Title: Project Coordinator
โโRequisition ID: 6254
Grade: P3 (Specialist)
Country: Home Based
Duty Station: Home Based
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff WAE
Contract Duration: 52 working days over a period
Application Deadline: 10-Sep-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)
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. UNIDOโs mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to โBuild resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovationโ. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organizationโs 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 UNIDOโs 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, 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 and Industrial Policy Advice (TCS/CAP); Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP); Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). 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 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 SMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among SMEs 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 SME 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 position is in MSME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/MSME/MDJ). The SME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/SME/MDJ) supports small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Member States to take advantage of new technologies, business and organizational support, investment promotion, cluster development and partnerships to improve their businesses and improve their competitiveness.
DGB/2022/19: UNIDO Secretariat Structure 2022
PROJECTS CONTEXT
(1) Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq (Project No. 210135)
Iraq is facing economic challenges including high unemployment, poverty, and a lack of livelihood opportunities, as well as ongoing insecurity and political instability. These issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devaluation of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar. The country's labour market is unfavourable for both formal employment and self-employment/entrepreneurship, and the private sector remains largely underdeveloped. Young Iraqis make up a large portion of the population and are facing high rates of unemployment, particularly young women. Many young people in Iraq lack the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce and are not well prepared to take advantage of the growing digital economy. The challenge is to turn Iraq's youth population into a productive economic resource and help them find employment and livelihood opportunities.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Corporation Framework and the National Development Plan of Iraq, as well as Iraq's 2030 National Youth Vision, the project aims to increase access to digital literacy and skills in Iraq in order to address unemployment and lack of livelihoods. It will achieve this by partnering with the Directorate of Migration and Crisis Response (DMCR) to deliver basic digital skills training to Iraqi youth. The project also conducts a needs assessment to identify the capacity building needs of institutional staff and design and implement training programs for beneficiaries to prepare them for employment in the private sector. In addition, the project establishes a monitoring system using indicators for industrial recovery and private sector development and develop a visibility plan for the project.
(2) Emergency livelihood support to internally displaced persons affected by camp closures and host community members for the development of an inclusive market system (Project No. 240214)
From 2014 to 2017, Iraq endured devastating conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), leading to nearly six million people becoming Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Although Iraq has made considerable strides towards recovery, areas of origin are still in volatile security and economic situations. Whilst the government announced the closure of IDP camps by July 2024, the resolution's full execution remains pending. As of August 2024, around 4.9 million IDPs had returned home, leaving 1.1 million still displaced.
Despite the improved situation, Iraq's economy struggles, with scant employment opportunities, especially for IDPs and women. The closure of IDP camps has heightened hardships such as disrupted livelihoods and limited access to services, posing risks of further displacement. Addressing the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods and fostering an environment conducive to voluntary and safe return, resettlement, and local integration, the project aims to enhance entrepreneurship among unemployed IDPs and host community members in areas of return, resettlement, or local integration. The goal will be achieved through providing entrepreneurship training and essential equipment, tools, and supplies to help alleviate the issue of no or limited start-up capital and start up a business within a short period of time after the support. This approach will address the critical need for creating sustainable income generating opportunities in the absence of wage employment.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM) and close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the International Project Coordinator will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:
Project coordination and implementation
Advise the PM in preparing detailed work plans and budget, design monitoring and evaluation tools for the project activities; Coordinate the execution of all activities leading to the successful implementation of the projects in the country, including implementation, quality control and monitoring of all project activities in the country; Liaise with international donor community and government counterparts, provide regular updates, financial reports and troubleshot problems as required; Attend key meetings related to the projects and act as the focal point of the projects at international level; Organize and conduct briefings and debriefings on projects for the country, sub regional aspects, resources and development towards maximizing project performance level; Coordinate the preparation of terms of reference (ToRs) for recruitment of international and national project consultants and contractors; Coordinate the preparation of technical requirements/technical specifications for procurement, including designing of technical requirements, elaboration of relevant questions from tenders, evaluations, etc. ensuring compliance with the relevant UNIDO administrative rules and policies; Supervise the work of the national team assigned to work on the projects and/or to perform ad-hoc activities; Take project initiatives to enhance the success of the programme including partnerships opportunities with private sectors; Conduct research and assist in identifying innovative technologies and make recommendations.
Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
Monitor/execute of all project related activities identified and outlined in the project work plans; Prepare the inception and progress reports for Project No. 240214 according to donor specifications and UNIDO requirements; Prepare ad-hoc project reports upon request of the PM, the donors and/or the counterparts; Prepare a final report at the end of the contract, also referred to as an end-of-assignment report, comprising performed tasks and all relevant information; Coordinate the preparation of steering committee (SC) meetings and provide relevant documentation, including reporting drafting TORs of the SC; Identify lessons learned and propose adaptations and improvements to monitoring and assessment mechanisms and tools.
Project promotion, outreach and external relations
Establish and maintain relations and exchange of information with the local authorities, private sector institutions, enterprises, support institutions and other development partners; Presents the projects, project progress and results to the donors and partners to keep them updated at regular intervals; presents the projects at annual SC meetings, liaise project activities with the donors and partners and manages regular reporting including budget related aspects of the financing agreement; Ensures compliance of implementation of the donor visibility requirements and proper implementation of the projectsโ communications and visibility plans; Participates in key sector coordination meetings convened by the Government or development partners relevant to the action; Oversee the dissemination of project knowledge to the wider public by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches.
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Education: Advanced university degree (masterโs or equivalent) in economics, environment, business administration, or other relevant discipline is required.
A first-level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable, provided it is coupled with a significant number of years of professional, hands-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment.
Technical and Functional Experience:
At least five (5) years of professional experience in the field of job creation and MSME development through implementation of technical cooperation or development programmes/projects at the international level is required. Experience/knowledge of other development agencies, donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions is desirable. Experience in managing projects in post-conflict regions supporting displaced people is desirable. Experience working in Iraq is an asset.
Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in written and spoken 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 โand 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