Don’t miss this top paying Job ! Climate Finance Associate Expert at UNIDO for 2024

Deadline : 14-Mar-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

Duty Station : Austria Vienna

Background About 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 mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States.

The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization’s development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization’s normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development, Industrial Policy Advice and Statistics (TCS/CPS); Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP); Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).

The Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in the transition to a sustainable energy future through the application of renewable energy solutions for productive uses, adoption of the efficient concepts of energy use by industry and the introduction of low-carbon technologies and processes. In transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division’s activities, as is the dissemination of relevant knowledge and technologies and paths to plan, manage and finance the energy transition. It collaborates closely on relevant and converging issues with the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) and analytical and strategic matters with TCS/CPS and ODG/SPU.

Brief Information, context and purpose of the Position

This position is located under the Energy Systems and Industrial Decarbonization Unit (TCS/DSE/ESD) which focuses on promoting sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure for industrial development. It promotes industrial decarbonization through crosscutting solutions, such as optimized energy management systems and the deployment of renewable energy technologies. Bringing together the supply and demand side for disruptive energy solutions, both technical and business related, the Unit fosters transformative change on the system level driven by the convergence of key technologies such as distributed generation, digitization and storage. The Unit is also responsible for coordinating dialogues and partnerships at national, regional and global levels to promote disruptive energy solutions and shape policy change for this. Finally, the Unit positions UNIDO strategically in the global energy and climate change forums and coordinates the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres and related partnerships.

At the L2 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work that is analytical in contributing to results achieved by the Division; (b) in creating an enabling environment for collaborative work which is catalytic to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to counterparts’ engagement and (d) in achieving results that provide baselines for a service. The measure of success is timely, consistent and appropriate delivery of results.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

II. Project Context 

Partnership for Net Zero Industry (SAP 230085)

In the fight against climate change, energy intensive industries such as steel and cement are the next frontier. Together these two sectors account for 15% of the global GHG emissions. The demand for these commodities is expected to grow as cities and communities across the world are expanding. Achieving decarbonization of these sectors and sectors like chemicals will require a major transformation. While some private sector companies and some of the leading developed countries have announced commitments to industrial decarbonization, the main challenge is how to deploy low carbon technologies across the globe and bring the developing countries into this debate. Currently there is a very limited market or demand for low-carbon industrial products, which is the main reason for the lack of progress in industry decarbonization. There are a number of challenges to overcome at the company, national and global levels.

The Partnership for Net Zero Industry aims to provide technical assistance to first mover industrializing developing countries willing to leapfrog and switch to less-carbon intensive production methods of steel, cement and concrete to meet net zero target by 2050. The Partnership will support the relevant ministries in partner countries in tackling the dual challenge of ensuring industrialization and economic growth while at the same time reducing industry related GHG emissions. It will do so by working with wide range of national and international stakeholders, including government authorities, industry players, financing institutions, solution providers, think tank and research institutions to address decarbonization challenges that exist at the global, national and company levels. The ultimate goal of the programme is to trigger and enable substantial investment in decarbonization solutions through international collaboration and partnerships.

The Partnership for Net Zero Industry will work to:

• Component 1 ‘Tailored Planning & Policy Support’: Support the development of national transformation pathways in developing countries and emerging economies to a climate neutral industry by 2050. This entails an assessment of steel and cement industries, identification of technology options and decarbonization pathways, supporting the adoption of medium- and long-term targets for reducing GHG emissions and the development of specific policy instruments and incentive schemes to encourage uptake of decarbonization technologies. This will also include providing support to policymakers with planning for necessary infrastructure as well as supporting the countries with setting up measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks for industrial sector GHG emissions to enable better policy planning and decision-making.
• Component 2 ‘Technology Collaboration & Pipeline Development’: Facilitate technology collaboration and prepare a pipeline of feasible decarbonization solutions for deployment within steel, cement and concrete manufacturers in partner countries. Following a call for proposals, companies will be supported to prepare pre-feasibility studies and they will be further linked to available financing opportunities. The Programme will support technology solutions packages aiming to improve overall system efficiency, material efficiency, process change and improvements, use of renewable sources for heating, electrification of heating, the use of low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture storage and/or utilization.
• Component 3 ‘Global Convening, Coordination & Knowledge Sharing’: Foster dialogue, international collaboration and global industry-wide knowledge sharing on industry decarbonization solutions, experiences, and lessons learned. Governments and industries in developing countries need more information on the technology options available for decarbonization, including respective opportunities, processes, costs and other parameters. The Partnership will work on developing and widely disseminating such targeted knowledge products as well as tools, guidelines, templates and methodologies through a dedicated knowledge-sharing platform. It will also facilitate North-South and South-South cooperation to foster accelerated diffusion and commercialization of applicable technologies.
• Global Matchmaking Platform: The Global Matchmaking Platform for Industry Decarbonization will facilitate the alignment, coordination and matchmaking of existing international technical and financial assistance offers and private finance instruments to the needs and priorities of emerging markets and developing economies in the area of industry decarbonisation. The platform aims at creating synergies between cooperation and funding instruments, thereby improving the enabling environment and scaling up finance for industry decarbonisation in these countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

III. Responsibilities

The Climate Finance Associate Expert works under the overall guidance of the Chief and Officer in Charge, Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy; the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, formulate and execute technical cooperation projects/ programme related to the interest of the potential donors and within the mandate of the Division/Department.
• Provide technical input in preparing detailed work plan and budget, design monitoring and evaluation tool for the project activities under Component 2 of the Project;
• Execute and monitor projects/ programme implementation activities and services under Component 2 of the Project, ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time at the right level of quality and within the allocated budget.
• Actively engage with the financing community and private and public sector investors to identify suitable investment de-risking and climate financing instruments as well as mobilize additional funding for industry decarbonization projects.
• Support the work under the Global Matchmaking Platform with regard to mapping of technical and financial assistance offers and the collection of good practices and experiences on effective financing instruments for industry decarbonisation;
• Support the engagement of private sector actors with the objective of mobilising their capital through raising awareness, improving capacity and knowledge, supporting peer learning, and the identification of gaps, needs and challenges for accessing finance for industry decarbonisation.
• Prepare necessary inputs (consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.), monitoring progress in implementation, including if required missions to project site(s), as well as take part in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters, and assist the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/ programmes.
• Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.
• Support progamme/project specific fund mobilization activities.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

IV. Core Values and Competencies

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those, we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

V. Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, sciences, finance, environment, business administration, or other relevant discipline is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

• A minimum of three (3) years of working experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the area of sustainable development, and/or climate finance is required.  
• Experience/knowledge of development agencies, donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant financing institutions is desirable.
• Experience/knowledge of climate financing instruments is required.
• Experience in mobilizing funding for sustainable development projects is desirable.
• Experience in evaluating the needs and conditions of developing countries is desirable.

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.