Background
The SDG Acceleration Framework Project, as a Development Services Agreement, is embedded within the Government’s central authority – General Secretariat of the Government, in order to provide services to a wider range of authorities at the national level, as the General Secretariat supports the work of the Government for general and operational affairs.
The Development Services Agreement is envisaged to provide a framework for services requested by the Government, for ongoing initiatives of the Government, for which it bears full accountability. The majority of development services envisaged under the Agreement relate to support to policy making through research, advocacy or policy alternatives, aimed at fulfilling priorities as articulated in the Government plans, presented before Parliament, and in line with progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Project includes, among the rest, support to aligning Expo 2027 with the UN SDGs.
The Commissioner General of Expo 2027 is supported to align the Expo 2027 vision and goals with SDGs and promote sustainable development through the Expo's structures and activities. Expo 2027 is entitled Play for Humanity and it will be held from May 15 to August 15, 2027 in Belgrade. The Commissioner General of Expo 2027 is a temporary body appointed by the Serbian government as per Article 12 of the Convention and is responsible for representing the government on all matters related to the Expo. This includes liaising with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), ensuring compliance with the Expo’s General and Special Rules, and overseeing the exhibition’s participants and program implementation. UNDP will through a portfolio of activities designed to meet specific needs of this temporary body, raise the capacities of the Commissioner General to align Expo 2027 with the SDGs and promote sustainable development initiatives leading to and throughout the event. UNDP will support the Commissioner General, to integrate SDG principles into all aspects of the Expo 2027 ensuring that the Expo becomes a global platform for advancing SDGs and sustainability. The Commissioner General will also be supported to, by aligning the Expo 2027 with SDGs, promote innovative solutions to global challenges, foster international partnerships, and use the platform to elevate Serbia's role in global sustainable development initiatives. This support will include expertise for the SDG alignment and targeted promotional activities to showcase ensure that the technological and cultural achievements act as a catalyst for sustainable development and global cooperation.
Considering the points mentioned above, the UNDP aims to recruit a Project Analyst to coordinate activities under the project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Analyst will be responsible for coordination of all activities under the project Aligning Expo 2027 with the UN SDGs in order to ensure smooth implementation of the project. He/she shall ensure that the project produces results specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost.
The key responsibilities of the Project Analyst include:
Strategic and operational coordination of project activities:
Provide high-level support in the strategic planning and day-to-day coordination of project activities, and the timely and quality delivery of all projects’ outputs. Serve as the central point of contact to synchronize activities across the project team, ensuring smooth workflow and identifying potential capacity gaps. Support the alignment of the vision, objectives, and implementation of Expo 2027 with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Support the integration of sustainability principles across all thematic, cultural, and technological components of the Expo 2027.Monitoring, risk management, and administrative oversight
Monitor implementation progress against approved work plans, deliverables, and timelines; identify risks and propose timely mitigation measures. Ensure that administrative, financial, and procurement activities are carried out in accordance with UNDP regulations, policies, and procedures. Guide the work of administrative personnel, project consultants, and other support staff, as applicable. Support the preparation of periodic narrative and financial reports, project documentation, and operational updates for UNDP and stakeholders. Oversee the management and maintenance of a centralized project repository and filing system to support institutional continuity, quality assurance, and evidence-based reporting.Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison
Coordinate and support the Commissioner General’s engagement with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), participating countries, and development partners. Organize and coordinate meetings with diplomatic missions, international organizations, private sector entities, and civil society actors in Serbia and abroad. Contribute to maintaining and expanding strategic partnerships that enhance the visibility and impact of Expo 2027 and ensure broad international participation. Support the mapping, documentation, and tracking of stakeholder engagement efforts, helping to strengthen partnerships that promote the project's SDG-related objectives. Coordinate communication with relevant stakeholders within the Government of Serbia who are involved in Expo 2027 and project implementation.Strategic event coordination, global promotion and outreach
Provide strategic and operational support in the design, planning, and execution of high-profile events, thematic forums, and SDG-focused programming, both in Serbia and internationally. Lead coordination efforts with national and international stakeholders—including participating countries, UN entities, and embassies—to ensure event quality, relevance, and global appeal. Contribute to the development of concept notes, event briefs, agendas, and related materials, ensuring alignment with project objectives and sustainable event management best practices. Coordinate and consolidate inputs from multiple stakeholders to ensure the delivery of impactful, inclusive, and globally relevant events. Ensure coherence and visibility of sustainability and SDG messaging across all public-facing project activities and communications. Monitor and assess the visibility, reach, and impact of events, proposing improvements to enhance audience engagement and alignment with the SDG agenda.Communication, knowledge management and learning
Provide strategic input in the preparation, review, and dissemination of high-level communication materials that promote the project’s contribution to SDG implementation and raise the international profile of Expo 2027. Ensure the project is supported by a comprehensive communication package that highlights technological and cultural achievements, promotes innovative solutions to global challenges, and showcases Serbia’s leadership in sustainable development. Draft and refine speeches, talking points, briefs, presentations, and reports for the Commissioner General, ensuring alignment with key messages and objectives. Lead the documentation of lessons learned, good practices, and knowledge generated throughout project implementation, with a particular focus on promoting sustainability, gender equality, innovation, and inclusion. Identify opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity development, and peer learning within the project team and with relevant external stakeholders. Contribute to positioning Expo 2027 as a global platform for dialogue, international cooperation, and transformative SDG-related impact.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Analyst will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Manager in coordination with the Commissioner General of Expo 2027.
Competencies Core 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 Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight. Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemPartnership management Strategic engagement
Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
Business Management CommunicationCommunicate 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
Digital Digital transformation design Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organisation Ethics Ethical Implications of Policy Development Consult on the ethical implications within all policy development and standard setting.Required Skills and Experience Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Economics, Communication, Social Science 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 Master`s degree.Desired skills:
Experience in project management, stakeholder coordination, policy support, or strategic communications, preferably in the context of large-scale international events. Experience in high-level coordination, including with government, international organizations, diplomatic missions, and/or private sector stakeholders. Experience in coordinating complex projects/processes that included extensive communication, coordination and facilitation requirements. Experience with organizing or supporting major public or international events, campaigns, or forums. Experience of effective partnership development with national counterparts, development partners and relevant stakeholders. Experience in innovation, digital transformation and/or sustainable development initiatives. Familiarity with UNDP procedures, financial management, and project implementation modalities is an asset Understanding of international event governance frameworks (e.g., Bureau International des Expositions – BIE) is an asset Excellent organizational and time management skills Excellent communication, coordination and facilitation skills Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work. Establishes lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with clients. Treats all people fairly without favoritism Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Demonstrates integrity by modelingLanguages:
Fluency in Serbian and English is requiredThe online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application.
Only attaching a CV is not sufficient for applicants to be considered for positions. All applicants have to complete the Experience, Education, Language, and Nationality & Permanent Residence fields fully.
Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
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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