Associate Technical Expert

Main Responsibilities

The Associate Technical Expert works under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Project Manager at UNIDO HQ, TCS/CEG/CRE, in close cooperation with the colleagues of the project team, in particular with the National Project Coordinator (NPC) in Fiji, to successfully deliver the expected results of the project.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical and administrative support to the NPC for 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:

• Assist the Project Manager and the National Project Coordinator (NPC) in Fiji to execute and monitor implementation of the project activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time at the right level of quality and within the allocated budget.
• Prepare necessary inputs (consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.), monitoring progress in implementation, including if required missions to project site(s), as well as take part in oversight meetings, and assist the NPC.
• 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 in close cooperation with the NPC.
• 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.
• Prepare progress reports in cooperation with the NPC and keep the donor informed of project progress through regular meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs) for the project, including organizing meetings/briefing; preparing relevant background documents analyse them.
• Identify and liaise with Japanese companies that are interested in having business in Fiji or investing in Fiji on plastic circular economy practices, in cooperation with Investment Fiji and UNIDO ITPO Tokyo to ensure successful delivery of pilot circular economy practices demonstration in Fiji, possibly utilizing Japanese technology.
• In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, formulate technical cooperation projects/ programme related to the interest of the potential donors, and the Government of Fiji, and within the mandate of the Division/Unit.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

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.

Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education

A first-level  university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in environment, economics, international relations, engineering, public policy, or in a closely related field with environment / circular economy or any other disciplines relevant to UNIDO mandate, is required.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or a Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise

A minimum of professional experience aligned with the educational level is required, as follows:

• First‑level university degree (Bachelor’s): at least 6 years of relevant professional experience
• Advanced university degree (Master’s): at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
• Doctorate: at least 1 year of relevant professional experience
• Working experience, including some at the international environment, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas of environment, circular economy, and/or sustainable economic development, is required.   
• Experience working with Japanese companies and/ or Japanese institutions and familiar with business culture of Japanese companies or institutions is required.
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in the Small Island States / the South Pacific Islands, or similar contexts in the region, is desirable. 
• Knowledge or experience in promoting plastic circular economy as well as technical and technological options for plastic circular economy practices is desirable.
• Knowledge or experience in promoting Japanese technology or circular economy practices is desirable.

Language Skills

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of Japanese is required.

NOTE: 
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