- The Programme Development and Technical Cooperation Division (PTC) is responsible for providing technical cooperation (TC) services on technological and economic issues in the following areas covered by seven Branches: Trade Capacity-building;Investment and Technology Promotion; Agri-Business Development; Industrial Policy and Private Sector Development; Environmental Management;Montreal Protocol and Energy and Climate Change.
- The Agri-Business Development Branch (AGR) provides specialized services to address the specific needs to UNIDO Member States in this context, thus supporting the achievement of the international development agenda of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. In addition, the Branch has established long-standing cooperation withUN sister agencies, principally Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and International Fund for Agricultural for Development (IFAD).
- This position is located in the Textiles and Leather Unit (TLU) within the Agri-Business Development Branch (AGR). The Unit is responsible for assisting developing countries in raising the productivity, competitiveness and environmental sustainability of their textile, garment and leather-based industries.
- Under the overall guidance of the Director for PTC/AGR Branch and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief for TLU, the incumbent will work closely with team members in the Unit and colleagues and counterparts to develop and implement technical cooperation activities in the leather industry focusing on footwear and/or other leather products manufacturing technology. He/she will be working through the whole cycle of UNIDO assistance, starting from government objectives, proceeding through regional and country-sector analysis, formulation and implementation of TC programmes/projects, including fund raising, and the establishment of advisory models based on the programmes and results of global forum activities, to complete the cycle with high-level advisory services.
- After a certain number of years located at Headquarters, the incumbent must be prepared to rotate into a position in one of UNIDO's field offices, as part of the Organization's Field Rotation Policy.
Main Functions
- Programme Development: Develops UNIDO's TC projects/programmes in the leather, footwear and other leather products industries, including negotiations and participation in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Technical Cooperation Implementation: Assumes responsibility for the provision of implementation services ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time and within budget allocated. Includes (a) selection and recruitment of experts/consultants and briefing them, providing substantive advice and support to field staff, appraising project progress and reviewing technical and final project reports; (b) selection of firms to be invited for bids, evaluation of tenders for services and equipment, recommendation of contracts to be awarded and monitoring the delivery of inputs; (c) participation in tripartite review meetings; (d) organization of specialized technical training courses involving preparation of programmes, negotiation with host institutions, selection of countries and participants, preparing outlines for lectures, editing and correcting documentation, lecturing on substantive subjects, directing activities and evaluating impact; and e) upon request, undertakes technical cooperation missions to provide services in the leather, footwear and other leather products industries.
- Responds to the requirements of UNIDO's clients: (a) Comments on, appraises or revises draft project documents submitted by requesting Governments and all related documents; (b) cooperates in the provision of technical advisory services to Governments in the leather, footwear and other leather products industries; and (c) provides technical advice to strategic partners/donors and collaborates in funds mobilization efforts.
- Technical Support Activities: Supports the programmes, which accelerate the development of agro-industries/agri-businesses in developing countries, assuring improved knowledge in the leather, footwear and other leather products industries, thus also supporting the achievement of the international development agenda of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. In his/her field, strengthens strategic partnerships with Government counterparts, multilateral and bilateral organizations, other organizations of the UN System (IFAD, FAO, UNEP etc.) and financial institutions (WB, ADB, IADB etc.);participates in or organizes specialized conferences, seminars, and working group meetings; commissions and prepares, for distribution, technical and regional and country-sectoral surveys and guides aimed at upgrading skills and promoting competitive leather, footwear and other leather products industries; prepares technical surveys, articles e.g. for publication in relevant journals; and regularly updates his/her knowledge on technical issues and industrial development in the related sectors through participation in seminars, exhibitions and self-training including study and regular review of specialized publications and echnical/scientific magazines.
- Performs other related duties and assignments as required.
Required Competencies
- Technical: Knowledge of the engineering aspects of manufacturing of leather, footwear and other leather products, with demonstrated ability to advise Governments on policy recommendations and programme/project implementation covering: (i) equipment and basic materials used in leather products manufacturing; (ii) quality assurance and testing methods; (iii) shoe and/or leather goods design and/or pattern engineering; and (iv) the sector's economics and production management. More specifically, he/she can: (a) assess raw and ancillary material supply situations; (b) define technology and skills gaps; (c) locate missing organizational and institutional links; (d) analyse legislative environment of the sector; (e) explore existing domestic and export marketing channels; (f) guide national counterparts and integrate their experience; (g) derive conclusions for development objectives and relevant activities for the delivery of technical cooperation services; and (h) build up consensus and collaboration among strategic financial and programmatic partners on integrated or joint programmes.
- Behavioural: Analytical thinking; planning, organizing and problem solving abilities; good inter-personal skills and team leadership/membership ability; cultural sensitivity;report writing skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
Minimum Requirements
- Education:Advanced university degree in industrial engineering or internationally recognized degree, at advanced level, with focus on footwear and/or leather products technology.
- Technical and Functional Experience: Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in the leather, footwear and/or leather products industries (product development, production management, quality assurance or testing), industry-related research or professional education/training. Experience in consultancy focussing on the leather, footwear and/or leather products industries is an asset. Previous experience in project cycle management, preparation, implementation and evaluation of projects/programmes in developing countries is an advantage.
- Languages:Fluency in English and Spanish. Working knowledge of French is highly desirable.
