National Project Assistant on Administrative and Communication Relations

​Requisition ID: 3839 
Grade: SB2 – Local support 
Country: Uzbekistan 
Duty Station: Tashkent 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 7 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application deadline: 13-Jun-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

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.

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.

This position is located under the Division of Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS) that promotes digital transformation and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) associated technologies (including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), industrial Internet of things, additive manufacturing, big data, blockchain, e-commerce, and others) as part of innovation ecosystems consisting of productive capacities in manufacturing, services and digital firms, with the purpose to advance the competitiveness of industries and manufacturing firms in Member States. It helps industries to benefit from the rapid progress in digital and convergent technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), ensuring a smooth transition towards safe and secured cyber-physical industrial systems and a smart society and mitigating any negative adverse effects on employment and quality of work. Through the Division’s services, the productive transformation will be key, integrating industrial businesses, dynamic entrepreneurship, and acceleration services, in less developed countries will have the opportunity to technologically catch up instead of falling behind industries in more advanced countries.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Sustainable upgrading of textile and garment industry in Uzbekistan (SAP ID 180041)

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan about Accelerated Development Measures for Textile and Sewing and Knitting Industry no. 5285 dated 14 December 2018, Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of the textile industry in the economy, the volume and quality of textile products, improve the systems of standardization and certification in the field of the textile industry, as well as to introduce advanced information and communication technologies in the industry. To ensure sustainable development of the textile industry, the “Uztuqimachiliksanoat” (Uzbekistan Textile Industry Association) was established and assigned a wide range of tasks aiming at sustainable development of the textile clusters, which are expected to be supported through soft financing, introduction of drip irrigation, and new methods of fertilization and harvesting.

In the official letter the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), dated 24 August 2021, the Textile and Garment Industry Association of the Republic of Uzbekistan expressed interest in implementing a UNIDO project to introduce and apply the extensive experience of UNIDO on “Sustainable modernization of the textile and clothing industry” in the textile sector and establish long-term and fruitful cooperation to implement the joint declaration for 2020-2024 between Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan and UNIDO.

The project’s objective is to contribute to economic diversification and improved access to local and export markets of the textile and garment industries in Uzbekistan through strengthening productivity, competitiveness and collective export capacities of manufacturing companies, application of new innovative approaches and methodology for branding and marketing, product design, thereby strengthening national human and technical capacities in business networking, enhancing institutional partnerships among producers and global value chain operators.

The expected outcome of the project is: pilot beneficiary enterprises operating in the textile and garment industry form clusters and networks, modernize their businesses to expand and diversify their production with higher value added products complying to the international quality standards, improve productive and overall business performance, material and energy efficiency, human resource and financial management, introduce marketing, umbrella branding- and digitalization-based long-term business resilience practices and post-crisis recovery strategies that uphold business continuity and facilitate better access to regional and international markets, thereby generating increased number of productive jobs for women and men and stable sources of income and professional training opportunities.

The project foresees the following outputs:

Output 1: Market intelligence for identification of development gaps and opportunities and analysis of products sectors using value and supply chain approach conducted for enhanced competitiveness of products at the local, regional and international markets.

Output 2: Industrial upgrading of existing technical and human capacities of the pilot beneficiary enterprises operating in the textile and garment industry for improved productivity and upgraded product quality underpinning higher competitiveness, accelerated economic recovery and reinforced business resilience.

Output 3: Strengthen human and technical capacities of the technical support institutions providing specific assistance to the upgrading of the textile and garment industry (experts, trainers, engineers and technicians) strengthened in providing enterprise diagnosis and upgrading, competitiveness building and marketing, product design and branding, inter- institutional networking and business partnerships and other related services to the national textile and garment industry.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the Team Assistant provides clerical/administrative support to the project implementation and is responsible for the following key functions:

• Perform general administrative tasks such as arrangements for meetings, events, study tours, trainings and workshops.
• Provide logistical support to international consultants, national consultants, and visiting UNIDO staff members and in organizing meetings, study tours and workshops at the field level and travel requests and expense reports when required.
• Monitor disbursements, commitments and budget allocations and availability for the projects.
• Consult to clarify the application of new financial and procurement rules and procedures, TC guidelines and other instructions Collect and compile all data and documents for bi-annual reports, annual reports, service providers’ reports and other reports as required.
• Keep track of project budget expenditures; follow-up on status of contracts for the local project team, provide information on the project, draw the supervisor’s attention to problems encountered. 
• Maintain project equipment inventories (both paper and electronic asset management) and ensure appropriate use.
• Prepare/compile relevant documents and when applicable using SAP, initiate and follow up on actions related to trainings and study tours, purchase of equipment/goods and services, travel requests/claims, recruitment, visa applications, and deal with all related inquiries in coordination with the project team at HQ. Process all payments through relevant accounts and liaise with project team in the country and UNIDO HQ to clear all payments in a timely manner.
• Prepare/compile relevant documents and when applicable using SAP, initiate and follow up on actions related to trainings and study tours, purchase of equipment/goods and services, travel requests/claims, recruitment, visa applications, and deal with all related inquiries in coordination with the project team at HQ.
• Assist with on boarding of new project personnel.
• Assist in drafting regular and/or ad-hoc reports on project activities.
• Carry out ad-hoc assignments and research activities, as required.
• Maintain all project related files (both paper and electronic) and databases related to work.
• Assist in developing project related press releases, booklets, catalogs and video materials.
• Contribute to the implementation of PR strategies, including but not limited to:
  • updating information and engaging with users on social media sites;
  • devising and coordinating photo opportunities;
  • dealing with enquiries from the public, the press, and related organizations;
  • commissioning and undertaking relevant market research.
• Provide assistance in translation of project-related documents: reports, press releases, promotional materials, presentations, etc.

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.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Completed higher secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent), is required. Formal administrative/secretarial/clerical training or equivalent, is desirable.

Credit towards total working experience may be considered on a year by-year-basis, up to maximum of four years, for a higher degree education (including first university degree or equivalent diploma and/or master’s degree), in a relevant field to the post.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years of work experience in the related fields of the post, is required.
• Experience in office procedures and practices, preferably within the UN system or in a multicultural environment, is desirable.
• Experience in project administration, accounting and finance, providing support to managerial/professional staff and using administrative skills to assist in the execution of project development and implementation of work, is desirable.
• Experience and proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet, is required.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP software is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Uzbek and/or Russian is required.

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: [email protected]