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Title:  Regional Programme Manager

​Requisition ID: 6263 
Grade: L4 
Country: Zambia 
Duty Station: Lusaka 
Category: Project-funded Professional and higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 118,456 USD 
Application Deadline: 18-Sep-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

 

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

 

 

I. 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 the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (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 2018, 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 Departments/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.

 

At the L4 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver (a) work that is innovative and original; (b) in creating an enabling environment which expands across functions and sectors; and (c) in achieving results within Programme teams. The measure of success is systemic and catalytic delivery of results.

 

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

 

II. Project/Programme Context

 

ID 240108 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme – COMESA

 

The EU-funded Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme, a Sub-Saharan African initiative aims at sustainably increasing intra-African and EU-Africa trade. In addition to a continental component, the programme comprises five regional components in the ECOWAS, COMESA, SADC, ECCAS and EAC regions, building on existing or previous regional programmes (WACOMP in West Africa, MARKUP in East Africa, PIQAC in Central Africa, RECAMP and SIPS in Southern Africa).  

 

  The programme is implemented jointly by UNIDO and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

 

ITC is the joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in charge of the sustainable promotion of trade and exports from developing countries and economies in transition. The ITC aims to make micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries more competitive in global markets, accelerate economic development and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, the organization contributes to creating jobs along product value chains and promising services sectors, especially for young people and women.

 

The overall focus of this four-year ATCMA COMESA Programme is to address market access challenges faced by selected value chains in the easter and southern African region, through two pillars:

 

  1. The programme will spearhead the identification of trade barriers, being those tariffs, non-tariff barriers, as well as regulatory constraints, and support COMESA and its Member States in formulating and implementing targeted strategies to address these challenges. Further it will enhance the regional and national quality infrastructure systems by defining quality-related policies and good governance strategies and strengthening selected quality infrastructure institutions at the national and regional levels. As success hinges on complementing the overall governance with a robust value chain approach, the programme will focus on ensuring market access for specific target value chains to be selected through a consultative process.

 

  1. The programme will prioritize the enhancement of export competitiveness as a crucial enabler towards trade development, anchoring its interventions around the strengthening of MSMEs capacities and ensuring their compliance with regulatory frameworks. A pivotal role will be played by the private sector and business associations that will facilitate the implementation of services aimed at enhancing export competitiveness and maximizing opportunities for MSMEs. Forward looking and innovative practices will be at the core of the programme’s approach. Moreover, the intervention will support the development of sustainable (green, blue, circular and climate-neutral) policies, strategies and actions for the target value chains. It will promote the development of clusters and consortia fostering resilient business alliances and reliable institutional networks, and support MSMEs access to innovative financing and investment solutions.

 

The programme is thematically structured into five components leading to 5 outputs as follows:

 

In relation to Specific Objective 1:

 

Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced

Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards

Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated

 

In relation to Specific Objective 2:

 

Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification

Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export

 

While UNIDO is in charge of implementing output 1.2 and 2.1., ITC is responsible for the implementation of output 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2.

 

To ensure an overall coherent umbrella ATCMA framework, coordination and complementarity between the Continental component and sub-regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation.

 

 

III. Functional Responsibilities

 

The Regional Programme Manager works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation, the direct supervision of the UNIDO Industrial Development Officer responsible for the project (Lead Programme Manager), and in close collaboration with the UNIDO output managers, UNIDO Industrial Development Expert and ITC Programme Coordinator of the ATCMA COMESA Programme.  She/he is responsible for providing managerial and technical support to the smooth and timely execution of programme and be accountable for the achievement of programme results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT and IMPLEMENTATION

 

  • Leads the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in Lusaka, by ensuring smooth operation, coordination and effective performance of the programme interventions.
  • Provide leadership and strategic thinking to ensure that programme activities focus on critical areas for the attainment of the main objectives.
  • In collaboration with the UNIDO Industrial Development Expert and ITC Programme Coordinator, propose work plans and supervise the day-to-day implementation of programme interventions (expert missions, capacity-building, procurement) as well as the preparation of monthly, semi-annual and yearly ad-hoc programme reports. 
  • Supervise, coordinate and evaluate the work of the programme staff, including regional technical coordination units, and consultants, and prepare progress and final project reports in a timely manner.
  • In collaboration with the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation expert, monitor and report on programme progress, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and regional/continental priorities.
  • In collaboration with the Regional Advocacy and Outreach expert, design and implement an appropriate visibility/marketing strategy and platform of the project.
  • Ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the financial, administrative, and technical management of the programme and ensure permanent support and general follow-up of project activities, in accordance with UNIDO and ITC rules and regulations.
  • Support other related duties and assignments as required by the project manager.

 

TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

  • Provide technical support to the overall PMU and experts (UNIDO & ITC), project beneficiaries and involved institutions in appropriate domains of competence, mainly in the areas of trade competitiveness and market access
  • Coordinate, prepare and conduct all meetings and proceedings of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) and Technical Steering Committee (TSC) Meetings and follow up on the implementation of decisions taken
  • Guide and handhold  capacity building of counterpart institutions to allow them to efficiently support project implementation. Participate and/or contribute to the policy discussions on substantive and operational aspects concerning the project in the relevant meetings or forums.

 

 

COORDINATION WITH PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND DONOR

 

  • Coordinate with regional stakeholders including national Governments, the COMESA Secretariat and its institutions, with special attention on the COMESA Business Council, and national Focal Points (from both public and private sectors) to ensure strong programme ownership, effective collaboration and the successful delivery of programme outcomes.
  • Identify and follow up national interventions in collaboration with the European Union supporting the implementation of regional mechanism.
  • Provide support for the coordination of intra-regional and continental endeavours in relation to technical activities to ensure harmonized frameworks within the continent.
  • Ensure synergies with relevant programmes conducted by other organizations or institutions.
  • Assist in promoting dialogue and good practices in the focus areas of the programme among different stakeholders.
  • Assist the counterparts in providing project-related information as requested.

 

IV. Core Values and 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.

 

 

V. Minimum Organizational Requirements

 

Education: 

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, business management, international relations, or similar field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required.

 

Experience:

A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of trade competitiveness and market access, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required.

 

Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is required.

 

Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is required.

 

Experience in monitoring and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes is required.

 

Experience dealing with sustainable development challenges is required.

 

Experience with regional trade integration and value addition related projects is required.

 

Experience in managing and implementing multi-country/regional technical assistance projects is desirable.

 

Experience or working knowledge and theoretical understating of poverty reduction approaches, is desirable.

 

Experience with programmes funded by the EU and respective reporting to the donor is desirable.

Experience with UN system management tools and processes is desirable

 

Language Skills: 

Fluency in written and oral English is required.  Fluency or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations, particularly French is desirable.

 


NOTE: 

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.

 

For further information on salaries, refer to the International Civil Service Commission website: https://icsc.un.org/

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 careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.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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