Grant Scheme Implementation and Capacity Building Analyst – Sarajevo

Background

UNDP BIH, as part of the UN global development network, supports the green and digital economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and sustainable rural development by strengthening institutions and the private Sector. It also supports the development of gender-sensitive policies and financial instruments to foster sustainable and competitive economic growth, which includes policy frameworks for sustainable agriculture, rural development, and the circular and digital economy.

Translating the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Programme (SDG2BIH), funded by Sweden, aims to support the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as per the targets defined in the SDG Framework. This will be pursued through two, interlinked and mutually reinforcing, results implemented across all levels of government in BIH related to: planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting (at state, entity, and BD BiH levels); and active participation and contribution of the cantonal and local governments to implementation of the SDG Framework.

In the previous period, the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts (hereinafter: the Ministry) approached the SDG2BIH Programme to ask for the support in development of a comprehensive grant scheme for technological advancement of SMEs and the improvement of product quality through the acquisition of new equipment for the improvement of innovations in production, and the establishment of a circular economy model in the everyday operations of SMEs. Moreover, the Ministry expressed interest in utilization of the fully digitalized grant management system which has been developed by UNDP BiH and consequent piloting by the Ministry during 2024 and 2025. As the proposed cooperation framework is aligned with the overall goal of the SDG2 Programme, a cooperation agreement between UNDP BiH and the Ministry was signed. Under this cooperation, the Ministry will secure and provide investments needed to foster green transition and circular economy of the companies through the purchase of fixed assets related to new production technologies and equipment (e.g. production lines, machines, devices, equipment, etc.), introduction of new procedures or processing methods that lead to improved production and improvement of product quality, transfer knowledge to improve the production cycle, development of new products etc. In parallel, the SDG2BIH will support the Ministry through the tailored digital solution for the process of designing, submitting, evaluating and monitoring of applications for grant scheme measures implemented by the Ministry and strengthening of Ministry’s internal capacities in using the grant scheme digital solution management. In addition, UNDP will provide technical support to Ministry in implementation of grant scheme and monitoring of project implementation.

This technical support will be provided by the Grant Scheme Implementation and Capacity Building Analyst (hereinafter: the Analyst), who will be responsible for overseeing the entire process of the grant scheme, ensuring that all stages from contract signing to project implementation and completion are managed effectively. The Analyst will work closely with the Ministry and UNDP BiH to provide expert guidance on best practices, facilitate knowledge transfer, and address any challenges that arise during implementation. The Analyst will perform field monitoring visits to the beneficiaries of the grant schemes, and monitor the progress, while ensuring obstacles can be easily overcome, and companies implement the project successfully. Additionally, based on the lessons learned in the field, the Analyst will assist in building the Ministry’s capacity to manage future grant schemes independently, ensuring sustainability and continuous improvement in supporting SMEs’ technological advancements and the transition to a green and circular economy. Technical support will be delivered in accordance with the Handbook for Public Sector Practitioners in line with best EU practices regarding grants scheme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This approach will complement in embedding government’s long-term development priorities and policies for green growth and circular economy in a SMEs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the SDG2BiH Programme Manager, and in coordination with the Circular Economy Analyst the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

• Provide technical assistance to the Ministry for implementing of a comprehensive grant scheme supporting green transition and circular economy in SMEs.
• Facilitate the training sessions on complex grant scheme management, and digitalizing grants management processes.
• Support the Ministry in application of digital grant management software.
• Piloting approaches for grant scheme design and management, with the aim of replication at other government levels in the future.

Specifically, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following tasks:

Task 1:  Technical Support in Grant Scheme Implementation and Project Monitoring

• Provide ongoing technical support to the Ministry in the implementation of the grant scheme, including monitoring project progress and ensuring adherence to established guidelines and objectives.
• Support the Ministry in addressing any challenges or issues that arise during public call implementation, facilitating timely resolution and course correction as needed.
• Continuously support Ministry representatives during projects monitoring and implementation.

Task 2: Organization of Training for Complex Grant Scheme Design and Management

• Facilitate training sessions for Ministry representatives on the design and management of complex grant schemes, drawing on insights and lessons learned from project implementation.
• Support the development of training materials in accordance with the Handbook for Public Sector Practitioners and tailored to the specific needs and context of the Ministry.
• Incorporate practical examples and case studies from project implementation to illustrate key concepts and best practices in grant scheme design and management.
• Facilitate interactive sessions to encourage knowledge sharing, discussion, and skill-building among participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience