​Requisition ID: 3443 
Grade: L3 
Country: Lebanon 
Duty Station: Beirut 
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 Annual Salary: 64,121 USD 
Application Deadline: 22-Feb-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 Chemical Management (TCS/CCM); 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 Circular Economy and Chemicals Management (TCS/CCM) 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 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 SMEs. 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 Economy and Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CCM/CER) which is responsible for supporting capacity development to scale up and mainstream the production of sustainable products and adoption of circular and resource-efficient cleaner patterns of consumption and production along value chains, circular economy policies, programmes and practices, including circular business models that improve the profitability of industries while creating social and environmental benefits. In addition, it promotes nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches for inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) that support the co-existence of industries in harmony with nature. In addition, it facilitates the design of sustainable products made with fewer materials, with greater durability, reliability, reparability, reusability and recyclability, and supports the deployment of new business models that improve environmental performance.

This particular position is located at Beirut, Lebanon within the UNIDO field office. The field office is responsible for supporting capacity development of industry, government, environmental service providers, IGOs and NGOs to scale up and mainstream the production of greener products and adoption of resource-efficient and cleaner patterns of production and circular economy policies and practices that improve profitability of industries while creating social and environmental benefits. Greening of products and industrial processes and introduction of new business models along supply and value chains, as well as the promotion of Eco-Industrial Parks are core activities.

The project management unit (PMU) is made up of the Industrial Development Expert, a national circular economy coordinator, a project administrative assistant, and the communications expert all based in Lebanon. The team is further strengthened by the UNIDO Project Coordinator based in UNIDO’s HQ who contributes to the technical work of the team, as well as oversees the Monitoring and Evaluation aspects of the project. The entire team is directly supervised by the UNIDO project manager based at HQ.

The Industrial Development Expert is expected to:

(a) deliver quality work on time that contains in-depth analyses of the country situation and project results;

(b) work very well as part of a multicultural professional team that is catalytic to achieving results; and

(c) build relationships which contribute to partnerships resulting in strategic collaborations

The UNIDO Staff Performance Appraisal System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her team in the office/country as well as in the region and in headquarters.

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/Programme Context

The project entitled “Private sector transition to a green and circular economy in Lebanon” (210028) also known as “2Circular” funded by the EU, will contribute to a reform, recovery and reconstruction Framework (3RF) for Lebanon. The framework prepared by EU, WB and UN in consultation with government, donor and civil society, following the Beirut explosion in August 2020, aims building back better of Lebanese economy with promoting growth and job creation. The project funded by EU is executed by UNIDO in collaboration with counterpart Ministry of Industry (MoI) and Ministry of Environment (MoE). Through the project, EU and UNIDO collaborate to strengthen private sector and support “Startups, Micro and Small Enterprises, including women-led enterprises, develop sustainable, socially and gender responsive green and circular economy business models”.

UNIDO within the projects MED TESTII and III, contributed significantly to capacity building and identification of barriers, challenges and road map for future growth of industrial sector.  Agricultural production in Lebanon is very much limited and perceiving adversity because of Climate Change (CC). Some agro-produces like citrus, grapes, olives, cereals, various other fruits and vegetables are very important resources and its efficient use and further value addition via industrial production is extremely important. Hence Food and Beverage (F&B) is priority sector for value addition and imports minimization. Energy import and power shortage has further constrained the industrial growth in the country.

The overall objective of transitioning to green and circular economy, the project embraces Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology (TEST); resource efficient production and sustainable consumption following Circular Economy (C.E.) approach; capacitate for mobilizing investments and   use radially available renewable energy resources for the growth of Lebanese F&B industrial sector    to generate more jobs and attain Greening economy. While major scope region of such industries covered are scattered around the country, the project also encompass blast affected Beirut region and support on low cost heating alternative.

A wide range of stakeholders namely from public sectors (Ministries, governmental authorities etc.), international financing as well as development organizations, private sector organizations and academia are involved to ensure effective deliverable and ownership at a national level for the transition to a green and circular economy in Lebanon. 

III Responsibilities

The Industrial Development Expert works under the direct supervision of the Industrial Development Officer (P3) in charge of managing the project.  She/he will be responsible for leading the implementation and delivery of work plans and providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of the 2Circular project and be accountable for the achievement of project results as assigned. The Industrial Development Expert is expected to work well as part of the multicultural 2Circular project team.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Execute the project implementation activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are high quality, delivered on time and within the allocated budget.

• Strengthen the implementation of the project and execute the tasks below:
  • Coordinate the work of short-term national consultants, partners and sub-contractors hired by the project as necessary to deliver results.
  • Prepare necessary inputs (work plans, consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.).
  • Monitor progress of the workplan and budgetary expenditures, preparing financial forecasts and budget revisions, including missions to project sites.
  • Prepare and participate in project related meetings in the field and at headquarters and assists the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of project.  
• Coordinate external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including the project donor, 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.
• Coordinate with the communications specialist all project communication and knowledge management activities. This includes supporting advocacy, communication activities and global forum activities aimed at strengthening public relations of the project, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, and 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 cooperates with other units in-house in mobilizing the funds necessary for project implementation.
• Contribute to maintaining a healthy working environment where all viewpoints and experiences are welcomed and respected. Motivate and enhance team capacities through effective leadership, leveraging the diverse expertise within the Project Management Unit, technical teams, and ad-hoc consultants to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment and drive successful project outcomes.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required by the Project Manager.

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 level degree in Environmental Management, Economics, Engineering or another field relevant to Green and Circular Economy.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, including some at the international level, particularly in the thematic area of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner production (RECP) is required.
• Experience in facilitating access to green finance, investment promotion and/or greener business development services targeting the private sector, particularly SMEs, is required.
• Demonstrated experience in all phases of the Project Cycle is required.
• Demonstrated experience working on EU funded projects, knowing their policies and procedures is required.
• Experience working as part of a multicultural team is required.
• Experiences including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, in the field of private sector led industrial transition to green and circular economy development is highly desirable.
• Previous working experience in development projects in Lebanon and/or in the region and in the area of transitioning to green entrepreneurship, MSME development and circular economy is highly desirable.
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in Lebanon is desirable. 
• Knowledge of Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology (TEST) methodology is desired.  

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English is required.  Fluency or working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. Fluency in another official language of the United Nations is an asset.

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