Job Description
Position : Project Assistant
Location : Various
Organization : UNIDO
Application Deadline : 5 November
Are you ready to make a difference in the world of industrial development and sustainable growth? The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is currently seeking skilled professionals for various positions, including a Project Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organization dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide.
About UNIDO
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting and accelerating sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition. By fostering industrial growth, UNIDO aims to contribute to poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Working at UNIDO means being part of a global mission to help create a prosperous and sustainable future.
Current Job Openings
1. Project Assistant
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various UNIDO projects. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the preparation of project documents, reports, and presentations.
- Coordinating project activities and facilitating communication among stakeholders.
- Supporting financial management tasks and maintaining project records.
- Conducting research and analysis to inform project planning and decision-making.
PROJECT CONTEXT
The aim of the project “Strengthening the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals in Senegal” (UNIDO ID 230283) is to enhance the capacity of Senegalese manufacturing companies, including local pharmaceutical manufacturers and Institut Pasteur du Dakar, to produce quality-assured essential medicines and vaccines, reduce compliance on imports and improve access to regional population to pharmaceutical products.
UNIDO will bring its decades-long experience to bear in Senegal, initially in conducting comprehensive baseline ecosystem assessments of the national pharmaceutical industry, including the policy framework, incentives, infrastructure, regulatory and procurement systems, to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The assessments will help the country gain a better and more nuanced understanding of the sector’s status, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and technological capabilities. UNIDO will specifically use its considerable convening power and proven ability to foster linkages between the various stakeholders from the public and private sector, global public health institutions, financing institutions, global regulatory bodies, mature industries in the developed world, and academia.
The main target groups for this project are public institutions such as the Delivery Unit and SMEs from Senegal associated with the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. UNIDO’s interventions are based on a systemic and holistic approach that involves all key stakeholders, from policymakers, regulators, industry, to market intelligence companies, multi-lateral organizations and technical partners, and donors. The project will aim to coordinate the activities of different players at national, regional, and continental levels. Specifically, UNIDO will support the DU in mobilizing and aligning inter-ministerial coordination between, for example, finance, health, trade, and industry as a crucial intervention in Senegal. The main project counterparts are the Pharmaceutical Delivery Unit (DU) of MSAS, National Regulatory Agency (ARP), National Supply Pharmacy (SEN-PNA), National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the National Project Assistant provides clerical/administrative support to the project implementation and is responsible for the following key functions:
- Perform general administrative tasks such as arrangements for meetings, events, study tours, trainings and workshops.
- Provide logistical support to international consultants, national consultants, and visiting UNIDO staff members and in organizing meetings, study tours and workshops at the field level and travel requests and expense reports when required
- Monitor disbursements, commitments and budget allocations and availability for the projects.
- Consult to clarify the application of new financial and procurement rules and procedures, TC guidelines and other instructions Collect and compile all data and documents for bi-annual reports, annual reports, service providers’ reports and other reports as required.
- Keep track of project budget expenditures; follow-up on status of contracts for the local project team, provide information on the project, draw the supervisor’s attention to problems encountered.
- Maintain project equipment inventories (both paper and electronic asset management) and ensure appropriate use.
- Prepare/compile relevant documents and when applicable using SAP, initiate and follow up on actions related to trainings and study tours, purchase of equipment/goods and services, travel requests/claims, recruitment, visa applications, and deal with all related inquiries in coordination with the project team at HQ. Process all payments through relevant accounts and liaise with project team in the country and UNIDO HQ to clear all payments in a timely manner.
- Prepare/compile relevant documents and when applicable using SAP, initiate and follow up on actions related to trainings and study tours, purchase of equipment/goods and services, travel requests/claims, recruitment, visa applications, and deal with all related inquiries in coordination with the project team at HQ.
- Assist with on boarding of new project personnel.
- Assist in drafting regular and/or ad-hoc reports on project activities.
- Carry out ad-hoc assignments and research activities, as required.
- Maintain all project related files (both paper and electronic) and databases related to work
2. Industrial Development Officer
Join the team as an Industrial Development Officer and contribute to designing and implementing programs that promote sustainable industrial practices in target countries.
Qualifications: A degree in engineering, economics, or a related field is required, along with significant experience in industrial development or related policy areas.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will lead efforts to assess the effectiveness of UNIDO’s programs and initiatives, ensuring that projects meet their intended goals and objectives.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have a background in statistics, economics, or social sciences, with proven experience in monitoring and evaluation methodologies in an international context.
Why Apply to UNIDO?
- Global Impact: Contribute to projects that foster economic growth, innovation, and sustainability in developing countries.
- Diverse Work Environment: Collaborate with a diverse and dynamic team of professionals from various cultural backgrounds.
- Career Development: UNIDO offers opportunities for training and professional development, enabling you to advance in your career.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining UNIDO and making a difference, we encourage you to visit the UNIDO Careers page. There you can find the current job openings, detailed job descriptions, and application instructions. Be sure to submit your application before the closing dates, as positions may close once qualified candidates are found.
Conclusion
The opportunity to work with UNIDO is not just a job; it’s a chance to contribute to a larger purpose and help shape the future of industrial development in a sustainable manner. If you’re looking to bring your skills and passion to an impactful organization, consider applying for the Project Assistant position or any of the other roles available.
