Title: Industrial Development Expert

​Requisition ID: 5549
Grade: L3
Country: Somalia
Duty Station: Mogadiscio
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: 101,105 USD
Application Deadline: 18-Apr-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

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 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 technical cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.

The position is located within the Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) and in the Agro-Innovation and Bioeconomy Unit (IET/AGR/AIB). The Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) supports Member States in their efforts to modernize the agriculture and agro-industry sectors, especially in less-developed countries, ensuring that enterprises add value to primary agricultural production, substitute the imports of food and other value-added agricultural products, and participate effectively in local, regional and global value chains. Where needed, it will develop infrastructure and agro-industrial parks and capacities for agro-industrialization, value addition, quality assurance and food safety. It will also bring innovative approaches to Member States to fully benefit from carbon-neutral and biodiversity-enhancing agricultural and agro-industrial production and development opportunities in the green and blue bioeconomy. The Agro-Innovation and Bioeconomy Unit (IET/AGR/AIB) promotes the development of innovative approaches to agricultural and agro-industrial production by looking at new products for industry, new processes of production, new sources of materials and energy from biomass, new schemes for sustainable production and new approaches to climate adaptation and the reduction of climate change. The Unit will contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and water shortages, environmental pollution, and loss of biodiversity – all in combination with economic development - by replacing fossil and mineral resources with renewable raw materials and through new technologies in production and processing of agriculture and aquaculture-based products.

At the L3 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work from a seasoned analyst; (b) in creating an enabling environment for work which is solid and anchored to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to relationship management and (d) in achieving results within a professional team. The measure of success is in consistent and dependable 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.

I. Project/Programme Context

Project n. 1 - “JOSP Maareynta Isbeddelka Cimilada” (JOSP Governance for Adaptation to Climate Change) project (UNIDO ID 230255), is a joint project within the broader framework of the Jowhar Off stream Storage Programme (JOSP), led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) and co-led by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) as well as the Durable Solutions Secretariat within the Ministry of Planning (MoPIED). In the framework of JOSP and more specifically of “JOSP Governance for Adaptation to Climate Change” UNIDO is partnering with FAO (the lead agency), UNEP, IOM, and UN-Habitat to launch a new area-based development flagship joint programme. The programme aims to restore functionality to a large irrigation scheme in the Middle Shabelle region of Hirshabelle State, known as the Jowhar Off Stream Programme (JOSP). The initiative intends to substantially reduce flood risks, mitigate drought, support local production, and boost food security across a significant portion of the country, enhancing climate resilience for approximately 1.65 million people. UNIDO's contribution to JOSP focuses on supporting agricultural communities through value chain development, providing technical assistance and a dedicated credit facility. This effort will spearhead local production by developing basic productive infrastructure, integrated within the framework of the Jowhar Integrated Agro-Industrial Park, and establishing PPP frameworks for managing both the irrigation scheme and the Agro-Industrial Park.

Project n. 2 - Food safety systems and trade facilitation across agri-food value chains in Somalia project (UNIDO ID 230302) is part of the EU-INTPA regional programme called the ‘Alliance for the Horn of Africa Initiative.’ The component of the regional programme related to Somalia is implemented through this UNIDO project and will contribute to “Somalia economic transformation building more inclusive and sustainable food systems, contributing to food security, poverty alleviation and job creation” (impact) and “increase in Somalia agri-food value chains overall contribution across domestic markets (local content) and their exports towards regional and international markets implementing food safety compliance practices and trade facilitation initiatives” (objective). The project is structured around three areas of interventions working i.) on the regulatory framework level on food safety compliance and trade facilitation (macro) level, ii.) building the capacities of institutions (meso) of sector specific regulatory and competent authorities, and iii.) at the (micro) level on the support to be provided to Somali agri-food SMEs/Cooperative to support building the operational and production compliance and overall competitiveness.

II. Responsibilities

The Industrial Development Expert works under the overall guidance of the Director, Department of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development; the direct supervision of the IET/AGR/AIB Unit Head and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division and with the project manager on the day to day the implementation of the above mention projects. 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:

• Execute and monitor projects/ programme implementation activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are high quality, delivered on time and within the allocated budget.
• Coordinate the execution of the project, including as/if needed:
o Supervising and coordinating the work of project consultants, partners and sub-contractors.
o Preparing necessary inputs (work plans, consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.).
o Monitoring progress and expenditures, preparing financial forecasts and budget revisions, including missions to project sites.
o Participating in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters and assists the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes.
o Coordinate project communication and knowledge management activities.
• Manage external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government institutions and international entities, locally based donor institutions, international financial institutions and regional development banks, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.
• Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/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.
• In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, contribute to planning funds mobilization strategies and cooperate with other units in-house in mobilizing the funds necessary for follow up projects and programme.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

III. 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.

IV. Minimum requirements and desirable criteria
Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, international relations, business administration or another field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible working experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas of post-crisis productive sectors development, entrepreneurship and access to finance is required.
• Substantive experience in all phases of the Project Cycle and in been able to lead and identify programmatic opportunities to be further expanded is required.
• Experience in engaging with donors, government, development partners, development bank, etc. to secure new programme initiatives/projects and advocate the specialized mandate of UNIDO at field level is desirable.
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in the East Africa-sub Saharan region is desirable.

Language Skills:
Fluency in written and oral English is required. Fluency or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

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.

For further information on salaries, refer to the International Civil Service Commission website: https://icsc.un.org/

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