Requisition ID: 7523 
Grade: D1 
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: 181,884 USD 
Application Deadline: 08-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 Declarationadopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019 as well as the Riyadh Declarationadopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial developmentin 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 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.

DIRECTORATE OF GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS (GLO)

The Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO), headed by a Managing Director, 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.

Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination (GLO/RFO)

Under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO), the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination (GLO/RFO) coordinates the field representation and interventions of UNIDO in Member States and regions. Within this context, the Division is responsible for determining programmatic priorities for UNIDO's services and ensuring that UNIDO responds to the specific needs and requirements of Member States and development partners at the country and regional levels. It facilitates the development of regional strategies and country programming, including Programmes for Country Partnerships – PCPs, and monitors their implementation, in close collaboration with SPP/SSC.

The Division encompasses all the UNIDO field offices and the five Regional Bureaus: Africa (GLO/RFO/AFR), also hosting the IDDA Secretariat; the Arab Region (GLO/RFO/ARB); Asia and the Pacific (GLO/RFO/ASP); Europe and Central Asia (GLO/RFO/EUR); and Latin American and the Caribbean (GLO/RFO/LAC).

GLO/RFO provides strategic guidance on the set-up, operation and performance of the field structure with a view to further optimize UNIDO's field operations, outreach to development partners and Member States, global networks and overall coherence of its service delivery in the context of the reform of the United Nations development system (UNDS) and related reform efforts. The Division also contributes to the development of regional strategies and country programmes, ensuring alignment with key strategic documents of the Organization and the priorities of the Director General, as well as related results-oriented implementation plans.

The Director for the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination reports to the Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director GLO. The incumbent shall manage the work of the Division. Within the specific mandate of the Division, the Director assists the Deputy to the Director General and the Managing Director in the strategic positioning of UNIDO to:

  • Strengthen UNIDO’s global presence
  • Meet the diversified needs of Member States
  • Increase political engagement for better organizational positioning
  • Streamline programmatic approaches and build multi-stakeholder partnerships

Within the broad priorities above and specific direction cascaded downward, the Director shall formulate, cascade, monitor, evaluate and report on the results of the priorities established for the areas under his/her responsibilities.

At the D-1 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver:

(a) work that is ground-breaking to UNIDO's mandate.

(b) in creating an enabling environment which is empowering.

(c) in building partnerships and institutional relationships.

(d) in achieving results that are Cross Functional.

The measure of success is establishing new standards.

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

 Management of the Regional Bureaus

  • Provide strategic coordination and consolidation of regional field network activities, fostering strong engagement with Member States and Permanent Missions, and ensuring transparent communication and consultation across stakeholders.
  • Provide leadership for the development and operationalization of regional strategies, integrating inputs from TC functions and field offices; lead regional partnerships, programmes, and platforms; convene regional forums; and support field offices in implementing UNDS reform and managing operational requirements, including implementation planning and resource management.
  • Guide the strategic formulation of Programmes for Country Partnership (PCPs), ensuring alignment with national and regional priorities and organizational objectives, and strengthening the role of field offices and regional bureaus in programme delivery.
  • Lead country‑level strategic programming and analysis, including inputs to UNSDCF, CCA, PCPs, and other corporate planning instruments; identify emerging industrial development trends, national priorities, and donor opportunities; and contribute to resource‑mobilization efforts and industrial policy monitoring in coordination with SPP/IPS.
  • Oversee the formulation by the Regional Bureaus of responses to programmatic requests from Member States, ensuring timely and coherent action at HQ and in the field.
  • Ensure UNIDO’s representation in UNCTs, including in countries without a field presence, guiding contributions to CCA and UNSDCF processes, including joint programming and resource mobilization initiatives.
  • Develop and institutionalize a structured and strategic approach to country programming, including performance monitoring tools, renewal mechanisms, and alignment with UNSDCFs and UNCT/UNDS cooperation frameworks.
  • Monitor annual results‑based implementation plans prepared by offices under the incumbent’s authority (field offices and regional bureaus), ensuring their coherence with regional strategies, country programmes, and corporate priorities.
  • In cooperation with GLO/FPR, coordinate donor and UN partner mapping efforts, identifying strategic orientations, partnership opportunities, and funding prospects, and ensuring effective linkage with relevant TC divisions.
  • Advance and champion corporate priorities, including UNDS reform implementation, strengthened client satisfaction mechanisms (with GLO/PMO), escalation of systemic operational issues, and the integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment across field operations.
  • Represent UNIDO and maintain strategic relations with governments, development partners, donors, stakeholders, and UN Resident Coordinators.
  • Guide the development of regional and subregional strategies and advance South‑South and triangular cooperation initiatives; and participate in cross‑organizational teams and corporate assignments beyond the immediate country of coverage.
  • Oversee the Regional Bureau-led preparations of high‑level missions, including preparations for visits of the Director General and senior management to regions and countries, ensuring effective engagement with government authorities and regional organizations.

