Title: National Project Coordinator
Requisition ID: 5705
Grade: NOC (SB-5)
Country: Jamaica
Duty Station: Kingston
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: External Private Posting
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 3 months with extension
Application deadline: 23-May-2025
Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
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 organizational entities within UNIDO, in particular the Office of Change Management (ODG/CHM), the Office of Legal Affairs and Compliance (ODG/LEG), the Strategic Planning and UN Engagement Division (ODG/SPU), and the Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight (EIO), the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate-relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative technical cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.
The Directorate houses the Divisions of Coordination and Integration Support (IET/CIS), Quality, Impact and Accountability (IET/QUA), Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions and relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS).
Under the overall guidance of the Director General, the direct supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) supports Member States in their efforts to pave the way to sustainable rural development and a structurally transformed and modernized agribusiness sector. Capitalizing on the experience gained by UNIDO in this field over decades and on tried-and-tested and to-be-developed service modules, the Division will explore innovative approaches to maximise the potential that exists in agribusiness development, addressing emerging global trends, in particular food security, poverty alleviation and climate change. It will explore new ways to contribute to global efforts to reduce hunger, accelerate food systems transition, and generate income and employment, especially among women and youth.
The Division provides technical cooperation services to assist the modernization of agriculture and agro-industry, especially in less-developed countries, ensuring that enterprises add value to primary agricultural production, substitute the imports of food and other value-added agricultural products, and participate effectively in local, regional and global value chains. Where needed, it will develop infrastructure and agro-industrial parks and capacities for agro-industrialization, value addition, quality assurance and food safety. It will also bring innovative approaches to Member States to fully benefit from carbon-neutral and biodiversity-enhancing agricultural and agro-industrial production and development opportunities in the green and blue bioeconomy.
The Food Security and Food Systems Unit (IET/AGR/FSS) promotes the development of food industries and food value chains and the production of local food products in less-developed countries to end hunger and ensure food and nutrition security while generating income and employment adhering to principles of sustainable industrial development. It provides a range of technical assistance services that allow food enterprises – including in the informal sector and especially SMEs – to extend their production, improve their products, comply with quality and other standards, become more competitive and deliver adequate and nutritious food to local populations and for export. Where opportune, it also promotes the development of food safety compliance infrastructure and building related food safety systems capacities.
PROJECT CONTEXT
CARICOM is an intra-regional organisation in the Caribbean region which aims at economic integration, co-ordination of foreign policy among the Member States, implementation of common service projects and cooperation for social, cultural and technological development. CARICOM Member States are classified as 'Small Island Developing States' (SIDS), with many of them being vulnerable due to problems specific to island states (small population, remoteness, natural disasters, sea level rise, etc.). UNIDO aims to contribute to industrial development and technology transfer among the CARICOM Member States with advanced technology and knowledge. The project will have three (3) pillars: 1) investment and business promotion, 2) technology transfer in the agro-industrial sector, and 3) industrial structure analysis and policy-making capacity development. The project's duration is from 2025 to 2029, and the following five outputs are to be achieved:
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Output 1.1 |
Investment and technological knowledge acquired through delegate programme |
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Output 1.2 |
Demonstration activities conducted and technology transferred |
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Output 1.3 |
Agro-industrial technologies introduced to agro-industrial value chain |
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Output 1.4 |
Industrial structure analysis conducted |
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Output 1.5 |
Policy infrastructure developed and industrial policies formulated |
This function is under Output 1.3 Agro-industrial technologies introduced to agro-industrial value chain in Jamaica. The agricultural and agro-industrial sectors are an important contributor to GDP, employment, foreign exchange earnings and rural life in Jamaica. From the production side, it is comprised mainly of small and medium size farmers with hectares or less, who account for 85.6% of total agricultural holdings. The sector, however, has experienced numerous challenges that have resulted in an overall decline in output and direct contribution to GDP over recent years. The challenges include low productivity, heavy reliance on imports, use of inappropriate technologies, inadequate research and development, amongst others. The sector is extremely vulnerable to shocks including weather conditions and impact of natural disasters. The revitalization of the agricultural sector and its increased contribution to the national economy is contingent on the reorganization of the sector on the basis of modern technology and management, in order to achieve greater efficiency and competitiveness.
From the processing side, Jamaica’s agribusiness sector contributed to $1.2 billion to the GDP and its exported agricultural products and processed foods earned $413 million in 2021. Agro-processing sector is recognized as an area of priority for the Government of Jamaica for its multi-fold benefits from the economic, social as well as environmental perspectives. It is also determined as an important sector for the country’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME). The vast majority of the agricultural outputs, however, continues to be consumed or exported without significant value addition as the sector lacks necessary skills and access to technology to boost productivity and/or produce processed products.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:
MAIN DUTIES |
Concrete/measurable Outputs to be achieved |
Advise the Project Manager in 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 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.
Conduct other tasks as required by the Project Manager. |
Preparation/plan for the implementation of the project prepared in timely manner and approved by the PM.
Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach.
Effective liaison with government counterpart established.
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.
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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;
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.
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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, the SCs meetings run smoothly. Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PMs following every meeting (including phone calls or web based) Effective liaison with government counterpart established. |
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;
Support the Project Manager in identifying local resources such as potential project beneficiaries, consultants, cooperation partners, etc.
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Partnerships with project partners strengthened.
Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned, disseminated through identified appropriate media. |
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 (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, sciences, agro-industries, environment, business administration, or other relevant discipline is required.
Technical and Functional Experience
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At least five (5) years of professional experience in the project management and/or technology transfer in the field of agribusiness, is required.
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Experience in management and/or coordination of UN and/or donor funded projects is required.
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Experience in evaluating the needs conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the region is required.
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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 another official 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