Engineering Associate

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This position is with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belgrade, Serbia, and is under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) for a 6-month, part-time contract (80%). Here’s a summary of the key details and expectations:

Position Overview
- Title: Engineering Associate
- Grade: NPSA-7
- Location: Belgrade, Serbia
- Agency: UNDP (Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS)
- Contract Duration: 6 months (with potential for extension)
- Working Hours: Part-time (80%)
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Languages Required: English and Serbian
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
The Engineering Associate will assist in infrastructure-related activities, focusing on project design, supervision, and quality assurance. Main duties include:
- Technical Design and Documentation:
- Support preparation of feasibility studies and designs.
- Review and revise design documentation.
- Assist in creating tender documentation for procurement.
- Monitoring and Supervision:
- Oversee design and construction processes.
- Conduct on-site inspections to monitor quality, cost, and compliance.
- Provide early warnings about potential issues in project execution.
- Project Management and Reporting:
- Coordinate with contractors, municipalities, and stakeholders.
- Prepare reports on project progress.
- Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, including the Law on Planning and Construction.
Qualifications
Education:
- Required: Secondary education.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or related fields.
Experience:
- With Secondary Education: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
- With Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant areas: Architecture, interior design, or construction-related project management.
Skills:
- Strong organizational, communication, and IT skills.
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and handle feedback positively.
- Advanced knowledge of tools like AutoCAD, 3D Max, SketchUp, or similar software (preferred).
- Familiarity with BIM and national legislation related to construction (preferred).
Languages:
- Fluency in Serbian (required).
- Working knowledge of English (required).
Institutional Arrangement
Competencies
- Core Competencies:
- Achieve results with attention to detail.
- Adapt to challenges and remain flexible.
- Build strong relationships and ensure inclusivity.
- Technical Competencies:
- Effective decision-making and monitoring skills.
- Familiarity with digital tools and system thinking.
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This role offers the chance to:
- Work on impactful projects that directly support public investment in Serbia.
- Contribute to sustainable infrastructure development.
- Gain experience in a global organization like the UNDP, known for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Tips for Applying
- Complete the Online Form:
- Ensure your work history, education, language skills, and certifications are all detailed.
- Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:
- Highlight your experience with construction project management, design, or supervision.
- Showcase your knowledge of Serbian laws on planning and construction.
- Showcase Technical Skills:
- If you’ve used tools like AutoCAD or BIM, mention them prominently.
- Demonstrate Soft Skills:
- Mention how you’ve successfully worked with teams or handled challenging situations.
- Proof of Language Proficiency:
- Highlight fluency in Serbian and working knowledge of English.
About the Role
The Engineering Associate position is a part-time opportunity with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belgrade, Serbia. This job aligns with UNDP’s mission to drive sustainable development by supporting public infrastructure projects and empowering communities. Specifically, the role is part of the Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative (ACADI), a project designed to strengthen the capacity of Serbia’s Ministry of Public Investments (MPI) in managing and implementing infrastructure projects funded by public loans.
Why is this important? Serbia’s infrastructure growth depends on efficient project management. Timely delivery of public projects not only saves the government from incurring unnecessary costs (like loan interest and penalties) but also improves the standard of living and creates lasting economic impacts.
Job Responsibilities
Your role as an Engineering Associate revolves around technical expertise in the design, supervision, and monitoring of infrastructure-related activities. Below is a breakdown of responsibilities:
1. Project Documentation
- Feasibility and Design: Assist in preparing feasibility studies, designs, and pre-construction documents. You will work on design revisions to ensure alignment with project goals.
- Tendering Processes: Contribute to the preparation of tender documentation for the procurement of goods and services. You’ll also help ensure that the tendering and procurement processes align with both national and international best practices.
- Compliance: All designs and documents must adhere to Serbian legal frameworks, particularly the Law on Planning and Construction.
2. Supervision of Infrastructure Projects
- Act as a liaison between contractors, municipal authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor progress, ensuring that designs, materials, and completed work meet quality standards and project deadlines.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and technical regulations at all stages of the project.
3. Problem-Solving & Quality Assurance
- Identify challenges or discrepancies (e.g., issues with construction, delays, material problems) and provide recommendations to address these.
- Suggest design or material changes to improve outcomes, with approval from the Project Manager.
4. Reporting and Feedback
- Regularly provide progress reports to the Project Manager, flagging any critical issues or delays.
- Support project evaluations and prepare data for monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
5. Capacity Building
- Provide guidance to MPI and contractors to strengthen local capacity for project delivery.
- Share best practices in design and project management to improve long-term outcomes.
