Overview
The National Lead Technical Expert will lead and coordinate the daily implementation of project activities related to sustainable investments, agriculture, and rural development in Serbia.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the work of national consultants; prepare and update the project implementation plan, support the procurement plan, and draft ToRs/LoAs.
- Establish internal and external communication structures; maintain coordination with the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO), the Rural Network of Serbia, PUNOs, and RCO; mobilize public and private stakeholders.
- Prepare and lead the project inception mission, organize inception workshops, and prepare materials for Project Steering Committee Meetings.
- Facilitate the establishment and operational support of Territorial Investment Platforms (TIPs); lead territorial diagnostics and stakeholder mapping to identify priorities and investment constraints.
- Lead the identification, screening, and advancement of investment opportunities (concept development, feasibility studies, business planning, technical documentation); support IPARD-aligned investment opportunities with the IPARD Managing Authority and Directorate for Agrarian Payments.
- Engage with IFIs, commercial banks, guarantee providers, EBRD, and the Serbian Competitive Agriculture Project (SCAP World Bank) to define cooperation mechanisms and match investment opportunities with financing sources.
- Actively drive the achievement of ambitious gender participation benchmarks in coordination with UN Women; monitor technical delivery of project partners and prepare progress, interim, and ad-hoc project reports for donors and FAO.
Required Experience
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (Category B) in managing, leading, or coordinating projects related to agricultural investments, rural development, territorial development, or agrifood systems transformation.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
