Industrial Development Expert (Roster)

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 position is located under of Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP). Under the supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP) develops coherent partnership strategies for the design and incubation of innovative climate and technology programmes and actions to support governments and industries of Member States to push for net zero industrial development to fulfil national and global climate commitments and strategies. The focus of the Division is to identify and advance promising new climate and technology initiatives and design impact-oriented proposals for TC, negotiate and coordinate innovative partnerships to support the joint elaboration and initiation of these TC programmes, develop technical meetings and consultations for Member States, accompanying knowledge products and incubate the innovative technical programmes to maturity. The Division positions UNIDO strategically in global fora and high-level policy discussions relevant to innovative climate and technology partnerships. In the development of strategic partnerships on climate and technology, the Division engages with a broad range of stakeholders to support Member States in their pathway to facilitate and accelerate a just economic transformation through net zero industrial development. The Division collaborates closely on crosscutting matters with TCS/ECA, TCS/CMP, TCS/IPC and on overall strategic planning and UN engagement with SPP/SSC, SPP/SEC, and develops strategic partnerships and mobilize innovative finances respectively with IET/PPP and IET/IFI. DGB/2024/03: UNIDO Secretariat Structure 2024

At the L3 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/Programme Context

Project title:Small hydropower center of excellence in Nigeria(SAP ID: 240118)

Nigeria, endowed with vast natural resources and a rapidly growing population, faces significant challenges in ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access. Currently, 92 million Nigerians lack electricity, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and hindering industrial growth. The Nigerian Government’s 2021 Energy Transition Plan (ETP) seeks to address energy poverty and climate change by achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060. This ambitious plan underscores the urgent need for innovative and scalable renewable energy solutions.

Small hydropower (SHP) is a proven, efficient renewable energy technology particularly well-suited for rural electrification. Despite Africa's substantial SHP potential of 15,714 MW, less than 5 per cent has been developed due to technical, financial, and policy barriers. Recognizing the transformative role of SHP in overcoming these challenges, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) proposes the establishment of a Small Hydropower Center of Excellence in Nigeria under the China-Africa-UN Collaboration Framework.

This center will serve as a hub for technical training, knowledge sharing, and policy guidance, helping to address the barriers to small hydropower development, such as technical, financial, and regulatory challenges. It will provide expertise in small hydropower project development, capacity building, and energy system integration, with a focus on rural electrification, clean energy solutions, and enhancing local capacities.

In the long term, the project will support Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which seeks to provide universal energy access by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. By harnessing Nigeria’s vast hydropower potential, the SHP Center will play a pivotal role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to clean energy and climate action.

The center will not only improve electricity access but also support broader economic development through job creation, enhanced energy security, and increased climate resilience.

Project title: Technical Guidelines and Trainings for the Development of New Energy Vehicles (240083)

The project is an integral initiative aiming to standardize the new energy vehicle industry sector globally. It focuses on developing several comprehensive guidelines and trainings covering the technologies for both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

These guidelines will address the technological complexities and interdisciplinary nature of the sector, ensuring safety, quality, and economic viability across different regions. Aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the project is supported by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and leverages expertise from leading nations and international organizations in NEV industry. Key participants include China's Ministry of Commerce, MIIT, UNIDO, and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA).

This project is poised to establish a harmonized framework for the NEV industry, setting the stage for potential future development of international ISO new-energy vehicle standards. While the implementation of ISO standards falls beyond the immediate scope of this project, the comprehensive guidelines developed are expected to significantly influence and inform this next phase. On the other hand, this project also aims to accelerate technical exchange and technology transfer of new energy vehicle technology in both battery electric vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sectors between China, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar to promote the expertise of China on these technology fields and facilitate green development of NEV industry.

The project aspires to lay a solid foundation, contributing to global technological coherence and advancing sustainable development in the fields of both electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. 

1. Responsibilities

The Industrial Development Expert works under the overall guidance of the Chief Division Chief, Division of Climate Technologies and Partnerships; the direct supervision of the project manager and in close collaboration with the colleagues 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:

• 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 projects and programme, 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.
  • Participating in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters and assists the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes.
  • 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.
• Establish partnerships on hydrogen and other relevant climate technologies with international and country based stakeholders.
• 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 on climate technologies and renewable energies.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIORS

Core Values

Excellence – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance

Integrity – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly

Inclusion – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness

Humility – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions

Humanity – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development

Core Behaviors

Connect & Collaborate - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity

Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively

Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives

Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge

Adapt and Innovate - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches

Functional Competence

• Continuously develop and maintain expertise
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices
• Apply knowledge to improve results and decision-making
• Adopt new tools and technologies
• Take ownership of professional development

1. Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) A first-level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) in economics, international relations, engineering or in a closely related field with specialization inenergy and energy technologies and management is required. An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) or Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience:

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 or equivalent): at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Doctorate: at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

• Progressively responsible professional experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas of hydrogen, energy related topics, project management and partnership development is required.  

• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in Asia and Africa is desirable. 
• Experience in applying Results-Based Management (RBM) principles in project implementation is required.
• Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is desirable.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development to support programme objectives and advocacy efforts is required.

Language Skills:

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