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.

PROJECT CONTEXT:

Against this backdrop, the Member States Engagement Initiative (MSEI) was launched in 2021 under the former Department of External Relations to systematize and upgrade UNIDO’s mechanisms for 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.

MSEI puts forward an innovative, multi-component system of engagement comprised of a series of Development Dialogues, a programme of Consultative Sessions and a Member States relationship management approach, through which the entire array of UNIDO services – such as its normative role, convening power and technical assistance capacities – are projected against global development challenges and national development priorities.

The aim is to strengthen levels of engagement with non-Member States with a view to increasing the membership of the Organization and to ensure Member States remain committed to UNIDO and systematically engage with the Organization on a number of priority themes of the Director General, thereby contributing to securing the delivery of UNIDO’s mandate and helping the proliferation of ISID, in particular in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. In addition, and based on the overall approach, MSEI seeks to further mainstream its engagement approach throughout the Organization for a consistent and coherent engagement with Member States and non-Member States.

The External Relations Expert will undertake his/her duties independently within the framework of MSEI, under the supervision of the Director of GLO/PMO. He/she will ensure alignment between the objectives of MSEI and GLO/PMO’s day-to-day operations and will further coordinate with relevant Directorates, Divisions, Units and other offices, as well as with stakeholders of Member States and non-Member States in the fulfillment of MSEI’s objectives.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Director of GLO/PMO, the External Relations Expert is responsible for the following key functions:

*Any missions to be carried out under this contract are subject to separate approval.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equiablent) in international relations, business administration, economics, law, communication or other relevant disciplines. Good systematic planning ability, organizational and communication skills.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least three (3) years of working experience in international organizations, government or policy consulting. Proven skills in identifying and resolving problems in the area of external relations. Good knowledge and experience in dealing with diplomatic missions; ability to deal with complex and sensitive issues through United Nations governing bodies. Proven conceptual analytical and evaluative skills, ability to conduct independent research in a meticulous manner and recommend solutions. Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan. Very good oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to draft in a clear and concise manner. 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. Proficient use of Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams) and internet. Experience with virtual conferencing platforms and related software is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language highly desirable.

REQUIRED 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.