National Project Expert - HCFC Phase-out Management Plan

​Requisition ID: 7822
Grade: ISA-NOB
Country: Mexico
Duty Station: Mexico City
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 12 months
Application deadline: , 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.
UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

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 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 to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

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, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

The position is located under the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division (TCS/CMP). Under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP) assists Member States in the emergence, deployment, and large-scale up-take of solutions for low carbon and climate resilient industrialization. The division promotes a system innovation approach to achieve transformational change in climate change by innovating across key levers of change including technology, finance, policy, and regulation.

The Division is responsible for the dual mandate of accelerating innovation and building climate innovation ecosystems to promote low-carbon and climate-resilient industrialization; and 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 NDCs. In addition, the Division is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities of the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of innovative low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions and building markets to ensure their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation and 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.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The Government of Mexico is implementing Stage III of its Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) under the Montreal Protocol, with the objective of achieving the complete phase-out of remaining HCFC consumption by 2030. Building on the achievements of the previous stages, which successfully eliminated HCFC consumption in several manufacturing sectors and reduced national consumption, Stage III focuses on the remaining use of HCFC-22, primarily in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sector. The project targets the widespread population of end users and informal servicing technicians who continue to rely on HCFC-based equipment.

Stage III adopts an integrated approach that combines regulatory strengthening, institutional capacity building, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement to accelerate the transition away from HCFCs. The project supports the enhancement of the national licensing and quota system, strengthening of customs enforcement, expansion of technician training and certification, promotion of good servicing practices, and reinforcement of refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclamation (RRR) systems. It also provides technical assistance to facilitate the replacement of obsolete HCFC-based refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment with low-global warming potential (low-GWP) alternatives, while supporting end users, strengthening monitoring systems, and promoting public awareness of ozone- and climate-friendly technologies.

The project is implemented by UNIDO as the lead implementing agency, in cooperation with the Government of Germany, under the coordination of Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). In addition to the technical interventions, Stage III incorporates cross-cutting activities to strengthen project monitoring, mainstream gender considerations across implementation, and promote greater participation of women in the RAC sector. Together, these activities are designed to ensure the sustainable phase-out of HCFCs, strengthen national institutional capacities, improve servicing practices, and support Mexico's long-term compliance with its obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

The National Project Expert will support coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the activities and projects under the HPMP III in Mexico.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved

Contribute to the overall coordination/implementation of the HPMP project in a timely and consistent manner

In close cooperation with the Government of Mexico and UNIDO, support the coordination and implementation of all components under the HPMP stage III, with a view to comply with the MLF Agreement, Executive Committee decisions and reductions of the HCFC baseline consumption. Some of the activities are:

1. Support the planning and implementation of the Stage III of the HPMP. Actions to be included:

• Support the preparation of a work plan for the projects, and for each project identify: schedule, necessary resources, stakeholders, possible consultants, necessary institutional arrangements, deliverables, etc.

• Participate in meetings of the Multilateral Fund, Montreal Protocol-related events, regional networks and other international forums, as required.
• Support the preparation of technical inputs, presentations, briefing notes and background documentation to support national and international meetings and missions.

1. Contribute to the coordination and monitoring of the HPMP Stage III implementation. Actions to be included:

• Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of project personnel and consultants, including drafting ToRs, inform them about internal procedures on project implementation.

• Contribute to the coordination and monitoring the different projects and actions progress.

• Carry out follow-up and monitoring visits to the facilities with project development, also to develop the actions of the HPMP with the stakeholders involved.

• Contribute to the coordination of and participate in national and international meetings, workshops, missions and technical events related to HPMP III implementation, as required.
• Contribute to the coordination and liaison with the Government counterpart and other stakeholders to keep them updated on project progress.
• Identify and analyze implementation risks and bottlenecks and propose corrective actions when necessary.
• Disseminate information to the relevant audience about the project to ensure efficient execution, in congruence and synergy with KIP and any other NOO communications.

• Maintain institutional relationships with authorities related to environmental agendas: Energy, Climate Change, Customs, Waste Management, Inspection and verification (PROFEPA), Economy, and others.
• Draft project revision documents and reports when required.
• Contribute to the coordination and monitoring of technical assistance activities in the project.

1. Contribute to the strengthening of the HPMP through coordinating actions with the KIP.

1. Support coordination with UNIDO Headquarters, the UNIDO Office in Mexico, SEMARNAT and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of project activities

1. Contribute to the preparation of the HPMP Stage III, second tranche request to be submitted to the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the MLF in 2027, aligned with MLF requests.

Project monitoring and evaluation are done as scheduled. Progress executed, proposal for improvement, where necessary, made.

HPMP Stage III is implemented in line with MLF agreement, project document, and agreed workplans.

Draft ToRs for recruitment of experts and technical specifications for procurement services/equipment are prepared.

HPMP Stage III, second tranche request is submitted timely and following MLF requirements.

Annual work plan submitted.

Reports and inputs are provided to NOO, SEMARNAT, and UNIDO as required.

Contribution to monitoring other programs and agendas linked to HPMP

• 1. Contribute to monitoring other environmental programs and agendas linked to the HPMP.
  2. Support the development and execution of Projects that contribute to the implementation of the HPMP and HCFC phase out.

Reports and inputs are provided to as required.

• 1. Perform other relevant tasks relevant to the effective implementation of the project

At the conclusion of the assignment the consultant shall submit a final report comprising of a summary of activities carried out with attached all deliverables prepared within the scope of his/her assignment.

The final report and related documents must be in English, presented in electronic format and submitted to the UNIDO project manager.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, sciences, environment, energy, business administration, or other relevant discipline is required.

Alternatively, a first level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional 3 years of professional hand-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of practical experience in the implementation of technical cooperation projects under Multilateral Environmental Agreements is required.
• Experience in the design, execution and monitoring of projects and programmes under the Montreal Protocol is desired.
• Knowledge of HCFC compliance commitments and modalities for the implementation of HCFC Phase-out Management Plans, particularly those applicable to Mexico is desired.
• Experience working with government institutions, international or non-governmental organizations supporting development work in Mexico is desired.
• Experience in working in/with the private sector, including the industrial sector in Mexico is desired.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required. Working knowledge of English is required.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

CORE VALUES:

• Excellence – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance
• Integrity – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly
• Inclusion – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness
• Humility – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions
• Humanity – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development

CORE BEHAVIOURS:

• Connect & Collaborate - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity
• Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives
• Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge
• Adapt and Innovate - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches

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