Key Competencies
UNDP emphasizes both core competencies (behavioral skills) and technical competencies (job-specific expertise). To excel in this role, you should demonstrate:
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: Deliver projects on time and to high standards.
- Adapt with Agility: Handle uncertainty and adapt to changes in project scope or priorities.
- Engage and Partner: Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Show cultural sensitivity and a commitment to equity.
Technical Competencies
- Monitoring & Reporting: Ensure project outcomes align with planned goals.
- Digital Tools: Be familiar with software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar tools for design and visualization.
- Systems Thinking: View challenges holistically, considering all interconnected factors, and develop creative solutions.
Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, you need a combination of education, experience, and skills:
Education
- Secondary Education (required): If you have a high school diploma, 7 years of relevant work experience is necessary.
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferred): A degree in architecture, interior design, or related fields is advantageous and reduces the required work experience to 4 years.
Experience
- Relevant experience in construction-related project management, particularly in:
- Architecture.
- Interior design.
- Supervising construction projects or large-scale design implementation.
Skills
- Essential Skills:
- Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
- Strong IT proficiency, including MS Office tools.
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders and adapt to feedback.
- Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of advanced design tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D Max Studio, or BIM software.
- Experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects or international projects.
- Familiarity with Serbia’s Law on Planning and Construction.
Languages
- Fluency in Serbian is mandatory.
- Working knowledge of English is required.
How to Apply@vacancyspaces.com
To apply successfully, you’ll need to follow UNDP’s structured process. Here are the steps:
1. Complete the Online Application Form
- Fill in every required field (experience, education, language, and nationality). Note that only attaching a CV is insufficient—all fields in the application must be completed.
- Make sure your responses align with the specific skills and experience listed in the job description.
2. Tailor Your CV
- Highlight your expertise in construction project management and design.
- List any large-scale or government-funded projects you’ve worked on, particularly those requiring adherence to Serbian legal standards.
- Showcase relevant software skills, such as AutoCAD, 3D modeling tools, or BIM platforms.
3. Write a Strong Cover Letter
- Emphasize your experience with infrastructure design, monitoring, and compliance.
- Demonstrate your understanding of UNDP’s values, especially diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Mention any achievements or certifications that make you a strong fit for the role.
4. Provide Supporting Materials (if requested)
- Managers may ask for examples of your work (e.g., reports, presentations, designs). Be prepared to showcase your skills.
Why This Role Matters
As an Engineering Associate, your work will have a direct impact on the delivery of critical public infrastructure projects in Serbia. This is an opportunity to:
- Apply your technical expertise to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Gain experience with a globally recognized organization that values equity and inclusion.
- Contribute to Serbia’s long-term development by strengthening public investment systems.
How You Can Stand Out
To make your application shine:
- Quantify your impact: Include specific metrics in your CV or cover letter, such as the budget size of projects you’ve managed or the scale of construction works you’ve supervised.
- Demonstrate leadership: Even in a support role, show how you’ve taken initiative or solved critical challenges on previous projects.
- Showcase UNDP alignment: Familiarize yourself with UNDP’s goals (like the Sustainable Development Goals) and mention how your work aligns with their mission.
Another Words


This role is more than just a job—it’s a chance to drive tangible change in Serbia’s infrastructure development while working for a global organization. By focusing on precision, adaptability, and collaboration, you can position yourself as the perfect candidate for this part-time opportunity.
About UNDP and Its Mission
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading global organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and enhancing governance. With a presence in over 170 countries, UNDP partners with governments, private entities, and communities to implement projects that empower people and protect the planet.
For this role in Serbia, UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Public Investments (MPI) to deliver critical infrastructure projects. These projects are funded through public loans, meaning that timely implementation is essential to avoid unnecessary financial burdens such as additional interest or penalties. The overarching aim is to ensure that Serbia’s infrastructure systems evolve to meet modern standards while promoting sustainability and inclusion.
The Engineering Associate position is part of the Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative (ACADI). This initiative is tailored to enhance Serbia’s capacity to implement loan-funded projects effectively. As an Engineering Associate, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the design, supervision, and implementation of infrastructure projects meet high standards while aligning with legal, environmental, and organizational goals.
Detailed Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will span several critical areas of infrastructure project management. Below is a more exhaustive look at what this entails:
1. Infrastructure Project Design
You will actively contribute to the design phase of infrastructure projects. This includes:
- Assisting in the preparation of key design documents such as pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, and preliminary designs.
- Ensuring that designs are aligned with both the technical standards and the strategic goals of the projects.
- Revising design documents as needed to address gaps or changes in project scope.
- Working collaboratively with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to produce high-quality design outputs.
