Експерт/ка з підтримки реалізації програми
Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development Project, UCORD is looking for a Expert for supporting implementation of INTERREG NEXT Programme Poland-Ukraine.
Location: Hybrid (with visits to Ternopil region, Ukraine)
Expected start date: 09.12.2024
Duration: 09.12.2024 – 30.03.2025
Days: Up to 35
Background
Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development project, UCORD is implemented with the support of Switzerland via the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through NIRAS Sweden AB.
UCORD aims for citizens, businesses, and public authorities to contribute and equally benefit from recovery actions and coherent regional development that fosters improved quality of life, resilience, peace, and social cohesion in Ukraine. The project currently supports six pilot oblasts of Ukraine: Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Odesa and Volyn oblasts as the starting points, targeting capacity development and awareness-raising initiatives spread throughout the country. UCORD consists of three components:
Component 1 embeds regional policy development in Ukraine by supporting and strengthening Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in pilot oblasts.
Component 2 seeks to improve public service delivery in the WASAW (water supply, sanitation, and waste management) sector, focusing on the environment.
Component 3 aims to construct social cohesion through culture, dialogue, and creative industries.
The Ternopil oblast Regional Development Agency (RDA), one of six pilot RDAs in Ukraine, has been selected to implement a critical component of the INTERREG NEXT Poland–Ukraine Cross-Border Cooperation Programme. As part of this role, Ternopil Oblast RDA will oversee the Small Project Fund (SPF) under Priority 2: Environment, which includes managing public calls for proposals, evaluating projects, and ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of funded initiatives.
In this context, UCORD is looking to engage a Expert for supporting implementation of INTERREG NEXT Programme Poland-Ukraine who is expected to perform the following tasks:
- Review the SPF Beneficiary Application, ensuring compliance with Ukrainian legislation and best practices, and provide recommendations for amendments;
- Review the Manual for Small Projects and related annexes, ensuring alignment with Ukrainian legislation and best practices, and propose amendments;
- Assess potential challenges and opportunities for Ukrainian Small Project Beneficiaries (including public bodies and civil society entities) in relation to their participation in the INTERREG NEXT Programme;
- Build the capacity of newly appointed RDA staff through training, on-the-job mentoring, and advice on project management, financial management, and programme implementation;
- Maintain regular contact and coordination with Ternopil Oblast RDA and its Supervisory Board;
- Collaborate with the International Grant Management Advisor to support the RDA in fulfilling INTERREG NEXT Programme requirements;
- Provide direct support and advice on drafting the SPF Beneficiary Application and the Manual for Small Projects;
- Conduct capacity-building activities, including tailored training sessions for RDA staff;
- Facilitate coordination and communication with relevant stakeholders, including UCORD and RDA supervisory structures;
- Prepare a brief report on challenges and opportunities for Ukrainian Small Project Beneficiaries and lessons learned from similar EU programmes;
- Deliver training and provide on-the-job advice to RDA staff, focusing on project management, financial management, and programme implementation;
- Submit bi-weekly updates summarising activities, challenges, and progress of Ternopil Oblast RDA;
Candidate Qualifications
Education & Knowledge:
- A bachelor’s degree in public administration, Economics, Law, Finance, or an associated field. An equivalent is at least five years of experience in the field;
Experience:
- A minimum of 7 years of professional expertise in project management – preparation, implementation and/or monitoring of programmes and projects.
- An understanding of the context of regional development and de-centralisation in Ukraine
- At least 3 years experiences in working with public authorities at different levels (national or regional or local) related to implementation of project initiatives that are funded by donors or national budget
- Experiences in delivery of training and building of capacities of public/civil sector/private entities.
Skills:
- Excellent research and analytical abilities.
- Strong written and communication skills
- Working knowledge of English.
- Experiences and knowledge of EU Funding initiatives.
Evaluation of response & selection
Interested applicants should send their proposals to [email protected] on December 6, 2024
The proposal should contain the following documents:
Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
Up-to-date CV indicating relevant experience and qualifications, including at least three contact references;
The proposal should be submitted in English.
