National Technical Advisor

The Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of innovative finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.

The Directorate is responsible for the Divisions of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), and Public-Private Partnerships (IET/PPP). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, IET collaborates closely with TCS to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

The Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) supports Member States in their efforts to pave the way to sustainable rural development and a structurally transformed and modernized agribusiness sector. Capitalizing on the experience gained by UNIDO in this field over decades and on tried-and-tested and to-be-developed service modules, the Division will explore innovative approaches to maximize the potential that exists in agribusiness development, addressing emerging global trends, in particular food security, poverty alleviation and climate change. It will explore new ways to contribute to global efforts to reduce hunger, accelerate food systems transformation, and generate income and employment, especially among women and youth. The Division provides TC services to assist the modernization of agriculture and agro-industry, especially in less-developed countries, ensuring that enterprises add value to primary agricultural production, substitute the imports of food and other value-added agricultural products, and participate effectively in local, regional and global value chains. Where needed, it will develop infrastructure and agro-industrial parks and capacities for agro-industrialization, value addition, quality assurance and food safety. It will also bring innovative approaches to Member States to fully benefit from carbon-neutral and biodiversity-enhancing agricultural and agro-industrial production and development opportunities in the green and blue bioeconomy.

The Food Security and Food Systems Unit (IET/AGR/FSS) promotes the development of food industries and food value chains and the production of local food products in less-developed countries to end hunger and ensure food and nutrition security while generating income and employment adhering to principles of sustainable industrial development. It provides a range of technical assistance services that allow food enterprises – including in the informal sector and especially SMEs – to extend their production, improve their products, comply with quality and other standards, become more competitive and deliver adequate and nutritious food to local populations and for export. Where opportune, it also promotes the development of food safety compliance infrastructure and building related food safety systems capacities.

The position is under the Food Security and Food Systems Unit (IET/AGR/FSS) under the Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (AGR) of the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET) and located in Cambodia.

At the NOC level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work from a seasoned analyst; (b) in creating an enabling environment for work which is solid and anchored to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to relationship management and (d) in achieving results within a professional team. The measure of success is in consistent and dependable delivery of results.

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, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

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.

1. Project Context

The project is based at the National Agricultural Laboratory at Setbo (NALS), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in Cambodia. NALS, a Public Administrative Institution (PAI), provides integrated and comprehensive microbiological and chemical testing services focused on plant and animal health as well as food safety. Operating within the Cambodian Agricultural Sciences Academy (CASA) framework, NALS serves as the primary government counterpart for this project.

The “European Union-Cambodia Partnership for National Agriculture Laboratory” (EU Cambodia-NALS) project, funded by the European Union (EU), aims to enhance agricultural food safety in Cambodia. This effort contributes to building resilient food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural development, aligned with the broader objectives of the CAPSAFE project. CAPSAFE targets the sustainability, competitiveness, and inclusiveness of the cashew nut and pepper value chains, with a particular focus on empowering smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by fostering innovative growth opportunities.

The EU Cambodia-NALS project supports NALS in obtaining accreditation for selected priority laboratory tests and assists MAFF in coordinating the development and operationalization of NALS. These efforts are critical drivers of trade development and economic growth in Cambodia.

The project’s specific objective is to operationalize NALS and achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for selected priority tests. UNIDO is responsible for implementing this project, delivering two key outputs: (i) achieving readiness for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the selected tests; and (ii) providing technical support for the coordinated development and operationalization of NALS.

The expected outcome is the successful operationalization of NALS under MAFF’s leadership and the achievement of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for priority tests. This achievement will enable Cambodia to meet international quality standards, improve regulatory compliance, facilitate access to regional and global markets, boost export competitiveness, and ultimately support sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems nationwide.

At the impact level, the project seeks to strengthen Cambodia’s laboratory capacity for agricultural food safety by supporting the accreditation and full operationalization of NALS. Enhancing the country’s testing capabilities will improve food safety governance, increase public trust in food systems, advance public health outcomes, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure greater compliance with international export standards.

1. Main Responsibilities

The National Technical Advisor works under the overall guidance of the Director, Department of IET/AGR/FSS; the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor and in close collaboration with the project manager and his/her team in the HQ and field location to support the mandate of the Division.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Project planning and Coordination:

• Advise the CTA and Project Manager in preparing detailed work plan and budget, design monitoring and evaluation tool for the project activities;
• Coordinate the execution of all activities leading to the successful implementation of the project in the country, including implementation, quality control and monitoring of all project activities in the country;
• Lead and support NALS’s ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation process, advising on strategic planning aligned with project goals.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, donors, and international organizations to promote collaboration and project success.

Programme/project implementation:

• Liaise with government counterparts, provide updates, financial reports, and address issues as needed.
• Act as national focal point, attending key meetings and organizing project briefings and debriefings.
• Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of national and international project consultants and contractors;
• Supervise the work of the local project team assigned to work on the project and/or to perform ad-hoc activities;
• Coordinate in preparation of technical specifications for procurement, ensuring compliance with UNIDO policies.
• Manage and ensure quality assurance of project implementation, reporting, and budget adherence.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, experts, and implementing agencies to ensure alignment and synergy.

Project promotion and outreach:

• Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness and visibility of the project among stakeholders and the public in line with UNIDO guidelines. 
• Organize and participate in workshops, seminars, and public events to disseminate project results and encourage stakeholder engagement.

Capacity building of the project partners/beneficiaries:

• Facilitate knowledge transfer, skill development and coaching for NALS staff to support the operationalization and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for priority tests.

Reporting:

• Draft progress and annual project reports in accordance with donor specifications and UNIDO requirements and submit to CTA.
•  Perform other related duties and assignments as requested by PM.

1. 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.

1. Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education:

A first‑level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Agricultural Science, Natural Resource Management and Development Science or related disciplines is required

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or a Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

A minimum of professional experience aligned with the educational level is required, as follows:

• First‑level university degree (Bachelor’s): at least 8 years of relevant professional experience
• Advanced university degree (Master’s): at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Doctorate: at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
• Professional experience in the implementation of technical cooperation/development projects at national level, is required.
• Experience in supporting the laboratories in preparation for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is required.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the regions is desirable.
• Experience in working with government and development agencies including the United Nations agencies in the country or similar country in the region, is desirable.
• Proven communication skills and experience in capacity building, technical advisory, and stakeholder engagement is desirable.