Date:  National Finance Expert

​Requisition ID: 4971 
Grade: SB4 - Local Professional (Junior & Mid Level) 
Country: Ukraine 
Duty Station: Kyiv 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-Staff WAE
Application deadline: 6-Feb-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.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Division of 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 does so by supporting resource efficiency increases in the manufacturing and use of products along value chains and during the life cycle of the product; by reducing or eliminating the emission of non-fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions; and by assisting in achieving the objectives of and compliance with multilateral environmental agreements. In doing so, its activities further improve competitiveness, as well as the development of and access to markets, particularly for SMEs. This contributes to climate-neutral, resilient, pollution-free industrial development, supporting co-existence that is in harmony with nature.

This position is located under the Circular Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CEG/CRE) which is responsible for supporting capacity development to promote the adoption of circular and resource-efficient consumption and production patterns across value chains. It fosters circular economy solutions including policies, programmes, practices, and business models that enhance industry profitability while generating social and environmental benefits. Furthermore, it facilitates design for circularity emphasizing reduced or alternative materials inputs, greater durability, reusability, reparability, and ultimately recyclability. The Unit promotes nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches that support the co-existence of industries and nature.

PROJECT CONTEXT

In the framework of the SECO-funded Phase II of the “Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP II) in Developing and Transition Countries” currently implemented by UNIDO, the project “Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme – Ukraine: Country-level intervention” (GEIPP II -Ukraine) will address eco-industrial park (EIP) development in Ukraine. The objective of the second phase of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP-II) 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. The programme will achieve this by continuing to facilitate the uptake of Eco-Industrial Park approaches in scaling up resource efficiency, minimalizing waste, promoting recycling and improving economic, environmental and social performances of businesses, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable industrial development in a circular economy. The Project will deliver the expected results via two outcomes and their related outputs, as presented below:

Outcome 1: EIPs incentivised 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 EIP investments,
• Output 1.4: Ensuring sustainability of industrial cluster through EIP approach.

Outcome 2: EIP opportunities implementation, with economic, environmental, and social benefits achieved by industrial parks and their enterprises confirmed

• Output 2.1: Consolidation of cooperation with GEIPP-I priority parks – Ukraine country level intervention,
• Output 2.2: Up-scaling of EIP opportunities implementation in new priority parks prioritized in GEIPP-II,
• Output 2.3: Country-wide facilitation of EIP implementation and establishment of self-sustaining EIP capacities,
•  Output 2.4: Development of clusters through EIP approach.

MAIN FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of the UNIDO Project Manager (PM), the UNIDO Lead Expert (LE), and in close coordination with the National Project Coordinator (NPC),  the National Finance Expert will will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

1. Update the Access to Finance (A2F) tool according to the needs of the Ukrainian business context. 

2. Optimize the usability of the A2F tool by applying categorization criteria such as sector, application deadline, relevance, record of accomplishment, warnings, etc.

3. Prepare a guideline document of experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations of the A2F tool for the global component. 

4. Select national and international finance organizations offering grants, loans, and other funding mechanisms relevant to the list of identified needs of the selected parks (will be provided by the project team).

5. The National Finance Expert should analyse the eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding cycles of these organizations and prepare a detailed report summarizing the findings, including a plan for development and submission the applications. To do this, the National Finance Expert should facilitate at least four virtual or face-to-face meetings with the selected industrial parks (IP BVAK in Bila Tserkva, IP Molfar in Teresva) aimed to discuss and agree the plan, develop local capacities for preparing investment projects with environmental, economic, and social benefits.

6. Prepare and submit high-quality grant applications on behalf of the management companies of selected industrial parks. To do this, the National Finance Expert will do the following:

• Gather and review all necessary information and documentation from the management companies.
• Draft compelling grant applications tailored to the requirements of each identified finance organization.
• Coordinate with management companies to refine and finalize the applications.
• Ensure all applications are submitted accurately and within deadlines.
• Compile and organise necessary financial statements, business plans, and other supporting documents.
• Ensure all documentation meets the specific requirements of the funding organizations.
• Develop templates and checklists to streamline future documentation preparation.
• Conduct a final review to ensure completeness and accuracy before submission.

7. Prepare detailed grant applications, ensuring alignment with the specific requirements of each funding opportunity.

8. Work closely with the management companies to gather necessary information, data, and supporting documents.

9. Clearly articulate the value proposition, environmental impact, and economic benefits of the proposed projects in the applications.

10. Identify funding opportunities and oversee the mobilization and management of funds for the selected industrial parks. This includes the following:

• Track the status of submitted grant applications and follow up as necessary.
• Negotiate terms and conditions of funding agreements with finance organizations.
• Coordinate with management companies to ensure proper allocation and utilization of secured funds.
• Prepare and submit progress reports to finance organizations as required.
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations for optimizing fund usage

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11. Establish and maintain effective communication with finance organizations to facilitate the grant application process and secure funds. More specifically, the National Finance Expert will be responsible for the following:

• Act as the primary point of contact between the management companies and finance organizations.
• Schedule and conduct meetings, presentations, and follow-up discussions with finance organization representatives.
• Address any questions or requests for additional information from the finance organizations promptly.
• Maintain detailed records of all communications and negotiations.

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12. ​​​​​​​Draft the final report under the contract and submit to the PM.

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MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in banking and finance, economics, or other related disciplines is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least three 3 years of work experience in the relevant field is required.
• Knowledge/Experience in the implementation of technical cooperation projects is required.
• Experience in the field of compelling grant applications that effectively communicate project objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes is required.
• Proficiency in securing grants for industrial development projects, preferably in the context of environmental sustainability and green economy initiatives is required. 
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of Ukrainian 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