Project Manager "Economic Inclusion of Roma and Other Vulnerable Groups” Serbia

HEKS/EPER employs around 600 full-time staff members. Its work is guided by the vision of a just world where peace prevails, the dignity of all people is respected, and natural resources are preserved. HEKS/EPER is active in 25 locations in Switzerland and 30 countries worldwide, running more than 380 programmes and projects with a total volume of 138 million Swiss francs. Within the framework of Agenda 2030, the organisation focuses on four priority themes: "Climate Justice," "Right to Land and Food," "Asylum and Migration," and "Inclusion." HEKS/EPER also provides humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts, aiming to bring about change at the social, economic, and political levels. HEKS contributes to improving the living conditions of people both domestically and internationally, advocating for their rights. It raises awareness and mobilises society, politics, business, and churches. In 2023, around 16 million people benefited from the work of HEKS/EPER.
Project Manager "Economic Inclusion of Roma and Other Vulnerable Groups” Serbia

 

The Project Manageris responsible for the operational implementation of the “Economic Inclusion of Roma and Other Vulnerable Groups” project in line with HEKS/EPER strategy and standards, as well as the Regional Programme. The role involves coordinating activities among partners, ensuring effective implementation, and monitoring progress toward impact. The Project Manager also supports strategic advocacy, develops HEKS’ self-implementation activities, and fosters partnerships in the development, business, and public sectors. The role ensures compliance with project finances in collaboration with the Finance Associate and reports regularly to the Country Representative. 

In Serbia, HEKS/EPER, together with REDI andKamenica Association, is implementing a four-year “Economic Inclusion of Roma and Other Vulnerable Groups”project and is looking for a proactive and experienced projectmanager to start on February 15, 2025.  

Your main responsibilities:

Coordination and Implementation: 

• Coordinate project implementation across multiple stakeholders. 
• Organize regular coordination and strategic steering meetings among partners. 
• Consolidate and implement a yearly plan of operations in cooperation with the project teams. 
• Ensure smooth communication and collaboration with all partners to meet project goals. 
• Promote the integration of project activities into local systems and frameworks to ensure long-term impact. 
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities and partnerships in the development, business, andpublic sectors for innovative and inclusive business models. 
• Conduct networking and scoping visits toestablish relevant partnerships. 
• Lead and oversee advocacy and policy development activities in line with the project’s goals. 
• Develop and coordinate HEKS’ self-implementation activities, ensuring alignment with overall projectobjectives. 
• Identify potential risks to the project’s implementation and develop mitigation strategies. 
• Proactively address any issues or challenges that may ariseduring the project.  
• Engage meaningfully with Roma and other marginalized groups to ensure their voices are reflected in project activities. 
• Build andmaintain strong relationships with local communities, civil society organizations, the business community, and government institutions. 

 

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL): 

 Implement monitoring and evaluation tools and approaches to track the project’s progress and impact. 

• Collect andanalyse data to ensure the project is on track to meet itsobjectives. 
• Prepare regular performance reports for internal and external stakeholders. 
• Apply lessons learned from project monitoring to refine and improve activities. 

 

Budget Management: 

•  Collaborate with the finance team to prepare andmonitor project budgets, reports and financial planning 
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources and adherence to donor requirements. 
• Oversee financial documentation to ensure compliance with organizational and donor guidelines. 
• Ensure thetimely andaccurate submission of financial documentation, including receipts and expenditure reports. 
• Assist in preparing financial documentation for donor audits and reviews. 
• Support the Finance Associate and the Country Representative in capacity-building efforts for implementing partners, particularly in financial compliance and reporting. 

 

Communications and Reporting: 

• Oversee the development of communications materials, such as success stories, project updates, and reports for donors and the public. 
• Ensuretimely submission of high-quality project reports to donors, partners, and stakeholders. 
• Prepare programmatic and financial updates for the Country Representative, ensuring all reports align with donor expectations. 

Collaboration with the Country Office Representative (Line Manager): 

 

• Regularly update HEKS/EPER Country Representative on project progress, challenges, and strategic opportunities. 
• Seek guidance and approval for major decisions, including changes to project design, strategic shifts, or partnership agreements. 
• Assist HEKS/EPER Country Representative inrepresenting the project at national and international forums. 
• Provide input for the Country Office’s annual planning sessions to ensure alignment of project goals with broader organizational priorities. 
• Assist HEKS/EPER Country Representative inidentifying opportunities for securing funding and improving project visibility. 

To be successful you bring:

• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and monitoring. 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to handle complex operations and competing priorities. 
• Solid understanding of financial planning, budget monitoring, and compliance with donor and organizational requirements. 
• Experience in ensuring cost-effective use of resources andtimely reporting of expenditures. 
• Familiarity with tools and frameworks for monitoring and evaluating project progress and impact. 
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including communities, civil society organizations, businesses, and government institutions. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and foster collaboration. 
• Capacity toidentify opportunities for collaboration and innovation to enhance project outcomes. 
• Flexibility to adapt plans and approaches based on lessons learned and changing circumstances.  

• Economic Inclusion: Knowledge of inclusive economic approaches or initiatives that promoteequitable participation in the economy. 
• Roma and Gender Issues: Familiarity with the socio-economic challenges faced by Roma men and women or other marginalized groups is an advantage. 
• Systems Thinking: Understanding of systems thinking approaches (like Market System Development) to address complex development challenges is highly valued. 
• Local Economy: Experience working in contexts like South Serbia or similar regions with economic development challenges is a plus. 

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, social sciences, economics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred), and/or at least 5 years of experience in managing development projects; experience in economic inclusion or marginalized communities is an advantage. 
• Languages: Fluency in English and Serbian; knowledge of Romani language is a plus.  

• Technical Tools:Proficiency in using MS Office and online communication tools.  

What you can expect from us:

• A national position, home-based, with frequent national travel 
• An opportunity to make a difference in this world 
• An interesting and challenging position 
• Service Contract with annual working time (approximately 50% FTE- TBC) 
• Competitive salary 

HEKS/EPER is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or background. However, preference will be given to candidates fromSouth Serbia (Nisavski,Toplicki,Pcinjski,Pirotski, andJablanicki counties), as their local knowledge and connections are invaluable for the success of our projects.  

Would you like to join the HEKS/EPER team? We are looking forward to your complete application in English (CV, Cover letter and certificates) exclusively via our online portal.

The deadline for applications has been fixed until 15th January 2025. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. HEKS/EPER reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the deadline.

For further information about HEKS/EPER, please consult our website https://en.heks.ch/.