“Engineering Associate – Architect at UNDP Serbia: A Comprehensive 3000+ Word Breakdown of Responsibilities, Requirements, and Strategic Impact”
Engineering Associate – Architect position with UNDP in Belgrade, Serbia (Job ID: 25683), covering every important aspect such as responsibilities, qualifications, context, and what success in this role looks like.
1. Introduction: Context and Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia is a vital part of the global UNDP network and supports the Serbian Government in achieving sustainable, inclusive development. UNDP Serbia plays a central role in aligning the country’s development pathway with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its aspiration to join the European Union.
The Engineering Associate – Architect position is situated within this broader context and is embedded in UNDP’s Governance Practice Area under the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (RBEC). The job is national in scope, meaning it is open only to Serbian nationals or those with a valid residence and work permit.
This position supports technical implementation of infrastructure projects—most notably in education, cultural heritage, energy efficiency, and R&D facilities. These projects are not simply construction projects; they represent a transformational opportunity to improve public services and local development, aligning with national priorities and international development goals.
2. Contract Type and Duration
- Contract Type: National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA)
- Grade: NPSA-7
- Location: Belgrade, Serbia
- Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension based on performance and project funding)
- Working Schedule: Full-time
- Deadline to Apply: 05/12/2025, 05:59 AM (Belgrade time)
3. Key Purpose of the Role
The Engineering Associate – Architect is a technical field-based role that combines architecture, engineering, and project coordination to support the full infrastructure development cycle, from design to construction oversight.
Key focus areas include:
- Providing technical expertise in the design, supervision, quality assurance, and implementation of infrastructure projects.
- Ensuring compliance with Serbian laws, especially the Law on Planning and Construction.
- Coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders including government institutions, municipalities, construction firms, consultants, and UNDP teams.http://🔗 Apply via UNDP Oracle Cloud Portal
This role is crucial to guarantee the integrity, functionality, and sustainability of infrastructure projects delivered by UNDP Serbia.
4. Duties and Responsibilities (Extensive Breakdown)
A. Design and Technical Documentation Support
- Assist in feasibility assessments, preliminary and main design documentation, and revision of architectural plans and technical documents.
- Ensure the alignment of designs with legal, regulatory, and technical standards in Serbia.
- Contribute to the development of technical specifications for procurement and tender documentation.
B. Procurement and Tendering Support
- Assist in the preparation and execution of procurement processes related to architectural and construction services.
- Provide expert input to terms of reference (ToRs), bidding documents, and contract evaluations.
- Engage in coordination with vendors and procurement officers to ensure alignment between design intent and procurement deliverables.
C. Construction Supervision and Site Monitoring
- Support the supervision of works and design implementation, coordinating with engineers, contractors, and local authorities.
- Monitor construction quality, adherence to design specifications, and compliance with project deadlines and budgets.
- Proactively suggest and recommend corrective actions when issues arise in the field—such as material inconsistencies, safety concerns, or project delays.@vacancyspaces.com
D. Stakeholder Coordination and Advisory Role
- Serve as a technical liaison between project stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, contractors, and internal UNDP teams.
- Facilitate communication between beneficiaries and technical teams, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
- Provide on-site decision-making support on minor changes or adaptations, always aligning with project scope and UNDP approval frameworks.
E. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare field visit reports, technical progress updates, and contribute to annual work plans and progress reports.
- Maintain accurate records of construction progress, including design changes, technical issues, and resolutions.
- Provide timely alerts on risks, delays, or quality issues to the Project Manager.
F. Quality Assurance and Legal Compliance
- Monitor full compliance with national construction laws and regulations, especially related to public infrastructure development.
- Help ensure environmental and energy efficiency standards are integrated into designs and constructions.
- Pay close attention to workplace safety and environmental management practices during on-site supervision.
5. Institutional and Reporting Arrangement
- Reports directly to the Project Manager of the Engineering Tech Cell.
- Operates under the overall framework of UNDP project rules, policies, and results-based management (RBM) principles.
- Functions as part of a broader technical and multidisciplinary project team, including civil engineers, procurement specialists, environmental experts, and finance officers.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Mandatory: Secondary education (high school diploma).
- Desirable: A Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related engineering field will be given due consideration and preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in construction-related project management and supervision if you have secondary education.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience if you possess a Bachelor’s degree.
7. Required Skills and Core Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of Serbian construction regulations, especially the Law on Planning and Construction.
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Preparing architectural and infrastructure designs.
- Supervising construction sites.
- Reviewing and revising project plans.
- Solid IT literacy: proficient in MS Office Suite, internet-based research, and digital communication platforms.
- Knowledge of AutoCAD and BIM (Building Information Modeling) is highly desirable.
Organizational and Communication Skills
- Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication, able to work well with diverse teams.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, resolve conflicts, and manage on-site challenges.
8. Competency Framework
A. Core Competencies (Level 1)
- Achieve Results – Focuses on high-quality, timely deliverables.
- Think Innovatively – Adapts and improves with creative solutions.
- Learn Continuously – Open to feedback and knowledge sharing.
