The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development publishes a public advertisement for a National Junior Assistant for Sustainability Strategy for MRV E System and MPGs Framework on the project "Strengthening the Montenegrin Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and actions to adjust transparency through the Transparency Capacity Building Initiative (CBIT)".

Briefly about the project

Following the completion of the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) project, Montenegro is entering a critical phase of consolidating and sustaining the national transparency arrangements established to meet its international climate reporting obligations. Under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, Parties are required to implement an Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) for action and support, ensuring transparent, accurate, complete, consistent, and comparable information on greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation actions, adaptation efforts, and support received and provided.

The long-term effectiveness of these systems depends on their sustainability beyond project-based support, including clear institutional arrangements, stable financing mechanisms, defined roles and responsibilities, and integration into national policy and administrative structures.

In this context, the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development intends to engage a Junior Expert to support the Lead Expert in the development of the Sustainability Strategy for the MRV-E System and MPG Framework. The Junior Expert will contribute to background research, data collection and analysis, review of relevant ETF and Article 13 requirements, and preparation of technical inputs and draft sections of the Strategy. The Junior Expert’s role will be essential in supporting the identification of key challenges, gaps, and good practices related to the sustainability of MRV-E arrangements, as well as in ensuring that the Strategy is evidence-based, coherent, and aligned with the Enhanced Transparency Framework and Montenegro’s post-CBIT transparency obligations.

The mentioned assistant will be hired under a consulting contract in February 2026 (21 working days).

Objective of the task

To provide technical and administrative support to the National Expert in preparing the Sustainability Strategy and MPG framework, ensuring timely data collection, stakeholder coordination, and quality control of draft materials.

Duties

Under the direct supervision of the project director and project manager, the expert will be in charge of the activities that are given in the description of the project task attached to this competition.

Education and experience

• University degree in environmental sciences, engineering, economics, law, or related fields (Master’s degree preferred).

 Professional Experience

• At least 3 years of professional experience in climate change, environmental policy, or related areas.
• Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of strategic documents, including assessment of implementation frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of strategic documents, preferably on climate strategies, GHG mitigation/adaptation plans, or related policy frameworks.
• Experience in sustainable development reporting and/or the establishment of MRV systems (indicator setting, data collection, and monitoring).
• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes, the Paris Agreement, EU climate policy framework, and the national climate policy context.
• Experience working with government institutions, agencies, and stakeholders in Montenegro (experience in the Western Balkans region is an asset).

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and synthesis skills, with a proven track record of producing high-quality reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including experience with consultations and validation workshops.
• Excellent command of Montenegrin and English (oral and written).

How to apply

Applicants should submit:

• Application in the prescribed form (attached to the announcement);
• CV;
• List of references related to relevant experience;
• Confirmation of availability for the estimated time of engagement (attached to the announcement);
• Statement on the veracity of the data (attached to the announcement).

Note for applications of civil servants

Hiring a civil servant is possible only in the case of a very justified short-term engagement of civil servants from: state universities, research institutions and specialized state institutions with unique expertise. For such cases, decisions on the possibility of engagement will be made after the approval of UNDP.

The shortlisted candidate is obliged to provide a letter of approval from the institution in which he is employed, proving that the institution gives consent to the engagement and confirmation that he is no longer employed by the institution in question.

Evaluation of applications

The evaluation of received applications will be carried out by the expert commission of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development.

Conclusion of the contract

Once the applications are evaluated by the expert commission of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and North Region Development, the Ministry will sign a contract with the selected candidate for the purpose of his/her engagement within the project.

Application submission

The application with complete documentation, in Montenegrin and English, is sent exclusively electronically by February 2, 2026 at 11 AM to the e-mail address andrijanacukovic@gmail.com with copy to kabinet@mers.gov.me , nenad.vitomirovic@mers.gov.me and drobnjakjovana@ymail.com .

The application documents in Montenegrin language can be downloaded at:

https://www.gov.me/en/article/public-announcement-for-a-national-expert-for-mainstreaming-youth-engagement-in-climate-change-issues

The contact person in the Ministry is Andrijana Ćuković, e-mail andrijanacukovic@gmail.com.

Applications that do not meet all the requirements of this announcement will not be taken into consideration.