Director of Laboratory Accreditation at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

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 mandate of UNIDO is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition. With this mandate, the Organization carries out two core functions: as a global forum, it generates and disseminates industry-related knowledge; as a technical cooperation agency, it provides technical support, policy advice and implements projects. UNIDO's vision is a world where economic development is sustainable and economic progress is equitable.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director of Laboratory Accreditation, SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior)

Vacancy Announcement No.: VA2016_ISA_EXT_000046
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Duration: 120 days over a period of Six months
Report: CEO
Reporting to this position: Program staff and Contract Assessors
Type of Appointment: Individual Service Agreement
Employment Fraction: NonStaff-When Act. Employeed

Description
The Director of Laboratory Accreditation will report to the CEO and supervise Lead Assessors, Program Support Staff in the management of laboratory Accreditation programme.

Main Functions

• Reporting to the CEO and the NQIP CTA, under the overall leadership of the UNIDO Project Manager, the Director of Laboratory Accreditation implements the program and its processes to accredit laboratories in conformance with NiNAS policies and procedures, ISO/IEC 17011 and relevant ILAC documents, to meet annual business plans and budgets.
• The position requires the effective supervision of staff and contract assessors, to ensure that training and competency requirements are met and maintained.
• The Director will manage client relations; assist in marketing and communications efforts; and, oversee complaints resolution to a satisfactory outcome.
• The Director, other NINAS Directors and CEO, form the Executive management team which develops strategic goals and objectives, business plans and budgets for approval by the Board of Directors.
• The Board delegates responsibility for management and day-to-day operations to the CEO, who has the authority to carry out these responsibilities, in accordance with the direction and policies established by The Board.
• The Executive Director provides direction and enabling to the Board as it carries out its governance functions.
• The Director of Laboratory Accreditation will carry out the specific activities below to provide the following deliverables:

Strategic Thinking:

• Develop business plans to implement a strategy as directed by the CEO and Board.
• Review drafted pricing strategy for accreditation services.
• Build goals and objectives that foster program growth and program sustainability.
• Work with the CEO to develop the NiNAS business strategy so that it is clearly defined, with considerations such as number of accredited clients, the targeted technical areas for accreditation services and the focus of the type of CABs with time horizons.
• Support the CEO in maintaining effective communications with the Board of Trustees.
• Work with the CEO to produce a Business Intelligence (BI) report.
• Provide input to the CEO for regular (as determined by the BOT) reports containing analysis of the threats to NiNAS sustainability and the measures to be taken to mitigate those threats.
• Collect and analyze evaluation information that measures the success of the program’s efforts in respect to the business plan; refine or change programs in response to that information.

Operational Management:

• Ensure the Program operates in conformance to ISO / IEC 17011 and other international standards and guides that apply to the operation of the accreditation program.
• Ensure on-going compliance by staff and assessors with management system policies and procedures through both formal and informal monitoring and review of performance.
• Ensure the Program has the right resources and competencies to meet the scope of accreditation services provided.
• Ensure the application of the organization’s quality management system.

Financial Management:

• Prepare annual business plans, budgets and work within those parameters.
• Ensure the program meets its revenue targets.

Human Resource Management:

• Effectively supervise, train and mentor personnel.
• Recommend membership to the Accreditation Advisory Committee.
• Appoint members of the Technical Advisory Committee to the Program.

Marketing and Public Relations:

• Liaise and maintain positive relationships with large and small commercial clients, government regulators, consumer groups, NGO’s; feedback, both positive and negative is solicited from accredited organizations and applicants following assessments and audits.
• Manage customer relationships and deal with complaints.

Program Effectiveness:

• Undergo staff training as outlined in the NiNAS Training requirements for the Director of Laboratory Accreditation position.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and quality of the Laboratory Accreditation Program and assist the CEO with maintaining conformance to IAF_ILAC A series documents and ISO/IEC 17011.
• Stay abreast of current trends related to the standards and conformity assessment issues from AFRAC, ILAC, ISO-CASCO and implements updates as necessary.
• Prepare Monthly and Final Reports.

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 Managerial competencies (as applicable):

• Strategy and direction
• Managing people and performance
• Judgment and decision making
• Conflict resolution.

Minimum Requirements
Education:

• University - Master's degree or equivalent, Engineering - Science or Business Administration

UNIDO Languages:

• English (Fluent), Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

Field of Expertise:

• Minimum 10 years experience in organizational management in leadership position in an organization with demonstrated abilities in strategic planning, operation management, financial management, human resource management, marketing and public relations and programme effectiveness - some knowledge of metrology (optional).

Physical Demands:

• This is a high-stress position based on full responsibility for NiNAS operations requiring the handling of detailed, complex concepts and problems, balancing of multiple tasks simultaneously, and making rapid decisions regarding administrative issues.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive management.
• Hours may be long and irregular.
• Convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding NiNAS and the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors.
• Can involve extensive travel to domestic and international meetings.

Work Environment:

• Requires the development of smooth and constructive relationships with executive colleagues, outside agencies, organizations and individuals.
• Leads by demonstrating commitment to continued professional growth and development.

Application Closing Date
19th May, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
• 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 dependants, under the procedures established by the Director General.