Knowledge and Communications Expert

​​Requisition ID: 4280 
Grade: ISA-Specialist 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 12 months
Application Deadline: 6-Aug-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
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.

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 Departments/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.

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 coexistence of industries and nature.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises’ transition towards a green and circular economy” (Project ID: 230143) is a project financed by the European Commission through the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) under the umbrella of the “Regional package on Green and Circular Economy – Green Forward”.

The project’s overall objective is to create green jobs along targeted value chains, including to contribute to sustainable economic growth, decarbonized and climate resilient development, decent jobs creation, and a safer, healthier, and pollution-free environment. This action will be conducted in the eight countries of the Southern Mediterranean region previously supported by the SwitchMed II Programme (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia) plus Libya.

The project will build on the achievements of the SwitchMed II programme and will focus on two outputs. Under Output 1, resource efficient and circular business models will be demonstrated, and capacities thereon will be built, including on access to finance, through the development of industrial pilots. Under Output 2, resource efficiency and circular economy knowledge will be disseminated at educational, Technical and Vocational Education and Training and policy levels, including regionally, to support regional cooperation and capacity building.

Targets for the six month project inception period, starting on 1 July 2024, include inter alia:

• Obtaining clearances and authorizations necessary to project implementation in target countries;
• Selection and recruitment of experts and set-up of the Project Management Unit within UNIDO Headquarters;
• Establishment of the project coordination mechanism (nomination of the Project Steering Committee members by the countries and of European Commission representatives);
• Establishment of a project performance management framework; and
• Elaboration of the Terms of Reference and start of the procurement process to mobilize first sub-contracts with the service providers.
• An inception report will be produced within 60 days upon completion of the period.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Knowledge and Communication Manager supports the objectives of the project by developing and implementing a comprehensive knowledge management and communication strategy that aligns with the objectives of UNIDO and DG NEAR. This involves processes that can capture, organize, and disseminate critical knowledge in accordance with donor guidelines and in coordination with other components of the “Regional Package on Green Economy – Green Forward”.

Among such processes, the incumbent ensures the creation and maintenance of a centralized repository where all critical project information is stored in a standardized manner, enabling effective reporting and communication on project inception. The Knowledge and Communication Manager regularly reviews and refines the documents, incorporating feedback in line with applicable standards to establish qualitative and efficient project reporting and communication practices. Additionally, the Knowledge and Communication Manager supports the preparation of significant project events by coordinating communication services and materials. Such services may include web or paper publications for specialized and wider audiences.

MAIN DUTIES:

1. Study the communication and visibility guidelines applicable to the project (UNIDO and donor) and attend related informative events.
2. Consult with the donor and coordinate with the implementing organizations of the other components of the “Green Economy Package”.
3. Develop and execute a strategic communication plan to raise awareness about resource efficiency and circular economy among the defined target groups, as outlined in the project objectives.
4. Based on a needs assessment, develop a collaborative workspace where all critical project information is stored.
5. Develop and implement a comprehensive knowledge management strategy aligned with the project's goals.
6. Oversee documentation, storage, and dissemination of project information.
7. Provide guidance to teams on knowledge generation and knowledge sharing products.
8. Promote knowledge sharing from the project, connecting to internal and external knowledge networks.
9. Overall, establish and continuously improve qualitative and efficient knowledge management practices for attaining the objectives of the inception period.
10. Prepare and disseminate updates on project activities through various media channels, which can increase engagement and awareness of project activities in the region.
11. Develop and distribute press releases relevant to project activities and project stakeholders to secure coverage in key local and sector-specific media outlets.
12. Support in the collection and extraction of relevant project data, including project events, and reporting.
13. Develop, curate reports and edit high-quality content for internal and external use, ensuring the products are consistent, accurate, and aligns with the organization’s standards and messaging.
14. Create visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables to enhance the readability and impact of reports.
15. Utilize data visualization tools, such as infographics, to present complex information in an easily understandable format.
16. Develop a set of standardized templates for presentations, reporting and external communication in line with the project requirements.
17. Develop a team training on best practices and lessons learned for capturing, organizing and disseminating knowledge from former projects.
18. Create detailed training materials and manuals to support the learning process.
19. Provide ongoing support and guidance to staff in the effective use of knowledge management tools and the development of communication material.
20. Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify and prioritize key stakeholders relevant to knowledge management initiatives for the project.
21. Develop an engagement strategy that can facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders to foster a supportive business enabling environment.
22. Represent the project at meetings, conferences, and other relevant events to promote its objectives and achievements.
23. Provide oversight and quality control of additional communication needs.
24. Draft Terms of Reference according to project needs, best quality criteria and in line with UNIDO procurement guidelines.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

An advanced university degree in area of development studies, communication, media, publishing or closely related field is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience is required.
• Experience in technical cooperation communication, including exposure at the international level, is required.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely, research and analyse information independently, make connections with the organization's strategic vision, and recommend solutions is required.
• Prior demonstrated familiarity with environmental issues and experience with the topics of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production and Circular Economy is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, especially French or Arabic, is desirable.

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