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Title: National Project Coordinator

Requisition ID: 6297
Grade: NOC (SB-5)
Country: Palestine, State of
Duty Station: Ramallah
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year
Application deadline: 18-Sep-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 Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) 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 Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) assists Member States in the transition to low-carbon and climate resilient economies through the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency solutions and breakthrough technologies in industry and other key sectors, diversifying supply chains for renewable energy manufacturing and stimulating innovation to address critical climate and energy related challenges.

The Division assists governments in fulfilling national commitments under the Paris Agreement and progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby facilitating a just transition towards sustainable industrialization. In transitioning to a low-carbon and climate resilient economies, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of policies, knowledge and technologies and pathways to plan, manage and finance the energy transitions and climate action for industrial transformation. It collaborates closely on converging issues with IET/CTP and TCS/CMP.

The position is located under the Sustainable and Just Energy Transitions Unit (TCS/ECA/JET) and focuses on promoting energy for development and leveraging technology innovation and social inclusion to lead a just energy transition. It promotes the modernization of energy infrastructure to drive decoupling growth from emissions and deploys de-risking approaches to channel public and private investments to accelerate energy access and industrial development. It supports Members States in building and diversifying renewable energy supply chains and fostering manufacturing capabilities to achieve a just energy transition for all. The unit also supports the integration of energy system design into the wider development objectives and helps countries navigate the trade-offs for energy development while ensuring compliance with social and environmental norms. Finally, the Unit coordinates the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres and related partnerships and uses regional policies and approaches to achieve economies of scale.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The Ministry of Industry of the State of Palestine, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and the technical support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is leading the project titled “Developing an energy-sustainable shoe village in Hebron for the decarbonization and sustainable development of the footwear value chain in the State of Palestine” (ID 220173).

The initiative aims to restore the competitiveness and resilience of the Hebron-based leather and footwear sector, once a thriving industry that has suffered significant decline over the past few decades. By facilitating the development of a Sustainable Shoe Village – an integrated industrial hub incorporating sustainable infrastructure and low-carbon energy solutions – the project reflects Italy’s and UNIDO’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable industrial development, promoting low-emission technologies, boosting entrepreneurship, and enhancing local value chains in line with climate and development priorities.

In close collaboration with the Palestinian public and private sector partners, the Sustainable Shoe Village will host a Common Facility Centre, offering shared services, modern equipment, and infrastructure to foster design innovation, technical upgrading, and skills development for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Village will serve as a hub for energy-efficient production, export facilitation, and circular economy practices – incorporating clean energy solutions and infrastructure with a low carbon footprint. The project will leverage UNIDO’s extensive expertise in sustainable energy and the leather value chain and will include linkages to international partners.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (i.e., a UNIDO staff member responsible for the overall implementation of the project) and in close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for the following main duties:

MAIN DUTIES	Concrete/measurable Outputs to be achieved
Project Coordination and Implementation Collaborate with the Project Manager in preparing detailed work plan and budget, design monitoring and evaluation tool for the project activities; Coordinate the execution of all activities leading to the successful implementation of the project in the country, including implementation, quality control and monitoring of all project activities in the country; Liaise with government and private sector counterparts, provide regular updates, financial and technical reports and troubleshot problems as required; Attend key meetings related to the project and act as the focal point of the project at national level; Organize and conduct briefings and debriefings on the project, including its resources and latest developments, with a view on maximizing project performance; Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of national project consultants and contractors; Supervise the work of the local project team/contractors assigned to work on the project and/or to perform ad-hoc activities; Coordinate the preparation of technical requirements/technical specifications for procurement, including designing of technical requirements, elaboration of relevant questions from tenders, evaluations, etc. ensuring compliance with the relevant UNIDO administrative rules and policies; Network with local stakeholders; carry out the needed consultations and information exchanges with relevant stakeholders where/when needed; Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including further partnerships opportunities with private sectors; Maintain close links with other private sector development initiatives to ensure a consistent and integrated approach.	Preparation/plan for the implementation of the project prepared in timely manner and approved by the PSC. Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach. Effective liaison with government counterpart established. National experts guided and empowered so as to produce high quality project outputs and deliverables. Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner. Effective partnership maintained.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Provide inputs for strategic advice in the elaboration of the operational planning and monitoring system for the project; Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation for the activities of the project using appropriate tools with output verifiable indicators; Execute the administrative and financial monitoring of the project and its activities and provide regular related reports (quarterly); Coordinate the preparation of bi-annual reporting to the Project Steering Committee; Coordinate the preparation of a final report at the end of the contract comprising all relevant information compiled from the interim reports, conclusions and recommendations; and ensure all material is made available to the Project Manager and project stakeholders where relevant. Lead the coordination and preparation of project steering committee meetings (PSCs).	Project monitoring framework drafted. Project log frame revised. Project reporting templates drawn up, including the needed indicators to measure progress and asses targets achievement. Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned. Final report prepared and submitted to the Project Manager. PSCs meetings run smoothly. Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PSC following every meeting (including phone calls or web based). Effective liaison with government counterpart established.
External Relations Maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, private sector, UN project partners; In collaboration with the project team, identify international actors with similar experience and explore knowledge sharing/partnership opportunities; Coordinate the dissemination of project knowledge to the wider public by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches. Promote the project locally and internationally to enhance opportunities of new investments	Partnerships with project partners strengthened. Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned, disseminated through identified appropriate media.
Final phase In coordination with the Project Manager, perform any additional tasks needed for the successful implementation of the project.	Final report produced.

