​​Requisition ID: 1734 
Grade: ISA-Specialist 
Country: Colombia 
Duty Station: Cartagena 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal/External
Employment Type: Non-staff Regular
Contract Duration: 9 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: 08-Feb-2023  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are particularly 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 of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

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).

This position is located under the Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit (TCS/SME/CQC) which builds national and regional production and quality infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on providing internationally recognized services, facilitating SME participation in regional and global value chains; strengthening institutional quality infrastructure capacities (i.e. standardization, metrology, and accreditation); building conformity assessment capacities (testing, inspection, certification, calibration, etc.); and supporting trade facilitation and quality awareness with the public sector, economic operators and consumers, placing a special emphasis on capacitating SMEs.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP)

In order to consolidate UNIDO/SECO interventions on trade standards compliance within one tool, adding the benefit of a global component facilitating synergies and enhancing coherence among the interventions, UNIDO and SECO have developed a coherent programmatic approach: the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP). The GQSP supports selected countries to align the demand for and supply of quality services required to prove and verify the quality of products. It will have two components

(1) Global Knowledge Management (C1) and (2) Country Projects. In the frame of the second component the programme is being implemented in more than 10 countries, among which Peru and Colombia stand out in these terms of reference.

GQSP Colombia- Quality Programme for the Chemical Value Chain

The overall objective is to foster Colombia’s integration into the regional and multilateral trading systems, through the strengthening of the National Quality Subsystem (SICAL) within the framework of the priorities of the 10 industrial groups that compose the Chemical Value Chain and the increase and improvement of MSME’s1 capacities to comply with technical requirements, international quality, private and sustainability standards required for trade facilitation. The project includes three complementary outcomes that are aligned to the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP), to be implemented over a period of four years:

Outcome 1: The sustainability and technical competence of the National Quality Subsystem SICAL are improved in the relevant areas to strategic sectors of the Chemical Value Chain to improve its competitiveness and favorize its access to new markets.

Outcome 2: The capacity of the MSMEs of the Chemical Value Chain to comply with technical regulations, international quality, private and sustainability standards is enhanced.

Outcome 3: The awareness for quality is enhanced for the improvement of quality and competitiveness.

GQSP Peru - Strengthening the quality of coffee and cocoa for exports from Peru

In Peru, the GQSP implements the project "Strengthening the quality of coffee and cocoa for exports from Peru", in co-management with the National Quality Institute (INACAL), which aims to contribute ontribute to improve Peru’s export competitiveness of the coffee and cocoa value chain through ensuring the implementation of quality infrastructure services in pilot regions. As such, the project supports and complements INACALs implementation plan for the National Quality Policy. The project entails three coordinated components over a project life span of four years in line and cooperation with the Global Standards and Quality Programme (GSQP). The project consists of three complementary outcomes:

Outcome 1: Technical competence and sustainability of the National Quality Infrastructure System for services in the Coffee and Cocoa Value Chain is enhanced.

Outcome 2:  SME’s compliance with international standards and technical regulations of the selected value chain (coffee, cocoa) is enhanced.

Outcome 3: A culture of quality is promoted.

NICACAO- Strengthening of the cocoa value chain in Nicaragua

The project will contribute to strengthening the cocoa value chain within the framework of territorial development in Nicaragua's Mining Triangle, with emphasis on quality and environmental standards, as well as the promotion of climate resilience.

The initiative will focus on strengthening the capacities of small-scale cocoa producers. It will also contribute to reducing gender gaps and promoting the economic and social empowerment of women, young people, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, creating opportunities for more equitable access to the resources and benefits of the cocoa production activity, through the following outputs, which contribute to the achievement of the specific objective:

Output 1.1: Strengthened capacities of small female and male cocoa producers for environmental and climate sustainability and productivity improvement.

Output 1.2: Strengthened capacities of small female and male producers integrated in cocoa processing initiatives, with value chains, circular economy and business - management approach implementation.

Output 1.3: Deforestation-free supply chains promoted with products traceability systems developed for small female and male cocoa producers.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Regional Chief Technical Advisor (RCTA) shall under the supervision of Project Manager at UNIDO Headquarters in Vienna, provide expert technical advice and support the execution of these Projects/Programmes to ensure implementation in an integrated and coherent manner. The RCTA will oversee the UNIDO technical intervention in the field under the three mentioned Projects/Programmes, supervising the work of the Project Teams, in close work with the National Technical Coordinators (NTC) in Colombia and Nicaragua and the Chief Technical Advisor in Peru (CTA). The RCTA will also follow-up the progress of the programs and seek to ensure the achievement of projects results.

