External Relations Officer

​Requisition ID: 5039 
Grade: L3 
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: 108,126 USD 
Application Deadline: 11-Feb-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 Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) is responsible for UNIDO’s relations with Member States and all external partners, including through the policymaking organs. It plays a central role for interaction and collaboration with traditional and non-traditional donors; oversees the regional bureaus as well as the network of established field offices, liaison offices and Investment and Technology Promotion Offices; and supports the implementation of particularly complex projects, programmes and special assignments, thus also fulfilling an important role in safeguarding their quality and the reputation of the Organization.

The position is located under the Directorate’s Division of Policymaking Organs (GLO/PMO) which is responsible for organizing all sessions of the UNIDO policymaking organs, such as the General Conference, the Industrial Development Board and its subsidiary organ, the Programme and Budget Committee, as well as any other subsidiary bodies and working groups established by those organs. This includes providing advisory and secretariat services to such sessions.

GLO/PMO further serves as the act as focal point for liaison with Member States, non-Member States, regional groups, IGOs and NGOs on matters of policy and substance to identify and pursue strategic opportunities. The Division develops and execute relevant mechanisms and strategies to ensure the maximum effectiveness of high-level engagement with Member States and non-Member States and advises the Director General on the best approaches to such engagement. It further conducts consultations with non-Member States and other entities (IGOs/NGOs) with a view to facilitating their membership or relationship with the Organization.

Within the Division of Policymaking Organ’s, the Member States Engagement Initiative (MSEI) provides the overarching strategic framework to systematize and upgrade UNIDO’s engagement with Member States and non-Member States to better showcase its added value for countries in advancing ISID, stimulate greater engagement in the Organization’s work amongst its membership and secure the necessary political, technical and financial support to effectively deliver its global mandate, including through decision-making in policymaking organs of the Organization.

At the L3 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work from a seasoned analyst; (b) in creating an enabling environment for work which is solid and anchored to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to relationship management and (d) in achieving results within a professional team. The measure of success is in consistent and dependable 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.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The External Relations Officer works under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Director, GLO/PMO. He/she will ensure alignment between the Division’s PMO sessions-related operations and its Member States and non-Member States engagement function, and will further coordinate with relevant Directorates, Divisions, Units and other offices, as well as with external stakeholders in the fulfilment of the GLO/PMO’s mandate. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Sessions of the UNIDO Policymaking Organs

• Acts as divisional focal point for matters related to plenary meetings of the policymaking organs, including regarding elections, as well as for meetings of the Bureau and Enlarged Bureau, in coordination with relevant GLO/PMO personnel and other relevant offices.
• Prepares scenarios for Chairs/Presidents of the policymaking organs and their subsidiary bodies, ensuring due care is given to substantive as well as legislative considerations.
• Provides substantive guidance to the Chairpersons with a view to ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of policymaking organ sessions.
• Edits and when required conducts final review of manuscripts received from substantive offices, assuming responsibility for the production of high-quality pre-, in- and post-session documentation in a timely manner.
• Supports the substantive preparatory process of sessions of the policymaking organs to ensure to effective conduct of proceedings in line with rules of procedures and the relevant mandates.
• Advises the Division and/or management on decision-making processes through policymaking organs and their subsidiary organs and committees, and on related rules of procedure of the respective sessions.

Official Correspondence

• Manages the drafting and review process for official correspondence to Member States in English and French languages, with a view toward ensuring conformity with applicable editorial, linguistic and protocol standards.
• Advises UNIDO personnel on all aspects related to the correct and effective preparation of official correspondence.
• Maintains and updates Organization-wide guidelines and designs and delivers capacity-building activities related to the preparation of official UNIDO correspondence.

Stakeholder Management

• Advises on and contributes to the internal and external coordination of Member States and non-Member States engagement, including as it relates to the preparation of engagement material to strategize, guide and support engagement activities; the coordination and conduct of meetings with key stakeholders relevant to advancing the engagement with Member States and non-Member States; and the coordination with relevant UNIDO offices for the preparation of engagement material and for meetings and activities, to ensure a unified and effective approach in the engagement.

• Advises UNIDO offices on strategic engagement approaches, tools and key messages to ensure consistency and coherence in Member States relationship management approaches, and to identify and address membership risks.
• Advises on strategic engagement activities to increase visibility by leveraging UNIDO’s global forum function, and on communication activities with ODG/CCM, in support of engagement objectives.

• Advises on the preparation, conduct, reporting and follow-up of UNIDO’s programme of Development Dialogues, briefings and Consultative Sessions among others to effectively:
  • Strengthen relations with Member States on priority topics, including to raise support for and build consensus on issues to be reflected in PMO recommendations, decisions and resolutions.
  • Follow-up on outcomes of sessions of policymaking organs, and support the preparation, execution and follow up of future PMO sessions, among others related to the adoption of relevant decisions and resolutions.
• Advises on the preparation, conduct, reporting and follow-up of the Director General’s programme of engagement with Member States and non-Member States.
• Provide substantive support to ensure alignment between the engagement with Member States and non-Member States, where applicable, and the preparation, conduct and follow-up of UNIDO PMO sessions.
• Keeps abreast of pertinent developments in the areas of the Division’s mandate through close contacts with Member States, IGOs and NGOs, and by following the international press, as well as political and economic developments and trends.
• Advises the Division and/or UNIDO management on mechanisms and strategies for ensuring a continued engagement of Member States and a productive dialogue with non-Member States, as well as on, partnership opportunities and corporate outreach.

Programme Development

• Develops and formulates projects/programmes in the area of external relations, with a particular focus on the sessions of UNIDO policymaking organs and on stakeholder management and Member State engagement, in line with the guidelines and procedures governing the delivery of UNIDO services.

Other duties

• Perform other duties as required and instructed by the Director, GLO/PMO.

REQUIRED 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.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in international relations, economics, business administration, law or a closely related field is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible working experience, including some at the international level, in project execution or coordination, particularly in the areas of external relations or governing bodies in international organizations or government is required.
• Ability to deal with complex and sensitive issues through United Nations governing bodies is required.
• Knowledge and experience in dealing with diplomatic missions is required.
• Proven conceptual analytical and evaluative skills, and ability to conduct independent research in a meticulous manner and recommend solutions is required.
• Ability to establish independently priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own workplan.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to work harmoniously in a team and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity is required.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet and content management systems (Drupal/TYPO3) is desirable.
• Experience with virtual conferencing platforms and related software is desirable.

Language Skills:

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

NOTE: 

UNIDO General Service applicants are required to be at least at the GS-5 level; to have served in their current position for at least two years; and to have served in UNIDO for at least five years.

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 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