Date:  Associate Expert

​Requisition ID: 4483 
Grade: L2 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Project-funded Professional and higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 80,553 USD 
Application Deadline: 01-Oct-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

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, 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.

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 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 promotes circular economy policies, programmes and practices including circular business models that improve the profitability of industries while creating social and environmental benefits. 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 small and medium-sized enterprises. This contributes to climate-neutral, resilient, pollution-free industrial development, supporting co-existence that is in harmony with nature.

This position is located under the Circular Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CEG/CRE) which is responsible for supporting capacity development to promote the adoption of circular and resource-efficient consumption and production patterns across value chains. It fosters circular economy solutions including policies, programmes, practices, and business models that enhance industry profitability while generating social and environmental benefits. Furthermore, it facilitates design for circularity emphasizing reduced or alternative materials inputs, greater durability, reusability, reparability, and ultimately recyclability. The Unit promotes nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches that support the co-existence of industries and nature.

At the L2 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work that is analytical in contributing to results achieved by the Unit; (b) in creating an enabling environment for collaborative work which is catalytic to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to counterparts’ engagement and (d) in achieving results that provide baselines for a service. The measure of success is timely, consistent and appropriate delivery of results.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

Project/Programme Context

Support to the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE)

This project is implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme in order to support the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE). GACERE is an alliance of governments at global level, supported by stakeholders, willing to work together on and advocate for a global just circular economy transition and a more sustainable management of natural resources (material resources included), at the political level and in multilateral fora.

Bringing together governments and relevant networks and organisations, GACERE provides the global impetus for initiatives related to the circular economy transition, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production, building on efforts being deployed internationally by countries, as well as international and regional organisations, including the European Union (EU), and in fora such as the G7 Alliance on Resource Efficiency and the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue. The overall objective of this EU-funded project, through the EU’s Partnership Instrument, is to support and facilitate a global just transition to more climate neutral, resource efficient and circular economies for a more equitable use of resources to achieve sustainable consumption and production and more inclusive and sustainable industrialization, which aligns with the GACERE Concept Note, and contributes to the Paris Agreement goals, halting and reversing biodiversity loss, and curbing pollution and waste, through a joint EU-UNEP-UNIDO partnership.

The project intervenes through five outputs, in line with the approved GACERE concept note as follows:

1. A Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency is operational.
2. Domestic policies and frameworks on the circular economy transition are mapped and analysed; barriers, knowledge and governance gaps, as well as related research needs, that hinder just transition to circular economy are identified.
3. Advocacy efforts to promote the contribution of a global just transition to a climate neutral, resource efficient and circular economy to the achievement of sustainable consumption and production, inclusive and sustainable industrialization, the Paris Agreement goals, halting and reversing biodiversity loss, curbing pollution and waste are supported.
4. Strategic partnerships with networks and organizations working towards a just transition to circular economy are established and developed.
5. Global conversations on the governance of natural resources and options to improve the current situation are supported.

Functional Responsibilities

The Associate Expert works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry; the direct supervision of the Chief of the Circular Resource Efficiency Unit and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of GACERE project and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, formulate and execute technical cooperation projects/ programme related to the interest of the potential donors and within the mandate of the Unit.
• Execute and monitor GACERE project implementation activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time at the right level of quality and within the allocated budget.
• Prepare necessary inputs (consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.), monitoring progress in implementation, including if required missions to project site(s), as well as take part in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters, and assist the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/ programmes.
• Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the GACERE project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.
• Support progamme/project specific fund mobilization activities.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, international relations, engineering, environmental sciences, or in a closely related field with specialization in Circular Economy and/or Resource Efficiency is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

• A minimum of three (3) years of working experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas of Circular Economy and/or Resource Efficiency is required.  
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects is desirable. 

Language Skills:

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

Core Values and 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.

NOTE: UNIDO General Service applicants are required to be at least at the GS-5 level; to have served in their current position for at least two years; and to have served in UNIDO for at least five years.

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 careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.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