Coordination of the UNIDO Field network

  • Provide leadership for field office operations, ensuring effective management of human and financial resources, safety and security of personnel, contingency planning with UNDSS, protection of assets and information, and the preparation of gender‑responsive annual business plans.
  • Optimize the utilization of human and financial resources across the global field office network, ensuring coherence with corporate frameworks and in close consultation with COR/HRM and COR/FIN.
  • Take active measures to further ensure the effective empowerment of the field and promote impactful decentralization of programmatic activities and administrative functions, as applicable.
  • Strengthening the collaboration between field offices and headquarters, in the areas of technical cooperation as well as corporate services, to increase coordination, efficiency and impact of UNIDO activities at the national and regional levels.
  • Continuously monitor the implementation by UNIDO representatives in the field of the UR/UCR Performance Compact and develop and implement measures to ensure adequate performance in the Compact’s various results areas across the network.
  • Champion and coordinate corporate capacity‑building initiatives aimed at harmonizing planning, implementation, operational, and administrative practices across the field network, in collaboration with COR/HRM and other partners.
  • Ensure strategic alignment of field operations with MTPF, contributing to corporate portfolio monitoring, risk management, and performance monitoring mechanisms led by COR/RCU.
  • Oversee and guide field offices involvement in TC activities at field level, including programme development, implementation tracking, and performance monitoring; coordinate closely with project managers, conduct on‑site reviews as needed, ensure high‑quality and timely UN INFO reporting, and advocate UNIDO’s mandate and results to government counterparts and stakeholders.
  • Promote consistent and high‑quality operational guidance across the field network, ensuring adherence to the UNIDO Field Handbook and providing leadership on technical, administrative, communications, and safety/security support.

Management/Leadership

  • Provide strategic leadership to the Division, ensuring that its work programme is aligned with organizational priorities. Formulate, cascade, implement and report on divisional priorities, ensuring coherence with UNIDO’s field, regional and HQ coordination functions.
  • Manage the Division’s human and financial resources, ensuring effective delegation, accountability, performance management, staff motivation and supervision. The incumbent is responsible for the collective results and operational effectiveness of all Divisional, Regional Bureau and field network staff.
  • Ensure robust management controls, including monitoring, supervisory and reporting systems that support performance, quality assurance and optimal resource utilization. Support recruitment processes that advance the Organization’s goals on geographical and gender balance.
  • Enable effective organizational coordination, supporting the Deputy to the Director General and the Managing Director to ensure efficient distribution of tasks, cross-functional collaboration, clear communication flows and seamless linkage between HQ, regional bureaus and field operations.
  • Support senior leadership with special projects and assignments, contributing to corporate initiatives and organizational priorities as required.
  • Drive innovation within the Division, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, promoting innovative approaches to processes, systems and service delivery, and leveraging technology and good practices to enhance efficiency, collaboration and organizational impact.
  • Provide leadership and accountability for Results‑Based Management across the Division and field network, ensuring that RBM principles are embedded in planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and decision‑making at all levels, and that managers are held accountable for the delivery and use of results in line with organizational priorities.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education

First-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in areas such as International Relations, Political Science, Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences or Economics, or 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 15 years of relevant professional experience
  • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent): at least 12 years of relevant professional experience
  • Doctorate: at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Progressively responsible professional experience at the national and international levels, leading and directing teams in the areas of the Division’s mandate, including at least five (5) years of experience in a senior managerial position, preferably at the international level is required.  
  • Experience in leadership, high level negotiations and dealings with institutional stakeholders, requiring political astuteness and sensitivity is desirable.

Key requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain effective relationships with governments, UN entities, donors, development partners, Permanent Missions and institutional stakeholders at senior levels is required.
  • Experience in leading field operations or regional coordination, especially in contexts involving multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border programming is required.
  • Experience with UN Development System (UNDS) reform, including engagement in UNCT processes, UNSDCF planning, CCA contributions and joint initiatives is required.
  • Proven interpersonal, negotiation and representational skills, with the ability to convey organizational messages clearly to internal and external audiences is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate gender equality and inclusive practices into organizational processes, strategies and programmes is required.
  • Familiarity with institutional results reporting to senior management, governing bodies or external stakeholders in an international context is desirable.

Languages 

Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of another official United Nations language (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is desirable.

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.

Managerial and Leadership Competencies

WE ARE STRATEGIC, DECISIVE, PRINCIPLED AND INSPIRATIONAL: As managers, we are strategic and fair in driving our team’s performance. As leaders, we are a source of inspiration, stand for norms and standards established in the UN Charter and duty bound to defend these ideals with a principled approach.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE: As managers, we are inclusive in our approach and maintain constructive engagement with all our stakeholders. As leaders, we embrace all personnel and stakeholders and are accountable mutually within UNIDO, within the system, to beneficiaries and the public and beyond.

WE ARE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL: As managers, we go beyond conventional methods to help our organizational units strengthen their own agility and adaptability to change. As leaders in the UN system, we have a vision, which is integrated and engaged across the pillars of Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.

WE ARE COLLABORATIVE AND CO-CREATIVE: As managers, we foster a team spirit and create meaningful opportunities to hear the voices of those around us, while realizing that only by working together can we accomplish our mission. As leaders, we see the inter-dependency of imperatives of the UN Charter and personally champion a collaborative inter-agency, multi-stakeholders and cross-thinking approach.


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

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
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