Title: Project Associate

​​Requisition ID: 2755

Grade: ISA-Junior Specialist

Country: Austria

Duty Station: Vienna

Category: International Consultant Type of Job Posting: Internal/External

Employment Type: Non-staff Regular Contract Duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension) Application Deadline: 05-Sep-2023 , 11: 59 PM (CEST)

Vacancy Announcement TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions. Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development and Industrial Policy Advice (TCS/CAP); Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP); Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).

The Division of SME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) works towards increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries and countries in transition, especially emphasizing business development of SMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among SMEs in two interconnected ways: first, by modernizing businesses through the transfer of advanced technologies adapted to local conditions, product innovation, productivity improvement and upgrading, developing market and value chain readiness as well as improved access to finance; and second, by improving the quality of SME manufactured products and their compliance with market requirements through capacity building for the development of industrial production and trade-related quality infrastructure including for standardization, metrology, accreditation and of conformity assessment service institutions (testing, certification, inspection and calibration) and the strengthening of their capacities.

The position is located in SME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/SME/SDJ). The SME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/SME/SDJ) supports small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Member States to take advantage of new technologies, business and organizational support, investment promotion, cluster development and partnerships to improve their businesses and improve their competitiveness.

DGB/2022/19: UNIDO Secretariat Structure 2022

PROJECT CONTEXT

The project associate will provide support to the following projects: Emergency assistance for 3D-printed prosthetics and job creation in Ukraine, (SAP ID 220169)

The project aims to provide amputees with 3D printed prosthetics in Ukraine and to promote job creation for amputees. The project also aims to provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in western Ukraine. As of 23 July 2022, IOM estimates 6,645,000 IDPs within Ukraine, of which 20% are people with disabilities. 60% of IDPs lost their jobs due to the conflict and among those who were employed before, 47% do not currently earn any money. Currently, the western region has 1,333,000 IDPs being the second biggest region of IDP population after the eastern.

The project is a part of the UNIDO green recovery and post-crisis programme for Ukraine.

Industrial capacity building, policy advice and diagnostics for the green recovery of Ukraine, (SAP ID: 230030)

The overall objective of the project is to provide technical support to the Government of Ukraine in conceptualizing and operationalizing a strategic approach towards green industrial reconstruction and development through the coherent, evidence-based and result-oriented green recovery programme for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, which is to be led and owned by the Government of Ukraine. Through the project, UNIDO will work to support the establishment of an enabling environment for the green recovery of the country’s industry, job creation, resilience building, sustained economic growth and the strengthening of the productivity and competitiveness of priority industrial sectors with high growth potential and investment attractiveness. By leveraging international expertise, best practices and innovative solutions, including those of Germany, the project will facilitate institutional partnership building and peer learning. All activities will be implemented in close coordination with other ongoing and planned UNIDO’s technical cooperation projects in the country to foster a synergetic effect and scale up.

It is expected that upon the completion of the project, the following outcomes are achieved: Outcome 1: The productivity and efficient recovery of the industrial sector of Ukraine are supported by a strengthened industrial policymaking capacity and an improvement of the policy process;

Outcome 2: The Government of Ukraine, its institutional framework and enterprises are equipped with tailored thematic tools and best-available solutions to guide and foster the country’s short- to medium-term green recovery and long-term inclusive and sustainable industrial development;

Outcome 3: The green recovery programme for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Ukraine 2024-2028 provides an operational, evidence-based and result-oriented framework for the multi-stakeholder partnership to restore the country’s industry under the ownership and leadership of the Government of Ukraine;

Outcome 4: Cooperation and peer learning at the local level between the municipalities of Ukraine and Germany to foster green recovery and long-term development are strengthened with a specific focus on each of the identified priority areas of the future green recovery programme for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Ukraine.

Moreover, the green recovery programme together with concrete project proposals, as this project’s key deliverables, will aim in the long term at providing strategic guidance to the Government of Ukraine in achieving the goals set out in the country’s national development and recovery plans, including the future industrial development strategy and the National Recovery Plan. The programme will enable counterparts to build on the country’s comparative advantages and contribute to the efforts towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting the criteria for integration into the European Union.

Emergency livelihood support to mitigate the food insecurity crisis among vulnerable peoples in Iraq, (SAP ID 220167)

The project will help address the lack of livelihoods, employment and food insecurity in Iraq by revitalizing traditional food processing industries in Nineveh Governorate including a Syrian Refugee Camp and its host community in Duhok. There is a rich indigenous knowledge on food processing and preservation utilizing available resources within these areas. Some of these are dairy products (different local cheese, yoghurt-based drinks), fermented products like pickles, olives, sausages, confectionery products and others. The Syrian refugees share some of the traditional methods of food processing.

The knowledge of indigenous food processing methods is a valuable resource of local solutions to the food insecurity. Women are extensively involved in agricultural activities, foods processing and preservation, which are dominant livelihood features of rural areas. They are a source of income generating activities of women selling the products based on market demand of these goods. These livelihood activities provide pillars related to food security i.e., availability, accessibility, utilization and stability.

The project will strengthen the capacities of household, micro, small and medium enterprises producing traditionally processed food products. It will do this by providing training and extension services on food safety and hygiene and improved business management; refurbishment of production and storage facilities including provision of equipment to meet minimum health standards and improve productivity; and assistance in improved product packaging. Household and micro enterprises will be encouraged to work together to address common problems and take advantage of collective efficiencies to improve their enterprises.

To contribute to food security in the Refugee Camps, the project will establish a Dairy Processing Cluster in one camp. The project will provide dairy goats to refugees and host beneficiaries who will be trained in animal care and proper milking procedures. A goat house, if deemed needed, will be constructed for this purpose in the camp. Women beneficiaries with traditional knowledge on making dairy products will be trained on process improvement, hygiene and food safety and provided equipment and tools to produce and sell. The women will be encouraged to form their self-help group for collective efficiency.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, and working with the project team, applies basic theoretical knowledge and administrative skills in supporting and in acquiring a broad understanding of the interrelated administrative and programme/project functions contributing to technical cooperation activities in a particular sector, geographical area or programme/project. The incumbent shall carry out following main duties.

•  Compile general background information from readily available sources, on economic and social factors for an assigned sector, area, country or programme/project: design and draft supporting flow charts, schedules, graphs and tables; coordinate the collection and verification of documents, actions and data with substantive or support units, assemble and edit basic data required for planning and negotiation, in format dictated by agenda or supervisor’s instructions, check project documents for clarity, consistency and completeness;
•  Describe progress of ongoing project/s, investigate designated project activities, discuss findings with supervisor to identify implications for the work of the project unit, discuss rationale and context of project activities, consider the alternative methods for project design, management, problem identification and problem resolution;
•  Maintain institutional memories or other documentation systems to record project/programme, history and ongoing activities;
•  Assist in monitoring exercises related to the project execution, retrieve substantive information on status of project, outcome, output, key performance indicators (KPIs), risks, etc. from the SAP Portfolio and Project Management (PPM) module;
•  Draft reports, ad-hoc assignments and research activities, as required;
•  Arrange briefings, tours, and related activities for visitors, missions and fellowship holders.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, development study, international relations or other relevant social science discipline with specialization in economic/industrial development projects, is required.

Technical and Functional Experience: At least one (1) year of work experience in a relevant area, including practical application of the context of technical cooperation activities in developing countries is required. Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is desirable. A proven competency and experience in drafting project/programme proposals and resource mobilisation is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, is desirable.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values: WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies: WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal. Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO. All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General. Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level. Notice to applicants: UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org