2. Procurement Support
The procurement of goods and services is a key component of infrastructure projects. In this role, you will:
- Assist in preparing tender documentation to ensure it complies with procurement best practices and local regulations.
- Support tender evaluation processes by providing technical expertise.
- Contribute to the development of procurement guides and input into contracts for services and materials.
3. Supervision of Construction Activities
During the construction phase, your expertise will be instrumental in:
- On-site monitoring: Supervising ongoing construction activities to ensure they are in compliance with approved designs and standards.
- Evaluating the quality of materials used and the overall workmanship to maintain consistency with project specifications.
- Addressing any discrepancies between the design and actual construction work.
- Ensuring that safety and environmental standards are strictly adhered to during all phases of construction.
4. Problem-Solving and Recommendations
Construction projects often encounter unforeseen challenges. As an Engineering Associate, you will:
- Identify and analyze potential problems, including delays, material shortages, or technical conflicts.
- Propose practical and cost-effective solutions, whether related to design, materials, or construction methods.
- Collaborate with the Project Manager to implement corrections and manage conflicts effectively.
5. Reporting and Evaluation
You will be responsible for providing ongoing updates and assessments to the Project Manager. This includes:
- Preparing detailed progress reports that highlight achievements, challenges, and solutions.
- Contributing to the monitoring and evaluation framework for projects, ensuring compliance with goals and timelines.
- Offering early warnings for critical issues that could impact project delivery or quality.
6. Stakeholder Collaboration
This role requires frequent interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as contractors, municipalities, and government agencies. You will:
- Build strong, collaborative relationships to ensure smooth project implementation.
- Act as a mediator between stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain project momentum.
7. Compliance and Best Practices
Infrastructure projects must adhere to Serbian laws and international standards. In this capacity, you will:
- Ensure all project activities comply with Serbian Law on Planning and Construction and related regulations.
- Promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the design and execution of projects.
- Share best practices in project management with stakeholders, contributing to long-term capacity building.
Qualifications and Competencies
This role requires a mix of technical skills, professional experience, and behavioral competencies. Below is a detailed outline of the qualifications:
Educational Requirements
- Mandatory: Secondary Education with at least 7 years of relevant experience in construction-related project management.
- Preferred: A Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, the required work experience is reduced to 4 years.
Experience
You must have a proven track record in:
- Managing construction projects or large-scale design initiatives.
- Designing infrastructure projects and revising technical documentation.
- Supervising construction work to ensure compliance with design and quality standards.
Technical Skills
- Required:
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Proficiency in MS Office tools (Word, Excel) and familiarity with database systems.
- Experience working within legal frameworks related to construction (e.g., Serbia’s Law on Planning and Construction).
- Desired:
- Advanced skills in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or 3D Max Studio.
- Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems.
- Experience managing energy efficiency projects or projects with sustainability goals.
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: Deliver high-quality work while meeting deadlines.
- Think Innovatively: Develop creative, practical solutions to challenges.
- Adapt with Agility: Respond effectively to shifting priorities or challenges.
- Engage and Partner: Build strong, productive relationships with stakeholders.
Languages
- Fluency in Serbian is mandatory.
- A working knowledge of English is required, as project documentation and communication with international stakeholders may require it.
How to Succeed in the Application Process
To stand out as a candidate, you need to ensure that your application reflects both your technical expertise and alignment with UNDP’s values of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Below are some tips:
1. Completing the Online Application
- Carefully fill out the required fields, including your work experience, education, and language skills. Avoid leaving any sections blank.
- Ensure that your experience matches the qualifications listed in the job description.
2. Crafting a Tailored CV
- Highlight specific examples of your work in design, construction supervision, or project management.
- Quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention the budget size of projects you’ve managed or the number of stakeholders you’ve coordinated with.
- Include any software tools or certifications relevant to the role.
3. Writing a Strong Cover Letter
- Address how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the position.
- Demonstrate your commitment to UNDP’s values, such as sustainable development and inclusive practices.
- Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed similar projects or overcome challenges.
4. Preparing for Interviews
If shortlisted, you may be asked to participate in an interview or submit additional materials, such as project reports or designs. Be prepared to:
- Discuss specific projects you’ve worked on and your role in their success.
- Showcase your problem-solving skills, particularly in scenarios involving construction challenges or delays.
Impact of the Role
This role is not just about technical expertise—it’s about making a tangible impact on Serbia’s infrastructure development. By supporting the Ministry of Public Investments, you will help:
- Deliver projects that improve public services and quality of life.
- Reduce costs by ensuring timely and efficient project implementation.
- Promote sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency and environmental conservation.
This position also provides a unique opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s broader mission of promoting development that leaves no one behi

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