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Call for Expression of Interest-4IR Frontier Technologies Experts Roster

  • Organization: UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization
  • Location:
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Information Systems and Technology
  • Closing Date: Closed

Only nationals and/or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are eligible to apply. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

VACANCY  ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL

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 the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (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 Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Digitalization, Technology and Agri-Business (DTA), coordinates and mainstreams the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in its technical cooperation, strategic, normative activities aiming at fostering the inclusive and sustainable development in the era of 4IR. The Directorate creates new and innovative technical cooperation deliverables in the areas of trade, investment, technology innovation and agro-industry and agri-business. The Directorate comprises the Department of Digitalization, Technology and Innovation (DTI) and the Department of Agri-Business (AGR). Responding to the growing demand for supporting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in the era of the new industrial revolution, the Department of Digitalization, Technology and Innovation (DTA/DTI) leads the way in addressing opportunities, challenges and risks stemming from the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its contribution to sustainable socio-economic progress. The Department is responsible for the strategic coordination of 4IR-related matters with designated focal points in other technical Departments and organizational entities of UNIDO, as appropriate. In consultation with public and private partners, DTI designs and implements holistic interventions that are tailored to specific country needs. The Innovation and Digitalization Division (DTA/DTI/IDD) promotes digital transformation and innovation ecosystems building, to advance the economic competitiveness of developing countries by helping them to benefit from the rapid progress of digital and convergent technologies associated to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and ensuring a smooth transition towards cyber-physical industrial systems and a smart society.

4IR Frontier Technologies The world is on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR, also referred to as Industry 4.0). Driving the 4IR forward are rapid advances in digital technologies—artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), the Internet of Things (IoT), distributed ledger technology (DLT) or blockchain, and quantum computers—and their integration with biotechnology, nanotechnology, and cognitive, social and humanitarian sciences (known as convergent and nature-like technologies). These technologies are also referred to as frontier technologies because they are innovative, fast-growing, deeply interconnected, and interdependent. The Individual Consultants to be considered for the roster, should combine expertise in at least two “sectoral value chains” (see below): (a) primary, (b) industry or (c) service; and expertise in at least one technology cluster: (i) AI, data analytics & cloud computing, (ii) Robotics, CPS, Addictive Manufacturing, (iii) IoT and Network Technologies, (iv) Advanced Materials, (v) Nanotechnology, Biotechnology. The description of “Expertise in sectoral value chain”, means that the individual consultant have worked with firms, mainly Small and Medium Enterprises, development bank, public sector, chambers of commerce, or associations, on policies to strengthen cluster and/or value chain in one of the activities listed below: - Promoting and encouraging the development and use of new technologies. - Assisting in the formulation of scientific and technological programmes and plans for fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization in the new global economic setting. - Promoting, encouraging and assisting in the development, selection, adaptation, transfer and use of new industrial technology, taking into account the socio-economic conditions and specific requirements of the country and industry concerned, with special reference to the transfer of technology from industrialized to developing countries, as well as among developing countries. - Organizing and supporting industrial training programmes to assist developing countries in providing the training needed to accelerate their industrial development. - Assisting countries and international organizations in harmonizing standards to ensure cross-border exchanges of goods and services DUTY STATION: Home Based and/or Vienna

Main Functions

The senior consultant on 4IR technologies works under the overall guidance of the Director of the Department; the direct supervision of the Chief of the Division; and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division to promote digital transformation and innovation ecosystems building, to advance the economic competitiveness of developing countries by helping them to benefit from the rapid progress of digital and convergent technologies associated to the 4IR and ensuring a smooth transition towards cyber-physical industrial systems and a smart society. As a team member, whether on a divisional, cross-functional or cross sectoral level, the consultant shall carry out the following generic activities to achieve the results of the Division and the outcomes of Department: - Sector Value Chain Analytical work: -Develops and formulates support firms, including SMEs in the areas of expertise, mainly manufacturing value chains. -Engage with the firm, stakeholders to provide first rate consulting analysis. - Technology cluster: -Provide analytical advice to firms, including SMEs, in the areas of expertise which comprises: (i) AI, data analytics & cloud computing, (ii) Robotics, CPS, Addictive Manufacturing, (iii) IoT and Network Technologies, (iv) Advanced Materials, (v) Nanotechnology, Biotechnology. -Takes part in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters and assists the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes. - Global Forum Function: -Support the preparation of technical papers or other inputs for external seminars, conferences, expert group meetings, etc. -Support the preparation of UNIDO publications and other information dissemination aids and tools. -Keeps abreast of technical and economic developments in the areas of the Division’s mandate. - Performs other related duties and assignments as required by the Chief of the Division or the Director of the Department.

Core Competencies

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. 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 Requirements

Education

An advanced university level in engineering, economics, business administration, urban planning, international development, international relations, or another field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency or working knowledge of other official language(s) of the United Nations would be an asset.

Computer Skills

Field of Expertise

A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, with at least 2 working with one of the frontier technologies: (i) AI, data analytics & cloud computing, (ii) Robotics, CPS, Addictive Manufacturing, (iii) IoT and Network Technologies, (iv) Advanced Materials, (v) Nanotechnology, Biotechnology. The ideal consultant will meet one of these three requirements: (i) Field operation experience at plant level having supported the design, implementation and delivering of supply chains and production systems solutions in industrial sectors (metal mechanics, automobile, textile, shoemaking, food and beverage production, as well as agribusiness and services); (ii) Management consulting experience with firms that apply frontier technologies to find solutions; (iii) Technical Cooperation experience delivering frontier technology analysis to industrial sector from a public sector entity, an development bank, or an international development organization

<strong>This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal. </strong>

This vacancy is now closed.