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.

Expo 2027, the International Specialized Exhibition entitled “Play for Humanity”, will be held from 15 May to 15 August 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 Relating to International Exhibitions, administered by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and is responsible for representing the Government on all matters related to the Expo. This includes liaising with the BIE, ensuring compliance with the Expo’s General and Special Rules, and overseeing the exhibition’s participants and programme 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 promote sustainable development leading to and throughout the event. The Commissioner General will also be supported in showcasing innovative solutions to global challenges, fostering international partnerships, and using the platform to elevate Serbia’s role in global sustainable development initiatives. This support will include promotional activities to ensure that technological and cultural achievements act as a catalyst for sustainable development and global cooperation.

Within this broader framework, one of the specific activities includes support for the presence of the United Nations at EXPO. The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Serbia, together with relevant United Nations entities and the Department of Global Communications, is coordinating the UN system’s participation in Expo 2027. The UN Pavilion is expected to portray the lives of the people and planet the Organization serves, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and overcoming global challenges through multilateral cooperation. Visitors will be offered an immersive and educational experience showcasing the work of the United Nations system, including interactive exhibits and programming on themes such as sustainable development, peace, climate action, humanitarian action, human rights, innovation and inclusion.

Considering the points mentioned above, UNDP aims to recruit a Technical Analyst to provide technical, coordination and operational support for the UN Pavilion for Expo 2027, under UNDP supervision and in consultation and coordination with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UN RCO) in Serbia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Analyst – UN Pavilion Coordination and Partnerships (EXPO 2027) will provide technical, operational and coordination support to the preparation and delivery of the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2027, ensuring that the work is implemented in line with UNDP rules, regulations and standards, and in close consultation and coordination with the UN RCO Serbia. The incumbent will contribute to ensuring that the UN Pavilion is substantively coherent, operationally well managed, inclusive, visible and aligned with the SDGs and the overall Expo 2027 theme “Play for Humanity”.

Support strategic planning and operational preparation of the UN Pavilion at Expo 2027:

• Support UNDP and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia in the development and regular updating of detailed work plans, timelines, budgets, staffing plans, risk logs and other operational requirements for the UN Pavilion.
• Contribute to translating the vision for the UN’s participation in Expo 2027 into operational plans, programming schedules, coordination tools and implementation arrangements.
• Support the incorporation of lessons learned from previous United Nations participation in world expos, including Expo 2025 Osaka, into planning, programming, visitor engagement and operational delivery.
• Coordinate inputs for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the UN Pavilion, including day-to-day technical engagement with EXPO d.o.o., design and turnkey teams, and other relevant service providers, as instructed by UNDP and in consultation with the UN RCO in Serbia.
• Support the preparation, tracking and timely submission of requirements, forms, documentation and operational inputs requested by EXPO-related entities, in consultation with UNDP and UN RCO Serbia, including legal documents in liaison with OLA through the UN RCO.
• Identify operational issues, bottlenecks and risks, propose corrective actions, and support timely follow-up to ensure smooth delivery of planned activities.

Coordinate programme delivery, events and day-to-day operations:

• Support the day-to-day coordination of the UN Pavilion during the full Expo period, including schedules, staff and volunteer rosters, visitor services, event logistics, partner participation and operational protocols.
• Coordinate the preparation and implementation of thematic exhibits, events, workshops, panel discussions and other programming to be delivered by UN entities, within and outside the UN Pavilion.
• Prepare and consolidate concept notes, event briefs, agendas, run-of-show documents, speaker notes, background materials and other operational documents for Pavilion activities.
• Coordinate inputs from multiple UN entities and partners to ensure the delivery of coherent, high-quality, inclusive and globally relevant programming aligned with SDGs and Expo 2027 priorities.
• Maintain a centralized calendar of Pavilion activities, meetings, deadlines, deliverables, partner contributions and reporting requirements.
• Support the effective utilization and coordination of consultants, communications personnel, staff, interns, volunteers and other personnel assigned to the UN Pavilion, as applicable and within UNDP arrangements. Contribute to or lead (as agreed) the recruitment process of additional staff/consultants/volunteers as necessary.
• Supervise a team of two UNVs, which will be supporting his/her work in preparation of the UN EXPO Pavillion program and during the EXPO.
• Support the handover and close-out of the UN Pavilion in line with the Participation Contract, including documentation of assets, deliverables, lessons learned and any requirements connected to the participation arrangements with EXPO d.o.o.

Facilitate UN system coordination and substantive coherence:

• Support the convening of focal points from participating UN entities, including the preparation of agendas, notes, presentations, action points and follow-up matrices.
• Maintain regular communication with UN focal points and provide coordination support, guidance and practical information related to their contributions to the UN Pavilion and associated programming.
• Facilitate joint programming and collaboration among UN entities, including by identifying synergies across themes, events, campaigns and partner engagements.
• Support UN entities in preparing and delivering exhibits and events at Expo 2027, both within the UN Pavilion and in other relevant Expo spaces, in accordance with agreed procedures and timelines.
• Ensure that SDG messaging, inclusion, gender equality, human rights, youth engagement, environmental sustainability and accessibility considerations are reflected across Pavilion programming, as applicable.
• Contribute to the collection, synthesis and dissemination of lessons learned, good practices and knowledge generated through the UN Pavilion experience.

