We are hiring: Project Officer for Capital Budgeting in Local Governments

In the scope of the EU Exchange 6 Programme financed by the EU and implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, we are looking for: 

Project Officer for Capital Budgeting in Local Governments

Belgrade

 

Time input requested: Full-time position;

Expected start of the engagement: in September 2021.

Duration of the engagement: 36 months with the possibility of extension

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EMPLOYER AND THE PROJECT FOR WHICH THE POSITION IS ADVERTISED: 

The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities – National Association of Local Authorities in Serbia (SCTM) deals with the development of local self-governments (LSGs), especially in terms of improving the relevant national and local legal system governing the system of LSG. The SCTM also provides a wide range of support to build the capacity of local administration to implement local government competencies and tasks. With the support of international institutions and organizations, the SCTM implements a large number of programmes and projects of importance for the general improvement of the LSG system and for improving the implementation of LSG competencies in specific areas.

SCTM will implement the Project “Enhancing credibility of planning, programme-based budgeting and control in execution of public expenditures at local level in Serbia” – EU Exchange 6 Programme, funded under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA 2019), and is intended to provide support to LSGs in Serbia. The project is intended to support LSGs in the field of local development and medium-term planning, programme and capital budgeting and internal financial control. The realization of this three-year Programme is scheduled to begin in September 2021.

One of the Components of the Programme will pertain to the support to LSGs in improving their capacity for capital budgeting and transparent budget management. The Programme will support LSGs in introduction of functional multi-annual capital budgeting, by means of horizontal activities, networking, trainings and advisory support, as well as through the direct technical support, i.e., through the implementation of municipal support packages. Municipal support packages (MSPs) for the LSGs selected upon competitive procedure, imply provision of expert support and delivery of specific knowledge in subject areas through training, mentoring, advisory assistance and support for improving the existing or development of new procedures and acts in LSGs in accordance with recommended models and best practices.

DUTIES 

The Project Officer - expert for capital budgeting in LSG, will be engaged to support implementation of the project Component intended to assist LSGs in improving compliance with the cycle of selection and budgeting of capital projects and for improving budget transparency. The subject position is particularly relevant for achieving the following planned project results:

• Improving the knowledge of local governments for capital project management and their capacity for functional multi-year capital budgeting, including coordination of expert support for about 20 cities and municipalities
• Improving the transparency of the local budget and wider application of the principles of good governance in the preparation and implementation of the local government budget

The person engaged in the subject position will be directly responsible to the Component Coordinator, and will perform part of his/her duties in team work with other associates within the Component, and more widely, with the entire Project team, in accordance with the business rules of the SCTM.

Concretely, the Project Officer will work on the following assignments:

• Annual mapping on existence of LSG multi-annual overviews/plans of capital projects (CP)/investments and on consistency of LSGs’ Budget Decisions with such capital projects/investments plans/overviews;
• Provision of advisory support to SCTM membership (all LSGs) pertaining to capital budgeting and CP management and preparation of related information to be exchanged with relevant national stakeholders;
• Carrying out accredited trainings for all LSGs (regionally grouped) concerning the LSG capital budgeting;
• Participating in the process of establishing the SCTM pool of experts for provision of support to LSGs concerning capital budgeting and budget transparency;
• Participating in implementation of 2 subsequent Calls/competitions (preparation of application packages, launching of Calls, undertaking info-days) and selection of LSGs to be directly supported in improvement of capital budgeting;
• Organising implementation and monitoring the progress until completion of the awarded MSPs to selected LSGs concerning capital budgeting;
• Support the Programme visibility and promotion activities (participate in preparation of texts/briefs on implementation; preparation of brochures, organisation of various events in the scope of the Programme and support in organizing the final conference, etc.);
• Regular reporting and performing of other tasks related to the work in SCTM in line with the instructions and assignments by the management.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

1. University degree;
2. Knowledge of the planning and budget system in Serbia (based on the Law on Planning System, Budget System Law and accompanying bylaws, including regulations concerning the planning and budgeting of capital projects);
3. Knowledge of Serbian LSG system;
4. Skills of logical and analytical reasoning, organizational skills and readiness for teamwork;
5. Computer literacy;
6. Usage of English language – advanced level;

Following qualifications will be considered as an asset:

1. Knowledge of Serbian institutional, methodological and legal framework related to budgeting, public finance and strategic planning, including capital budgeting and investments’ planning
2. Experience in programme budgeting and/or budgeting of capital projects
3. Experience in direct work, cooperation or providing support to LSGs

Interested candidates should submit CV and motivation letter in Serbian or English language in reguested format to the e-mail address mirjana.knezevic@skgo.org.

 

SCTM respects gender equality and guarantees equal opportunities when hiring associates

Deadline for applications: September 10^th, 2021.