National Project Coordinator

​Requisition ID: 3838 
Grade: SB5 – Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior) 
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: 11-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.

The National Project Coordinator will work under direct supervision of the UNIDO Project Managers at UNIDO HQ (Vienna) and International Expert/Team Leader. The National Project Coordinator will work in liaison with international experts on industrial modernization and as well as the national counterparts for the selected industry. His/her duties shall be performed in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of UNIDO and this job description.

MAIN DUTIES

I. INCEPTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PHASE

1. Examine the preliminary Project Document and analyze other ongoing or recent initiatives and studies related to trade and industrial development specifically in the textile industry.

2. In a team-work with the National Expert(s), con-duct quick assessment of the strategic positioning of the two mentioned areas in national, regional and international markets to be supplemented with SWOT analysis taking into account the related studies by other Development Partners nationally and regionally.

3. Prepare a baseline analysis and make recommendations on the set of measurable impact indicators, including gender-disaggregated indicators.

4. Submit the results of the above points 1,2,3, to the Project Managers and international experts for discussion and joint agreement.

5. During the inception technical assistance mission: 

• participate in the preparation of a detailed project work plan;
• assist the Project Managers and the International Expert(s) in defining required national expertise, responsibilities, milestones and time schedule for the project implementation;
• contribute to discussions with the national counterparts;
• take note of the priorities expressed by the institutions as part of project activities;
• guide the preparation of records.

6. In a team with the Project Managers and the International Expert(s), complete the initial assessment of the enterprises visited and the capacities of existing industry support institutions and research centres and/or vocational training centres as a potential national reference centre for technical support to beneficiary companies.

7. In coordination with the International Experts and based on the assessment conducted by the National Expert(s):

• identify other agencies/programs that can con-tribute to the implementation of the project;
• discuss and map capacities of existing industry support institutions and research centres and/or vocational training centres as a potential national reference centre for technical support;
• identify the future Members of the Project Advisory Board.

8. Participate actively, as a group with the national team, to the initial assessment (diagnostic study) of each of selected potential beneficiary companies.

9. Based on the analysis of the detailed diagnostic studies of each enterprise (in coordination with national and international experts), prepare an upgrading plan to be submitted and accepted by the project beneficiaries.

II. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1. Coordinate the implementation of the project in the field and with UNIDO HQ under the guidance of the Project Managers and the Team Leader.

2. Participate in the preparation of a detailed project work plan and assist the Project Managers and the Team Leader in defining responsibilities, milestones and time schedule with the support of the National Expert(s).

3. Ensure efficient interaction among key stakeholders of the project in the field to streamline the implementation of the project.

4. Assist the Project Managers in selecting local technical experts on a competitive basis.

5. Under the guidance of the Project Managers and the Team Leader, ensure secretariat of the National Advisory Board with participation of key national stakeholders, take responsibility for the preparation of proceedings and recommendations and organize Board’s meetings on a regular basis.

III. ADVISORY SERVICES

1. Participate in the selection of enterprises for analysis and subsequent implementation of pilot modernization programmes.

2. In a team-work with the National Expert(s), con-duct quick assessment of the strategic positioning of the two mentioned areas in national, regional and international markets to be supplemented with SWOT analysis taking into account the related studies by other Development Partners nationally and regionally.

3. Identify best practices process in marketing, such as target markets. Develop and implement marketing strategy and activities to be undertaken and coach beneficiary companies on marketing production to the local, regional and international export markets including the conduct of related activities (workshops, participation to exhibitions, reports etc.).

4. Assess potential to establish direct export to local, tourism, regional and international markets and make the assessment of the achieved results and recommend follow-up actions.

5. Provide recommendations for a marketing strategy to each enterprise and make detailed marketing plan.

IV. REPORTING

1. Prepare reports after each field mission and quarterly progress reports including the activities carried out, the achievements, analysis of lessons learned and recommendations. The reports should be prepared in accordance with the reporting system established by UNIDO and submitted directly to the UNIDO Project Manager.

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:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in management, international development, or economics is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in management and coordination of development projects in Uzbekistan is required.
• Familiarity with the textile industry of Uzbekistan is required.
• Ability to draft, edit, and produce written proposals, and result-focused reports is required.
• Good understanding and knowledge of the national development policies and processes with relevant experience in Uzbekistan is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of project/programme management is required.
• Experience working with Government and/or donors and/or civil society and/or international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Uzbek and/or Russian are 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:
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