Title: External Relations Specialist

​​Requisition ID: 3569
Grade: ISA-Specialist
Country: Austria
Duty Station: Vienna
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Application Deadline: 12-Mar-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

PROJECT CONTEXT:

Against this backdrop, the Member States Engagement Initiative (MSEI) was launched in 2021 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 Specialist 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 fulfilment of MSEI’s objectives.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Director of GLO/PMO, the incumbent shall carry out following main duties:

• Lead the internal and external coordination of all activities related to the implementation of MSEI.

• Plan, organize and implement the “Member States relationship management” (MSEI Output 3) approach for priority Member States and non-Member States, including:
  • For each priority Member States and non-Member States, perform research and analysis work and, in particular, produce material to strategize, guide and support MSEI engagement activities, including, but not limited to, engagement strategies, workplans and outreach campaigns; key stakeholders mapping; strategic alignment documents and engagement roadmaps for handout; briefing notes; statements; talking points; presentations; reports; official communications/correspondence; guidelines; templates; and more.
  • Coordinate, conduct and follow-up on meetings with key stakeholders relevant to advancing the engagement with MSEI’s focus Member States and non-Member States, including from governments, international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, civil society, academia, etc.
  • Coordinate activities with all relevant UNIDO Directorates, Divisions and Units, including to discuss and agree on roles and responsibilities; to develop engagement strategies, alignment documents and engagement roadmaps; to gather and review inputs for the preparation of material; to organize participation in meetings and activities; to better promote activities prepared for Member States; to ensure a unified approach in the engagement with Member States and non-Member States; and others.
  • Advise 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.
  • Coordinate strategic engagement activities to increase visibility by leveraging UNIDO’s global forum function.
  • Coordinate communication activities with ODG/CSI, in support of MSEI objectives.

• Coordinate the preparations, conduct, reporting and follow-up of UNIDO’s programme of Development Dialogues and briefings (MSEI Output 1) 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 PMO sessions held in 2023, and support the preparation, execution and follow up of sessions in 2024 and 2025 towards the successful holding of twenty-first session of the General Conference in November 2025 in Saudi Arabia, including the adoption of relevant decisions and resolutions.
  • Identify a set of individual priority topics to be treated in greater depth through Consultative Sessions.

• Coordinate the preparations, conduct, reporting and follow-up of UNIDO’s programme of Consultative Sessions (MSEI Output 2), resulting in substantive recommendations to be treated through sessions of UNIDO’s policymaking organs.

• Coordinate the preparations, conduct, reporting and follow-up of the Director General’s programme of Member States-oriented engagements with the aim of providing the Director General with effective platforms for engagements with the membership.

• Provide substantive support to ensure alignment between the objectives of MSEI and the preparation, conduct and follow-up of UNIDO PMO sessions, including, but not limited to:
  • Conducting meetings involving substantive offices, PMO, officers of the PMOs and relevant Member State representatives to ensure uptake of MSEI outcomes by UNIDO PMOs, as well as providing support for the effective and successful conduct of plenary and bureau meetings, and related proceedings.
  • Reviewing manuscripts received from substantive offices with a view to reflecting MSEI objectives and outcomes in PMO documentation and producing high-quality documentation in a timely manner.

• Advise the Division and/or UNIDO management on aspects of MSEI and related PMO sessions, with a focus on stakeholder management, particularly as regards strategic relations with Member States and non-Member States, partnership opportunities and corporate outreach.

• Review official correspondence in French, in line with relevant correspondence and editorial guidelines, and support review of English correspondence.

• Perform any other tasks, as assigned by the Director, GLO/PMO.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in international relations, business administration, economics, law, communication or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least five (5) years of professional experience working in external relations or governing bodies in international organizations or government, is required. Skills in identifying and resolving problems in the area of external relations 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 priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan is required.

Very good 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.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

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.

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: [email protected]