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. Its mission is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in developing countries and economies in transition. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development in the next fifteen years. UNIDO’s mandate in SDG-9, calls for the need to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in three thematic priorities: * Creating shared prosperity * Advancing economic competitiveness * Safeguarding the environment.

UNIDO delivers its services through the following four complementary and mutually supportive core functions: (a) technical cooperation activities;  (b) analytical and policy advisory services; (c ) standard-setting and compliance and (d) convening and partnership role.

The responsibility of the Department of Energy (PTC/ENE) is to assist Member States in the transition to a sustainable energy future under the overarching mandate of ISID, through the application of renewable energy for productive uses, adoption of the efficient use of energy by industry and the introduction of low-carbon technologies and processes in urban and peri-urban areas. In transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change become an integral part of the Department activities.

The main strategic focus areas of the Department’s activities are first, to provide integrated energy solutions to industry by promoting energy efficiency; secondly, to deliver renewable energy technologies and systems to promote productive activities as a major contribution to reducing rural poverty; and thirdly, to champion industrial energy perspectives in the global debates about sustainable industrial development and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In addition, the Department acts as the focal point within UNIDO for all strategic energy and climate change partnerships, networks and conventions including UN-Energy, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In discharging its responsibility, the Department cooperates with other relevant departments within UNIDO, in particular with the Department of Environment (PTC/ENV) on resource efficiency, clean technologies, chemicals and Montreal Protocol; the Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation (PTC/TII) on standards; the Department of Agri-Business (PTC/AGR) on productive uses, and the Department of Programmes, Partnerships and Field Integration (PTC/PPF) on strengthening strategic partnerships.

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) assignment will be task driven. He/she will work under the overall guidance of the Industrial Development Officer in the respective Division, and the Director of the Department of Energy. The work plan will be prepared jointly by the direct supervisor, Director and the JPO and will be updated periodically. Guidance will be provided on daily work outputs and they are monitored against tasks assigned and actually achieved.

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.

Specifically, the Junior Professional Officer will be expected to assist with the following tasks:

• Actively participate in and collaborate with global forums and partnerships in the field of industrial energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy transitions;
• Generate and disseminate knowledge and tools to develop national and global energy efficient industrial process benchmarking;
• Assist in mobilizing funding from multi/bilateral, national and innovative financial mechanisms and funds including the GEF, the GCF and carbon financing to formulate and implement sustainable cities, mini grid and industrial energy efficiency (IEE) projects and programmes;
• Assist countries in the elaboration of coherent policies and regulatory frameworks conducive to energy system transitions and the dissemination of renewable energy and industrial energy efficiency;
• Strengthen the capacity of public and private sector support institutions to assist enterprises and local communities to meet their energy demands through sustainable energy systems and solutions;
• Develop policy, regulatory and technical tools to promote energy management systems and facilitate the transformation of markets for industrial energy equipment and provision of products and services;
• Support the introduction and accelerated dissemination of new and best-available industrial energy technologies and methodologies, including energy systems optimization, low-carbon process technologies and international standards;
• Promote business models for renewable energy-based mini-grids for enhancing access to energy, and demonstrate the social and economic viability of the selected technologies;
• Promote business models and contribute to the development and deployment of industrial energy efficiency assessments and strategies;
• Other Special Projects: Perform other special projects and assignments as required by the Department and also beneficial for the development of the experience of the JPO/Associate Expert.

LEARNING ELEMENTS

• On-the-job training, where the incumbent will learn by doing, under supervision and/or exposure to best practices in the area of interaction with Member States;
• At the completion of the assignment, the incumbent should be in a position to:
• Understand the concepts of working with Government institutions and international organizations;
• Participate in relevant phases of the working process;
• Work effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.

Core Values

• Integrity. Professionalism. Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies

• Results orientation and Accountability;
• Planning and Organising. Communication and Trust;
• Team Orientation. Client Orientation. Organizational Development and Innovation.

Technical Competencies

• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in the use of MS Office programs.

Education

• Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline with specialization in international relations, public or business administration, economics, law, communication or a related area.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a relevant field. Experience at the international level, highly desirable.  Knowledge of the factors that drive external relations, such as strategic communication, donor relations, marketing and branding, an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, highly desirable.