National Social Sector Expert

​Requisition ID: 4927 
Grade: SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior) 
Country: Pakistan 
Duty Station: Karachi 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff Regular
Contract Duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application deadline: 12-Dec-2024, 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 Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) works towards increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries and countries in transition, especially emphasizing business development of MSMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among MSMEs in two interconnected ways: first, by modernizing businesses through the transfer of advanced technologies adapted to local conditions, product innovation, productivity improvement and upgrading, developing market and value chain readiness as well as improved access to finance; and second, by improving the quality of MSME manufactured products and their compliance with market requirements through capacity building for the development of industrial production and trade-related quality infrastructure including for standardization, metrology, accreditation and of conformity assessment service institutions (testing, certification, inspection and calibration) and the strengthening of their capacities.

The Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit (TCS/SME/CQC) builds national and regional production and quality infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on providing internationally recognized services, facilitating MSME participation in regional and global value chains; strengthening institutional quality infrastructure capacities; building conformity assessment capacities; and supporting market access and quality awareness with the public sector, economic operators and consumers, placing a special emphasis on capacitating MSMEs. 

PROJECT CONTEXT

One of the projects implemented by UNIDO “Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR)” is a five-year programme funded by the European Union to support the Government of Sindh (GoS) in implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The long-term objective of PAIDAR is to contribute to sustainable poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods of poor women, men and young people across Sindh province. The PRS has three pillars: 1) Community Driven Local Development 2) Addressing Urban Poverty including Urban Economic Clusters and 3) Rural Growth Centres. 

PAIDAR has been conceived to mainly focus on fostering the economic development dimension of the PRS, and targeting the most vulnerable, in particular through support to enterprise development, focusing on the development of Rural Growth Centres and Urban Economic Clusters under PRS implementation. To this end, the programme will:

• Provide necessary financial and technical support to a significant number of micro and small enterprises.
• Contribute technically and financially to building and upgrading public infrastructure for improvement in basic service delivery; and
• Assist the GoS in strengthening internal coordination and monitoring and optimising provincial public resources allocation towards meeting PRS objectives.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under its public sector development outcome, the PAIDAR programme implements two key intervention types to support the Government of Sindh in executing its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

• First, PAIDAR provides Technical Assistance to the Government of Sindh in designing and implementing development schemes related to WASH, road infrastructure, education, health, public spaces, and waste management. These investments are concentrated at the level of Rural Growth Centres (RGCs), selected towns in each PRS target district, allowing the populations of RGCs and surrounding villages to access decentralized social services locally, avoiding travel to major cities. The primary objective is to reduce the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in these areas by enhancing access to and the quality of essential social services.

• Second, PAIDAR has partnered with Sindh Peoples’ Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to develop a Climate Resilient Settlement Development Plan (CRSDP). This collaboration focuses on designing and implementing the CRSDP across 70-80 villages around the RGCs in PRS target districts (Thatta, Sajawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Larkana). The CRSDP encompasses infrastructure (roads, pavements, WASH facilities, public spaces), utilities (water, electricity, clean cooking), and services (education, health, waste management). A pilot CRSDP is currently underway to create a model village in Thatta, with additional CRSDPs for the remaining villages in the final stages of development. Once finalized, SPHF will execute these CRSDPs through implementing partners for the designated villages.

Under the supervision of the National Technical Advisor, the Social Sector Expert will lead the development, implementation, and enhancement of social sector interventions within the programme. This role focuses on fostering social cohesion, inclusivity, and resilience among target communities by aligning program strategies with community needs, aspirations, and strengths. The expert will design innovative models and approaches that leverage local knowledge, guide public sector engagement, and ensure community-led sustainability of infrastructure and services. Working closely with program teams and stakeholders, the Social Sector Expert will contribute critical insights and solutions that drive lasting social impact.

The expert will deliver the following:

1. Social Sector Data Collection and Analysis

The Social Sector Expert will be responsible for developing, finalizing, and implementing effective instruments to collect social sector data (directly or through implementing partners when applicable) that captures the needs, aspirations, and dynamics of the target communities. This includes designing data collection tools, leading data gathering processes, and ensuring the relevance and accuracy of the information collected. The expert will also analyze these social sector databases, using both primary and secondary sources, to gain valuable insights that will shape the program’s interventions. Through rigorous data analysis, the Social Sector Expert will ensure that all social sector strategies are data-driven and grounded in the realities of the communities served.

1. Scalable Social Improvement Model Development

The Social Sector Expert will develop models and plans for scalable social improvements that can be adapted to different communities and contexts. These models will provide a roadmap for social sector initiatives that can be replicated across programme areas, ensuring that positive social impacts can be expanded and sustained. Through the design of these scalable interventions, the expert will help to create lasting improvements in community well-being and resilience, aligned with PAIDAR’s long-term social development objectives.

