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Title: National Expert on Access to Finance

Requisition ID: 7943
Grade: ISA-NOD
Country: Tunisia
Duty Station: Tunis
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year
Application deadline: 02-Sep-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.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

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.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with relevant organizational entities, the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of innovative finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders. The Directorate is responsible for the Divisions of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), and Public-Private Partnerships (IET/PPP). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, IET collaborates closely with TCS 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.

Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST)

Under the supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities, the Division of Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST) develops and implements an innovative service package in response to UNIDO's mandate for fair and responsible local industrial production and trade, with a particular focus on building the required skills and capacities, and foster a conducive business operating environment to ensure that such production and trade are inclusive, promoting – among others – the just adoption of sustainability standards and mandatory due diligence legislation as well as the development of human capital through vocational training and industrial skills development. In collaboration with relevant organizational entities, the Division will conceptualize and negotiate services and raise funds from Member States, development partners, IFIs, and the private sector to 61 coordinate their effective implementation and devise ways in which their implementation can be brought to scale. This will include cross-cutting and sector-specific initiatives for sustainable supply/value chain and skills development in industrial sectors where UNIDO has, over the years, accumulated expertise. It will do so through close engagement with Member States, private sector associations, industrial enterprises, international quality, standards and trade-related governing bodies, other UN agencies, development partners, NGOs and consumer associations, ensuring solid and operational partnerships.

Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit (IET/PST/SIB)

The Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit (IET/PST/SIB) fosters the uptake of responsible business conduct in Member States across local, regional and global value and supply chains. To this end, it induces responsible investments into sustainable value chains working with multinational corporation networks and other platforms to advance socially-minded, youth and gender-responsive as well as responsible business conduct. The Unit supports Member States in enhancing their enabling institutional and policy frameworks and the ability to comply with international standards at the country and regional level to monitor the contribution of value chains to economic, social and environmental sustainability standards. To this end, it facilitates cooperation between firms, institutions and policy actors to advance required reforms and raise required investments. The Unit also supports the transition of public and private procurement to become greener and more socially balanced and to leverage positive market signals to facilitate supplier linkages, supplier development and transformative supply chain investments and investment-ready supply chains.

PROJECT CONTEXT: Unlocking finance to catalyze youth and women-led development (SAP ID 250394)

Tunisia faces structural challenges to inclusive and sustainable development, with youth unemployment at 36.8% and particularly high among women and graduates in interior regions such as Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, and Kairouan. These governorates rank lowest on the Regional Development Index, reflecting deep inequalities in infrastructure, economic opportunities, and empowerment. At the same time, Tunisia must transition toward a green and resilient economy amid climate pressures, but public investment capacity is limited. Mobilizing private capital is essential to drive job creation and sustainable growth.

The Tunisian Government launched the West-East Economic Development Corridor, a flagship initiative to connect disadvantaged regions and foster inclusive growth. A key component is an Impact Fund of TND 100 million (approx. USD 34 million), managed by Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) and CDC Gestion, with TND 42 million earmarked for the corridor. The Fund aims to invest in impact-driven SMEs promoting youth employment, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. However, there is a lack of bankable projects and limited regional capacity to identify and support such investments.

The Joint Programme, implemented by UNDP and UNIDO in partnership with CDC and other national actors, seeks to unlock public and private financing for youth- and women-led SMEs. It strengthens the financing ecosystem and business support organizations (BSOs) to enable investment in high-impact projects aligned with the Impact Fund and regional development priorities.

Key Outcomes

Strengthened Financing Ecosystem
- - Equip CDC, CDC Gestion, SICARs, and banks with tools and capacities for investment project preparation and appraisal.
  - Integrate gender and youth criteria into financing processes.
  - Develop digital platforms for project pipelines and investor matchmaking.
Facilitated Access to Private Financing
- - Enhance BSOs’ ability to support SMEs in becoming investment-ready.
  - Promote innovative financing approaches (blended finance, de-risking instruments, impact investing).
  - Organize matchmaking events and public-private dialogues to connect SMEs with investors.

