UNOPS has responded to the critical need for expertise among Kosovo’s institutions in planning, programming and efficiently implementing the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) III funds. This is of utmost importance, considering that the efficient and effective use of IPA funds helps the country implement necessary reforms, improve infrastructure and strengthen its administrative capacities, ultimately facilitating Kosovo’s integration into the EU.

The main goal of this assignment was to support the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue in managing IPA III funds effectively and addressing challenges in managing complex funding processes, enhancing institutional capacities and ensuring alignment with EU standards and priorities. This involved assisting in the planning, programming and monitoring of IPA-funded projects, identifying institutional gaps and challenges and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.

UNOPS enhanced decision-making mechanisms, improved monitoring and evaluation frameworks using Key Performance Indicators, and facilitated donor coordination and policy dialogue, while working to build a unified understanding of IPA III processes among stakeholders and align actions to address implementation challenges. Further, the UNOPS expert developed the Methodology for Implementation, outlining objectives such as strategic planning, capacity building and results-based management, and provided a comprehensive action plan for achieving these goals. The advisor also prepared reports on IPA programming recommendations, detailing timelines for action, strategies for sectoral development and improvements to the quality of action fiches for IPA 2023 and IPA 2024 financing.

Finally, the K4R programme developed a Practical Guide that emphasized building strong connections between IPA funding and EU accession structures, integrating IPA priorities into national development policies and aligning IPA management with public administration reforms – ultimately ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to maximizing the benefits of EU financial assistance.

The K4R expert made a profound impact on Kosovo’s ability to efficiently utilize EU financial assistance, driving significant improvements in institutional capacity, governance and alignment with EU accession goals. By enhancing decision-making mechanisms and improving monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the work ensures that IPA III funds are allocated and managed in a transparent and results-oriented manner. This contributes to more effective implementation of reforms, which directly impacts the quality of public services, infrastructure development and institutional efficiency.

The facilitation of donor coordination and policy dialogue has strengthened Kosovo’s relationships with international partners, enabling better alignment of priorities and ensuring that external support is maximized for national benefit. Through the development of strategic methodologies and practical tools, UNOPS has equipped local institutions with the knowledge and frameworks necessary to manage IPA processes independently in the future, fostering long-term capacity building and reducing reliance on external expertise.

These efforts translate into tangible improvements in peoples’ daily lives. The effective use of IPA funds supports reforms in key sectors such as the rule of law, public administration, education, health and economic development, while by integrating IPA priorities into national development policies, UNOPS has helped create a more cohesive strategy for addressing socio-economic challenges, enhancing job opportunities and improving living standards.

The assignment supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by coordinating donor actions and aligning international support with national goals.

The assignment also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting strategic use of IPA funds for economic reforms.

Finally, it directly contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by enhancing decision-making and monitoring systems.