Industrial Development Officer

Requisition ID: 7343 
Grade: P3 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Professional and Higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 100 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 109,999 USD 
Application Deadline: 05-Jun-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
Female candidates from all Member States are particularly 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 and hunger reduction, inclusive and fair globalization and environmental sustainability.  The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration [link removed] adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Declaration [link removed] adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019 as well as the Riyadh Declaration [link removed] adopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development [link removed] in Member States. The relevance of this mission 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 inclusive and sustainable industrial development, however, applies to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 [link removed] is UNIDO’s core strategic document and it is in line with UNIDO’s Vision 2050. It sets a renewed vision to support Member States and shape their industries for development. The priorities include fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, renewable and clean energy, sustainable energy access and climate action. 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-related activities; and (iv) convening and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, investment mobilization, 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 1/6 normative contribution to achieving the 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 Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI) promotes digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence as well as associated technologies to strengthen industrial competitiveness and resilience in Member States. The Division supports the design and delivery of policy advice and technical cooperation on priority areas such as digital industrial strategies and roadmaps; Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing adoption; data and AI for productivity and quality; innovation ecosystems and technology transfer; and responsible digitalization, including cybersecurity, data governance and ethical AI considerations. It enables industries to leverage convergent technologies and supports a safe transition towards secure cyber-physical industrial systems, while mitigating adverse impacts on jobs and ensuring skills development. Through its services, the Division advances productive transformation by connecting industrial firms, entrepreneurs, technology providers and acceleration services, and by applying digital innovation to manufacturing, energy, agribusiness and related value chains, particularly in developing and transition economies to help them close the technology gap.

The Industrial Development Officer works under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Chief, Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI), and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division to promote digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence.

At the P3 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.

Main Responsibilities

As a team-leader or member, whether on a divisional, cross-functional or cross sectoral level, the incumbent shall carry out the following generic activities to achieve the results of the Division and the outcomes of Department:

• Programme Development: Develop and formulate technical cooperation projects and programmes in digital transformation and AI (e.g., Industry 4.0 readiness, smart manufacturing, data/AI use cases for industrial productivity, digital skills, and enabling policy and governance frameworks), in line with UNIDO guidelines and procedures, and obtain internal approval.
• Programme Implementation: Assume responsibility for the provision of project/programme implementation services in the area of digital transformation, AI and related industrial digital technologies, ensuring that agreed outputs and deliverables (including pilot deployments, assessments, trainings and advisory products) are delivered on time, at the required level of quality and within the allocated budget. This entails preparing and managing implementation inputs (workplans and budgets, job descriptions/ToRs, procurement and ICT/equipment specifications, software and service requirements, training arrangements and missions); coordinating with government counterparts, industrial partners, solution providers and research institutions; and supporting technical delivery aspects. Monitor progress, risks and partner commitments through regular reporting, missions to project sites, and participation in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters; support results-based management, including baseline and indicator tracking; and assist the Evaluation Group and colleagues in mid-term reviews and independent evaluations of projects/programmes, including those delivered through and/or in partnership with the Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM).
• Funds and partnership mobilization: Cooperate with relevant units in-house for resource mobilization for AI and digital technologies, including developing concepts and proposals, preparing inputs for investment cases and donor briefs, contributing to funding partner consultations and negotiations, and identifying opportunities for co-financing and innovative financing (e.g., blended finance, challenge funds, in-kind contributions, and private sector cost-sharing). Support the building and management of a partnership pipeline for project and programme implementation in areas such as Industry 4.0, industrial data, AI for productivity, digital public infrastructure for industry, and cybersecurity, including engagement with Member States, development partners and international financial institutions, the private sector and technology providers, academia and research institutions, and relevant networks and platforms. Contribute to the Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM) by supporting partnership outreach and member engagement, scoping and brokering joint initiatives, and helping to operationalize partnership arrangements (roles, governance and delivery modalities), as well as meeting visibility, reporting and accountability requirements linked to partners and funding sources.
• Global Forum Function: Assist in the preparation for UNIDO's global forum activities (conferences, seminars, expert group meetings, etc.) and in their running. Prepare technical papers or other inputs for external seminars, conferences, expert group meetings, etc. Prepare UNIDO publications, thought leadership and other information dissemination aids and tools. Keep abreast of technical and economic developments in the areas of the Division’s mandate through close contacts with specialized institutions and industry representatives, following the technical press, market developments and trends.
• Contribute to the implementation of Results‑Based Management at the project level, including through digital tools, by contributing to results‑based planning, monitoring, reporting and performance analysis for effective technical cooperation delivery.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required by the Chief of the Division.

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.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education

A first-level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) in computer sciences, digital transformation or emerging technologies or another field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required. An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) or Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

Experience 

A minimum of professional experience aligned with the educational level is required, as follows:

• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s): at least 8 years of relevant professional experience
• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent): at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Doctorate: at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required.
• Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, including applying results-based management principles is required. 
• Demonstrated experience in innovation, research and development – including thought leadership focusing on AI and digital transformation is required.
• Experience evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in or working knowledge of other United Nations language(s), is desirable.

NOTE: 

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

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/ [link removed]

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]