By strengthening institutional capacities and connecting SMEs with financing opportunities, the project aims to catalyse inclusive regional development, create decent jobs for youth and women, and advance Tunisia’s transition to a green economy.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in HQ and close cooperation with the project team in the field and HQ, the National Expert on Access to Finance will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

*MAIN DUTIES*	Concrete/measurable Outputs to be achieved	Location
Project Coordination and Implementation In close cooperation with the project coordinator of UNDP, the larger Joint Project Team based in Tunisia and the UNIDO Project Manager's Unit in Vienna: Advise the Project Team in preparing detailed work plan and budget 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 other relevant counterparts and stakeholders, provide regular updates, financial reports and troubleshoot 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 projects for the country, sub regional aspects, resources and development towards maximizing project performance level; Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of project consultants, service provideres and contractors; Manage the coordination of work delivered by the local partners assigned to the project; 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; Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including partnerships opportunities with private sectors, banks and others; 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 PM. Project activities, implemented in close collaboration with national counterparts at a high standard and with results- based approach. Effective liaison with government counterpart(s), and financial ecosystem established. National experts and partners 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.	Tunis, Tunisia
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Contribute to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting activities led by UNDP: 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; Coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting for the programme according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements; Under UNDP leadership, contribute to the coordination and preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs), including preparing ToRs.	Contributed to Project monitoring framework drafted, Project log frame revised, and Project reporting templates. Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned. ToRs prepared, the SCs meetings run smoothly. Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PMs following every meeting (including phone calls or web based) Effective liaison with government counterparts and other partners established.
External Relations Maintain networks and partnerships with national institutions, private sector, UN project partners; 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. Actively build a network of key partners and actors that contribute to the project activities.	Partnerships with project partners (specifically financial sector actors) strengthened. Communications strategy completed and success stories and lessons learned, disseminated through identified appropriate media.

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Location

Project Coordination and Implementation

In close cooperation with the project coordinator of UNDP, the larger Joint Project Team based in Tunisia and the UNIDO Project Manager's Unit in Vienna:

Advise the Project Team in preparing detailed work plan and budget 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 other relevant counterparts and stakeholders, provide regular updates, financial reports and troubleshoot 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 projects for the country, sub regional aspects, resources and development towards maximizing project performance level;

Coordinate the preparation of ToRs for recruitment of project consultants, service provideres and contractors;

Manage the coordination of work delivered by the local partners assigned to the project;

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;

Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including partnerships opportunities with private sectors, banks and others;

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 PM.

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

Effective liaison with government counterpart(s), and financial ecosystem established.

National experts and partners 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.

Tunis, Tunisia

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Contribute to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting activities led by UNDP:

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;

Coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting for the programme according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements;

Under UNDP leadership, contribute to the coordination and preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs), including preparing ToRs.

Contributed to Project monitoring framework drafted, Project log frame revised, and Project reporting templates.

Reports are prepared and submitted as agreed and planned.

ToRs prepared, the SCs meetings run smoothly.

Meeting minutes template filled in and sent to PMs

following every meeting

(including phone calls

or web based)

Effective liaison with government counterparts and other partners established.

External Relations

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

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.

Actively build a network of key partners and actors that contribute to the project activities.

Partnerships with project partners (specifically financial sector actors) strengthened.

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

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in economics, finance, accounting, development studies, or other relevant discipline is required. Alternatively, a first level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional 7 years of professional hand-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least seven (7) years of professional experience in coordinating the implementation of development/technical cooperation programmes/projects at national level, preferably in development finance, access to finance, or SME support, is required.
Strong knowledge of Tunisia’s economic context, financial ecosystem, SME ecosystem, and/or gender/youth inclusion strategies, is required.
Experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government, private sector, and international organizations, is required.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills; proficiency in ERP systems and UN or donor financial procedures is desirable.
Expertise in financial matters, such as Knowledge of Financing Instruments, Pipeline Development of SMEs, Matchmaking & Networking, Financial Structuring & Advisory or Investment Readiness Support of SMEs is desirable.
Experience in evaluating the needs conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the region is desirable.
Experience/knowledge of other development agencies donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions in the country, or similar country in the region is desirable.

Languages Fluency in written and spoken English, French and Arabic is required.

CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIORS AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCE

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 communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity

Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively

Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives

Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge

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.

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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