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National Project Coordinator National Project Coordinator Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ISA-NOD
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Mid-level Professional Consultancy Locallly Recruited
Close on 30 Oct 2025
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Posted 12 hours ago
Job Description

Title: National Project Coordinator

Requisition ID: 6602
Grade: ISA-NOD
Country: Saudi Arabia
Duty Station: Riyadh
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Application deadline: 30-Oct-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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 Green Industry (TCS/CEG); Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS); and the Montreal Protocol Division. 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 position is located under the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division (TCS/CMP) mandated to work in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in emergence, deployment, and large-scale up-take of innovative climate solutions for low-carbon and climate resilient industrialization. The division promotes systems innovation approach to achieve transformational change in climate change by innovating across key levers of change that include technology, finance, policy, and regulation. In particular, the Division is responsible for the dual mandate of a) accelerating innovation and building climate technology innovation ecosystems to promote low-carbon and climate- resilient development pathways and b) planning, developing and implementing interventions to facilitate compliance with the Montreal Protocol and, in particular, its Kigali Amendment and to support countries in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, the Division is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities of the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of low- carbon and climate-resilient solutions and building markets to ensure their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and building resilience in recipient countries.

The Montreal Protocol Unit (TCS/CMP/MPU) is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of activities in Member States to facilitate compliance with the Montreal Protocol and, in particular, its Kigali Amendment and to support countries to achieve their NDCs. In addition, the Unit is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities in the Organization, to facilitate the transfer of and establish markets for low-carbon technologies, ensuring their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation in recipient countries. Through capacity building and policy support, the Unit's services promote manufacturing transformation in refrigeration, air conditioning and insulation technologies, resulting in the reduction and substitution of fluids and chemicals, and ultimately reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate-resilient economies.

The position is located in Riyad, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) within the Project Management Unit (PMU).

PROJECT CONTEXT

Saudi Arabia -200328

The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol provides assistance to countries globally to comply with their phase-out targets for Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) through HCFC phase-out management plans (HPMPs). The Multilateral Fund also supports countries to prepare the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through Kigali HFC phase-down plans (KIPs).

In order for countries to meet freeze and reduction targets, industry, consumers and government will need to make tremendous efforts. This will involve phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and substances with high global warming potential (GWP) use in major manufacturing sectors and reducing dependence on ODS and substances with high GWP and controlling and reducing ODS and substances with high GWP use wherever possible in the servicing sector. Some of these constraints for transitioning from ODS and substances with high GWP to alternative environment-friendly substitutes is the dependable and economic availability of benign and sustainable substitutes and the weak institutional capacity available for implementing phase-out actions for compliance.

To overcome these constraints, HPMPs and KIPs provide adequate technical and financial assistance needed to minimize the burden of transition on consumers and industry. Also, adequate institutional support is needed to ensure that awareness of the impending consumption limits is duly disseminated and capacity-building and training programmes for stakeholders are carried out.

The Executive Committee approved at its 94th meeting in (27 – 31) May 2024 under Decision 94/31 Stage II of the HCFC phase-out management plan (HPMP) for Saudi Arabia for the period from 2024 to 2030 for the complete phase-out of HCFC consumption, on the understanding that no more funding from the Multilateral Fund would be provided for the phase-out of HCFCs. The Government of Saudi Arabia is committed to phase out HCFCs completely by 1 January 2030, and ban import of HCFCs after that date, except for those allowed for a servicing tail between 2030 and 2040, where required, consistent with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with UNEP and will include various components covering policy & enforcement, customs capacity building, technician capacity building, RRR (recovery, recycling, and reclamation), manufacturing capacity building, and awareness raising.

The PMU to be established at National Centre for Environmental Compliance NCEC, has the overall responsibility for the project management monitoring to ensure the timely, correct, and effective implementation of the activities of the Project. The tasks to be undertaken by the PMU include inter alia commissioning and facilitating third-party verification of enterprises for eligibility and implementation of milestones through physical on-site visits; technical assistance to eligible enterprises; management in implementation of the project; organization of missions, meetings and technical visits to enterprises and concerned stakeholders; day-to-day administration of the Project activities; and preparation of periodic progress and financial reports to NCEC, UNIDO and UNEP.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

  1. Overall PMU Management: Overall leadership and management of the PMU including staff management, and liaison with national stakeholders.
  2. Overall HPMP Stage II Implementation Support: Provide support in implementing various activities under HPMP Stage II, leveraging technical expertise to ensure successful project outcomes and sustainability. In addition, the National Coordinator will assist the Project Manager in the preparation of the required documentation and reports to be submitted to the Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol.
  3. Provide Technical Expertise:
    • Act as a primary technical resource for partner agencies, such as the Customs Authority, in the safe handling of refrigerants and other Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) related chemicals.
    • Facilitate technical training sessions for partner agencies in collaboration with industry experts.
    • Assist in conducting technical training sessions related to RAC technologies.
    • Contribute as a technical expert in the updating of the RAC curriculum, aligning with industry standards and emerging technologies.
    • Provide technical training and operational assistance for the efficient functioning of reclamation centers, promoting sustainable management practices.
  1. Policy Review and Input:
    • Provide technical inputs in the policy review process and formulation of new regulations concerning the importation and use of HCFCs and HCFC-containing blends, ensuring alignment with international agreements and national environmental goals.
  1. Consultant Terms of Reference (TOR) Drafting:
    • Contribute to the drafting of comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) for consultants involved in project activities, outlining clear objectives, responsibilities, and technical requirements.
  1. Technical Report Review:
    • Review technical reports and outputs submitted by local consultants, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with project objectives and technical standards.
  1. Equipment Evaluation and Procurement Assistance:
    • Compile a list of required tools and equipment, evaluating their completeness and specifications for the provision to depository sites, technicians, workshops, and training centers.
    • Assist in the procurement process of tools and equipment necessary for project implementation, ensuring they meet quality standards and technical specifications.
  1. IEC Material Development:
    • Provide technical assistance in the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the HPMP, facilitating effective communication of project objectives and outcomes to stakeholders.
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in area of natural sciences, environmental, economics, business administration, chemical or mining engineering or other engineering, specialization in environment or closely related field is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

  • At least five (5) years of professional experience in the implementation of technical cooperation/development projects at national level, is required.
  • Experience in HPMP projects is highly desirable
  • At least five (5) years of professional experience in the RAC sector including delivering training on good practices and safe handling of refrigerants and other Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) related chemicals is desirable
  • Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country or similar country in the regions is desirable.
  • Experience in working with government and development agencies including the United Nations agencies in the country or similar country in the region, is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

The position is opened for Saudi Nationals or legal residents in Riyad.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values:
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

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.


This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.


Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org

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