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Date:  Finance & Administrative Coordinator

​​Requisition ID: 4485 
Grade: ISA-Specialist 
Country: Germany 
Duty Station: Bonn 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 11 months
Application Deadline: 08-Oct-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

 

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
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.

 

The Directorate of Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) 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). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET 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 Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) assists Member States in the transition to low-carbon and climate resilient economies through the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency solutions and breakthrough technologies in industry and other key sectors, diversifying supply chains for renewable energy manufacturing and stimulating innovation to address critical climate and energy related challenges.

 

The Division assists governments in fulfilling national commitments under the Paris Agreement and progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby facilitating a just transition towards sustainable industrialization. In transitioning to a low-carbon and climate resilient economies, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of policies, knowledge and technologies and pathways to plan, manage and finance the energy transitions and climate action for industrial transformation. It collaborates closely on converging issues with IET/CTP and TCS/CMP.

 

The position is located under the Sustainable and Just Energy Transitions Unit (TCS/ECA/JET) focuses on promoting energy for development and leveraging technology innovation and social inclusion to lead a just energy transition. It promotes the modernization of energy infrastructure to drive decoupling growth from emissions and deploys de-risking approaches to channel public and private investments to accelerate energy access and industrial development. It supports Members States in building and diversifying renewable energy supply chains and fostering manufacturing capabilities to achieve a just energy transition for all. The unit also supports the integration of energy system design into the wider development objectives and helps countries navigate the trade-offs for energy development while ensure compliance with social and environmental norms. Finally, the Unit coordinates the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres and related partnerships and uses regional policies and approaches to achieve economies of scale.

 

PROJECT CONTEXT

 

PROJECT TITLE: Strengthening Engagement and Action by the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group on Climate Change - GEF ID 10994 - SAP ID 220042

Further information on the LDC project is available at: https://open.unido.org/projects/M0/projects/220042. 

 

UNIDO is implementing the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded projects “Strengthening Engagement and Action by the Least Developed Countries Group on Climate Change” (GEF ID 10994 - SAP ID 220042) in collaboration with Climate Analytics (CA) and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The project seeks to strengthen the institutional structures of the LDC Group on Climate Change, enabling them to enhance their participation and advocacy for LDC positions on climate change adaptation and mitigation in UNFCCC processes and the translation of relevant decisions into concrete actions on the ground in LDC countries. One major outcome of the UNIDO project is the formal establishment, legalization and operationalization of the permanent secretariat of the LDC Group.

 

The Least Developed Countries (LDs)

The Least Developed Countries (LDs) are forty-four (44) nations representing over one billion people across Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean, which contribute the least to climate change, yet disproportionately suffer from its ever-increasing impacts. The LDC Group on Climate Change, united behind a shared common interest and circumstances, have been negotiating as a Group in the UNFCCC process since 2001, to ensure their voices are heard and their priorities are reflected in the final negotiation outcomes. They work together on progressive climate actions that align with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement of limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience, and making financial flows consistent with low greenhouse gas emissions pathway.  

 

The Chair of the LDC Group under UNFCCC rotates among three regions – Francophone and Lusophone Africa, Anglophone Africa, and Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean regions. The Republic of Malawi is the chair of the LDC Group for the period 2024-2025.  

Several critical challenges hinder the effective operation of the LDC Group on Climate Change. These challenges span a diverse area including the day-to-day operational management, institutional set-up, coordination, and financial management. As highlighted in the Group’s five-year strategy, addressing these challenges is pivotal to help enhance the sustainability and more coordinated efforts of the Group.

 

The establishment of a Permanent Secretariat has emerged as a transformative opportunity to optimize operations, distribute tasks, and fortify the Group's international engagement, building on the existing foundation for sustained and impactful climate action. 

 

PURPOSE OF THE LDC PERMANENT SECRETARIAT  

Highly recommended by the LDC Charter and aiming to strengthen the institutional structures of the LDC group, the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group holds immense importance in addressing the unique challenges faced by these countries. The secretariat will provide a centralized hub for coordinating and advancing the LDC Group's efforts in climate change negotiations across all thematic areas, as well as support implementation of climate actions at the national levels.  

 

Given the importance of the permanent secretariat, the GEF7 project is recruiting a Financial and Administrative Coordinator to support the LDC Group on Climate Change to effectively establish its Permanent Secretariat and provide support on various key matters and events to the LDC Chair, the LDC Coordinator and the Group. 

 

The main objectives are to support:

  • the effective establishment of the Permanent Secretariat and obtainment of the legal status;
  • the communication and visibility activities of the Group;
  • Support the day to day clerical and financial work of the coordinator and the LDC Group;
  • The logistical work related to the liaison with the UNFCCC;
  • Logistical activities related to key events such as the LDC Ministerial and Strategic Meetings.

