International Quality Infrastructure Expert

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development for poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. UNIDO's mission is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development oversees strategies for sustainable industrial development, including in areas of quality and MSME competitiveness. The Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation focuses on increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries through technological advancement, product innovation, and compliance with market requirements, including standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment.

Job Purpose

To provide technical expertise and project management support for the 'Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme - ECOWAS', focusing on strengthening quality infrastructure and standards to enhance market access and trade competitiveness for MSMEs in the West African region.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, monitor, and provide technical advice for Output 1.2 (Quality Infrastructure) of the ATCMA Programme. This includes facilitating regional harmonization of quality infrastructure governance, policies, and standards (including SPS-related), supporting capacity-building for quality infrastructure institutions, promoting the digitalization of these institutions, and building capacity for conformity assessment bodies. The role involves ensuring quality culture promotion, drafting terms of reference for services and equipment, and facilitating rapid response to member state requests. Project management responsibilities include planning, monitoring, and reporting on interventions, liaising with UNIDO divisions, supervising consultants, optimizing coordination with other programme outputs, contributing to financial planning, updating monitoring systems, identifying risks, and ensuring gender and social inclusion. Coordination with partner institutions, including ECOWAS, national ministries, and private sector representatives, is crucial, as is establishing synergies with other regional programmes. The role also involves promoting dialogue, best practices, and knowledge management, and participating in relevant workshops and meetings.

Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years of practical experience in quality infrastructure, including supporting and promoting quality. Experience with EU-funded programmes, implementing regional programmes, and developing/implementing Quality Management Systems is desirable. Knowledge of quality-related issues at the ECOWAS level and its actors is also desirable. Excellent organizational and editorial skills, ability to work under pressure, take initiative, and work in a multicultural environment are required. Proficiency in office tools is essential.

Skills

Technical expertise in quality infrastructure, standardization, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment. Project management and implementation skills. Capacity building and training delivery. Digitalization of quality infrastructure. Understanding of international trade agreements (SPS, TBT). Stakeholder engagement and coordination. Report writing and communication. Risk management. Gender and social inclusion. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

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