Industrial Development Expert

​Requisition ID: 5431 
Grade: L4 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Project-funded Professional and higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 128,786 USD 
Application Deadline: 19-May-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

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 of 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 in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

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, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of innovative finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders. The Directorate is responsible for the Divisions of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Climate and Technology Partnerships (IET/CTP), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), and Public-Private Partnerships (IET/PPP). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, IET collaborates closely with TCS 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 Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR). IET/AGR supports Member States in their efforts to pave the way to sustainable rural development and a structurally transformed and modernized agribusiness sector. Capitalizing on the experience gained by UNIDO in this field over decades and on tried-and-tested and to-be-developed service modules, the Division will explore innovative approaches to maximize the potential that exists in agribusiness development, addressing emerging global trends, in particular food security, poverty alleviation and climate change. It will explore new ways to contribute to global efforts to reduce hunger, accelerate food systems transformation, and generate income and employment, especially among women and youth.

Within IET/AGR, the Rural Development, Agro-industries and Industrial Parks Unit (IET/AGR/RAP) aims to improve rural livelihoods by extending and professionalizing agro-industrial production, infrastructure supply and employment. It provides TC services to develop formal and informal enterprises and entrepreneurs that produce and source agricultural products – directly or through business development service agents – with support for business planning, technology adoption, investment planning, product improvement, quality compliance and marketing. The Unit also promotes the planning for the development of the infrastructure for the transportation of intermediary and final products and related basic infrastructure required for agro-processing and value addition, making use, among others, of sustainable agro-industrial park development schemes.

At the L4 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver (a) work that is innovative and original; (b) in creating an enabling environment which expands across functions and sectors; (c) in building partnerships which result in advocating and championing UNIDO’s programmes and (d) in achieving results within Programme teams. The measure of success is systemic and catalytic delivery of results.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

Project/Programme Context

• (Pipeline) Institutional Framework for Agribusiness Development in Madagascar: The purpose of the project is to facilitate the rapid delivery of technical assistance to the Ministry of Industrialization and Commerce in its agro-park and agribusiness-based industrial development in Madagascar.

• (Pipeline) Planning design and technical assistance for the establishment of an integrated agro-food park in Kyrgyzstan: Support the Kyrgyz government in its plans to establish an agro-industrial park in a selected location, including pre-investment studies and public sector capacity building.

• (Pipeline) Supporting the development of Agro-Industrial Parks in Kenya: The project  complement the government’s County Aggregation and Industrial Park initiative through increasing investment in agriculture and agribusiness in Kenya.

• The ATCMA ECOWAS Programme aims to boost intra-African and EU-Africa trade by enhancing market access and MSME competitiveness in key value chains. It addresses trade barriers, strengthens quality infrastructure and standards, promotes value addition, and improves business environments. Led by UNIDO and ITC, the initiative fosters regional integration, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across West Africa.

• The ATCMA COMESA Programme aims to boost intra-African and EU-Africa trade by enhancing market access and MSME competitiveness in key value chains. It addresses trade barriers, strengthens quality infrastructure and standards, promotes value addition, examines cross-border agro-industrial parks and improves business environments. Led by UNIDO and ITC, the initiative fosters regional integration, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across West Africa.

Functional Responsibilities

The Industrial Development Expert works under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Division IET/AGR/RAP; the direct supervision of the project manager and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division.  She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Programme Development: Lead the conceptualization, development and formulation of technical cooperation projects/programmes in the area of agro-industrial park development and management, infrastructure development,  centre of excellence establishment and farmer-industry linkages, in line with the guidelines and procedures governing the delivery of UNIDO services and obtain internal approval. Propose new initiatives or changes to ensure that the Organization’s practices are current and reflect state-of-the-art approaches and up-to-date technical and management practices.

• Programme Implementation: Coordinate and manage the implementation/execution of projects and programmes, assuming full responsibility for the provision of projects/programme implementation services ensuring that assigned inputs are delivered on time at the right level of quality and within the allocated budget. This will entail the preparation of the necessary inputs (consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.), monitoring progress in implementation, including missions to the project site, as well as taking part in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters, and assisting the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes. Propose, for the Chief’s and Director’s approval, the annual work programme, including providing leadership in teamwork and close monitoring of each stage of programme/project development and implementation.

• Resource Mobilization: Cooperate with other units in-house in the design and planning of resource mobilization strategies and collaborate with relevant internal and external partners to mobilize the funds necessary for project and programme implementation. Manage external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government institutions and international entities, locally based donor institutions, international financial institutions and regional development banks, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.

• Global Forum Function: Design, plan and organize in cooperation with other units in-house UNIDO global forum activities (conferences, seminars, expert group meetings, etc. Prepare technical papers or other inputs for external seminars, conferences, expert group meetings, etc. Prepares UNIDO publications and other information dissemination aids and tools. Keep abreast of technical and economic developments related to productive sectors development in post-crisis and related to the development of special economic development zone, entrepreneurship and incubators programme, trend around financing development assistance, including the cross cutting effect that climate change has on this overall focused area, through close contacts with specialized institutions and industry representatives, following the technical press, market developments and trends.

• Advisory Services to Counterparts: Provide technical advisory services to counterparts. This includes, among others: commenting on, appraising or revising draft project proposals submitted by requesting Governments; advising Governments on financing institutions, multilateral and bilateral organizations and other strategic partners; and provision of technical advice to strategic partners/donors.

• External Relations: Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.

• Performs other related duties and assignments as required.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, sciences, engineering, business management, international relations, or related field is required.

Experience:

A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries and including a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of agro-industrial park development and/or management, is required. Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is required.  Exposure to the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is desirable.

Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, and in technical cooperation projects in Africa is desirable.  Experience in formulation and implementation of projects involving the development of facilities for agro processing including from feasibility to commissioning is required. Experience in implementing a variety of donor-funded programmes is required.

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English is required.  Fluency or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is an asset. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Core Values and Competencies

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those, we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

NOTE: 

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.

For further information on salaries, refer to the International Civil Service Commission website: https://icsc.un.org/

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 careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.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