Date: Senior Programme Assistant

​Requisition ID: 4581
Grade: SB3 – Local support
Country: Austria
Duty Station: Vienna
Category: Local Support Personnel
Type of Job Posting: External Private Posting
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Application deadline: 10-Oct-2024

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.

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.

Under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO), the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination (GLO/RFO) coordinates the field representation and interventions of UNIDO in Member States and regions. Within this context, the Division is responsible for determining programmatic priorities for UNIDO’s services and ensuring that UNIDO responds to the specific needs and requirements of Member States and development partners at the country and regional levels.

The Division encompasses all the UNIDO field offices and the five Regional Bureaus: Africa (GLO/RFO/AFR), also hosting the IDDA III Secretariat; the Arab Region (GLO/RFO/ARB); Asia and the Pacific (GLO/RFO/ASP); Europe and Central Asia (GLO/RFO/EUR); and Latin American and the Caribbean (GLO/RFO/LAC). GLO/RFO provides strategic guidance on the setup, operation and performance of the field structure with a view to further optimize UNIDO’s field operations, outreach to development partners and Member States, global networks and overall coherence of its service delivery in the context of the reform of the United Nations development system (UNDS) and related reform efforts.

The Division also contributes to the development of regional strategies and country programmes, ensuring alignment with key strategic documents of the Organization and the priorities of the Director General, as well as related results-oriented implementation plans.

This position is located in the Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia (GLO/RFO/EUR).

CONTEXT

The green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 is a UNIDO strategic framework in support of the response of the Government of Ukraine to the socioeconomic impact of the ongoing war. The programme sets out a programmatic vision for the multi-stakeholder and cross-dimensional partnership to restore Ukraine’s industry and foster sustainable industrial development.

The UNIDO green industrial recovery programme is guided by the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, in particular, the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 and is aligned with the Government’s early recovery priorities, policy reform vision and national sectoral strategies.

All interventions planned under the green industrial recovery programme build on strong cooperation and partnership with line ministries and other national counterparts in Ukraine. It was further developed in close consultation with development and funding partners, whose support is indispensable for the programme’s operationalization. The green industrial recovery programme is further synergetic with the strategic frameworks of the United Nations in Ukraine, including the Transitional Framework (TF) 2022-2024.

The TF serves as a bridging document between the previous United Nations – Ukraine Partnership Framework 2018-2022 and the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Ukraine 2025-2029. UNIDO has been an active member and contributor of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Ukraine, cooperating closely with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) and sister agencies.

UNIDO envisions a resilient, green and sustainable industry in Ukraine and promotes a strategic and integrated approach, focusing on the following key inter-connected impact areas:

• Creating opportunities for people;
• Supporting businesses and attracting investment;
• Fostering a green economy.

In April 2024, under the framework of its green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine, UNIDO launched an inception phase of the project, titled “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”, ID 230356.

The key project’s objective is to support the green industrial recovery and long-term sustainable development of Ukraine through technology transfer, capacity-building and the co-creation of businesses in key industrial sectors with high potential for growth and value addition, as well as with strong orientation towards socioeconomic impact and support for war-affected people.

To ensure consistency and sustainability of results, UNIDO will conduct feasibility studies and pilot demonstration projects in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine, the Government of Japan, private companies of Japan, private companies of Ukraine and other stakeholders.

Through the project, UNIDO will work to support the establishment of an enabling environment for the green recovery of Ukraine’s industry, job creation, resilience building, global market compatibility, sustained economic growth and the strengthening of the productivity and competitiveness of priority industrial sectors with high growth potential and investment attractiveness.

By leveraging international expertise, best practices and innovative solutions, especially those of Japan, the project will facilitate institutional partnership building and peer learning. As the project will be part of the overarching UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine, all activities will be implemented in close coordination with other ongoing and planned UNIDO technical cooperation projects in the country to foster a synergetic effect and scale-up.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Programme Assistant works under the general supervision of the Chief of the Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia (GLO/RFO/EUR), in close collaboration with the Team Assistant of GLO/RFO/EUR and the Project Manager of project ID 230356.

She/he coordinates administrative activities associated with the implementation of the UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 and supports projects under it, in particular, “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”, ID 230356.

Specifically, the Senior Programme Assistant will perform the following tasks:

• Screen incoming mail and draft replies for the supervisor’s signature on non-technical aspects; provide relevant background/programme/project information whenever necessary; keep track of pending matters, follow up with other offices on deadlines.
• Respond to information requests and inquiries related to the UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 and its associated projects, in particular supporting the project ID 230356 as necessary, as well as refer queries to appropriate personnel for handling.
• Draft correspondence related to the UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 and its associated projects, in particular supporting the project ID 230356; and put them into corporate style, language and format; proofread documents and edit texts for accuracy, grammar, punctuation and style in accordance with standard practices and in compliance with the UNIDO Correspondence Manual and UN editorial guidelines.
• Assist in or monitor exercises related to the UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 and its associated projects, in particular supporting the project ID 230356 (e.g.: budget revisions, obligation reviews, re-phasing, extension or completion of projects, issuance of new project allotment documents/due sub-allotments, allocations and monitoring related exercises). Consult to clarify the application of new financial procedures, TC guidelines and other instructions. Keep track of project budget expenditures. Retrieve information on the programme and projects from the SAP module that has been designed to support results-based management. Provide information on the programme and the projects, draw the supervisor’s attention to problems encountered.
• Using SAP, initiate and follow up on actions related to the recruitment of experts, training and study tours, purchasing equipment, travel authorizations requests/claims and deal with all related inquiries.
• Perform administrative tasks like arrangements for meetings and other events in Ukraine and in Vienna associated with the programme and its projects, reservations, follow-ups, research for information and reference material. Prepare requests/documents, e.g. requisitions, purchase orders, travel requests/authorizations (including those associated with travels of the UNIDO Senior Coordinator for Ukraine), expenditure authorizations, visa applications, etc.
• Provide administrative support to the Programme Management Unit and the National Coordination Body of the green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028, in particular for the organization and preparation of their regular meetings, ensuring timely administrative arrangements, interpretation and note taking, as needed, dissemination of reports, as well as summarizing the take-away points and supporting the implementation of follow-up actions.
• Maintain files (both paper and electronic) and databases related to the UNIDO green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028 and its associated projects.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

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 eight (8) years of working 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 required.
• Experience and proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet, is required.
• Knowledge of and experience in international accounting and finance systems and the tax code of Ukraine is desirable.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP software is desirable.

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of Ukrainian is an asset.

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.

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]