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Title:  National Project Coordinator

​Requisition ID: 8338 
Grade: ISA-NOC 
Country: South Africa 
Duty Station: Pretoria 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year
Application deadline: 04-Dec-2026, 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. 

UNIDO is fully committed to achieving and maintaining workforce gender parity and to fostering an open, accessible, inclusive and respectful workplace that values diversity, equal opportunity and a healthy work-life balance. UNIDO, therefore, welcomes and encourages applications from qualified candidates of underrepresented genders, candidates from less-represented regions or nationalities, and candidates with disabilities, for whom reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable policies.

 

 

 

 

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 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 to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.

 

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

 

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, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

 

This position is located in the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) in the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET). Under the 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 Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP) develops coherent partnership strategies for the design and incubation of innovative climate and technology programmes and actions to support governments and industries of Member States to push for net zero industrial development to fulfil national and global climate commitments and strategies.

 

The focus of the Division is to identify and advance promising new climate and technology initiatives and design impact-oriented proposals for TC, negotiate and coordinate innovative partnerships to support the joint elaboration and initiation of these TC programmes, develop technical meetings and consultations for Member States, accompanying knowledge products and incubate the innovative technical programmes to maturity. The Division positions UNIDO strategically in global fora and high-level policy discussions relevant to innovative climate and technology partnerships.

 

In the development of strategic partnerships on climate and technology, the Division engages with a broad range of stakeholders to support Member States in their pathway to facilitate and accelerate a just economic transformation through net zero industrial development. The Division collaborates closely on crosscutting matters with TCS/ECA, TCS/CMP, TCS/IPC and on overall strategic planning and UN engagement with SPP/SSC, SPP/SEC, and develops strategic partnerships and mobilize innovative finances respectively with IET/PPP and IET/IFI.

 

PROJECT CONTEXT

 

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is implementing a project “Net zero global pipeline development for investment-ready proposals” with the overall objective of developing bankable Net Zero Global Pipeline Projects that support difficult to abate sectors. The project is comprised of two components namely: (i) Establishing Industrial Decarbonization Hubs and (ii) Establishing Low-carbon Hydrogen platforms across targeted industries. This assignment addresses project component two (ii), with the overall objective of supporting the use of low-carbon hydrogen technologies for the production and local applications of hydrogen and its derivatives. The component aims to facilitate the deployment of clean hydrogen solutions in developing countries and transitioning economies, where industrial growth is rapidly expanding and the urgent need for sustainable transformation is apparent.

 

The industrial sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with cement, metallurgy and chemical industries alone accounting for approximately 16% of global emissions. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires transformative approaches to how industries operate, particularly in developing countries and transitioning economies. As demand for industrial products grows alongside urbanization and economic development, particularly in emerging markets, deep decarbonization of these energy-intensive sectors is crucial.

 

Low-emission hydrogen, therefore, presents a vital solution for decarbonizing and could contribute to the emissions reductions needed by 2050. Simultaneously, its adoption remains limited due to technical, financial, and economic barriers. UNIDO's efforts under this component aim to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen by developing a global pipeline of investment-ready hydrogen projects, enhancing technical and institutional capacity, and promoting innovation and technology collaboration.

 

As part of the project’s hydrogen component, a global pipeline of low-carbon hydrogen projects will be developed. The project will target developing countries and transition economies, particularly Brazil, and South Africa. The project will increase awareness at global level on the potential role of low-carbon hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change and positioning hydrogen as a key component of sustainable energy transition.

 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and National project team in the Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP) Division, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for appraising, adjusting, and presenting low-carbon hydrogen project proposals, monitor national implementation of hydrogen platform activities, identify and redress arising issues, and apply corrective actions to ensure effective project management. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

 

