Project Associate
Organizational Context
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9. UNIDO's mission is to accelerate industrial development for poverty reduction, globalization, and environmental sustainability. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) oversees strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development, including circular economy and green industry initiatives. The Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG) focuses on promoting greener and more circular industries and products by minimizing resource use and pollution, supporting Member States in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Job Purpose
To support the implementation of the project “Climate and Biodiversity Action through Circular Economy Solutions (CB-ACES)”, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project aims to reduce negative impacts on climate and biodiversity by transforming selected sectors and value chains in Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa towards a socially just circular economy. The role involves supporting policy and regulatory environment strengthening, capacity building for firms and government actors, implementation of circular economy business models, addressing the finance gap for circular economy initiatives, and delivering gender-responsive capacity building and knowledge products.
Responsibilities
Compile background information on economic and social factors; design and draft supporting documents like flow charts and tables; coordinate data collection and verification; assemble and edit data for planning; check project documents for clarity and completeness. Describe project progress, investigate activities, and discuss findings with supervisors. Maintain institutional memory and documentation systems. Assist in monitoring project execution, retrieving information on status, outcomes, outputs, KPIs, and risks from SAP PPM. Draft reports and conduct research. Arrange briefings and tours for visitors and missions.
Work Experience
Minimum of one year of professional experience in coordinating the implementation of development/technical cooperation programmes/projects. Project management experience in circular economy or a related field is required. Experience in engaging effectively with government institutions, private sector, and civil society organizations is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Desirable experience includes technical/project management at the intersection of circular economy, climate change mitigation, or biodiversity protection in industry; working within large project consortia; results-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks; gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches; ERP systems; and financial monitoring/budget administration.
Skills
Data compilation and analysis, project coordination, document drafting, information management, monitoring and evaluation support, research, communication, stakeholder engagement, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.