Title: National Business Development Expert
Requisition ID: 8023
Grade: ISA-NOD
Country: South Africa
Duty Station: Johannesburg
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-When Act. Employed
Contract Duration: 80 days
Application deadline: 22-Sep-2026, 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.
UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.
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 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 to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.
The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.
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, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.
The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) 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.
Under the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG) contributes to greener and more circular industries and products by minimizing both resource use along value chains and the emission of pollutants to the environment.
The Division promotes just transitions to circular economies, reduced release of pollutants into the environment and other green industrial and economic approaches to help Member States to grow economically while simultaneously addressing the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. It promotes circular economy policies, programmes and practices including circular business models that improve the profitability of industries while creating social and environmental benefits.
The Circular Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CEG/CRE) is responsible for supporting capacity development to promote the adoption of circular and resource-efficient consumption and production patterns across value chains. The Unit fosters circular economy solutions, including policies, programmes, practices, and business models, that enhance industrial profitability while delivering social and environmental benefits. Additionally, it facilitates design for circularity, emphasizing reduced or alternative material inputs, greater durability, reusability, reparability, and recyclability. The Unit also promotes nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches that support the harmonious coexistence of industries and nature.
PROJECT CONTEXT
The Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP) aims to demonstrate the viability and benefits of improving industrial parks through resource productivity and business economic, environmental, and social performances, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable industrial development in participating developing and transition economies. Building on the achievement of the previous phase, GEIPP II moved from demonstrating the benefits to facilitation, replication, and upscaling of EIP approaches. This will lead to a more balanced industrial development within the framework of resource efficiency and the circular economy.
As shown in the figure here, the targeted outcomes of GEIPP II are designed to interact with each other to create sound knowledge at the global level. Thus, the GEIPP II is implemented through two components: Country-Level Interventions and Global Knowledge Management Component as outlined in the following:
Component 1: Country-Level Interventions
These activities of the country-level interventions are structured as follows:
Outcome 1: EIP incentivized and mainstreamed in relevant policies and regulations
Output 1.1. Integration of EIP approaches into circular economy-related and industrial policies
Output 1.2. Fostering national EIP recognition schemes, including certification, awards, and supporting capacity building
Output 1.3 Supporting EIP replication and investments
Outcome 2: EIP opportunities implementation, with environmental (e.g. resource productivity), economic and social benefits achieved by industrial parks and their enterprises confirmed.
Output 2.1. Consolidation of cooperation with GEIPP I priority parks.
Output 2.2. Up-scaling EIP opportunities implementation in additional priority parks.
Output 2.3. Country-wide facilitation of EIP implementation and establishment of self-sustaining EIP capacities.
Under Component 2: Global Knowledge Management
These activities of the country-level interventions are structured as follows:
Outcome 3: Park management entities and tenant companies are familiar with the best international EIP practices and are enabled to access already existing financial support mechanisms and Global Public Goods (e.g., International EIP Framework, EIP recognition schemes, EIP tools, and implementation guidelines).
Output 3.1. EIP Framework and standard setting.
Output 3.2 Promotions of EIP learnings and international finance facilitation.
Outcome 4: Programme effectiveness and flexibility are enhanced through funding the implementation of additional activities in program countries with a higher absorption capacity and through funding of EIP light-touch interventions in additional countries.
Output 4.1. Facilitation of EIP uptake
The development objective of the second phase of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP II), which is funded by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), is to promote circular economy approaches in industries, to mitigate the climate impact of industries and to help the industrial parks to adapt to the negative consequences of climate change.
A more detailed description of the Project can be found at:
https://open.unido.org/projects/SA/projects/220187
OBJECTIVE and scope of services:
The assignment will consist of a study assessing the current situation, services, business activities and financing mechanisms of NCPC South Africa, identifying opportunities to enhance its service portfolio and generate additional revenue streams. Based on this analysis and on projections for the uptake and potential revenues of additional income-generating services, the expert will support the development of a sustainable business model and implementation roadmap to strengthen NCPC South Africa's long-term financial and operational sustainability.
The assignment will also facilitate discussions with key stakeholders to build consensus on the future direction of the NCPC. Based on the findings, practical recommendations will be developed to support the implementation of the proposed business development strategy.
The results will directly support the NCPC in strengthening its financial sustainability, identifying new business and financing opportunities, improving its market positioning, and defining a realistic roadmap for future implementation.
The support will include the following activities:
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No |
Concrete/ measurable Outputs to be achieved |
Expected level of effort (working days) |
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I. Inception Phase and Workplan Development |
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I.1 |
Development of a detailed workplan outlining the proposed methodology, timeline, milestones, responsibilities, stakeholder consultation approach, and coordination arrangements for the implementation of the assignment. A kick-off meeting shall be organized with UNIDO, NCPC South Africa and relevant stakeholders suggested by the NCPC, to present and agree on the workplan, methodology, stakeholder engagement approach and implementation arrangements. |
Workplan and methodology |
10 days |
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II. Assessment of Current Situation and Identification of Business Opportunities |
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II.1 |
The objective of this phase is to assess the current situation of the NCPC South Africa and identify opportunities to strengthen its long-term sustainability while maintaining its current legal structure.
