Title:  SPS Coordinator (Sanitary and phytosanitary)

​​Requisition ID: 5753 
Grade: P5 (Senior Specialist) 
Country: Zambia 
Duty Station: Lusaka 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: External Private Posting
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular 
Application Deadline: 23-Jun-2025  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL

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 Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

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).

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.

The position is located under the Food Security and Food Systems Unit (IET/AGR/FSS).

At the senior specialist level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work from a seasoned analyst; (b) in creating an enabling environment for work which is solid and anchored to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to relationship management and (d) in achieving results within a professional team. The measure of success is in consistent and dependable delivery of results.

Programme Context 

In support to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and within the framework of the ongoing European Union (EU) - African Union (AU) partnership, the EU (DG INTPA) approved the Action Document for the programme entitled “Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP)”, in the amount of EUR 205 mio in November 2022 financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). ATCMAP will be developed through several regional components, 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. A single framework Action will ensure a structured approach and coherence between the different continental and regional components of the Programme, connect all these components, and maximise their coherence and joint impact with a common view to contribute to the AfCFTA and economic integration.

The overall focus of the Programme is on mature value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa, with market access challenges, through two pillars: 

• Supporting countries to benefit from trade opportunities by enabling them to conform with standards and technical regulations, requiring quality infrastructure and conformity assessment services: The programme will help the African countries to benefit from trade opportunities by being able to conform with standards and technical regulations, which requires establishing efficient testing, certification and accreditation mechanisms that conform to the requirements of the SPS and TBT agreements and benefit from international recognition.
• Maximizing MSME export potential and access to new markets by overcoming constraints or developing enablers like value addition, and export capacities: In order to maximise MSMEs export potential and support them to enter new markets, the Programme will also address other market access constraints or enablers: enhance value addition and export capacities through marketing, labelling, branding strategies, sustainability and environmental issues, technology transfer and processing for export, business promotion through market linkages and capacitate trade and investment support institutions. Support will be provided both at institutional and policy level, as well as at private sector level, with a primary focus on selected key export-oriented regional priority value chains. Particular focus on intra-African exports as well as exports to the EU will be given, so regions can fully exploit their trade-driven growth potential, with a view to contribute to sustainable growth and jobs creation.

The Overall Objective (Impact) of ATCMAP is to contribute to increase sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade. 

The Specific(s) Objective(s) (Outcomes) of this Action are:

• Enhanced market access for selected value chains
• Enhanced export competitiveness for SMEs in selected value chains

The Outputs to be delivered by this Action are:

• Market access barriers are identified and reduced
• Quality compliance and standards are strengthened
• Facilitate a value-chain revision mechanism 
• Enhance value addition and diversification 
• SME capacities and opportunities for business and export are enhanced

The ATCMAP will contribute in particular to SDG 8 (Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all) as well as to SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). 

Coordination among the continental and regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation. ATCMAP is covered by UNIDO through the following projects:

• 240112 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) – continental component
• 240104 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) – Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Programme
• 240108 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regional programme
• 240111 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) - Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
• 240325 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) – SADC Regional Programme.

Functional Responsibilities

The international SPS Coordinator works under the overall guidance of the Director, Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development; the direct supervision of the Chief of the Food Security and Food Systems Unit and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Organize and facilitate regular coordination meetings (virtual and in‐person) with national and regional stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the project management team, government authorities, and regional partner organizations.
• Develop, update, and monitor a detailed regional work plan to ensure timely implementation of project activities.
• Track progress against established milestones and prepare periodic progress reports with key performance indicators in accordance with UNIDO's IRPF Guide, ensuring that robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of project data and inputs to support evidence‐based decision making.
• Identify, document, and propose solutions for operational challenges and bottlenecks in project implementation.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of regional capacity building sessions and training workshops for national counterparts.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of technical, administrative, and financial reports in compliance with donor and UNIDO guidelines.
• Facilitate effective communication and information sharing among all project stakeholders via digital platforms, newsletters, or bulletins.
• Support the organization of stakeholder consultations, regional workshops, and public–private dialogue sessions to build consensus on project reforms.
• Contribute to updating project documentation (e.g., work plans, TORs, monitoring frameworks) to reflect evolving priorities and best practices.
• Provide ad hoc technical and administrative support to field teams and ensure adherence to established operational procedures.
• Carry out ad-hoc assignments and research activities, as required.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

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.

Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, international development, public administration, project management, ,  or a related field is required.  Specialisation in food science, food safety or food regulatory law is desirable.

Technical and Functional Experience

• Minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or international development, preferably within the context of multilateral or UN organizations, involving technical cooperation projects at international level is required.
• Proven experience in organizing and facilitating high-level coordination meetings and capacity-building workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with government authorities, regional organizations, and international partners.
• Experience in food safety with a specialization in sanitary and phytosanitary aspects is an asset
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, including the use of performance indicators and results-based management frameworks or similar donor reporting systems is an asset.
• Excellent drafting skills for technical, administrative, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in one or more of the regions (ECCAS, COMESA, ECOWAS, SADC) is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural teams.

Language Skills

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

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