Maintain stakeholder liaison, partnerships and external engagement:

• Maintain effective working relationships and communication channels with relevant Government of Serbia authorities, the Commissioner General’s structures, EXPO d.o.o., BIE-related counterparts, participating countries, diplomatic missions, international organizations, private sector entities, foundations, civil society organizations, academia and other stakeholders relevant to the UN Pavilion.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis, identifying opportunities for collaboration, joint events, resource mobilization, visibility, programming and technical engagement.
• Prepare substantive briefs, talking points, presentations and background materials for meetings between UN RCO Serbia, UNDP, senior UN officials, Serbian authorities, EXPO stakeholders and external partners.
• Explore, document and follow up on potential partnerships for Pavilion programming, including collaboration with private sector entities, foundations, civil society and academic institutions, in consultation with UN RCO Serbia and UNDP.
• Support the preparation and coordination of partnership proposals, meeting records, follow-up correspondence and inputs to any required legal or administrative arrangements, in accordance with UN rules and procedures.
• Ensure that partnership visibility and recognition are implemented in line with relevant UN rules, regulations and branding requirements.

Support communications, visibility, reporting and knowledge management:

• Coordinate inputs to the UN Pavilion communications plan, including key messages, tagline, media engagement, website, social media, launch materials and timeline, in collaboration with UN DGC, UN RCO Serbia, UNDP communications colleagues and Serbia UN Communications Group.
• Support the preparation, review and dissemination of press releases, web stories, speeches, talking points, social media content, presentations, reports and other public-facing materials related to the UN Pavilion.
• Support the launch and regular updating of the UN Pavilion website or digital platform, ensuring timely, accurate and engaging content, in coordination with relevant colleagues and service providers.
• Monitor media reports, social media posts and public visibility related to the UN Pavilion and Expo 2027, and prepare summaries and recommendations for improved engagement and visibility.
• Coordinate the preparation of progress reports, financial and operational updates, activity reports, donor or partner inputs and other documents required by UN RCO Serbia, UNDP, and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain an organized project repository and filing system for key documents, plans, budgets, reports, partner records, communication materials, knowledge products and lessons learned.
• Ensure that all communications and knowledge products reinforce the United Nations’ contribution to sustainable development, multilateral cooperation and the SDGs.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Pavillion and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Technical Analyst – UN Pavilion Coordination and Partnerships (EXPO 2027) will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of UNDP Serbia, through the designated UNDP Programme Specialist. The incumbent will receive instructions from UNDP and will perform the functions in consultation and coordination with the UN EXPO Commissioner General, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, given the coordination role for the UN system’s participation in Expo 2027.

The incumbent will work closely with UN RCO Serbia, participating UN entities, UNDP project and operations teams, relevant Government counterparts, EXPO d.o.o., service providers and other partners. Any engagement with external partners, legal arrangements, communications products or operational commitments will be undertaken in accordance with UNDP procedures and in consultation with UN EXPO Commissioner General and UN RCO Serbia, as relevant.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

People Management Competencies:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies:

• 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 apply objective problem analysis and sound judgment to understand the interconnections within complex systems, recognizing how individual elements interact and how changes to one component may affect the entire system.
• Business Management - Project Management
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• 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.
• Business Management - Communication
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; 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.
• Partnership 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 Development - Knowledge Facilitation
  • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution and exchange.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Management, Organizational Sciences, Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Communications, Cultural Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in programme/project coordination, event coordination, stakeholder engagement, partnership management, communications, international cooperation, or a related field is required.

Required skills:

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating complex processes with multiple stakeholders, deadlines and operational requirements.

Desired skills:

• Experience in coordinating or supporting large-scale international events, exhibitions, public campaigns, forums, conferences or high-visibility initiatives.
• Experience in building and maintaining institutional partnerships and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, including with government institutions, international organizations, diplomatic missions, private sector entities, civil society and/or academia.
• Experience in coordinating the preparation of events, exhibits, agendas, briefs, presentations, talking points, reports, visibility materials or public-facing communication products.
• Experience in supporting inter-agency coordination or working with the United Nations system or other international organizations.
• Experience in sustainable development, SDG-related programming, innovation, youth engagement, human rights, inclusion, climate action or related thematic areas.
• Experience with Expo 2027, BIE-related processes, international event governance frameworks or host-country coordination arrangements.
• Experience with UNDP procedures, financial management, procurement and project implementation modalities.
• Proven experience in cross-cultural communication and multilingual stakeholder engagement.
• Experience using project monitoring tools and the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), with the ability to adapt to new digital platforms and website/social media workflows.
• Experience with Serbia’s political, institutional and socio-economic context

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English is required.

Important Information

The 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.

Use of AI by candidates

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

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