s principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. It works by:

Providing technical assistance to municipalities.
Developing capacity-building programs for CSOs and local government officials.
Offering financial support to CSOs through competitive grant schemes.
Facilitating policy dialogue between national and regional authorities.

The Regional Programme Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the programme’s success, coordinating efforts among all involved stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities of the Regional Programme Manager

The Regional Programme Manager will oversee the entire programme cycle, ensuring that objectives are met within the specified time frame and budget. The key responsibilities include:

1. Programme Strategy and Management

Lead the overall planning, implementation, and coordination of the ReLOaD3 programme.
Develop and execute strategic frameworks to enhance participatory democracy.
Ensure that programme objectives align with EU integration requirements.
Establish strong partnerships with national and local governments, CSOs, and donors.
Design methodologies to measure programme impact effectively.

2. Financial and Budgetary Oversight

Manage the programme budget, ensuring compliance with EU and UNDP financial guidelines.
Oversee the allocation of grants to CSOs and monitor fund utilization.
Ensure all financial transactions are transparent and properly documented.
Conduct financial risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Act as the primary liaison between UNDP, EU institutions, and Western Balkans governments.
Facilitate dialogues and cooperation frameworks between CSOs and municipalities.
Represent UNDP at high-level regional and international forums.
Strengthen relationships with international donors and development agencies.

4. Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance

Organize training programs for local government officials and CSO representatives.
Develop toolkits and guidelines to improve public participation in governance.
Provide expert advice on policy reforms and institutional strengthening.
Promote innovative digital governance solutions to enhance transparency.

5. Policy Development and Advocacy

Advocate for sustainable civil society development at the regional level.
Support the harmonization of local policies with EU governance standards.
Lead research initiatives on best practices in public administration and citizen engagement.
Develop policy recommendations for national and municipal governments.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Establish monitoring frameworks to assess the programme’s impact.
Conduct regular field visits to track progress in project municipalities.
Compile detailed progress reports for UNDP and the European Commission.
Ensure that gender equality and social inclusion indicators are integrated into programme evaluations.

Required Qualifications and Skills

To be eligible for this position, candidates must possess a combination of academic credentials, professional experience, and technical expertise in governance, civil society engagement, and programme management.

1. Education Requirements

A Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related fields.
A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if the candidate has at least 7 years of relevant experience.

2. Professional Experience

Minimum 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated expertise in:
- Local governance reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.
- Civil society development and citizen participation mechanisms.
- Programme and project management within the UN, EU, or other international organizations.
- Public administration and institutional capacity-building.
- Monitoring and evaluation of development programs.

3. Language Requirements

Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is mandatory.
Proficiency in Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian (BCMS) is required.

4. Technical and Soft Skills

Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Expertise in budget management, grant distribution, and financial reporting.
Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple responsibilities.
Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with EU funding mechanisms and UNDP project frameworks.
Understanding of gender mainstreaming and social inclusion approaches.

Work Conditions and Employment Terms

Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10).
Contract Duration: One year (with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability).
Salary: Competitive and aligned with UNDP’s NPSA-10 pay scale.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel within the Western Balkans for programme-related activities.

Why Apply for This Position?

1. Opportunity to Drive Positive Change

Contribute to strengthening democracy and governance in the Western Balkans.
Promote civil society engagement and transparent local government practices.

2. Career Growth and International Exposure

Work within a high-impact UNDP programme.
Engage with regional and international development stakeholders.
Gain cross-border experience in governance, policy-making, and EU integration.

3. Competitive Salary and Benefits

Attractive remuneration in line with UNDP pay scales.
Professional development opportunities within UN and EU frameworks.

Application Process

Application Deadline: February 22, 2025.
How to Apply: Submit applications via the UNDP Careers Portal.
Required Documents:
- Updated CV/Resume.
- Cover Letter detailing relevant experience.
- Possible written assessment and interview.

Regional Programme Manager – UNDP Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Regional Programme Manager position at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Sarajevo is a high-impact leadership role within the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD3). This programme is aimed at strengthening participatory democracy, promoting EU integration, and enhancing collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local governments across multiple countries in the Western Balkans.

This is a full-time position under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10), with an initial contract of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role requires significant expertise in governance, civil society engagement, and regional programme management.

