Senior Process Transformation & AI Integration Expert

UNIDO is currently undertaking a comprehensive strategic review to modernize its Identification, Formulation, Appraisal, and Approval (IFAA) process. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, agility, and quality of programme/project design and approval workflows in response to evolving donor expectations and the need for greater operational effectiveness. 

The objective is to shift from a traditional compliance-focused model to a more upstream, advisory-oriented approach that embeds quality assurance earlier in the project cycle. This transformation involves: 

Process Optimization: Streamlining workflows to reduce administrative burden while maintaining fiduciary and quality standards. 

Differentiated Pathways: Designing risk-proportionate processes tailored to project complexity and size. 

Digital Integration: Exploring the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to support decision-making, automate routine checks, and enhance data quality. 

Capacity & Culture: Fostering a culture of shared accountability for project quality across all directorates. 

The selected expert will lead the diagnostic, design, and pilot phases of this transformation, working closely with a cross-directorate Task Force to co-create solutions that are practical, scalable, and aligned with UNIDO's strategic goals. 

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Quality Assurance and Safeguards Unit (SPP/SPM/QAS), the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties: 

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Expected duration

Location

1. IFAA Process Redesign & Optimization

• Process Diagnostic Report: A comprehensive analysis of the current IFAA workflow, identifying bottlenecks, redundancies, and opportunities for streamlining.
  
• Stakeholder Analysis: Mapping of key influencers, decision-makers, and potential change agents to inform the co-design strategy.
  
• Benchmarking Study: Comparative analysis of IFAA-equivalent processes in at least three peer international organizations, with a specific focus on transferability to the UNIDO context.
  
• Differentiated Pathway Design: Development of risk-proportionate workflow options (e.g., standard, fast-track, programmatic) that balance efficiency with rigor.
  
• TC Manual Contributions: Drafting of revised IFAA chapters for the Technical Cooperation Manual, incorporating new workflow concepts and quality standards.

18 w/d

Home-based

2. AI Logic Definition & Integration Strategy

• AI Functional Specification: Definition of the business logic for potential AI applications in the project cycle (e.g., automated consistency checks, data validation, drafting support).
  
• Human-in-the-Loop Protocols: Design of workflows where AI augments human judgment, ensuring clear handover points and accountability.
  
• Early Advisory Model: Conceptualization of a model where routine advisory functions are potentially decentralized, supported by digital tools.
  
• Feasibility Assessment: Collaboration with COR/DIT to ensure proposed AI logic aligns with current and future IT architecture.
  
• Business-to-System Translation Package: Translation of the agreed redesigned IFAA process, business rules, and decision points into implementation-ready functional requirements for UNIDO’s IT environment (incl. workflow logic, user roles, data requirements, validation rules, exception handling, and key system dependencies).

12 w/d

Home-based

3. Modeling of Resource Reallocation & Efficiency

• Efficiency Impact Analysis: A quantitative assessment demonstrating how process redesign and digital tools can optimize resource utilization and reduce cycle times.
  
• Workload Balancing: Analysis of the impact of new workflows on existing staff capacities, ensuring sustainable operational models.

3 w/d

Home-based

4. Pilot Implementation & Change Management

• Pilot Execution: Selection and management model of a pilot cohort to test the redesigned workflow and AI-assisted tools.
  
• Monitoring: Establishment of key performance indicators to track efficiency gains, quality improvements, and user adoption.
  
• Training of Trainers: Development of training materials and sessions for staff on new processes and the interpretation of AI outputs.
  
• Communication Strategy: Design of a communication plan to build awareness, address concerns, and promote the new approach.

3 w/d

Home-based

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Administration, International Development, Business Administration, Computer Science (with a focus on AI/Systems) or a related field is required.  

Technical and Functional Experience:  

Minimum 10 years of progressive professional experience in international development, project cycle management, or organizational process transformation is required. 

Minimum 5 years of specific experience in redesigning approval/governance processes within complex organizations (UN, multilateral banks, or large INGOs) is required. 

Deep knowledge of Results-Based Management (RBM), Quality Assurance, and project design (Theory of Change, logframes) is required. 

Experience in process architecture and governance design, including systems thinking, stakeholder facilitation, and political economy analysis is required. 

Experience in AI strategy and digital integration, including defining AI/automation requirements for business processes is desirable. 

Experience in change management and implementation, including diagnostics, pilot-to-scale methodology, data literacy is desirable. 

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  

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]