Title:  National Technical Expert

​Requisition ID: 5632 
Grade: NOD (SB-5) 
Country: Saudi Arabia 
Duty Station: Riyadh 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year
Application deadline: 30-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.

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 position is located under the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division (TCS/CMP). 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 Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP) assists Member States in the emergence, deployment, and large-scale up-take of solutions for low carbon and climate resilient industrialization. The division promotes system innovation approach to achieve transformational change in climate change by innovating across key levers of change including technology, finance, policy, and regulation.

The Division is responsible for the dual mandate of accelerating innovation and building climate innovation ecosystems to promote low-carbon and climate-resilient industrialization; and planning, developing and implementing interventions to facilitate compliance with the Montreal Protocol and, in particular, its Kigali Amendment and to support countries in achieving their NDCs. In addition, the Division is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities of the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of innovative low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions and building markets to ensure their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience in recipient countries. It collaborates closely on relevant and converging issues with TCS/CEG, TCS/ECA and IET/CTP.

The Montreal Protocol Unit (TCS/CMP/MPU) is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of activities in Member States to facilitate compliance with the Montreal Protocol and, in particular, its Kigali Amendment and to support countries to achieve their NDCs. In addition, the Unit is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities in the Organization, to facilitate the transfer of and establish markets for low-carbon technologies, ensuring their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation in recipient countries. Through capacity building and policy support, the Unit's services promote manufacturing transformation in refrigeration, air conditioning and insulation technologies, resulting in the reduction and substitution of fluids and chemicals, and ultimately reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate-resilient economies.

The position is located in Riyad -KSA within the programme management Unit PMU.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Saudi Arabia -200328 – HPMP II Tranche I

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol (MP) on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which aims to protect the earth’s ozone layer by phasing-out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). HCFCs are also potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. As an Article 5 Party to the MP, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has committed to freeze its HCFC consumption in 2013 at its baseline level of ODP tonnes, and reduce it by 10% in 2015, 35% in 2020, and 50% in 2021.

The Executive Committee approved at its 94th meeting in (27 – 31) May 2024 Stage II of the HCFC phase-out management plan (HPMP) for Saudi Arabia for the period from 2024 to 2030 for the complete phase-out of HCFC consumption,

The execution of project activities will involve the interaction between the various partners and the conduction of different actions to reach the project objectives. These actions or activities can run in parallel or be dependent on one-another.  Thus, ensuring close coordination and monitoring is vital for the success of the project.

The PMU to be established at NCEC, has the overall responsibility for the project management monitoring to ensure the timely, correct, and effective implementation of the activities of the Project. The tasks to be undertaken by the PMU include inter alia commissioning and facilitating third-party verification of enterprises for eligibility and implementation of milestones through physical on-site visits; technical assistance to eligible enterprises; management in implementation of the project; organization of missions, meetings and technical visits to enterprises and concerned stakeholders; day-to-day administration of the Project activities; and preparation of periodic progress and financial reports to  NCEC, UNIDO and UNEP

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the PMU and close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

Location: Riyadh
Duration: 12 months

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provide Technical Expertise

• Act as a primary technical resource for partner agencies, such as the Customs Authority, in the safe handling of refrigerants and other Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) related chemicals.

• Facilitate technical training sessions for partner agencies in collaboration with industry experts.

• Conduct technical training sessions related to RAC technologies.

• Contribute as a technical expert in the updating of the RAC curriculum, aligning with industry standards and emerging technologies.

• Monitor the collection and storage processes of HCFCs and other refrigerants, ensuring adherence to safety standards and proper handling procedures.

• Provide technical training and operational assistance for the efficient functioning of reclamation centers, promoting sustainable management practices.

Concrete/Measurable Outputs:

• Progress report on the technical expertise tasks

• Report of technical training conducted

Policy Review and Input

• Provide technical inputs in the policy review process and formulation of new regulations concerning the importation and use of HCFCs and HCFC-containing blends, ensuring alignment with international agreements and national environmental goals.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• Report on the policy review and new regulations formulated and validated

Equipment Evaluation and Procurement Assistance

• Compile a list of required tools and equipment, evaluating their completeness and specifications for the provision to depository sites, technicians, workshops, and training centers.

• Assist in the procurement process of tools and equipment necessary for project implementation, ensuring they meet quality standards and technical specifications.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• Report on the equipment list and procurement process

IEC Material Development

• Provide technical assistance in the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the HPMP, facilitating effective communication of project objectives and outcomes to stakeholders.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• IEC materials related to HPMP developed and validated

Development of Standards for Products and Services

• Provide technical support in the development, updating, and implementation of standards for products and services.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• Technical standards developed, updated, and implemented

Technical Report Review

• Review technical reports and outputs submitted by local consultants, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with project objectives and technical standards.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• Progress report of the technical activities

HPMP Stage II Implementation Support

• Provide support in implementing various activities under HPMP Stage II, leveraging technical expertise to ensure successful project outcomes and sustainability.

• Contribute to the drafting of comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultants involved in project activities, outlining clear objectives, responsibilities, and technical requirements.

Concrete/Measurable Output:

• Progress report prepared, submitted, and validated

Reporting: The consultant will be under the direct supervision of the Head of the PMU in collaboration National Ozone Officer (NOO) of Riyad , in coordination with the UNIDO Project Manager.

In line with UNIDO and donor requirements and templates, the consultant will have to prepare and submit the following reports and documents:

Reports

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Chemistry, engineering, or related fields is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least 7 years of professional experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of technical cooperation/development projects including international projects, is required.
• At least 5 years’ Experience in HPMP projects is required.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in the RAC sector including delivering training on good practices and safe handling of refrigerants and other Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) related chemicals is required
• Knowledge of MLF decisions and platform, document reports and tranche submissions is desirable

• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the regions is desirable.
• Experience in working with government and development agencies including the United Nations agencies in the country or similar country in the region, is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic 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