Title:  National Project Coordinator

​Requisition ID: 5558 
Grade: NOC (SB-5) 
Country: Mexico 
Duty Station: Mexico City 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 2 years with possibility of extension
Application deadline: 02-May-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 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.

The Division acts as the focal point in UNIDO for various multilateral environmental agreements and multilateral co-operation in the field of the environment: the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; and the Minamata Convention on Mercury; as well as other relevant international initiatives and conventions such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), and multilateral co-operation in initiatives like the Partnership on Action for Green Economy (PAGE) and the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) and the Green Industry Platform (GIP). The Division coordinates its service delivery with the services offered by other technical divisions, and other relevant organizational entities of UNIDO.

This position is located under the Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit (TCS/CEG/RMC) which is responsible for supporting Member States to implement the chemicals and wastes obligations and requirements under the Basel, Minamata, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions and other emerging relevant agreements, in particular where it relates to larger and formalized industries and sectors, and to leverage its experience to address industrial pollution mitigation in general as well as other emerging compliance mechanisms. With novel approaches to materials and chemicals management and to innovation, with training and education, and with implementing circular economy approaches in particular related to the extension of product life by maintenance, the Unit further leverages its experience to facilitate responsible materials sourcing and to support smaller enterprises and entrepreneurs in greening their businesses.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The project "Eliminate Mercury Use and Manage Mercury Wastes in the Chloralkali Sector in Mexico" addresses the critical issue of mercury pollution in Mexico’s chemical industry. This project aligns with Mexico’s commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the country signed in 2017. The Convention mandates actions to phase out mercury use in certain industries to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution. In partnership with key stakeholders, including the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the private sector, this project advances a sustainable and mercury-free industrial transformation in Mexico.

The project focuses on building capacity within national agencies, implementing mercury-free technologies, and developing comprehensive decontamination and waste management plans for mercury-contaminated sites, including the chloralkali facilities in Monterrey and Coatzacoalcos. These efforts include the stabilization and safe disposal of mercury, as well as addressing legacy contamination in accordance with international best practices. Through technical assistance, regulatory improvements, and stakeholder engagement, the project strengthens Mexico’s ability to manage mercury in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.

In addition to addressing the immediate environmental challenges, the project builds national capacity through targeted workshops, technical assistance, and improvements to regulatory frameworks. By engaging government authorities, private sector partners, and local stakeholders, the project fosters collaboration and ensures the sustainable management of mercury and hazardous wastes.

Through its focus on reducing hazardous emissions, adopting eco-efficient technologies, and promoting best practices, the project strengthens Mexico’s industrial sector and contributes to a safer, healthier environment. It also facilitates knowledge sharing and capacity building, creating a foundation for future efforts in mercury management and sustainable industrial practices.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and the project team, as well as in collaboration with government counterparts and the UNIDO Office in Mexico, assists in appraising, adjusting and presenting project proposals, and monitoring programme execution, identifying problems and utilizing information as an input to corrective actions to promote effective project management, develops and administers technical cooperation projects. The incumbent shall carry out the following main duties:

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities, aligning with the Minamata Convention objectives and Mexican regulation for wastes management and soil remediation.
• Monitor the execution of the established work plan, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and resource allocations align with project deliverables.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders, including CYDSA, IQUISA, SEMARNAT, and international partners, to ensure seamless collaboration and adherence to the approved work plan.
• Identify potential challenges in the implementation phase and propose timely solutions to maintain project momentum and achieve desired outcome
• Facilitate communication and coordination among stakeholders such as CYDSA, IQUISA, government agencies (e.g., SEMARNAT), international organizations (e.g., UNEP), private sector actors, and local communities.

• Implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to track the performance and impact of project components.
• Conduct at least 2 field visits per year to project sites, ensuring compliance with Mexican regulation and international standards (e.g., Minamata Convention) and providing technical support for decontamination and remediation activities.
• Prepare and submit periodic progress reports, outlining project achievements, lessons learned, and future recommendations.
• Lead mid-term and final evaluations, ensuring integration of recommendations into subsequent project phases.
• Facilitate knowledge management by incorporating stakeholder feedback, including vulnerable groups and gender-disaggregated insights, to refine M&E frameworks.

• Organize targeted capacity-building activities for stakeholders, including government counterparts, private sector partners (e.g., CYDSA/IQUISA), and local communities, to strengthen national technical expertise.
• Provide input for knowledge products such as case studies, lessons learned, and best practices, highlighting innovations in hazardous waste management in order to accomplish Mexican regulation.
• Facilitate international knowledge exchange by organizing workshops, conferences, and other events to share best practices and lessons learned from the project.

• Provide input for outreach materials, including technical documents, press releases, and stakeholder engagement reports, to promote project visibility and impact.
• Represent the project at national and international forums, showcasing innovations in mercury waste stabilization and remediation to foster knowledge-sharing and partnerships.
• Identify synergies and co-benefits with other UNIDO and UN activities in the country and the region.
• Perform other ad-hoc duties as assigned by the Project Manager and other tasks as required.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, economics, business administration, international relations or other relevant discipline, is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in technical cooperation project management or portfolio project management including some exposure at the international level, is required.
• Experience in chemicals and waste issues in Mexico is required.
• Knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Mexican government and/or Mexican environmental sector is required.
• Ability to research and analyse information independently and recommend solutions is required.
• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner is required.
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural teams is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of GEF processes, is desirable.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish 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