National Junior Consultant (Quality Infrastructure) at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mandate is to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development in developing countries and  economies in transition, and work towards improving living conditions in the world's poorest countries by drawing on its combined global resources and expertise. UNIDO's vision is a world where economic development is sustainable and economic progress is equitable. UNIDO’s headquarters is based in Vienna, but operates worldwide, with a Regional Office for West Africa based in Abuja, Nigeria (RON).

The RON works closely with private and public sectors, the UN System and development partners in the delivery of its mandate.

The organization’s technical assistance to member states focuses on three main thematic areas:
a) Poverty reduction through productive activities
b) Trade capacity-building, and (c) Energy and environment.
c) Project - National Quality Infrastructure (130220)

The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project, funded to the tune of EUR 12 million by the European Union (EU), aims to support the improvement and establishment of standards and quality control agencies in Nigeria. The project is part of a wider financing agreement signed between the European Union and Nigeria to stimulate the competiveness of the country, and is one of the EU’s many contributions to the people of Nigeria under the 10th European Development Fund.The specific objective of this project is to support the development of the missing standards and quality control bodies in order to improve the quality of products and services exchanged in the Nigerian and international markets.

The project will achieve its objectives through the following:

a) Promulgation of a National Quality Policy and ensuing legislation for the NQI;
b) Establishment of a National Accreditation Body;
c) Development of a National Metrology Institute;
d) Improvement of Organized Private Sector (OPS) patronage of the NQI and their capacities to create and support conformity assessment bodies (CAB); and,
e) Enhancement of the consumer protection role on quality issues as well as increased capacities of consumer associations to lift up the quality offer/culture of Nigerian enterprises.

Through this project, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) will be assisted in reviewing the legislative framework surroundinMetrology, Standards, Testing and Quality (MSTQ) with particular emphasis on promulgating and implementing a National Quality Policy.

The project will help to upgrade capacity within the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Weights and Measures Department, FMITI, National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Consumers Protection Council (CPC). These objectives are supported by strengthening the standards, testing and conformity infrastructure and enhancing product competitiveness through quality and productivity development and industrial upgrading.

Job Title: National Junior Consultant (Quality Infrastructure)

Vacancy Announcement No: VA2014_ISA_EXT_000012
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Responsibilities

• This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectancy of renewal.
• Under the direct supervision of the UNIDO Representative (UR)/Team Leader at UNIDO Regional Office in Nigeria, the National Junior Consultant will be responsible for supporting the efficient implementation of project activities.
• Furthermore the consultant will closely collaborate with Project Component Managers and support staff in both Nigeria and UNIDO Headquarters (HQ)
• Follow up on all technical actions/activities of the project in Nigeria and in collaboration with HQ project managers and staff, prepare necessary reports
• Follow up on activities agreed upon with project beneficiaries and other stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient delivery;
• Keep in view all project activities and inform the team leader and project team in a timely manner OF changes or modifications required
• Support project team to devise and execute project work plans including a list of milestones for execution
• At the request of the Team Leader/UR and project managers, revise work plans as appropriate, to meet the changing needs and requirements;
• Support the Team Leader/UR and team in all technical and coordination activities ensuring efficient implementation of the project;
• Work closely with the project team in Nigeria and HQ to understand operational issues and challenges as they arise, and assist in managing day-to-day operational aspects of the project
• Support the preparation of technical project reports and collate relevant information for the drafting of such reports
• Carry out research and collect relevant data/information in cooperation with HQ team as requested by the Team Leader/UR;
• Contribute to all visibility activities of the project
•  Any other assignment requested by the Team Leader/UR.

Core Competencies

• Core values: integrity; professionalism; respect for diversity.
• Core competencies: results orientation and accountability; planning and organizing; communication and trust; team orientation; client orientation; organizational development and innovation.

Requirements

• Education: University - Master's degree or equivalent, Other - Engineering, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Human Resources
• UNIDO Languages: English (Fluent)
• Computer skills: E-mail (Fully proficient), Internet (Fully proficient), Spreadsheets (Fully proficient), Word processing (Fully proficient), Proven computer skills, particularly in the use of office applications, MS Office and MS Project, collaboration tools and online planning (SAP), with excellent drafting skills.
• Field of Expertise: Programme management (3 years and more), with practical experience of project management in the field of trade related technical assistance, with a specific focus on human resources and asset management, accounting and information strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build a results-oriented planning and develop a coherent methodology for monitoring activities and handling exceptions.
• Knowledge of UNIDO procedures and regulations in the field of administrative and financial management and good knowledge of the General conditions governing the European Union contributions to International Organizations, would be an asset.
• Ability to work with and manage multicultural teams and maintain good and stimulating working relationships
• 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

Application Closing Date
25th February, 2014

Method Of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply
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.