Technical Expert - Circularity and Resource Efficiency in the Automotive Sector
Organizational Context
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development for poverty reduction, globalization, and environmental sustainability. UNIDO's mission, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9, focuses on building resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable industrialization. The organization's strategic priorities include fair supply chains, renewable energy, climate action, digitalization, circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment. UNIDO operates through technical cooperation, research, policy advice, normative functions, and partnerships, with its Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) overseeing initiatives in environment, energy, MSMEs, and digitalization. The Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG) specifically works towards greener and more circular industries by minimizing resource use and pollution, promoting circular economy policies and business models, and supporting Member States in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Job Purpose
To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their transition towards a green and circular economy within the Southern Mediterranean region. The project aims to create green jobs, foster sustainable economic growth, promote decarbonized and climate-resilient development, and contribute to a healthier, pollution-free environment. This involves demonstrating resource-efficient and circular business models, building capacities, facilitating access to finance, and disseminating knowledge on resource efficiency and circular economy at educational, vocational, and policy levels.
Responsibilities
Provide technical coordination for the implementation of pilot projects in the automotive sector focusing on circularity and resource efficiency (e.g., PCBs/electric wiring harness recovery, EV batteries circularity, EV retrofitting). Monitor project progress, conduct field missions, and report on risks and mitigation measures. Ensure technical quality assurance of deliverables and coordinate with national teams and international contractors. Draft Terms of Reference for expertise and services, identify potential candidates, and assess bids. Consolidate activity plans and budgets, and prepare periodic progress reports. Synthesize technical findings and lessons learned from pilot activities to develop knowledge products, policy briefs, technical guidelines, and scaling-up strategies to support national automotive circularity roadmaps.
Work Experience
Minimum of five years of professional experience in the automotive sector, electric electronics, or batteries, including circular business models. Experience in technical cooperation, resource efficiency, cleaner production, circular economy projects, and evaluating developing country needs is desirable.
Skills
Strong technical coordination and project management skills. Ability to conduct research, analyze information, and recommend solutions. Experience in stakeholder engagement and quality assurance. Knowledge of automotive sector value chains and circular economy principles. Ability to draft technical terms of reference and assess bids.