Associate Technical Expert

​Requisition ID: 4226 
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: 80,200 USD 
Application Deadline: 06-Aug-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/

I 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) under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development, Industrial Policy Advice and Statistics (TCS/CPS); Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG); Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS); and the Montreal Protocol Division. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).

The position is located under the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division (TCS/CMP) mandated to work in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in the emergence, deployment, and large-scale up-take of low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies, products and solutions. This will be achieved by promoting a systems innovation approach through accelerating innovation across key levers of change that includes technology, finance, policy, and regulations. In particular, the Division is responsible for the dual mandate of a) accelerating innovation and building climate innovation ecosystems to promote low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways and b) 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 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, the Division is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities of the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of low-carbon and climate-resilient solutions and building markets to ensure their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation and building resilience in recipient countries.

The Montreal Protocol Unit 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 nationally determined contributions (NDCs). 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 Associate Programme Officer works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol, the direct supervision of the Head of the Montreal Protocol Unit; and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Unit to plan, develop and implement interventions to facilitate compliance with Montreal Protocol, in particular the Kigali Amendment.

At the L2 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work that is analytical in contributing to results achieved by the Division; (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.

II Project Context

UNIDO is one of only four implementing agencies of the Montreal Protocol, which is regarded as the most successful environmental treaty of all time. UNIDO supports developing countries - known as Article 5 countries - in fulfilling their obligations under the Protocol through technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support, thereby fostering the transition from harmful substances in an inclusive and sustainable manner, which does not hinder economic development.

The Multilateral Fund to the Montreal Protocol provides UNIDO with annual operational fees through a lump sum component for Core Unit functionality which is utilized for paying administrative costs as distinct from project-related activities. UNIDO utilizes the operational fee in line with methodology provided to the MLFS in document UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/60/51. Costs related directly to the Montreal Protocol Unit include staff salaries, non-project-related travel and expert group meetings, as well as general common operating costs, which are not charged to the individual projects.

The Core Unit Budget for Montreal Protocol Unit is requested annually, subject to demonstrating the use of funding for performing core unit activities and number of personnel hired for performing such activities. Core Unit Budget cannot be carried over to another year, therefore early planning and action are essential for ensuring approved funding can be fully utilized.

III Main Responsibilities

The Associate Programme Officer works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol; the direct supervision of the Head of the Montreal Protocol 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 projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Montreal Protocol Programme Development:  Ensure that UNIDO's Montreal Protocol Programme of projects is developed in line with the guidelines and procedures established by the Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund (MLF). This includes a focus on energy efficiency, Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) banks, climate change mitigation, circular economy principles, and gender mainstreaming, among other areas. Additionally, ensure that new funding opportunities related to energy efficiency and ODS banks are leveraged to enhance the Programme's impact.

• Montreal Protocol Programme Implementation:  Ensure that UNIDO's Montreal Protocol Programme of projects is implemented in line with the guidelines and procedures established by the Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund to the Montreal Protocol (MLF) as well as UNIDO's Technical Cooperation guidelines and operating procedures. Assume responsibility for the provision of programme implementation services, with a particular focus on the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and the Kigali Amendment. Ensure that UNIDO’s Montreal Protocol Programme timely submits and complies with Project and Financial Reports (PFRs) submitted to the MLF, as well as reporting on ODS data etc.

• Funds Mobilization: Assist UNIDO’s Montreal Protocol Programme with leveraging additional finance to support Article 5 countries to take early action of the Kigali Amendment, including in areas such as energy efficiency and climate action. This includes exploring co-financing opportunities with donors such as the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund, European Union, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), among others.

• Global Forum and Advocacy Function: Assist in the preparation and execution of Montreal Protocol global forum activities (conferences, seminars, expert group meetings, etc.), with a focus on raising awareness and outreach regarding low-GWP and energy-efficient alternative technologies within the context of the Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs) in Article 5 countries at national, regional, and international levels. Prepare technical papers or other inputs for external seminars, conferences, expert group meetings, etc. Prepare UNIDO publications and other information dissemination aids and tools. Keep abreast of technical developments in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector through close contacts with specialized institutions and industry representatives, following the technical press, market developments and trends.

IV 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.

V Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, Natural Science, Economics, Environmental Management or other field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required. Specialisation in refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of working experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas related to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment is required. 
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in dealing with Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) under the Montreal Protocol is required.
• Knowledge and experience including in the provision of technical assistance in the implementation of Multilateral Environmental agreements, specifically the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment is required.
• Substantive experience in all phases of the Project Cycle is desirable. 
• Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries is desirable.

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

NOTE: UNIDO professional level applicants are required to have served at least one year in their current post if applying for a higher-level position. However, the seniority-in-grade requirements for applying for higher-level positions, as per paragraphs 18 and 78 of the HRMF, have been waived.

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