International Quality Infrastructure Expert at The United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO

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.

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.).

Languages:

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