Project Director

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

For the tender on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System Strengthening in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) project, we are looking for an innovative regional or international project director (F/M/D)  20%, based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The recruitment is subject to funding by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The ‘TVET System Strengthening’ project in Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to improve TVET governance as selected relevant actors (primarily entity and cantonal level) are able to fulfil their role and lead the changes needed for a dual-oriented TVET system in a coordinated manner, based on their reform plans.

The preparation (inception) is envisaged to start in November 2023 and will be succeeded by a four year of implementation phase (subject to approval).

Your main tasks

• Inception phase: Your role primarily involves supporting the Team Leader during the team setup in Sarajevo. You will aid in organizational development and foster collaborations with the Helvetas head office, partners, and SDC.
• Main phase: You will assist the Team Leader in managing the project, ensuring top-quality implementation and adherence to administrative and financial procedures. Your responsibility includes providing strategic guidance to the Team Leader and ensuring compliance with organizational administrative requirements for successful project implementation. Furthermore, you will facilitate cooperation and coordination with other projects supported by Switzerland and other donor-funded projects in the area of vocational skills development.

Your qualifications

• Hold an academic degree (Master's or equivalent) in areas such as skills development, economics, education, pedagogy, development studies or a related social science field.
• Bring a minimum of 10 years of senior management experience in international development projects. Prior experience in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and related thematic areas (migration, engagement with government authorities, civil society organizations, business/employers’ associations, trade unions, private sector, VET/higher education) will be a significant advantage.
• Have a proven record of managing and coordinating complex vocational skills development or job creation programmes of comparable size and scope. Your managerial skills should demonstrate strong social competencies.
• Have a demonstrated history of successful collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and a proven track record in strengthening local partner capacities, preferably through an on-systems approach. Additional experiences that ensure the sustainability of project results will be advantageous.
• Have professional experience working in one of the Western Balkans/Eastern Europe countries, preferably in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Possess strong managerial skills, including result-oriented management, strategic planning, human resources management, and financial management skills. Experience should reflect the ability to steer and mentor, anticipate potential issues, and identify forward-looking solutions.
• Possess excellent reporting skills, interpersonal communication, and intercultural competencies.
• Excellent English language abilities (both oral and written) to compile and communicate project results, reporting, and documentation. Proficiency in Bosnian, Croatian and/or Serbian languages will be a significant asset.

Our offer

• A contract of two years, with possibility of extension. The position is for both, the inception phase and implementation phase.
• Attractive working conditions and a satisfactory and challenging job in a multicultural team.

We look forward to receiving your complete application in English including motivation letter, CV, work certificates and diplomas by June 25, 2023. Please send your application via our online recruiting portal.

For additional information, please contact Nikola Babic (Email at Apply Button), Regional Economic Portfolio Manager or visit our websites www.helvetas.org / www.helvetas.org/en/eastern-europe/bosnia-herzegovina.

‍