- Adapt with Agility – Responsive to change and ambiguity.
- Act with Determination – Shows resilience and confidence.
- Engage and Partner – Builds collaborative relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Values difference and fosters inclusivity.
B. Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies
- Effective Decision-Making – Takes timely and informed actions.
- Monitoring – Tracks project progress and provides useful feedback.
- Tech Literacy – Leverages technology for productivity and innovation.
- Systems Thinking – Understands interconnectedness in infrastructure and policy.
- Change and Transformation – Navigates complexity and enables systemic change.
9. Languages
- Serbian: Native or fluent (required).
- English: Professional working proficiency (required).
10. Desired but Non-Mandatory Attributes
- Experience in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge and application of environmental safeguards, particularly in construction.
- Previous experience with international development organizations, UN agencies, or government ministries.
- Familiarity with project monitoring systems, digital engineering tools, and quality management frameworks.
11. Equal Opportunity and Ethical Standards
UNDP is deeply committed to:
- Diversity and Inclusion – Encouraging candidates from all backgrounds.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Abuse – All selected staff are subject to rigorous screening and ethical conduct expectations.
- Merit-based Selection – No fees are charged during any part of the application process.
12. Application Process
Interested candidates should:
- Prepare a CV/resume tailored to the key responsibilities and qualifications.
- Include a cover letter explaining interest, relevant experience, and alignment with UNDP values.
- Apply by 05/12/2025, 05:59 AM via the Oracle Cloud recruitment portal (linked in the job post).
13. What Success Looks Like in This Role
A successful Engineering Associate – Architect at UNDP Serbia will:
- Deliver high-quality, on-time infrastructure projects.
- Navigate regulatory frameworks with confidence and ensure compliance at all stages.
- Maintain strong working relationships with government, vendors, and UNDP colleagues.
- Demonstrate proactivity, technical skill, and integrity in all aspects of the work.
- Contribute to broader UNDP goals of inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient development in Serbia.
Would you like help crafting a tailored CV or cover letter for this specific position?
Sure! Below is an extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Engineering Associate – Architect position with UNDP in Belgrade, Serbia (Job ID: 25683). This includes a breakdown of the background, key responsibilities, required competencies, and a comprehensive contextual analysis of the role, along with guidance for potential applicants.
Detailed Role Analysis: Engineering Associate – Architect (UNDP, Belgrade, Serbia)
1. Organizational Context and Background (900+ words)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a pivotal role in supporting nations in achieving sustainable development, inclusive growth, and human rights-focused governance. In Serbia, UNDP operates within the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2016–2020, although the mission aligns with current strategic frameworks focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and accountable governance.
The CPD for Serbia is rooted in the United Nations Development Partnership Framework (UNDPF), which outlines Serbia’s priority development goals in collaboration with the UN. The main areas of focus are:
- Accountable and representative governance
- Gender equality and violence-free lives for women
- Inclusive and sustainable economic development
- Low-carbon and climate-resilient development
Infrastructure Development as a Pillar of Governance and Sustainability
Infrastructure forms the backbone of social development and directly supports all pillars mentioned above. Whether it is through schools, cultural institutions, or environmentally sustainable building practices, infrastructure reflects the government’s ability to deliver services, ensure equality, and promote sustainable economic and social growth.
In this context, UNDP’s projects often include construction, renovation, energy efficiency improvements, and design upgrades of public-use infrastructure, including:
- Educational facilities (e.g., schools, training centers)
- Cultural institutions (e.g., museums, libraries)
- Innovation and development hubs
- Health facilities
- Community centers
Each of these projects requires a detailed architectural and engineering lens to ensure compliance with legal frameworks, sustainable practices, and international standards. That is where the Engineering Associate – Architect becomes critical.
2. Role Overview and Core Duties (1000+ words)
The Engineering Associate (Architect) reports directly to the Project Manager–Engineering Technical Cell and is embedded in a multidisciplinary team focused on infrastructure design, supervision, procurement, and quality assurance.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
A. Design and Documentation Support
- Assist in preparing feasibility studies, preliminary designs, and main designs for construction and renovation projects.
- Contribute to revisions of architectural documentation, ensuring they are compliant with Serbia’s Law on Planning and Construction and meet functional and sustainability goals.
- Coordinate with local institutions and stakeholders during needs assessment processes.
- Ensure designs incorporate universal access, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability principles.
B. Procurement and Tendering Process
- Contribute to the preparation of tender documentation, including bills of quantities (BoQs) and technical specifications.
- Assist in drafting procurement guides and contracts for works and services in alignment with UNDP procurement rules.
- Help execute and evaluate tendering processes, especially for civil engineering and construction projects.
C. Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance
- Participate in construction site supervision, ensuring compliance with design documentation, safety standards, and construction schedules.
- Offer on-the-ground advice for resolving design and implementation conflicts (e.g., material substitution, changes in execution, etc.).
- Monitor project quality, workforce safety, environmental compliance, and contractor performance.
- Report and document site visits with insights on progress, risks, and potential delays.
