Project Associate (FINSTEM) [Open to all applicants]

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

Montenegro is steadily advancing its digital transformation and green transition as part of its broader commitment to sustainable development and EU integration. The financial sector plays a critical role in this transformation, requiring modernization to meet European standards, support economic resilience, and promote environmentally responsible innovation.

In this context, the “FINSTEM: Financial Innovation, Stability, and Transformation for EU-Ready Montenegro Financial Sector” project aims to support the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) in its operational, technological, and institutional transformation. The project focuses on strengthening financial stability, enhancing digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, streamlining internal processes, and expanding public engagement through digital platforms.

Key initiatives under FINSTEM include the development of a CBCG Information System Strategy, business process improvement, external IT security assessments, the launch of an online educational platform, and support for the implementation of EU-aligned frameworks such as PSD2, SEPA, and the Automated Clearing House (ACH). The introduction of the TIPS clone system, in cooperation with the European Central Bank, will enable real-time payments across Montenegro, increasing the speed, security, and efficiency of financial transactions in line with EU standards.

FINSTEM also contributes to climate resilience and green finance by strengthening institutional readiness for climate-related shocks, facilitating access to EU climate finance instruments, and enabling transparent, technology-driven tracking of green investments. The project is part of a broader UNDP-supported portfolio that integrates digital innovation with sustainable development goals, helping to prepare Montenegro’s institutions for a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready economy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Portfolio and Policy Analyst for Climate Change and Biodiversity, and the overall guidance of the Team Leader for Inclusive and Green Growth at UNDP Montenegro, the Project Associate will play a key role in supporting the successful implementation of the project “FINSTEM: Financial Innovation, Stability, and Transformation for EU-Ready Montenegro Financial Sector.”

The Project Associate will provide comprehensive technical, organizational, and coordination support, ensuring that project activities are executed in line with the approved work plans, project documents, and UNDP standards. Working closely with the supervisor, the Project Associate will contribute to the timely and quality delivery of project results by facilitating day-to-day operations, organizing events and stakeholder engagements, supporting monitoring and reporting efforts, and ensuring smooth communication among project partners.

The incumbent will provide support to implementation/delivery of all aspects of the projects’ annual workplans. In performing this general responsibility, the incumbent will be required to carry out the following main tasks on a regular basis:

• Support the Portfolio and Policy Analyst in strategic planning and oversight of project implementation, including development and periodic review of annual and component-specific work plans.
• Contribute to programmatic analysis and advice, including the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, climate resilience, and digital innovation.
• Assist in the collection and use of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis, ensuring mainstreaming of gender throughout the project cycle.
• Provide substantive inputs for the design and quality assurance of project activities, ensuring alignment with UNDP policies, national priorities, and stakeholder needs.
• Contribute to high-level reporting and knowledge products, including inputs for narrative reports, briefs, and strategic updates.
• Facilitate internal coordination across UNDP clusters, promoting synergies within the Inclusive and Green Growth Portfolio and beyond.
• Support project-level risk management and results monitoring, including regular updates to corporate systems (e.g., Quantum) and tracking of outputs and outcomes.
• Contribute to the strategic design and roll-out of project visibility efforts, ensuring consistent messaging and targeted outreach to key audiences.
• Promote learning and knowledge exchange, including participation in relevant training and contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

 Implement day-to-day Project duties/activities:

• Contribute to the preparation of project documents and annual work plans, ensuring alignment with overall project goals and UNDP standards.
• Support the implementation of project activities, including conducting field visits to monitor progress and regularly reporting to the Portfolio and Policy Analyst.
• Assist in identifying technical expertise and relevant stakeholders required for effective implementation of project interventions.
• Proactively flag any challenges during implementation to the supervisor and suggest possible adjustments in plans or approaches based on evolving project needs.
• Coordinate with the Operations Unit on administrative and logistical aspects related to procurement, recruitment, and other operational matters, ensuring smooth project delivery.
• Draft standard correspondence, meeting minutes, and reports, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely follow-up.
• Provide logistical and coordination support for the organization of project events, meetings, workshops, and study visits; provide translation/interpretation support as needed.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with project partners, including relevant national institutions, UN agencies, and international stakeholders.
• Liaise regularly with key institutional partners, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of European Affairs, Ministry of Public Administration, and the General Secretariat of the Government, to ensure alignment and clarity on implementation status.
• Support the drafting of internal and external communication materials, knowledge products, and briefings to promote knowledge sharing and project visibility.
• Support project visibility and communication efforts in collaboration with the Communications Unit, including contributions to promotional content and outreach activities.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Portfolio and Policy Analyst for Climate Change and Biodiversity and overall supervision of the Team Leader for Inclusive and Green Growth in UNDP Country Office in Montenegro, Project Associate wll be responsible to provide daily support on respective project listed in the Background section of the Terms of Reference. The incumbent will be based in UNDP Country Office in Podgorica.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:               

• LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

 Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management                

• Communications:          
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambigious manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and chose communication methods depending on the audience. 
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. 
• Project Management:   
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. 
• Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:     
  • Ability to respond promptly and effectively, delivering timely and high-quality solutions that address client needs. 
  • Proactively contribute to customer service strategies, anticipate future needs, and add value beyond immediate requests.
• Partnership Management:           
  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Digital Awareness and Literacy:               
  • Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. 
  • Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. 
  • Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

2030 Agenda: People    

• Gender:                
  • Ability to integrate gender perspectives across all phases of project implementation and ensure the collection, analysis, and use of sex-disaggregated data to inform decision-making and promote inclusive results.

2030 Agenda: Prosperity            

• Inclusive Growth:            
  • Strong understanding of financial inclusion, financial literacy, and innovation in green finance, with the ability to support initiatives that expand access to sustainable financial services and promote inclusive, climate-resilient economic development.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in Environmental, Social, Natural or Technical Sciences or a related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) OR;
• Minimum 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant project coordination working experience.

Required Skills:

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired Skills:

• University degree in environmental, social, natural or technical sciences or related field is highly desirable.
• Experience in project coordination, reporting and project monitoring and evaluation.
• Previous work experience in areas related to public finance management, public administration reform, or sustainable development.
• Experience in working on projects implemented in cooperation with international organizations, government institutions, private sector entities, or civil society organizations.
• Experience in incorporating gender equality into projects.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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