[Hiring] Value Chain Expert @UNIDO

Role Description

The position is within the Rural Development, Agro-Industries and Industrial Parks Unit (IET/AGR/RAP) aimed at improving livelihoods in rural areas through the development and professionalization of agro-industrial production, infrastructure provision, and employment.

• Provide technical cooperation services to develop formal and informal businesses producing and sourcing agricultural products.
• Support planning activities, technology adoption, investment planning, product improvement, quality compliance, and marketing.
• Promote infrastructure development necessary for the transport of intermediate and final products.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in forestry, wood science and technology, forest economics, industrial development, business administration, international development, or related fields.
• At least ten years of international professional experience in the wood value chain development, including agro-industrial development and industrial upgrading.
• Proven experience in developing sector analyses, value chain assessments, sector development strategies, or industrial competitiveness studies in the wood sector.
• Technical knowledge of the wood value chain, including forest management, production systems, wood processing technologies, quality requirements, markets, and investment opportunities.
• Experience with sustainable forest management issues, wood traceability, certification requirements, and compliance with relevant trade regimes is an asset.
• Experience working with governments, regional economic communities, development partners, or private sector actors in Africa is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, as well as strong stakeholder consultation and mobilization abilities.

Requirements

• Excellent command of English or French, both written and spoken. Practical knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.

Benefits

• UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodation to support full participation in the recruitment process.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Company Description

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability.

• UNIDO’s mandate is recognized in SDG-9, which calls to build resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization.
• The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 aligns with UNIDO’s Vision 2050.
• Priorities include fair and sustainable global supply chains, renewable energy, and fostering digitalization.