D. Monitoring and Reporting
- Support the preparation of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), Progress Reports, and Infrastructure Monitoring Frameworks.
- Provide early warnings for deviations in quality, timelines, or costs.
- Draft technical reports and correspondence related to engineering tasks.
E. Stakeholder Coordination and Communication
- Liaise with municipal authorities, contractors, designers, and beneficiary organizations to ensure coordination at all stages.
- Contribute to problem-solving discussions, ensuring constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
- Build lasting partnerships with national and international institutions relevant to infrastructure development.
3. Required Qualifications and Competencies (900+ words)
This is a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7) position, meaning it is open to nationals of Serbia. The level indicates a mid-level technical support function, ideally suited for professionals with field and office-based experience in architecture and engineering.
Education
- Required: Secondary education (High School diploma).
- Preferred: A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related engineering field is an asset and will be given due consideration.
Experience
- With Secondary Education: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in architectural project management, construction supervision, or design review.
- With Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum of 4 years of the same relevant experience.
Core Competencies (UNDP Level 1)
UNDP outlines six fundamental competencies applicable to all personnel. These are measured at Level 1 (entry to mid-level proficiency):
- Achieve Results – Delivering quality outputs on time.
- Think Innovatively – Pragmatic creativity in solving field-related problems.
- Learn Continuously – Sharing and seeking knowledge.
- Adapt with Agility – Flexibility in handling uncertainty and rapid changes.
- Act with Determination – Delivering calmly under pressure.
- Engage and Partner – Forming productive professional relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Confronting bias and upholding equity.
Technical and Functional Competencies
- Effective Decision Making: Ability to assess design and construction decisions quickly and effectively within authority.
- Monitoring: Strong ability to monitor physical progress, compliance, and outcomes.
- Tech Literacy: Proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office, and web-based management systems. Knowledge of BIM is an asset.
- Systems Thinking & Transformation: Holistic perspective to assess projects’ systemic impact on urban planning and local governance.
Required Skills
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with government bodies, contractors, and communities.
- Advanced IT skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge of databases.
- Familiarity with Serbian legal frameworks for urban planning and infrastructure.
- Professional ethics, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
Desired Skills
- Experience working on internationally funded infrastructure projects.
- Previous involvement in large-scale project coordination.
- Strong analytical skills for reviewing design documentation.
- Practical knowledge of energy-efficient building design and environmental management.
- Ability to handle project documentation, contracts, and BoQs with precision.
- Experience in dealing with environmental and social safeguards in infrastructure implementation.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Serbian (written and spoken) – essential for project implementation, stakeholder coordination, and legal compliance.
- Working knowledge of English – necessary for internal UNDP reporting, documentation, and communication with international stakeholders.
4. Strategic Importance of the Role (300+ words)
The Engineering Associate – Architect is not just a technical support role; it is a key operational position contributing to UNDP Serbia’s strategy for inclusive infrastructure, governance enhancement, and EU accession readiness. Through infrastructure development, the UNDP directly supports Serbia’s efforts to meet:
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Infrastructure is a vehicle for multiple developmental goals—from improving educational access to enhancing municipal capacity, energy efficiency, and cultural inclusivity. The Engineering Associate ensures that these infrastructures are not only well-designed but also legally compliant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient.
5. Application Tips and Considerations (300+ words)
A. Tailoring Your CV and Application
- Highlight architectural design experience in public infrastructure.
- Showcase involvement in construction supervision, particularly in Serbia.
- Emphasize experience with legal compliance, especially related to the Law on Planning and Construction.
- Mention experience with energy-efficient designs or green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM, etc.).
B. Prepare for Interviews
- Be ready to discuss specific projects you’ve worked on, especially where you handled design revision, legal coordination, or construction problem-solving.
- Prepare examples of how you’ve coordinated with municipalities or ministries.
- Show your understanding of UNDP values, development goals, and the broader context of infrastructure in governance.
C. Submission Deadline
- Application deadline: 12 May 2025, 05:59 AM (Belgrade time)
- Apply via the Oracle UNDP Recruitment Portal. Ensure that all sections, including experience, education, and language proficiency, are filled out completely and accurately.
6. Ethical and Inclusive Work Environment (200+ words)
UNDP upholds zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, discrimination, and misconduct. The organization promotes:
- Equal employment opportunity regardless of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or background.
- Inclusive hiring practices that seek to build diverse teams.
- A safe and supportive environment where all personnel are empowered, valued, and encouraged to thrive professionally.
Candidates selected will undergo background checks and must commit to upholding the standards of conduct expected within the UN system.
Conclusion
The Engineering Associate – Architect position with UNDP Serbia is a compelling opportunity for professionals who seek to combine technical expertise with social impact. The role goes beyond just drafting designs or managing contractors—it is a platform for promoting inclusive development, strengthening public infrastructure, and aligning national efforts with global sustainability frameworks.
Through this position, you will contribute to projects that influence thousands of lives, help Serbia advance toward EU accession, and embody the UN’s vision of building resilient, inclusive societies.
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