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Assessment Report including the identification of key challenges, market opportunities, priority areas for future business development and preliminary strategic directions for the future growth and sustainability of the NCPC. All supporting analyses related to points (i) to (iv) shall be included as annexes. |
30 days |
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III. Update of the Business Model Canvas |
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III.1 |
The assessment shall include the review, update and consultative validation of the existing Business Model Canvas previously developed by the NCPC. The update shall incorporate the results of the document review, stakeholder consultations, SWOT analysis, business opportunity assessment, national and international benchmarking, and other relevant findings generated during the assignment. The update of the Business Model Canvas shall be carried out jointly with the NCPC team through practical working sessions that reflect the current reality, priorities and expectations of the NCPC and its staff. The expert shall plan and facilitate the working sessions, ensuring the active participation of NCPC representatives and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, throughout the process. |
Updated and validated Business Model Canvas for the NCPC South Africa.
Working session materials, including participant lists and supporting documentation (photos, videos and exercises). |
10 days |
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IV. Proposed Business Model and Business Development Strategy |
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IV.1 |
Based on the findings of the previous activities and the updated Business Model Canvas, develop a proposed Business Development Strategy and Business Model for the NCPC South Africa. The proposed strategy shall identify and assess priority business opportunities, target client segments, market potential and revenue streams that can strengthen the long-term financial and operational sustainability of the NCPC while remaining consistent with its current legal and institutional structure. The proposed business model shall include short-term (1–2 years), medium-term (3–5 years) and long-term (beyond 5 years) business opportunities. The assessment shall evaluate the feasibility, potential revenue contribution and implementation requirements of the proposed opportunities and prioritize them accordingly. The expert shall also develop a financing strategy identifying appropriate financing and revenue mechanisms to support the implementation of the proposed business model, including, where feasible, indicative estimates of market demand, service uptake, pricing/revenue mechanisms, potential revenue generation and resource requirements for priority business opportunities. Based on the proposed business model, develop a practical implementation roadmap and action plan, including priority actions, responsibilities, indicative timelines, resource requirements and key milestones. |
Business Development Strategy and Business Model Proposal for the NCPC South Africa, including at least: • Executive Summary • Assessment Summary and Key Findings • SWOT Analysis • Benchmarking and Good Practices Summary • Updated Business Model Canvas • Proposed Business Model for the NCPC South Africa • Business Opportunities and Revenue Streams Assessment • Financing Strategy • Strategic Priorities • Action Plan and Implementation Roadmap |
20 days |
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V. Validation workshop and Final Report |
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V.1 |
Organize and facilitate a validation workshop with UNIDO, NCPC South Africa and relevant stakeholders to present the main findings, the updated Business Model Canvas, the proposed Business Development Strategy and the Action Plan. Comments and recommendations received during the workshop shall be documented and incorporated, where appropriate, into the final deliverables. |
Validation workshop materials, including presentations, participant lists and supporting documentation (photos, videos and exercises). |
10 days |
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V.2 |
Submit a final report incorporating comments and recommendations received during the validation workshop. The final report shall consolidate all analyses, findings, recommendations, the updated Business Model Canvas, the proposed Business Development Strategy, Financing and Revenue Strategy and the Action Plan. |
Final Report, including an Executive Summary, key findings from the assessment phase, the updated Business Model Canvas, the proposed Business Development Strategy, Financing and Revenue Strategy, and the Action Plan and Implementation Roadmap. |
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The location for all activities described in the table above is Home-based, South Africa, with in-person meetings/visits as required.
Any activities requiring logistics, such as invitations, meeting rooms, equipment or other support, should be included in the workplan so that the costs and logistics can be coordinated with NCPC South Africa and UNIDO.
SUPERVISION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
All reports shall contain detailed information showing successful implementation of the services outlined in section “Scope of the contracted service” above. Unless otherwise specified, all deliverables must be submitted to UNIDO in English.
All deliverables/reports must be of such quality that no additional editing is required. Technical outputs (e.g. completed tools, PowerPoint presentation) shall be annexed to the reports due at the end of each reporting period and provided as electronic copies.
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Reports and related content |
Estimated submission date |
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Inception Report (including detailed workplan and methodology) |
15 calendar days from contract signature |
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Progress Report including deliverables under Section II. Assessment of Current Situation and Identification of Business Opportunities and Section III. Update of the Business Model Canvas. |
3 months from contract signature |
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Final Report including deliverables under Section IV. Proposed Business Model and Business Development Strategy and Section V. Validation Workshop and Final Report. |
6 months from contract signature |
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Management or another relevant field is required. Alternatively, a first level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional 7 years of professional hand-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment.
Technical and Functional Experience:
- At least seven (7) years of professional experience in business development, business model development, strategic planning, market analysis, financial sustainability or related fields is required.
- Demonstrated experience in developing business models, business development strategies, market assessments, revenue-generation models and/or financial sustainability strategies for organizations or service providers is required.
- Experience in assessing service portfolios, client segments, market demand, pricing/revenue mechanisms and potential revenue streams is required.
- Experience in stakeholder consultations, coordination with industry associations, and engagement with public and private sector actors is required.
- Familiarity with South Africa’s policy framework on circular economy, sustainable industrial development, or environmental management is considered an asset.
- Practical experience in circular economy, eco-design, resource efficiency, or industrial symbiosis (IS) in the context of industrial parks or manufacturing sectors is desirable.
- Previous experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, or development cooperation projects is desirable.
Languages:
Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are 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 Behaviours
CONNECT & COLLABORATE – Build trust through effective communication and teamwork; share knowledge and embrace diversity.
ANALYSE & PLAN – Use data and evidence to inform decision-making; plan proactively and prioritize effectively.
DELIVER RESULTS WITH POSITIVE IMPACT – Take ownership and deliver high-quality outputs; align work with UNIDO’s mission and objectives.
LEARN AND DEVELOP – Continuously develop skills and capabilities; seek feedback and share knowledge with others.
ADAPT AND INNOVATE – Respond flexibly to change; embrace innovation and new approaches.
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:
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