Date:  Enterprise Development Advisor

​Requisition ID: 4931 
Grade: SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior) 
Country: Pakistan 
Duty Station: Karachi 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension)
Application deadline: 18-Dec-2024, 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). 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 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 Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit (TCS/SME/CQC) builds national and regional production and quality infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on providing internationally recognized services, facilitating MSME participation in regional and global value chains; strengthening institutional quality infrastructure capacities; building conformity assessment capacities; and supporting market access and quality awareness with the public sector, economic operators and consumers, placing a special emphasis on capacitating MSMEs. 

PROJECT CONTEXT

One of the projects implemented by UNIDO “Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR)” is a five-year programme funded by the European Union to support the Government of Sindh (GoS) in implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The long-term objective of PAIDAR is to contribute to sustainable poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods of poor women, men and young people across Sindh province. The PRS has three pillars: 1) Community Driven Local Development 2) Addressing Urban Poverty including Urban Economic Clusters and 3) Rural Growth Centres. 

PAIDAR has been conceived to mainly focus on fostering the economic development dimension of the PRS, and targeting the most vulnerable, in particular through support to enterprise development, focusing on the development of Rural Growth Centres and Urban Economic Clusters under PRS implementation. To this end, the programme will:

• Provide necessary financial and technical support to a significant number of micro and small enterprises.
• Contribute technically and financially to building and upgrading public infrastructure for improvement in basic service delivery; and
• Assist the GoS in strengthening internal coordination and monitoring and optimising provincial public resources allocation towards meeting PRS objectives.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Enterprise Development Advisor will deliver the following:

1.    Technical Assistance Strategy Development

The Enterprise Development Advisor will be responsible for designing a robust strategy to deliver the program’s technical assistance component, ensuring its alignment with overarching program objectives, grant windows and the specific needs of MSMEs. This includes assessing the current technical landscape, identifying key areas of intervention, and developing a phased approach to support technical assistance activities. The strategy will focus on providing high-impact, scalable solutions that empower enterprises to overcome operational challenges, adopt best practices, and achieve sustainable growth. By continuously monitoring and adapting the strategy based on emerging needs and feedback, the Enterprise Development Advisor will ensure that the technical assistance component remains relevant and effective.

2.   Awareness Campaign Organization for Grant Opportunities

To maximize participation and impact, the Enterprise Development Advisor will lead the planning and execution of awareness campaigns aimed at informing MSMEs about available grant windows. These campaigns will focus on educating businesses about eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures, helping them understand the opportunities for growth that the grants provide. Collaborating with the communication team, local partners, and community leaders, the Enterprise Development Advisor will employ a variety of outreach methods, including workshops, digital media, and printed materials, to reach a wide audience. The goal is to increase awareness, encourage participation, and drive engagement among MSMEs, thereby enhancing their access to crucial funding.

3.    MSME Boot Camp Planning and Execution

The Enterprise Development Advisor will be instrumental in organizing and executing boot camps that provide MSMEs with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to refine and develop their business ideas. These boot camps will serve as interactive training sessions, offering tailored guidance on critical business areas such as financial planning, marketing, and operations. By engaging industry experts to lead sessions and workshops, the Enterprise Development Advisor will ensure that participants receive high-quality mentorship and practical insights. These boot camps are intended to foster innovation, improve business planning, and encourage a collaborative environment where MSMEs can exchange ideas and receive requisite technical support.

4.   Technical Assistance Support Strategy for Business Proposal Implementation

A core responsibility will be to design and implement a strategic framework that provides targeted technical assistance to MSMEs in executing their business proposals. This framework will outline a roadmap of support services, including training, mentorship, and access to resources that will help businesses transition from proposal to implementation smoothly. The Enterprise Development Advisor will collaborate closely with MSMEs, tailoring support to meet their unique needs and challenges, while also monitoring progress to ensure that the assistance provided is yielding measurable results. By doing so, the Enterprise Development Advisor will play a pivotal role in helping MSMEs achieve the goals set out in their proposals.

5.   Sectoral and Value Chain Assessment Oversight

To identify growth opportunities and potential challenges within various sectors, the Enterprise Development Advisor will initiate and oversee comprehensive assessments of relevant value chains. These assessments will include data collection, analysis, and consultations with industry experts to understand sector-specific dynamics and pinpoint areas where technical support can make the most impact. The insights gained from these assessments will inform program strategies and resource allocation, ensuring that interventions are data-driven and highly targeted. By staying attuned to sectoral trends and adapting to evolving industry needs, the Enterprise Development Advisor will contribute to the sustainable development of key value chains.

6.   Guidance and Oversight for International Experts

The Enterprise Development Advisor will provide essential guidance and oversight to international experts involved in the program, ensuring that their activities and initiatives align with the program’s strategic objectives. Acting as a liaison, the Enterprise Development Advisor will facilitate collaboration between international experts and local stakeholders, providing the contextual understanding necessary for effective interventions. This oversight ensures that international expertise is adapted to the local context and maximized to its fullest potential. By fostering a cohesive working environment, the Enterprise Development Advisor will enable international experts to contribute meaningfully to the program’s goals.

7.   Guidance and Reporting Mechanism for CDAs

The Enterprise Development Advisor will establish and maintain a structured reporting mechanism for Cluster Development Agents (CDAs) that aligns with the program’s objectives and KPIs. By providing clear guidelines on reporting formats, schedules, and performance indicators, the Enterprise Development Advisor will enable CDAs to accurately track and report on their progress. Regular feedback sessions will be organized to offer guidance on challenges faced in the field and to share best practices. This reporting mechanism will ensure that the activities of CDAs are transparent, accountable, and effectively aligned with the program’s mission, enhancing overall program cohesion.

