Social Protection Officer, NOA, FTA, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

## Social Protection Officer, NOA, FTA, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Organization:UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund - Country:Bosnia and Herzegovina - Office:UNFPA in Sarajevo Social Protection Officer, NOA, FTA, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Posting Date 09/16/2026, 04:36 PM - Apply Before 10/01/2026, 09:59 PM - Job Schedule Full time - Locations Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Vacancy Type Fixed Term - Rotational/Non Rotational Non-Rotational - Contract Duration 1 Year with Possibility for extension - Education & Work Experience Master's Degree - Other Criteria An advanced degree (minimum Master's degree or equivalent) in, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Management or a related field. - Required Languages Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required - Vacancy Timeline 2 Weeks The Social Protection Officer plays a central role in ensuring the successful implementation of the IPA 2022 “EU4PEOPLE-SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME in BiH. To achieve this, you will: The incumbent will report directly to the Assistant Representative How you can make a difference: UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization's response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results. Working within the Country Office (CO) environment, you will coordinate the implementation of “EU4PEOPLE - Social Protection Programme” for UNFPA, supporting the UNFPA components of the project, focused on social protection of vulnerable groups, demographic change and ageing and gender-responsive social services.. The position required adequate interaction among different key stakeholders: The overall objective of the Action “EU4PEOPLE - Social Protection Programme” aims to improve social inclusion, reduce inequalities, and advance gender equality through a modernized, EU-aligned social protection system that delivers quality, rights-based services to those most in need. This will be achieved through three mutually reinforcing specific objectives: - expanding and institutionalizing standardized, licensed, non-institutional and community-based social services; and - strengthening inspection systems leading to improved compliance, monitoring, and quality assurance in line with International Labor Standards, (ILS) and EU acquis Led by UNICEF as the coordinating agency, and implemented in partnership with UNDP, UNFPA, and ILO, the Action brings together complementary mandates and expertise in social and child protection, governance and digital transformation, demographic resilience and gender equality, and decent work and labor inspection. Strong government ownership is ensured through close cooperation with state-, entity-, cantonal-, and Brcko District-level authorities, as well as municipal authorities, CSWs, and public and non-public service providers. The Social Protection Officer plays a vital role in keeping the Implementation on track by: - Tracking progress:Monitoring research activities and making adjustments when needed to ensure progress. - Building relationships:Working collaboratively with all partners, including government agencies, research institutions, and donors, to foster positive working relationships. You would be responsible for: Support to Project Coordination: - Support coordination among program staff, promoting a transformative and context-appropriate approach. Ensure timely execution of research activities through efficient planning, monitoring, and implementation, leveraging effective modalities and practices. - Ensure timely communication with Administrative Agent and UNFPA Management on updates developments and reporting requirements for the Action. - Coordinate evidence generation and analytical work on demographic change, ageing, disability, gender inequalities and care needs to inform evidence-based social protection reforms and service planning. - Support the strengthening of the social protection system by integrating demographic resilience and gender-responsive approaches into local social protection policies, service standards, and delivery models, while building the capacities of social workers and service providers to better respond to the needs of older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. - Support the strengthening of quality assurance, oversight and compliance mechanisms for publicly funded women's shelters, including service standards, inspection protocols, safeguarding and survivor-centred approaches, in coordination with the EU GBV IPA project. Implementation & Quality: Oversight, Evaluation, and Reporting - Systematically evaluate partner effectiveness in achieving project objectives using qualitative and quantitative data, providing constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement. - Prepare timely and accurate reports, contribute to research findings with actionable recommendations, and analyze the broader context to identify opportunities and policy implications for research implementation. Assisting in implementing knowledge management strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices, sharing these with management for future planning. Performs other duties as may be required and requested by the supervisor and agreed by CO's management. Qualifications and Experience An advanced degree (minimum Master's degree or equivalent) in, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Management or a related field. Knowledge and Experience: - Proven experience in project management, including program design, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation, would be considered highly advantageous. - Experience providing technical advice or similar support, along with donor reporting and capacity building, would be considered highly advantageous. - Leadership skills in managing, researching and collaborating with diverse teams, including staff, experts, and consultants, would be considered highly advantageous.. - Excellent communication, written reporting, and analytical skills. - Experience working with the UN, international organizations, managing EU-funded projects, and multi-partner health research projects would be considered highly advantageous.. - Experience using office software packages and web-based management systems. Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required Required Competencies: - Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, - Embracing cultural diversity, Functional Competencies: - Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships - Delivering results-based programmes - Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilisation - Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, - Thinking analytically and strategically, - Worki