Project Development and Stakeholder Engagement

  • The incumbent shall provide strong support to UNIDO Country office South Africa, consortia, and stakeholders and ongoing initiative in the assigned country by collating and justifying low-carbon hydrogen project opportunities consistent with approved technical cooperation programmes, national policies, and sectoral priorities.
  • Provide technical support coordination, analyzing and synthesizing relevant economic, environmental, and technical information. The incumbent shall support the preparation and drafting of hydrogen project proposals, liaising with national service providers.
  • Appraise, review, and refine proposals, ensuring alignment with available resources, established strategies, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Review technology needs assessments (TNA) for selected low-carbon hydrogen projects, evaluating technical viability, financial feasibility, and potential environmental benefits.
  • Identify potential financing sources (particularly at national levels), and investment-risk mitigation instruments to enhance project bankability and facilitate funding mobilization.
  • Consult with governmental counterparts, industry representatives, financial institutions, and international stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with the national project team to organize and conduct briefings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events, considering country-specific, regional, and global contexts to maximize project performance and impact.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders involved in ongoing UNIDO projects and initiatives to identify synergies and facilitate engagement with national and international partners.

 

Project Execution and Monitoring

  • Develop detailed schedules, methods, and arrangements to effectively manage and monitor the execution of individual hydrogen projects in consultation with technical, administrative, and project personnel.
  • Systematically track project execution through regular discussions, correspondence with project staff, field visits, analysis of periodic progress reports, and participation in project reviews and evaluations.
  • Utilize information obtained from monitoring activities to inform decision-making processes, propose corrective actions, and enhance project effectiveness and timely implementation.
  • Provide substantive input into the preparation and dissemination of project progress reports and other monitoring documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

 

Key measures of success, and deliverables:

  • Screened and prioritised first-wave projects, narrowing the pipeline to two high-potential projects based on predefined NZP selection criteria aligned with the UNIDO mandate and donor priorities.
  • Facilitated engagement between UNIDO service providers, consortium and the selected shortlisted projects, including introduction, coordination of site visits where feasible, and support for NDA execution between project developers and consultants.
  • Coordinate the preparation of technical assessment reports for shortlisted projects, covering project development planning, offtake considerations, technology maturity, infrastructure requirements, and key cost drivers.
  • Review and refine project development proposals to strengthen implementation feasibility, stakeholder ownership, alignment with UNIDO objectives, and consistency with national development priorities.
  • Establish and maintained structured stakeholder engagement processes with government, industry, financial institutions, development partners, and project developers, ensuring discussions were translated into actionable project-development measures, institutional commitments, investor engagement, and progress towards Final Investment Decision (FID).
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Education: Advanced university degree in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, or another relevant discipline with specialization in areas related to low emission hydrogen, or renewables is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) or technical diploma, combined with an additional three (3) years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Technical and Functional Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years of work experience (or three (3) years with a PhD, or eight (8) years with a first-level university degree) in technical cooperation project management or portfolio project management is required.
  • Expertise in Renewable Energy, Low Emission technologies, policies, and/or systems as well as experience in the design, and development of bi/multilateral donors (GEF, GCF, EU, MAF, etc.)  funded project is required.
  • Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is desirable.
  • Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in transitioning economies with similar context as South Africa is an asset.
  • Experience in writing and reviewing technical reports, excellent communication skills, and enabling the effective sharing of knowledge and information with a diverse audience is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is desirable.

 

CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIORS  

 

Core Values 

EXCELLENCE – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance.  

INTEGRITY – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly.  

INCLUSION – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness.  

HUMILITY – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions.  

HUMANITY – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development. 

 

Core Behaviors  

 

CONNECT & COLLABORATE – Build trust through effective communication and teamwork; share knowledge and embrace diversity.  

ANALYSE & PLAN – Use data and evidence to inform decision-making; plan proactively and prioritize effectively.  

DELIVER RESULTS WITH POSITIVE IMPACT – Take ownership and deliver high-quality outputs; align work with UNIDO’s mission and objectives.  

LEARN AND DEVELOP – Continuously develop skills and capabilities; seek feedback and share knowledge with others.  

ADAPT AND INNOVATE – Respond flexibly to change; embrace innovation and new approaches. 


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.

 

Integrity, Respect and Inclusion

UNIDO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. Employees of UNIDO are required at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity. UNIDO prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and discrimination.

 

Through people-centred policies, UNIDO supports its personnel in balancing professional and personal responsibilities through flexible working arrangements while maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations worldwide.



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

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