Youth Policy Analyst, ReLOaD3 (Part time 80%) [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) continues the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiatives, ReLOaD 1 and 2, implemented from 2017 to 2024.

ReLOaD3 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans (WB) by empowering civil society and youth to actively participate in decision-making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Working across the WB region, ReLOaD3 will enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realisation of local priorities in line with local development strategies and needs. 

ReLOaD3 in Montenegro will foster meaningful and relevant youth engagement, effectively addressing their priorities and challenges within the Montenegrin context. The support will include a thorough assessment of youth needs and perspectives, which will guide the development of local Youth Action Plans, youth camps, trainings, forums, community actions, and the implementation of activities both for and with young people. 

The ReLOaD3 total budget is USD 13,39 million, while the budget for the component for Montenegro is USD 2,34 million and its duration is 48 months (Feb 2025 – Jan 2029). 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the ReLOAD3 Project Manager,  and overall supervision of the Team Leader for Governance and Responsive Institutions, the Youth Policy Analyst will support implementation of activities related to youth and local youth policy design and implementation under the respective project in Montenegro as set out in the overall Project document, and in accordance with the UNDP standards and best practices. Additionally, the incumbent will support the Project Manager in the implementation of a set of activities under the youth component for Montenegro, in order to ensure highest quality and outreach of the activities. 

In performing these responsibilities, the incumbent will be required to carry out the following main tasks on a regular basis:

1.  Effective implementation of project activities related to youth and local youth policies design, 
2.  Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level
3.  Facilitate and support monitoring of project activities related to youth,
4.  Effective information and knowledge sharing,
5.  Ensure gender mainstreaming in the process of local youth policies design and in the Montenegro project youth  component

Effective implementation of project activities related to youth and local youth policies design:

• Facilitate and coordinate grassroots engagement and local level activities related to youth policy design and implementation,
• Document methods, good practices, experiences and results related to youth component,
• Provide support to local working groups in designing and finalization of the Local Youth Action Plans,
• Support, drive and encourage activities for development and social cohesion for greater change in youth component of the project;
• Participate and facilitate workshops, trainings, capacity development and information/discussion, technical assistance sessions, conferences, and other events, 
• Support, coordinate and foster partnerships with relevant counterparts (media, civil society organisations, institutions, etc.) maximizing the efficient and effective use of resources and multiplying Project results related for youth component,
• Participate in field visits and implementation of the youth related activities ensuring effective work relations with partner local governments and youth,
• Coordinate timely recruitment of individual consultants and experts for the youth project component, in line with UNDP procedures and gender-sensitive recruitment principles
• Coordinate timely procurement of goods, works, and services under the youth project component in compliance with UNDP rules and relevant technical, safety, and environmental standards
• Ensure maintaining of all relevant project files, correspondence, photocopies, photos, etc.

Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level:

• Liaise with partner municipalities/contact persons for youth for successful implementation of project activities related to local youth policies and to understand the project objectives,
• Ensure regular communication and coordination with Project counterparts and develop and maintain effective mechanisms for integrating and responding to their feedback and insights;
• Encourage active participation of all stakeholders in order to promote empowerment of youth,
• Encourage active participation of all local stakeholders (partner municipalities, NGOs, local institutions and organizations, youth, etc.)  in order to engage in local youth policy design and implementation,
• Contribute to the further development of the project through its promotion and partnership-building with relevant national and local institutions, municipalities, international partners, and technical stakeholders
• Contribute to the formulation and development of new projects and strategic plans aligned with UNDP’s strategic focus, national priorities, and gender equality objectives, drawing on implement project lessons learned.

Facilitate and support monitoring of project activities related to youth:

• Support and initiate functional and operational partnerships with relevant formal and informal entities, at the same time encouraging citizen’s engagement and information on local youth policies,
• Support, drive and encourage activities for development and social cohesion for greater change in the youth component of the project,
• Promote and support inter-municipal cooperation through exchange of information, good practices, peer-to-peer learning and joint capacity building events among partner local governments. 

Effective information and knowledge sharing:

• Apply continuous learning and contribute to the Western Balkan UNDP Country Offices thematic knowledge and practice networks;
• Support the Project Manager, and the ReLOaD3 project staff in sharing knowledge and experiences related to the local youth policies;
• Participate in programme meetings and events and ensure the relevant experience from Montenegro has been adequately shared within the national and international counterparts

Ensure gender mainstreaming in the process of local youth policies design and in the Montenegro project youth component:

• Ensure gender is effectively mainstreamed throughout the projects’ activities, reports, research, analyses, Local Youth Action Plans and, where specifically relevant, analyzed in detail;
• Support local governments to mainstream gender equality;
• Ensure knowledge on gender equality is incorporated in all youth related activities and products.

The incumbent might be requested to perform other duties within the functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under direct supervision of the respective ReLOaD3 Project Manager, the incumbent will be based in UNDP Office in Podgorica, with frequent field work travels throughout Montenegro.

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 Direction & Strategies   

• Effective decision making             
  • Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management   

• Results-based Management        
  • Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• Partnership Management            
  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, governments, civil society and private sector partners, international community, UN agencies, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Communication 
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Customer Satisfaction/Client Management 
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. 

Partnership management            

• CSO engagement             
  • Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs.

2030 Agenda: Peace 

• Governance       
  • Youth Empowerment

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in coordinating and implementing projects related to youth and youth policy design.  

Required skills:

• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), including advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database application.
• Experience and thorough understanding of the overall political, administrative and institutional set-up of local governments in Montenegro.

Desired skills:

• Experience in working on projects implemented in cooperation with international organizations/UN, government institutions, private sector entities, or civil society organizations.
• Experience in working with local governments, particularly in the area of youth.
• Experience in implementing and/or designing key public documents, strategies and trends related to youth policy in Montenegro.
• Experience in sharing of knowledge and good practices related to youth in Montenegro.
• Experience in incorporating gender mainstreaming, equity inclusion, and diversity in work activities and products.
• Experience and Training of Trainers (ToT) certification in designing, developing and facilitating capacity building activities in the field of community development, community youth work and/or youth policy

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

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