Associate Expert

​Requisition ID: 4851 
Grade: L2 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Project-funded Professional and higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 80,502 USD 
Application Deadline: 25-Nov-2024, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

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 Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

I.  Organizational Context

GLO/ITP

The Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for UNIDO's relations with Member States and all external partners, including through the Policymaking Organs. It plays a central role for interaction and collaboration with traditional and non-traditional donors; oversees the regional bureaus as well as the network of established field offices, liaison offices and Investment and Technology Promotion Offices; and supports the implementation of particularly complex projects, programmes and special assignments, thus also fulfilling an important role in safeguarding their quality and the reputation of the Organization.

The Division of ITPOs and Institutional Partnerships (GLO/ITP) will link UNIDO's Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPOs) with international corporate partners and use the ITP network to forge, in collaboration with IET/PPP and GLO/FLS, partnerships with development partners. It will engage in match-making and partnership development at corporate, institutional and political levels to support developing countries and countries with economies in transition in becoming attractive investment locations resulting in increased levels of investments and, through investors and partners that the ITPOs bring to the table, engage in technology exchange partnerships that enable them to adopt new technologies for sustainable industrial development.

This position is located under the Division of ITPOs and Institutional Partnerships (GLO/ITP), which harnesses different types of partnerships at corporate, institutional and political level to support developing countries in their endeavor to become attractive investment locations resulting in increased levels of investments (foreign direct investment, impact investments, domestic investments) as well as technology exchange and adoption.

The Division expands its Investment and Technology Promotion Network by closely interlinking UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Offices (ITPOs) with investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and international corporate partners.

The Associate Expert (L2) works under the overall guidance of the Head of GLO/ITP/JPN and also in close cooperation with the project managers and staff of projects under GLO/ITP/JPN.

The Associate Expert (L2) is expected to deliver: (a) work that contains in-depth analyses contributing to results achieved by the Divisions; (b) in creating an enabling environment for team work which is catalytic to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to partnerships resulting in strategic collaborations and (d) in achieving results within a professional team.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, in the country as well as in the region and in headquarters.

Staff -members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

II.  Project Context

Project ID 240001, Industrial cooperation programme in the Global South through technology transfer from Japan

The main objective of the project is to support the development of new businesses in countries of the Global South, in the form of feasibility studies and pilot demonstrations, through cooperation and co-creation between Japanese companies and partners of the Global South by providing effective and innovative technological solutions possessed by Japanese companies to address challenges currently faced by the Global South countries.

The expected outcomes are to generate new businesses and employment opportunities in Global South countries through technology transfer and skills development from Japan, which include (but not limited to) fostering of innovation, strengthening of resilient value chains, and establishment of networks of industrial infrastructure in the implementation countries.

The project complements the current phase of ITPO Japan (2023-2028) (ID 220166) to promote technology demonstration and transfer from Japan, under the mandate of GLO/ITP and ITPO Japan. It also creates synergies with the UNIDO technical cooperation project entitled, “Strengthening the capacity of developing countries to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through appropriate technology transfer from Japan (so-called STePP Demo project) (ID 200108),” which ended in December 2022, and another ongoing project entitled, “Industrial vocational training programme in Africa through technology transfer from Japan (so-called STePP IVT project) (ID 230055)”.

Project ID 220166, ITPO Japan (2023-2028)

The main purpose of the project is to support developing and emerging countries in attracting investment and technology from Japan. It will also assist investors in Japan in making decisions on the establishment of industrial partnerships by providing support in the development of partnership opportunities, providing detailed information thereof in the host country as well as in negotiations of these proposals.

UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Tokyo, Japan was established in 1981 as one of UNIDO’s first ITPOs based on an agreement between UNIDO and the Government of Japan. It is funded by the Government of Japan through annual voluntary contributions to UNIDO, administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The agreement, in the form of the exchange of notes, has been renewed and extended for a period of six years each based on the results and recommendations of a joint evaluation.

The project addresses issues related to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and contributes to all the SDGs, in particular SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all), SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), SDG 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development).

This falls in line with UNIDO’s vision of “Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID)” and “Progress by Innovation”.

III.  Main Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of ITPO Japan/PM of the Global South project and as a team member at the divisional level, the incumbent will be involved in the implementation of one or more Technical Cooperation projects. Within the limits of a delegation of authority by the Head of ITPO Japan/PM of the Global South project, the incumbent will be responsible for project funds and accountable for the achievement of project results, in line with the objectives of the office, to contribute to the outcomes of the Division. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Execute and monitor projects/programme implementation activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are high quality, delivered on time and within the allocated budget.

• Coordinate the execution of the project, including as/if needed:
  • Supervising and coordinating the work of project consultants, partners and sub-contractors.
  • Preparing necessary inputs (work plans, consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.).

• Monitoring progress and expenditures, preparing financial forecasts and budget revisions, including missions to project sites.
• Coordinate project communication and knowledge management activities.

• Manage external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government institutions and international entities, locally-based donor institutions, international financial institutions and regional development banks, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.
• Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.
• In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, contribute to planning funds mobilization strategies and cooperate with other units in-house in mobilizing the funds necessary for a follow up project and programme.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Project Specific Responsibilities (ID 240001, Global South)

Under the guidance and supervision of Head of ITPO Tokyo, GLO/ITP/JPN, &  Project Manager (PM) the incumbent will provide support in the following areas:

• Coordinate planning, implementation and coordination of all project aspects with PM and assigned colleagues, including technical and organizational requirements, procurement, HR, finance/budget and any other requirements for the successful implementation of the project
• Provide support to communication, public relations and events related to the project in Japan.
• Provide support to development and review of the Project Document.
• Provide support to monitoring and reporting of the project, both within HQ and also with the donor.
• Conduct other project and ITPO Japan-related tasks, when required.

Project Specific Responsibilities (ID 220166, ITPO Japan)

Under the guidance and supervision of Head of ITPO Tokyo, GLO/ITP/JPN, the incumbent will provide support in the following areas:

• Coordinate planning, implementation and coordination of all project aspects with PM and assigned colleagues, including technical and organizational requirements, procurement, HR, finance/budget and any other requirements for the successful implementation of the project
• Provide support to communication, public relations and events related to the project at HQ and in Japan.
• Provide support to development and review of the Project Document.
• Provide support to monitoring and reporting of the project, both within HQ and also with the donor.
• Conduct other project and ITPO Japan-related tasks, when required.
• Provide support to ITP related tasks, when required.

IV.  Core Values and 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.

V.   Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree in economics, agricultural engineering, science, business management, international relations, or related field is required.

Experience:

A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries. Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle. Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries. 

Language Skills:

Fluency in English and Japanese is required. Working knowledge of other official language(s) of the United Nations, an asset.

NOTE: 

UNIDO General Service applicants are required to be at least at the GS-5 level; to have served in their current position for at least two years; and to have served in UNIDO for at least five years.

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 careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.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