The RCTA is expected to assume the following main duties:

Main duties

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION:

- Ensure consistency within the UNIDO project components/outputs and activities.

- Provide leadership and strategic thinking to ensure that project activities focus on critical areas for the attainment of the main objectives.

- Provide operational and results based management guidance to the NTCs and CTA, including project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation defining resource requirements, review/oversight of project's implementation.

- Revise and monitor the implementation of detailed work plans and budgets of the different interventions prepared by NTCs and CTA.

- Establish follow-up and monitoring strategies and mechanisms to evaluate progress in the projects implementation, key indicators performance and compliance with proposed results. Including regular follow up meetings with project teams, monitoring plans, information systems, reporting, etc.

- Support project teams in the identification of international and national expertise required; define work assignments, review job descriptions and support the recruitment process.

- Revise quarterly and biannual results-based reporting for the project according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements. Support the preparation of a mid-term and final report comprising all relevant information compiled from the interim reports, conclusions and recommendations.

- 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, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.

- Support other related duties and assignments as required by the project manager.

COORDINATION WITH PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND DONORS:

- Ensure synergies between UNIDO projects and with programs conducted by other organizations or institutions on the national and regional level. Establish working relation with key technical partners in the region (PTB, ITC, GIZ, etc.) and mobilize support for the projects implementation through establishing partnership.

- Assist in promoting dialogue and good practices in the focus areas of the projects among different stakeholders and establish working relation with key stakeholders of the projects.

- Brief interested donors, foreign missions on the activities of the projects.

- Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the program/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 office.

TECHNICAL ADVICE:

- Advise the NTC, CTA and project manager (PM), the donors and counterparts on policy, development strategy and technical matters.

- Provide substantial advice on questions related to value chains under the projects scope.

- Advise the technical intervention plans and activities in the area of Quality Infrastructure.

- Support and provide substantive inputs to the organization of trainings, seminars and workshops to create awareness and publicize   projects results, and ensuring sustainability.

- Create  a roster of institutions and consultants to support capacity development activities.

- Prepare for the PM Recommendations for the provision of necessary resources (technical and financial) from UNIDO HQs for the implementation of the activities.

- Carry out advisory missions within the reegions scope of the country in furtherance of the specific objectives of the projects.

- Support other related duties and assignments as required by the project manager.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced University Degree in Engineering, Sciences, Economics or Business Administration with focus in agroindustry field. Postgraduate studies in relevant related field.

Technical and Functional Experience: 

- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in the field of strengthening of agroindustry value chains and quality infrastructure upgrading (i.e. quality policy, standards development, metrology, conformity assessment and accreditation capabilities.

- Work Experience in international setting cooperation projects in developing countries is required, as well as experience in project management, including designing, managing, implementing, and reporting to donors. 

- Computer literacy (MS Office, data base management) is required. 

- Ability to develop technical analysis to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

- Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries. 

- Other areas of institutional and human resource development and knowledge management are an asset.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required. Advanced technical capabilities in written and spoken English are required.

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.

Managerial and Leadership Competencies

WE ARE STRATEGIC, DECISIVE, PRINCIPLED AND INSPIRATIONAL: As managers, we are strategic and fair in driving our team’s performance. As leaders, we are a source of inspiration, stand for norms and standards established in the UN Charter and duty bound to defend these ideals with a principled approach.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE: As managers, we are inclusive in our approach and maintain constructive engagement with all our stakeholders. As leaders, we embrace all personnel and stakeholders and are accountable mutually within UNIDO, within the system, to beneficiaries and the public and beyond.

WE ARE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL: As managers, we go beyond conventional methods to help our organizational units strengthen their own agility and adaptability to change. As leaders in the UN system, we have a vision which is integrated and engaged across the pillars of Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.

WE ARE COLLABORATIVE AND CO-CREATIVE: As managers, we foster a team spirit and create meaningful opportunities to hear the voices of those around us, while realizing that only by working together can we accomplish our mission. As leaders, we see the inter-dependency of imperatives of the UN Charter and personally champion a collaborative inter-agency, multi-stakeholders and cross-thinking approach.

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