1. Input into Community Resilient Settlement Development Plans

The Social Sector Expert will provide critical social sector expertise to enhance the Community Resilient Settlement Development Plan (CRSDP). This includes collaborating with technical teams to ensure that social considerations are integrated into settlement planning, thus creating resilient, cohesive, and inclusive communities.

1. Successful implementation of CRSDP social aspects

To ensure the successful implementation of the CRSDP’s social aspects, the Social Sector Expert will integrate community-driven approaches that foster inclusivity, resilience, and cohesion among target populations. Regularly coordinating with implementing partners, the expert will work to align CRSDP social interventions, creating a supportive environment for resource sharing and scalable social impact. Through careful monitoring, timely adjustments, and robust reporting, the expert will drive data-informed improvements, ensuring that the CRSDP’s social outcomes remain relevant and effective in strengthening community resilience.

1. Institutional Engagement for Social Service Delivery

The Social Sector Expert will establish partnerships and collaborate with relevant institutions and organizations to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of social services to target communities. By working with local government bodies, NGOs, and other service providers, the expert will improve accessibility and quality of essential social services. This engagement will help leverage institutional resources and expertise, strengthening the program’s ability to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

1. Stakeholder Guidance on Community Engagement

The Social Sector Expert will serve as key personnel to public sector stakeholders and partner organizations, offering guidance and technical support on community engagement best practices and participatory decision-making. By organizing workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building activities, the expert will help stakeholders understand and effectively engage with community members, fostering stronger relationships and building trust. This guidance will empower stakeholders to make more informed, community-centred decisions, ensuring that their initiatives are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

1. Consensus Building for Infrastructure Sustainability

To promote long-term sustainability, the Social Sector Expert will facilitate community consensus on maintaining and managing shared infrastructure projects. This will involve developing frameworks that encourage community ownership and shared responsibility, ensuring that the infrastructure provided is utilized and sustained effectively. By engaging community members in dialogue and consensus-building activities, the expert will foster a sense of collective accountability, helping to ensure that shared resources remain functional and well-maintained over time.

1. Best Practice Identification and Customization

The expert will identify and assess best practices in the social sector that have shown success in similar contexts, customizing these approaches to fit the unique needs of the PAIDAR program and its target communities. By integrating these tailored practices into program interventions, the Social Sector Expert will maximize their impact on social cohesion, resilience, and overall community well-being. This customization process will ensure that interventions are both effective and culturally relevant, supporting long-term positive outcomes in the social sector.

1. Innovation and Community Wisdom Extraction

In fostering innovation, the Social Sector Expert will design models that capture and leverage local wisdom, knowledge, and creativity within communities. By facilitating participatory approaches that allow communities to contribute their own insights, the expert will enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the program’s interventions. This approach will build community pride and ownership, as local knowledge and solutions are incorporated into PAIDAR’s strategies, empowering communities to take an active role in their own development.

1. Reporting, Documentation, and Knowledge Sharing

The Social Sector Expert will play a key role in documenting the lessons learned, success stories, and best practices from social sector interventions, ensuring that these insights are regularly shared and incorporated into program reporting. By preparing comprehensive reports that highlight both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, the expert will contribute valuable knowledge for decision-making and continuous improvement. These reports will also serve as a record of social impact, demonstrating the value of social sector interventions and their contributions to PAIDAR’s objectives.

Under the overall guidance of PAIDAR Programme Manager and direct supervision of the National Programme Coordinator and National Technical Advisor, the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

MAIN DUTIES

- Planning and coordination
Develop, finalize, and analyze data collection tools to ensure data-driven social sector strategies aligned with community needs.
Design scalable social improvement models adaptable across communities for lasting positive social impact.

Provide social sector expertise to ensure inclusive, resilient settlement planning in the CRSDP.

- Programme implementation
Ensure community-driven, culturally aligned, and data-informed social interventions for successful, sustainable CRSDP implementation that enhances resilience and community well-being.
Establish partnerships with institutions to enhance sustainable social service delivery for target communities.
Design and implement interventions that strengthen social cohesion and reflect community aspirations and cultural contexts.
Guide stakeholders in effective community engagement and decision-making through training and capacity-building support.
Facilitate community consensus for sustainable management and shared responsibility of infrastructure projects.
Identify and adapt best practices to strengthen social cohesion and resilience in target communities.

Develop models to capture and utilize local community knowledge, enhancing relevance and ownership of interventions.

- Reporting
Document and report social sector insights, lessons, and impact stories for program improvement and strategic alignment.

- Other duties as required by the PM
Any other task deemed necessary within the preview of the expert’s qualifications and experience assigned by the PM.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, sociology, public policy or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least five (5) years of experience in social sector development, particularly in community engagement, social cohesion, and capacity building in rural settings, is required.
• Experience designing and implementing social data collection tools and analyzing social sector data is required.
• Experience in participatory development frameworks and community-centred intervention strategies is required.
• Experience working with government bodies, NGOs, and community organizations, with a track record in fostering partnerships and collaborative solutions is required.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and project management skills are required.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of Urdu 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.

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