8.   Support for Implementation of Cluster Resource Development Plans (CRSDPs)

The Enterprise Development Advisor will collaborate closely with the program management team to ensure the successful implementation of Climate Resilient Settlement Development Plans (CRSDPs). This involves offering technical guidance, troubleshooting challenges, and recommending resource allocations to support CRSDP objectives. By monitoring the progress of these plans, the Enterprise Development Advisor will identify areas that require adjustments or additional support, ensuring that CRSDPs remain on track to meet their targets.

9.   Technical Assistance to Agglomerations

To strengthen business agglomerations and foster a collaborative environment, the Enterprise Development Advisor will initiate and oversee technical assistance activities tailored to the specific needs of these clusters. This includes identifying and addressing common challenges faced by businesses within an agglomeration, promoting shared solutions, and providing access to specialized resources. By coordinating with local stakeholders and drawing on industry best practices, the Enterprise Development Advisor will work to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of business agglomerations, making them contributors to local economic growth.

10.   Capacity Building for CDAs and Stakeholders

To enhance the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of CDAs and other program stakeholders, the Enterprise Development Advisor will design and implement holistic capacity-building activities. This will include training sessions, workshops, and access to resources that address key competencies required to achieve program goals. The Enterprise Development Advisor will tailor these activities to address the unique needs of each stakeholder group, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to program objectives. Through sustained capacity-building efforts, the Enterprise Development Advisor will foster a skilled and resilient network of partners who are well-equipped to drive long-term growth and success.

11.   Progress Reporting on Technical Assistance Initiatives

The Enterprise Development Advisor will be responsible for preparing detailed progress reports on all technical assistance interventions, offering insights into the effectiveness of the support provided and areas where improvements are needed. These reports will include quantitative and qualitative data, showcasing the impact of interventions on MSMEs and other stakeholders. By keeping the program management team and stakeholders informed about achievements and challenges, these reports will support data-driven decision-making, allowing for continuous improvement of the technical assistance component.

Under the overall guidance of PAIDAR Programme Manager and direct supervision of National Programme Coordinator and National Technical Advisor, the Enterprise Development Advisor shall carry out the following functions to achieve the immediate results of the PAIDAR programme:

MAIN DUTIES

Planning /coordination/advice

- Deliver a comprehensive technical assistance strategy aligned with program objectives and MSME needs, including a phased approach to high-impact, scalable support.

- Liaise with main partners and establish a transparent and trusting working relationship with GoS, the P&D and the Urban Directorate, local government institutions as well as private sector actors such as industry associations, networks, etc.

- Conceive and develop Terms of Reference for various interventions under the program related to TA areas.

- Develop annual, six-monthly, and quarterly work plans aligned with the program’s outcomes and outputs; prepare and submit activity sheets indicating schedules and budget requirements.

- Oversee assessments of sectors and value chains to inform targeted interventions, supporting data-driven decision-making and program alignment.

- Collaborate on the design of CRSDPs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and resource allocation to keep plans on track.

- Identify and conduct diagnostics of the agglomerations and define technical assistance areas and potential investment opportunities.
Provide contextual guidance to international experts, ensuring alignment of their activities with program objectives and maximizing local impact.

Programme/project implementation

- Organize and execute awareness campaigns to promote grant windows, utilizing workshops and media outreach to increase MSME engagement and grant access.

- Plan and conduct boot camps to support MSMEs in business development, providing practical training and mentorship in key business areas.

- Develop a framework to guide MSMEs in implementing their business proposals, offering tailored training, mentorship, and progress monitoring.

- Oversee assessments of sectors and value chains to inform targeted interventions, supporting data-driven decision-making and program alignment.

- Collaborate on the implementation of CRSDPs, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and resource allocation to keep plans on track.

- Initiate and manage technical assistance for agglomerations, addressing shared challenges and enhancing productivity through targeted support.

Programme/project promotion and outreach

- Support the dissemination, up-scaling, and mainstreaming of good practices to relevant stakeholders all over Sindh and in particular in target districts in collaboration with experts and partners, both government and private partners.

- Support M&E expert on monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities in the field to assess the progress of the Programme and identify critical issues to ensure the desired outcomes of the interventions.

- Provide inputs for communications and visibility-related material of the Programme to the communication expert.

Capacity building of the project partners/beneficiaries

- Establish a reporting framework for CDAs, including performance indicators and feedback sessions to enhance transparency and accountability.

- Design and execute capacity-building activities for CDAs and stakeholders, including training and resources to improve program contribution.

- Lead the organization and delivery of the programme’s capacity-building-related activities.

Reporting

- Develop detailed reports on technical assistance interventions, tracking progress and informing program improvement through data analysis.

- Support the preparation of technical reports to UNIDO and the Donor based on required specifications.

- Assist in the preparation of various project-related documents, briefs, job descriptions, terms of reference, press releases, keynote addresses, reports and minutes of meetings.

Other duties as required by the PM

- Any other assignment requested by the PM or NTA concerning the implementation of the PAIDAR.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in engineering, business administration, industrial management, or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in the industrial development, SME development, project management, intervention designing, and implementation is required.
• Experience of working with the private sector and trade bodies is required.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders are required.
• Experience in cluster/agglomerations development, understanding of local business environment is required.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the regions is desirable.
• Experience in working with government and development agencies including the United Nations agencies 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 Urdu is 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.

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