Regional Programme Manager at The United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO

Functional Responsibilities

• The Regional Programme Manager works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation, the direct supervision of the UNIDO Industrial Development Officer responsible for the project (Lead Programme Manager), and in close collaboration with the UNIDO Industrial Development Expert and ITC Programme Coordinator of the ATCMA ECOWAS Programme.  She/he is responsible for providing managerial and technical support to the smooth and timely execution of programme and be accountable for the achievement of programme results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT and IMPLEMENTATION

• Leads the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in Abuja, by ensuring smooth operation, coordination and effective performance of the programme interventions.
• Provide leadership and strategic thinking to ensure that programme activities focus on critical areas for the attainment of the main objectives.
• In collaboration with the UNIDO Industrial Development Expert and ITC Programme Coordinator, propose work plans and supervise the day-to-day implementation of programme interventions (expert missions, capacity-building, procurement) as well as the preparation of monthly, semi-annual and yearly ad-hoc programme reports. 
• Supervise, coordinate and evaluate the work of the programme staff, including regional technical coordination units, and consultants, and prepare progress and final project reports in a timely manner.
• In collaboration with the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation expert, monitor and report on programme progress, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and regional/continental priorities.
• In collaboration with the Regional Advocacy and Outreach expert, design and implement an appropriate visibility/marketing strategy and platform of the project.
• Ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the financial, administrative, and technical management of the programme and ensure permanent support and general follow-up of project activities, in accordance with UNIDO and ITC rules and regulations.
• Support other related duties and assignments as required by the project manager.

TECHNICAL ADVICE

• Provide technical support to the overall PMU and experts (UNIDO & ITC), project beneficiaries and involved institutions in appropriate domains of competence, mainly in the areas of trade competitiveness and market access
• Coordinate, prepare and conduct all meetings and proceedings of the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) and Technical Steering Committee (TSC) Meetings and follow up on the implementation of decisions taken
• Guide and supervise capacity building of counterpart institutions to allow them to efficiently support project implementation. Participate and/or contribute in the policy discussions on substantive and operational aspects concerning the project in the relevant meetings or forums.

COORDINATION WITH PARTNER INSTITUTIONS AND DONOR

• Coordinate with regional stakeholders including national Governments, the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and national Focal Points (from both public and private sectors) to ensure strong programme ownership, effective collaboration and the successful delivery of programme outcomes.
• Ensure synergies with relevant programmes conducted by other organizations or institutions.
• Assist in promoting dialogue and good practices in the focus areas of the programme among different stakeholders.
• Assist the counterparts in providing project-related information as requested

Minimun Organizational Requirements
Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, business management, international relations, or similar field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of trade competitiveness and market access, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is required.
• Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is required.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, particulary the Sub-Saharan regions is desirable. 
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes is required.
• Experience dealing with sustainable development challenges is desirable.
• Experience with regional trade integration and value addition related projects is required.
• Experience in managing and implementing multi-country/regional technical assistance projects is desirable.
• Experience or working knowledge and theoretical understating of poverty reduction approaches, is desirable.
• Experience with programmes funded by the EU and respective reporting to the donor is desirable.
• Experience with UN system management tools and processes is desirable.