Project Management Support – Specialist for Assessment of Roma Inclusion Strategy Implementation - retainer position

Application period 17-Jul-2025 to 30-Jul-2025

Functional Responsibilities:

Following its formal designation in January 2025 as the National Contact Point (NCP) for the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, the Cabinet of the Minister without Portfolio assumed responsibility for coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on the Strategy’s implementation. However, limited staffing and technical capacity have hindered the Cabinet’s ability to fully carry out these functions and ensure effective implementation of the Strategy across sectors and governance levels. In response, the Cabinet has requested targeted technical assistance from the Project to assess the current status of implementation, identify key challenges and gaps, and support evidence-based planning for the next phase. This request is closely aligned with North Macedonia’s EU accession priorities under Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom, and Security), all of which emphasize inclusive policymaking and the protection of vulnerable groups. To address this need, the Project will deploy a Specialist under the supervision of the Project Manager to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030. The expert will review progress to date, evaluate implementation effectiveness, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and future planning. The assignment will also contribute to reinforcing the Cabinet’s institutional role and technical capacity in fulfilling its mandate as the National Contact Point.

The Specialist will carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of existing strategy documents, action plans, reports, and relevant government and donor materials.
• Identify and assess: Key achievements to date; Implementation challenges and institutional bottlenecks; Coordination and monitoring gaps across institutions and sectors.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with the Cabinet, line ministries, local authorities, and Roma civil society representatives.
• Review the functionality and usage of the Roma digital monitoring platform (developed with Council of Europe support).
• Prepare a report on the status of the implementation of the Roma Strategy, implementation and coordination gaps, challenges and opportunities.
• Provide strategic recommendations for improving implementation and monitoring of the Strategy.
• Propose institutional and operational measures to support the Cabinet’s role as NCP and align with EU reporting standards.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education

Advanced university degree in public policy, social sciences, development studies, EU integration, or related fields is required. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience in policy assessment, social inclusion, minority rights, or Roma integration is required Experience with EU-funded projects and the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030 is an asset Proven knowledge of institutional frameworks in North Macedonia and/or the Western Balkans is an asset Experience in coordinating with government bodies and Roma civil society organizations is an asset. Familiarity with digital monitoring platforms and data management is desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.

Think big. Meet challenges head-on. Help people build better lives. UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce is made up of people from varied nationalities, cultures and races. They speak a range of languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

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Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.