 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the LDC Secretariat Coordinator, the LDC Chair on Climate Change, and close cooperation with the LDC Group, Climate Analytics (CA), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the UNIDO project team in the HQ, the Financial and Administrative Coordinator will provide financial and clerical supports. He/She will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

 

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/

Measurable outputs to be achieved

LDC permanent secretariat and legal status
  • Undertake trainings on procurement, fiduciary requirements, travel, HR and other key activities to run the Secretariat 
  • Support the development of key standard documents of the Secretariat (procurement, finance, budget, HR, travel, workplan, etc.) 
  • Perform general administrative tasks such as arrangements for registration of the secretariat, meetings, events, training and workshops
  • Support the coordinator in the legal status registration of the LDC permanent secretariat 
  • Provide administrative and logistical support during the board and committee meetings 
  • Keep track of pending matters, flagging deadlines and bringing urgent and important items to the attention of the Chair and the Senior Coordinator  
  • Undertake trainings on procurement and fiduciary requirements 
  • Assist with administrative onboarding of new personnel
  • Assist in drafting regular and/or ad-hoc reports
  • Monitor disbursements, commitments budget allocations and availability 
  • Consult to clarify the application of new financial and procurement rules and procedures, TC guidelines and other instructions Collect and compile all data and documents for bi-annual reports, annual reports, service providers’ reports and other reports as required. 
  • Maintain all project-related files (both paper and electronic) and databases related to the work
  • Once the Group has a functional financing system in place, process all payments through relevant accounts and liaise with the relevant teams to clear all payments in a timely manner. 
  • Certificate of the training attended;
  • At least five (5) key standard documents of the secretariat (procurement, finance - budget, HR, travel, etc.);
  • Legal status obtained by the LDC Group;
  • Quarterly report including elements on the effective financial and administrative support provided.

Communication and visibility
  • Support the coordination and documentation of LDC activities at SBs and COP sessions  
  • Support the comms and activities led by the LDC Chair’s Media and Diplomacy Coordinator 
  • Participate in short bi-weekly coordination meetings with the LDC Chair’s Media & Diplomacy Coordinator, IIED and CA’S team 
  • Close collaboration with the LDC Chair’s Media & Diplomacy Coordinator and IIED and CA team 
  • Compilation of documentation of LDC activities at SB and COP sessions;
  • Record of all minutes of biweekly meetings.

LDC Group constituency
  • Support the filing of key documents in the LDC knowledge management system  
  • Share all presentations, briefing documents, and other relevant files with LDC Group members as relevant   
  • Maintains calendar/schedules; monitors change and communicates relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside of the Secretariat 
  • An up-to-date schedule and collection of documents on the LDC Group’s activities.
  • Regularly shared documentation with all relevant LDC Group members.

UNFCCC Logistical Support
  • Liaising with the UNFCCC secretariat and booking rooms/venues for LDC coordination and ad hoc meetings during UNFCCC sessions, as required   
  • Liaising with LDC coordination meeting guests, as required  
  • Printing documents and delivering them to negotiating rooms, as required   
  • Provide logistical support to the LDC Chair including visa processing, logistic arrangements, filing letters, etc.     
  • Keep track of pending matters, flagging deadlines and bringing urgent and important items to the attention of the Chair and the Senior Coordinator 
  • All LDC coordination meetings and ad hoc meetings are effectively organised;
  • Key decisions from the meetings are effectively tracked;
  • Travel arrangements of the LDC group delegations are effectively organized.

LDC Group Logistical Support
  • Using SAP, when required, make arrangements for travel, prepare travel authorizations, assist in completing back-to-office mission reports and claim forms 
  • Keep track of pending matters, flagging deadlines and bringing urgent and important items to the attention of the Chair and the Senior Coordinator 
  • Maintain project equipment inventories (both paper and electronic asset management) and ensure appropriate use

 

  • Travel arrangements are effectively executed and reports are submitted on time;
  • An up-to-date inventory of all equipment is available;
  • An effective follow-up pattern is maintained to meet the deadline.

 

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Education: An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in business administration, institutional set-up, climate and environment, or other relevant discipline is required.

 

Technical and Functional Experience:

  • At least five (5) years of professional experience in administration, including some exposure at the international level is required.
  • Experience must include positions of responsibility for project management, including budgeting, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and administration. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines. 
  • Good knowledge of the UNFCCC process is desirable. 
  • Experience/knowledge of development agencies, donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions is desirable.
  • Experience of working with UN agencies, multilaterals, donors, and international NGOs is required.
  • Working experience in an LDC country is desirable.
  • Experience in evaluating the needs and conditions of developing countries is desirable.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national and cultural backgrounds is required.

 

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French and Portuguese are 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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