Regional Programme Manager (ReLOaD3) – UNDP, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

February 16, 2025

9 minutes read

This position is a full-time role with UNDP under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10). It is based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a contract duration of one year, with the possibility of extension. The role is part of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), a 48-month (2025-2029), $13.39 million programme funded by the EU.

Job Purposehttp://UNDP Regional Programme Manager Job Posting

The Regional Programme Manager will oversee the successful planning, execution, and monitoring of the ReLOaD3 programme across the Western Balkans region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). The role focuses on strengthening participatory democracy by empowering civil society and youth and improving cooperation between local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs).

The manager will:

Lead and coordinate programme activities across multiple countries.
Ensure financial accountability and adherence to UNDP/EU guidelines.
Supervise regional teams and liaise with UNDP Country Offices.
Monitor progress and ensure programme objectives align with EU integration efforts.
Advocate for policy changes in local governance, civil society participation, and youth engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Management & Implementation

Oversee ReLOaD3 activities across all participating countries.
Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to track programme impact.
Supervise a high-performing team across multiple locations.
Lead regional networking and knowledge-sharing conferences.
Develop Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and procurement strategies.
Conduct financial planning and budget oversight.
Ensure compliance with UNDP financial and procurement policies.
Monitor risks and implement mitigation strategies.

2. Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the lead UNDP focal point for ReLOaD3 in the region.
Maintain strong relationships with EU representatives, local governments, CSOs, and donors.
Organize policy discussions and consultations with Western Balkan authorities.
Facilitate synergies between ReLOaD3 and other UNDP initiatives.

3. Policy Advisory & Capacity Building@vacancyspaces.com

Provide technical expertise in local governance, civil society engagement, youth participation, and gender mainstreaming.
Offer policy recommendations to national and local governments.
Support gender equality initiatives and social inclusion policies.

4. Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships

Represent UNDP in regional and international forums.
Develop strategic partnerships with donors, government agencies, and international organizations.
Promote the visibility of UNDP and ReLOaD3 through media and public events.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field (required).
A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted.

Experience

Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of experience in civil society development, local governance, and public administration.
Proven project management experience in international development.
Strong understanding of local government structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Experience in grant management and EU-funded projects.
Knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion policies.

Skills

Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
Ability to build partnerships and engage with stakeholders at different levels.
Experience in risk management, monitoring, and evaluation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Languages

Fluency in English and at least one of the regional languages (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Serbian) is required.

Regional Programme Manager (ReLOaD3) – UNDP, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction to the Role

The Regional Programme Manager will oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), a major EU-UNDP initiative aimed at fostering participatory democracy, strengthening civil society, and promoting EU integration across six Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).

This is a senior-level position requiring strong leadership, programme management, stakeholder coordination, and policy advisory skills. The role involves overseeing a large-scale programme (budget: USD 13.39 million), managing multiple teams across different countries, and ensuring efficient project implementation in line with UNDP and EU standards.

The selected candidate will be based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will work closely with UNDP offices in multiple countries, government authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), donors, and regional stakeholders.

Programme Background: ReLOaD3

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD) was launched in 2017 and has undergone multiple phases:

ReLOaD 1 (2017-2020): Focused on building municipal capacities and improving civil society partnerships.
ReLOaD 2 (2020-2024): Expanded support to more municipalities, emphasized youth engagement, and strengthened governance structures.
ReLOaD 3 (2025-2029): Aims to further institutionalize participatory governance, empower CSOs, and promote sustainable partnerships between local governments and civil society.

Objectives of ReLOaD3

Strengthen local democracy and inclusive decision-making.
Improve financial and legal frameworks for civil society participation.
Enhance government-CSO collaboration for better service delivery.
Promote youth engagement and volunteerism.
Foster regional cooperation and contribute to the EU integration process.

Budget and Duration

Total Budget: USD 13.39 million.
Programme Duration: 48 months (February 2025 – January 2029).