Key Details of the Position

Job Title: Regional Programme Manager
Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Agency: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
Grade: NPSA-10
Duration: 1 year (with a possibility for extension)
Education Required:
- Master’s Degree with 5 years of experience, or
- Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of experience
Languages Required:
- English (Fluent)
- Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian (Fluent)

About the Programme – ReLOaD3

The ReLOaD3 initiative is an EU-UNDP partnership designed to:

Strengthen local democracy and governance in the Western Balkans (WB)
Empower civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth participation in decision-making
Improve financial and legal frameworks for civil society engagement
Enhance regional cooperation and exchange of best practices

ReLOaD3 will be implemented in the following Western Balkans countries:

Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo*
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Serbia

The total programme budget is USD 13.39 million and its duration is 48 months (February 2025 – January 2029).

Note: For the European Union, Kosovo’s designation is without prejudice to positions on status and follows UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ opinion on Kosovo’s independence declaration.

Duties and Responsibilities

As Regional Programme Manager, the selected candidate will have the following responsibilities:

1. Overall Programme Management

Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of ReLOaD3 activities
Ensure effective use of Results-Based Management (RBM) tools
Supervise a high-performing regional team
Oversee regional activities, networking conferences, and knowledge-sharing events
Coordinate with UNDP Country Offices in the Western Balkans
Develop Annual Work Plans (AWPs), budgets, and procurement plans
Ensure the programme meets its logical framework indicators and objectives
Report to the Project Board and maintain communication with donors and stakeholders
Monitor financial allocations and programme expenditures
Ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to UNDP financial policies

2. Programme Implementation & Coordination

Oversee country-specific teams managing local activities
Ensure compliance with UNDP visibility and communications policies
Provide technical guidance and advice to programme teams and external stakeholders
Facilitate partnerships between local governments, CSOs, and institutions
Identify risks and mitigation strategies for smooth programme execution
Supervise and evaluate performance of regional staff and consultants

3. Policy Advice to Governments & Stakeholders

Offer policy recommendations to national/local governments and civil society
Advocate for sustainable solutions in governance, citizen engagement, and youth empowerment
Support governments in improving gender equality policies and community engagement
Provide technical expertise for legislative and institutional improvements in local governance

4. Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy

Develop partnerships with UN agencies, government bodies, donors, and private sector
Coordinate activities with EU institutions, international organizations, and local partners
Represent UNDP in national and international forums, working groups, and strategy meetings

5. Gender Equality & Knowledge Management

Integrate gender equality principles into programme activities
Promote best practices for women empowerment, youth inclusion, and governance reforms
Ensure programme outputs and lessons learned are shared widely
Engage in regional and international knowledge-sharing platforms

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s Degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field (minimum 5 years of experience)
Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields is acceptable (minimum 7 years of experience)

Work Experience

Experience in programme/project management, preferably in governance, civil society, and democracy-related initiatives
Understanding of political, administrative, and institutional structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Knowledge of CSO capacity development, grant management, and EU funding mechanisms
Experience in knowledge-sharing, policy advisory, and community engagement

Technical & Soft Skills

Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor projects effectively
Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate potential programme risks
Results-Based Management (RBM): Familiarity with M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) frameworks
Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to engage with government institutions, CSOs, and donors
Financial Oversight: Knowledge of budget management, procurement, and UNDP financial rules
Gender and Inclusion: Experience in mainstreaming gender equality in programme implementation
Negotiation & Diplomacy: Strong ability to mediate, negotiate, and build consensus

Preferred Skills (Desirable but Not Mandatory)

Experience in working with EU institutions or international donor-funded projects
Familiarity with policy reforms and governance trends in the Western Balkans
Experience in CSO grant schemes and funding mechanisms
Proven track record in gender mainstreaming and social inclusion initiatives

Why Apply for This Position?

This position offers the opportunity to:

Lead a high-profile, multi-country initiative that strengthens democracy and governance in the Western Balkans
Engage with key stakeholders, including governments, international donors, and civil society organizations
Drive impactful policy reforms and local development strategies
Work in a multicultural, international environment with UNDP and EU institutions
Contribute to EU integration efforts and regional cooperation across the Western Balkans

Application Process

Deadline to Apply: February 22, 2025, 06:59 AM (Sarajevo Time)
Job Posting Date: February 7, 2025
Apply at: UNDP Job Portal

Important Notes:

No application fees: The UN does not charge fees for job applications.
Background checks: Selected candidates undergo rigorous reference checks.
Equal Opportunity Employer: UNDP promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Final Thoughts

This Regional Programme Manager role at UNDP Sarajevo is ideal for professionals passionate about governance, civil society, and EU integration. If you have a strong background in programme management, policy advisory, and stakeholder engagement, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in the region.

February 20, 2025

11 minutes read