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Date: National Project Coordinator

Requisition ID: 5234
Grade: SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior)
Country: Nigeria
Duty Station: Abuja
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff Regular
Contract Duration: 3 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application deadline: 06-Mar-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
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 Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora. The Directorate is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI).

The Division of MSME 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 MSMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among MSMEs 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 MSME 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 the MSME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/SME/MDJ) which supports micro, 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 for advancing the overall economic competitiveness.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Project 240280 Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been proactive in enhancing policies and legislative frameworks to promote accessibility to assistive technology, critical for individuals with disabilities. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in the regulatory and approval processes for medical and assistive devices, necessitating an integrated approach to overcome fragmentation and improve access across all societal segments. Additionally, the issue of antipersonnel landmines due to historical conflicts exacerbates the situation, leading to high casualties and severe disabilities among survivors, particularly in areas like the northeast of Nigeria.

Recognizing the urgent need for specialized interventions to support landmine survivors, who face not only immediate physical impairments but also long-term psychological, social, and economic challenges, the current project has been developed. This initiative focuses on leveraging 3D-printed prosthetics technology to aid amputees, aiming to rehabilitate them and foster their reintegration into the workforce, thereby enhancing their economic and social well-being.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with its extensive experience in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development, has identified this project as a strategic opportunity to replicate its successful deployment of 3D-printed prosthetics technology, as seen in previous initiatives such as in Ukraine. By drawing on lessons learned and harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution's innovations, UNIDO is poised to introduce Japanese 3D-printed prosthetics technology in Africa, with Nigeria serving as the pilot country.

The overall objective of the project is to improve accessibility to 3D-printed prosthetics in Africa. The immediate goals include enhancing the productive capacity for these prosthetics in Nigeria as a pilot country and promoting the assistive devices industry through a global forum. This forum will be supported by an in-depth assessment of two additional countries in the African region, where the project will also engage and collaborate to advance the accessibility and development of assistive technologies.

This effort not only aligns with UNIDO's mission to foster industrial development and humanitarian aid but also showcases the potential for technology-driven solutions to address significant health challenges and support vulnerable populations.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in HQ and close cooperation with project team in the field and HQ, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall coordination/implementation, monitoring/evaluation and reporting of the project. Specifically, the National Project Coordinator will perform the following duties:

*MAIN DUTIES*	Concrete/ measurable Outputs to be achieved
Project Coordination and Implementation Advise the Project Manager on 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; Liaise with government counterparts, provide regular updates, financial reports and troubleshot problems as required; Attend key meetings related to the project and act as the focal point of the project at national level; Organize and conduct briefings and debriefings on projects for the country, sub regional aspects, resources and development towards maximizing project performance level; Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of international and national 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 the preparation of technical requirements/technical specifications for procurement, including designing of technical requirements, elaboration of relevant questions from tenders, evaluations, etc. ensuring compliance with the relevant UNIDO administrative rules and policies; Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including partnerships opportunities with private sectors; Maintain close links with other private sector development initiatives to ensure a consistent and integrated approach.	Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach. Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner. National experts guided and empowered so as to produce high quality project outputs and deliverables. National experts guided and empowered so as to produce high quality project outputs and deliverables. Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner. Effective partnership maintained.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Provide inputs for strategic advice in the elaboration of the operational planning and monitoring system for the project; Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation for the activities of the project using appropriate tools with output verifiable indicators; Execute the administrative and financial monitoring of the project and its activities; Coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting for the programme according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements; Support the preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs) and provides relevant documentation, including reporting, drafting TORs of the Steering Committee based on UNIDO templates and if required act as Secretary of the PSC; Coordinate the preparation of a final report at the end of the contract comprising all relevant information compiled from the interim reports, conclusions and recommendations; Lead the coordination and preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs), including preparing ToRs.	Project monitoring framework drafted. Project log frame revised. Project reporting templates drawn up. Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned. Final report prepared and submitted to the PM. ToRs prepared. Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PMs Effective liaison with government counterpart established.
External Relations Maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, private sector, UN project partners; Coordinate the dissemination of project knowledge to the wider public by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches.	Partnerships with project partners are strengthened. Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned disseminated through identified appropriate media.
Final phase Prepare a consolidated final report of the programme/project in close consultation with all the stakeholders and submit to UNIDO by the end of the programme/project.	Final report produced.

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/

measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Project Coordination and Implementation

Advise the Project Manager on 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;

Liaise with government counterparts, provide regular updates, financial reports and troubleshot problems as required;

Attend key meetings related to the project and act as the focal point of the project at national level;

Organize and conduct briefings and debriefings on projects for the country, sub regional aspects, resources and development towards maximizing project performance level;

Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of international and national 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 the preparation of technical requirements/technical specifications for procurement, including designing of technical requirements, elaboration of relevant questions from tenders, evaluations, etc. ensuring compliance with the relevant UNIDO administrative rules and policies;

Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including partnerships opportunities with private sectors;

Maintain close links with other private sector development initiatives to ensure a consistent and integrated approach.

Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach.

Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner.

National experts guided and empowered so as to produce high quality project outputs and deliverables.

Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner.

Effective partnership maintained.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Provide inputs for strategic advice in the elaboration of the operational planning and monitoring system for the project;

Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation for the activities of the project using appropriate tools with output verifiable indicators;

Execute the administrative and financial monitoring of the project and its activities;

Coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting for the programme according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements;

Support the preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs) and provides relevant documentation, including reporting, drafting TORs of the Steering Committee based on UNIDO templates and if required act as Secretary of the PSC;

Coordinate the preparation of a final report at the end of the contract comprising all relevant information compiled from the interim reports, conclusions and recommendations;

Lead the coordination and preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs), including preparing ToRs.

Project monitoring framework drafted. Project log frame revised. Project reporting templates drawn up.

Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned.

Final report prepared and submitted to the PM.

ToRs prepared.

Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PMs

Effective liaison with government counterpart established.

External Relations

Maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, private sector, UN project partners;

Coordinate the dissemination of project knowledge to the wider public by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches.

Partnerships with project partners are strengthened.

Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned disseminated through identified appropriate media.

Final phase

Prepare a consolidated final report of the programme/project in close consultation with all the stakeholders and submit to UNIDO by the end of the programme/project.

Final report produced.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in engineering, sciences, economics, business administration, international relations or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least five (5) years of professional experience in coordinating the implementation of development/technical cooperation programmes/projects at national level, is required.
Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the region is desirable.
Experience in livelihoods including economic recovery and empowerment, vocational training, employment generation, business development and microfinance is desirable
Experience/knowledge of other development agencies donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions in the country, or similar country in the region is desirable.

Languages Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of the local language other 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

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