Key Responsibilities of the Regional Programme Manager

1. Programme Management & Leadership

Lead the implementation of ReLOaD3 across six Western Balkan countries.
Develop and oversee annual work plans (AWPs), budgets, and procurement plans to ensure efficient execution.
Manage a multi-country team, including national coordinators, consultants, and field staff.
Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor progress and ensure alignment with programme objectives.
Ensure financial accountability and compliance with UNDP/EU regulations.
Monitor programme risks and propose mitigation strategies.
Conduct performance reviews of project staff across multiple countries.
Provide strategic direction and expert guidance to project teams.

2. Stakeholder Coordination & Policy Engagement

Serve as the primary UNDP representative for ReLOaD3 in the region.
Maintain strong partnerships with:
- Government institutions (local and national authorities).
- CSOs and grassroots organizations.
- EU Delegations and other international donors.
- UNDP country offices in the Western Balkans.
Organize and lead policy dialogues, workshops, and strategic meetings.
Facilitate intergovernmental coordination to ensure policy alignment with EU and UNDP objectives.
Engage in high-level consultations with stakeholders, including the European Commission (EU DG NEAR) and national ministries.

3. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing

Develop training modules and capacity-building initiatives for:
- Local governments (on governance best practices and citizen participation).
- CSOs (on financial management, project implementation, and advocacy).
Organize regional conferences, forums, and workshops to exchange best practices.
Ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Document lessons learned and contribute to UNDP knowledge-sharing platforms.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Develop and oversee a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.
Ensure programme activities align with key performance indicators (KPIs).
Prepare and submit progress reports to the UNDP and the EU.
Oversee data collection and impact assessment using digital monitoring tools.
Ensure transparency and accountability in funding allocations and grant disbursements.

5. Advocacy, Visibility & Resource Mobilization

Advocate for participatory democracy and local governance reforms.
Develop and execute a communications and visibility strategy to highlight programme achievements.
Represent UNDP at regional and international conferences.
Develop new funding proposals and engage with potential donors to secure additional funding.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field (required).
A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two additional years of experience may be accepted.

Experience

Minimum 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) of relevant experience in:
- Civil society development.
- Local governance reform.
- Public administration and policy advocacy.
- Project and programme management.
Experience in managing large-scale EU/UN-funded projects.
Familiarity with the political, administrative, and institutional structures of the Western Balkans.
Experience in grant management and CSO capacity building.
Strong background in financial oversight, procurement, and budgeting.
Previous work with international donors, government institutions, and civil society.

Required Skills

Leadership & Team Management – Ability to lead multi-country teams.
Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making – Proven ability to analyze complex challenges and propose solutions.
Financial Management – Experience in budget oversight, financial reporting, and donor compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement – Strong networking and negotiation skills.
Analytical & Research Skills – Ability to develop policy recommendations and conduct impact assessments.

Languages

Fluency in English (required).
Fluency in one of the regional languages (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, or Serbian) (required).

Why Apply?

Lead a high-impact regional programme that strengthens democracy, governance, and civil society.
Work in an international environment with diverse stakeholders.
Contribute to EU integration efforts in the Western Balkans.
Gain experience in large-scale programme management within UNDP.
Engage in policy advocacy, strategic decision-making, and multi-country coordination.

Final Thoughts

The Regional Programme Manager position is a highly influential role that requires strong leadership, policy expertise, and programme management skills. It offers an opportunity to drive meaningful change, strengthen local democracy, and enhance civil society engagement across the Western Balkans.

Comprehensive Guide to the Regional Programme Manager (ReLOaD3) – UNDP, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting a Regional Programme Manager to lead the implementation of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). This is an essential position in one of the largest regional projects funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNDP. The ReLOaD3 programme aims to strengthen local governance, civil society participation, and democratic processes in the Western Balkans, covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

The role requires expertise in local governance, civil society development, EU funding mechanisms, and programme management. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading a diverse team, ensuring effective implementation of the programme, and coordinating efforts across multiple countries. This is a high-level strategic role that involves collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), EU bodies, and UNDP country offices.

This document provides a detailed breakdown of the role, including responsibilities, qualifications, expected impact, and career benefits.

Background: Understanding ReLOaD3

The Evolution of ReLOaD

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD) was first introduced in 2017 with the goal of strengthening participatory democracy, increasing local government transparency, and improving cooperation between municipalities and CSOs. The programme has successfully completed two phases and is now launching its third phase (ReLOaD3), which will focus on institutionalizing best practices, ensuring sustainability, and further enhancing civil society engagement.

