Overall objective The overall objective of the project is to set up the IPA Training and Support Facility and to assist the Secretariat for European Affairs regarding the implementation of trainings in the area of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds and IPA, through the IPA Training and Support Facility.

Purpose The purpose of the project is to establish a sustainable body within the SEA specialised in trainings regarding EU Regulations, EU Policy Principles, and more specifically on IPA Regulation and Structural and Cohesion Funds.

An IPA Training and Support Facility will be established to ensure that all relevant staff in the various ministries, municipalities and other public bodies directly working with IPA have sufficient knowledge to develop, prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate projects and to ensure appropriate analysis and reporting on the projects. Thus, the operating structures for the relevant IPA components will be supported in order to ensure that the programmes are managed and implemented in conformity with the principles of EU's sound financial management and effective control.

Qualifications and skills

• Education at least up to a Masters Degree/Academic level degree (where an university degree has been awarded on completion of  four years study in a university or equivalent institution) in the areas of Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Educational Sciences Human Resources Development, Human Resources Management, Policy Sciences, Social Sciences or equivalent general professional experience of 10 years in other areas relevant to the assignment;
• Excellent reporting skills;
• Knowledge of Macedonian would be considered as an asset.

General professional experience

• At least 7 years experience in policy analysis, formulation, implementation and evaluation of strategic development programmes related to EU integration and absorption of EU funds in EU Member States, Candidate countries, potential candidate countries or pre-accession countries.

Specific professional experience

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience and expertise in the area of implementing EU policies and strategies trough specific projects/actions  related to development of national strategies for EU integration,
• Knowledge of fundamental EU Institutional structures, policies and instruments;
• Expertise on policy development in relevant public bodies and agencies involved in EU processes at central and local level;
• Expertise in drafting strategic and development programmes in the area of EU integration at national level;
• Experience in public finance management in the context of EU programmes would be considered an asset.