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Project Coordination and Implementation

Collaborate with the Project Manager in preparing detailed work plan and budget, design monitoring and evaluation tool for the project activities;

Coordinate the execution of all activities leading to the successful implementation of the project in the country, including implementation, quality control and monitoring of all project activities in the country;

Liaise with government and private sector counterparts, provide regular updates, financial and technical reports and troubleshot problems as required;

Attend key meetings related to the project and act as the focal point of the project at national level;

Organize and conduct briefings and debriefings on the project, including its resources and latest developments, with a view on maximizing project performance;

Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of national project consultants and contractors;

Supervise the work of the local project team/contractors assigned to work on the project and/or to perform ad-hoc activities;

Coordinate the preparation of technical requirements/technical specifications for procurement, including designing of technical requirements, elaboration of relevant questions from tenders, evaluations, etc. ensuring compliance with the relevant UNIDO administrative rules and policies;

Network with local stakeholders; carry out the needed consultations and information exchanges with relevant stakeholders where/when needed;

Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including further partnerships opportunities with private sectors;

Maintain close links with other private sector development initiatives to ensure a consistent and integrated approach.

Preparation/plan for the implementation of the project prepared in timely manner and approved by the PSC.

Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach.

Effective liaison with government counterpart established.

National experts guided and empowered so as to produce high quality project outputs and deliverables.

Procurement approaches streamlined and according to UNIDO rules and regulations; Tender documents are of high quality and prepared in a timely manner.

Effective partnership maintained.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Provide inputs for strategic advice in the elaboration of the operational planning and monitoring system for the project;

Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation for the activities of the project using appropriate tools with output verifiable indicators;

Execute the administrative and financial monitoring of the project and its activities and provide regular related reports (quarterly);

Coordinate the preparation of bi-annual reporting to the Project Steering Committee;

Coordinate the preparation of a final report at the end of the contract comprising all relevant information compiled from the interim reports, conclusions and recommendations; and ensure all material is made available to the Project Manager and project stakeholders where relevant.

Lead the coordination and preparation of project steering committee meetings (PSCs).

Project monitoring framework drafted. Project log frame revised. Project reporting templates drawn up, including the needed indicators to measure progress and asses targets achievement.

Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned.

Final report prepared and submitted to the Project Manager.

PSCs meetings run smoothly. Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PSC

following every meeting (including phone calls or web based).

Effective liaison with government counterpart established.

External Relations

Maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, private sector, UN project partners;

In collaboration with the project team, identify international actors with similar experience and explore knowledge sharing/partnership opportunities;

Coordinate the dissemination of project knowledge to the wider public by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches.

Promote the project locally and internationally to enhance opportunities of new investments

Partnerships with project partners strengthened.

Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned, disseminated through identified appropriate media.

Final phase

In coordination with the Project Manager, perform any additional tasks needed for the successful implementation of the project.

Final report produced.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, sciences, agro-industries, environment, business administration, or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least five (5) years of professional experience in coordinating the implementation of development/technical cooperation programmes/projects at national level, is required.
Experience in programme/projects in the field of technical support services to SMEs and value chains (e.g. capacity building, trade facilitation, business development, or productivity improvement) is desirable.
Experience in evaluating the needs conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the region is required.
Experience and/or knowledge of other development agencies donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions in the country, or similar country in the region is desirable.
Experience and/or knowledge related to industrial clusters, sustainable energy systems, or the footwear and leather value chain is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required. Working knowledge of English 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

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