FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The International Quality Infrastructure Expert works under the overall guidance of the UNIDO Industrial Development Officer responsible for the project (Lead Programme Manager), Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) at UNIDO HQ, in close collaboration with the Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO HQ, the Regional Programme Manager in Abuja, and the UNIDO-ITC project teams in Abuja.

The Expert is responsible for coordinating, monitoring and providing technical advice and inputs for the Output 1.2 of the Programme on Quality Infrastructure.

The Expert will be responsible for the following tasks and main duties:

Technical advice and implementation

– Provide technical inputs and advise the technical intervention plans and activities on themes relevant to the position, including:

Regional harmonization and integration of Quality Infrastructure governance, policies and standards facilitated.

Regional harmonization and integration in SPS-related functions and standards supported.

Harmonization and promotion of standards (including VSS and sustainability driven legislation) and technical regulations related to the targeted value chains using good practices.

Support the capacity-building activities required for Quality Infrastructure institutions and committees at regional and national levels as defined in the programme workplan.

Support the digitalization of regional quality infrastructure institutions and committees, based on identified needs through a participatory approach.

Institutional Capacity Building for Conformity Assessment Bodies delivered (national/regional level)

Provide support to institutional capacity building for food safety structures, inspection and related services in the Region

Ensure the promotion of Quality Culture across the region and awareness on quality issues among key players, maintenance of relevant platforms (e.g. ECOQUIB) and support to the organization of quality awards.

– Coordinate and ensure high quality delivery by the technical experts and partners recruited or sub-contracted for other sub-outputs in the area of Quality compliance and standards.

– Lead the drafting of specific terms of reference (ToRs) and technical specifications for Quality Infrastructure services, equipment and experts required for the implementation of Output 1.2 of the programme.

– Facilitate rapid response to ECOWAS Member States request related to quality compliance and standards by prioritising activities related to ATCMA.

– Create high-quality briefs, reports, presentations, and other materials that support evidence-based decision-making and promote stakeholders’ engagement in areas related to Quality compliance and standards.

Project Management and Implementation

–  In collaboration with the Regional Programme Manager and UNIDO HQ team, plan, monitor, supervise and report on the day-to-day implementation of programme interventions under output 1.2 on quality and standards compliance.

– Liaise with various UNIDO divisions and project managers responsible for the implementation of sub-outputs under output 1.2 of the programme, and ensure smooth and regular communication on the status and progress of output 1.2 between the PMU and UNIDO HQ.

– Supervise, coordinate and evaluate the work of the consultants and service providers recruited under output 1.2 of the programme, including but not limited to:

Managing experts’ missions

Planning and organizing capacity-building activities

Drafting terms of reference/job descriptions/specifications and participating in the evaluation of offers/candidates.

– Optimize the coordination of actions under output 2.1 by promoting synergies so that activities are implemented efficiently, maximizing impact and optimizing resources to ensure optimal cost-effectiveness.

– Contribute to the financial planning and monitoring to ensure resource availability for activities related to output 1.2, in compliance with UNIDO’s rules and regulations.

– Contribute to updating the programme monitoring system for Output 1.2, ensuring continuous, results-focused monitoring and evaluation. Provide relevant and timely inputs to support the Regional M&E expert in this process.

– Identify risks and related mitigating strategies and proposing alternatives where necessary under output 1.2 of the programme.

– Ensure gender and social inclusion in any type of interventions under output 1.2 and manage project data disaggregated by sex and age.

– Support the preparation of periodic progress reports, monitoring reports, fact sheets and case studies that meet UNIDO and EU reporting requirements.

– Contribute to enhancing the visibility of the programme as well as UNIDO by providing relevant and timely inputs linked to output 1.2 to the Regional Advocacy and Outreach expert.

Coordination with Partner Institutions and the Donor

– Support the Regional Programme Manager in coordinating and engaging on issues related to Quality Infrastructure with key stakeholders, including the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, national ministries in the ECOWAS region, as well as representatives from the West African Private Sector (FEWACCI, FOPAO, FEBWE etc.), in order to ensure strong ownership of the programme, effective collaboration and alignment with national and regional strategies and priorities, for the successful achievement of the programme outcomes.

– Establish and maintain synergies and areas of cooperation with other relevant programmes and initiatives in the Region, including at pan-African level (PAQI institutions, AQP Council, AfCFTA secretariat, ATCMA Continental etc.).

– Promote dialogue and best practices, ensuring communication and knowledge management between ECOWAS, UNIDO, partners and stakeholders within the framework of the agreed activities.

– Participate in workshops, expert meetings, and awareness activities related to strengthening Quality Infrastructure in the region.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Advanced university degree in engineering, or any other related field, with a strong understanding of quality infrastructure in general is required.

Technical and functional experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of practical experience in the field of quality infrastructure, including experience in supporting and promoting quality, is required.
• Knowledge of quality-related issues at the ECOWAS level as well as the various actors in the regional and national quality infrastructure systems in the Region is desirable.
• Experience in developing and implementing Quality Management Systems is desirable.
• Excellent organizational and editorial skills are required.
• Experience with EU-funded programmes is desirable.
• Experience in implementing regional programmes is desirable.
• Good ability to work under pressure and take initiatives is required.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project Management Tools, AI services, etc.).

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English and French is required.  Fluency or working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.