The three phases of ReLOaD are:

ReLOaD 1 (2017-2020) – Focused on introducing transparent municipal funding models, improving CSO participation in governance, and strengthening municipal capacities.
ReLOaD 2 (2020-2024) – Expanded to more municipalities, emphasized youth engagement, and provided increased support for CSO capacity-building.
ReLOaD 3 (2025-2029) – Aims to ensure sustainability by embedding participatory governance models into national and local frameworks, and reinforcing the role of civil society in public service delivery.

Objectives of ReLOaD3

The main goals and objectives of ReLOaD3 include:

✅ Strengthening local democracy – Enhancing transparency, citizen participation, and institutional frameworks.
✅ Institutionalizing best practices – Ensuring the sustainability of governance models that promote local democracy.
✅ Strengthening CSO-government partnerships – Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of civil society involvement in governance.
✅ Enhancing financial management – Supporting municipalities in implementing transparent and accountable funding mechanisms.
✅ Promoting youth and volunteerism – Encouraging youth participation in decision-making and community engagement.
✅ Contributing to EU integration – Aligning local governance models with EU standards and policies to support Western Balkans’ European accession efforts.

Role of the Regional Programme Manager

The Regional Programme Manager is responsible for leading the multi-country implementation of ReLOaD3. The individual in this role will manage a team of national coordinators, consultants, and support staff, ensuring efficient execution of project activities in alignment with UNDP and EU standards.

The role involves:

Developing and implementing strategies for achieving the programme’s objectives.
Managing financial and human resources across multiple countries.
Coordinating with UNDP country offices, government institutions, EU delegations, and CSOs.
Ensuring compliance with UNDP and EU financial regulations.
Developing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track programme impact.

Detailed Responsibilities

1. Programme Management & Oversight

Develop, implement, and oversee the annual work plan (AWP), procurement plans, and budget.
Monitor programme progress and ensure timely implementation of activities.
Lead a diverse team of professionals across six countries.
Ensure financial accountability and compliance with UNDP/EU regulations.
Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Report on programme achievements to UNDP and the EU.

2. Stakeholder Coordination & Partnership Development

Serve as the primary UNDP representative for ReLOaD3 in the region.
Engage with national and local governments, CSOs, and EU bodies.
Facilitate intergovernmental coordination to ensure policy alignment.
Represent UNDP at high-level conferences and regional meetings.

3. Capacity Building & Institutional Development

Develop training programs for local governments and CSOs.
Promote institutional sustainability through knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Ensure integration of gender equality and social inclusion policies.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Oversee impact assessments and ensure data-driven decision-making.
Track progress using UNDP’s results-based management tools.
Ensure transparency in financial allocations and grant disbursements.

5. Advocacy, Visibility & Resource Mobilization

Advocate for democratic governance and participatory decision-making.
Develop communication strategies to highlight programme success.
Secure additional funding through engagement with donors.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Law, Political Science, Social Sciences, or related fields.
A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted.

Experience

5+ years (with a Master’s) or 7+ years (with a Bachelor’s) of experience in:
- Civil society development and local governance reform.
- Managing large-scale EU/UN-funded projects.
- Policy advocacy, grant management, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience in the Western Balkans context is preferred.

Skills

Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent financial and project management expertise.
Policy development and stakeholder coordination experience.
Proficiency in results-based management (RBM) frameworks.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (required).
Proficiency in Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, or Serbian (preferred).

Why This Role is Important

This position is a career-defining opportunity for professionals passionate about governance, democracy, and civil society development. By leading this programme, the Regional Programme Manager will:

✔ Shape governance policies in the Western Balkans.
✔ Strengthen democratic institutions and civil society engagement.
✔ Support EU integration efforts by aligning governance models with EU standards.
✔ Gain regional leadership experience in a complex multi-country setting.
✔ Contribute to long-term, sustainable governance reforms.

Final Thoughts

The Regional Programme Manager position is a high-impact leadership role within UNDP. It offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to governance reforms, civil society empowerment, and EU integration efforts in the Western Balkans. The role requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in programme management, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.