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Title:  Industrial Development Expert

​Requisition ID: 7479 
Grade: L3 
Country: Sri Lanka 
Duty Station: Colombo 
Category: Professional and Higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term - 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 104,102 USD 
Application Deadline: 01-Jun-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

 

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates 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.

 

Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

 

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 adopted 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 Declaration adopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development 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 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 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 MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) works towards increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries and countries in transition, especially emphasizing business development of MSMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among MSMEs in two interconnected ways: first, by modernizing businesses through the transfer of advanced technologies adapted to local conditions, product innovation, productivity improvement and upgrading, developing market and value chain readiness as well as improved access to finance; and second, by improving the quality of MSME manufactured products and their compliance with market requirements through capacity building for the development of industrial production and trade-related quality infrastructure including for standardization, metrology, accreditation and of conformity assessment service institutions (testing, certification, inspection and calibration) and the strengthening of their capacities.

 

The Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit (TCS/SME/CQC) builds national and regional production and quality infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on providing internationally recognized services, facilitating MSME participation in regional and global value chains; strengthening institutional quality infrastructure capacities; building conformity assessment capacities; and supporting market access and quality awareness with the public sector, economic operators and consumers, placing a special emphasis on capacitating MSMEs.

 

At the L3 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 team in the office/country as well as in the region and in headquarters.

 

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.

 

Project/Programme Context

 

In view of the challenges and substantial benefits of modernizing the food control and quality infrastructure systems and capacitating institutional and unit-level actors operating in this landscape, the EU is funding a programmatic framework titled “Support to Food Safety & Quality in Sri Lanka”. The overall objective of this programmatic framework is to contribute to a more productive, sustainable, diversified, climate-resilient, market-oriented and inclusive agri-food sector in Sri Lanka. Its two interrelated specific objectives (SO) aim at: 1) Increasing food safety and quality compliance through adoption of best practices by food producers and processors and an updated risk-based and well-coordinated food control system; 2) Increasing the organic market share through better standards, higher investments and increased consumer demand. Under SO 1, the project titled “Mainstreaming standards-based best practices for agri-food sector development” is to be coimplemented by UNIDO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with UNIDO as the lead agency; SO 2 is to be implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

 

UNIDO and FAO joined hands as “One UN” to upgrade the food safety and quality control system in Sri Lanka, strengthen the compliance capacity and production processes of producers, processors, and food business operators, and promote linkages along the agri-food value chain through a market-driven approach. This will have benefits for Sri Lanka’s agri-food sector in terms of increased trade competitiveness and long-term benefits for Sri Lankan citizens, residents, and visitors in terms of improved consumer safety and better access to higher quality food. It will support Sri Lanka’s efforts to sustainably grow its agrarian economy for economic development.

 

The project aims to support target beneficiaries in modernizing the food control system (regulatory and institutional frameworks for food safety and quality compliance) in line with international benchmarks and best practices, upgrading the quality infrastructure system to provide adequate services to the agri-food sector, strengthening food safety and quality-related compliance capacity of the private sector, and raising stakeholder awareness and adherence to best practices end-to-end along the agri-food value chain, including that of producers and consumers.

 

OVERALL OBJECTIVE: To contribute to a more productive, diversified, climate-resilient, market-oriented, sustainable and inclusive agriculture in Sri Lanka.

 

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To increase food safety and quality profiles of agri-food products through development, adoption, and compliance with enhanced food safety, hygienic practices, and quality requirements by food producers and processors and an updated risk-based and well-coordinated food control system.

 

The implementation by UNIDO shall entail Expected Result (ER) 2, ER 3, and Sub-ER (S-ER) 4.2. The implementation by FAO shall entail ER 1 and S-ER 4.1.

 

ER 1: Food competent authorities operate an effective food control system in line with international best practices for consumer protection.

  • S-ER1.1: Inclusively formulated national food safety policy with recommendations for performance enhancements of food competent authorities for enhanced regulatory oversight of the food control system proposed with a reviewed food safety policy direction – developed in an inclusive manner – and recommended enhancements of the performance of food competent authorities, including institutional adjustment.
  • S-ER 1.2: Key food regulatory protocols and pilot programs developed or enhanced and deployed for strengthened food regulatory operations.

ER 2: Quality infrastructure (QI) institutions and service providers meet conformity assessment demand of selected agri-food value chains.

  • S-ER 2.1: QI institutions achieve technical competence towards international recognition.
  • S-ER 2.2: QI service providers demonstrate strengthened proficiency and technical capabilities.   

ER 3: Targeted value chain actors are responsive to food safety reform measures and better comply with food safety and quality requirements.

  • S-ER 3.1: Food standards, codes of practice, protocols, guidelines and procedures are proposed in accordance with international best practices.
  • S-ER 3.2: Private sector engagement, through industry / sector associations, supported for a more effective and inclusive public-private partnership on food safety.
  • S-ER 3.3: Food safety performance of targeted value chains enhanced through strengthened compliance with food safety control solutions and access to related services.
  • S-ER 3.4: Enterprise productivity enhanced through quality management system compliance, value addition, and technology upgrading. 
  • S-ER 3.5: Networks/clusters and buyer-supplier linkages piloted for target value chains for enhanced market access.

ER 4: Consumers, enterprises, institutions and other stakeholders are more aware, informed and demanding of food safety and quality.

  • S-ER 4.1: Consumer-driven communication campaign implemented to change the social behaviour of consumers towards improved food safety.
  • S-ER 4.2: Producer-driven communication campaign implemented to strengthen awareness of commercial and public health benefits of compliance with technical regulations, voluntary standards, and market requirements for greater access to high-value markets.

 

 

Responsibilities

 

The Industrial Development Expert works under the overall guidance of the Chief, Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation, the direct supervision of the Industrial Development Officer responsible for the project and in close collaboration with the colleagues to support the mandate of the Division. She/he will be responsible for providing technical support to the smooth and timely execution of projects and be accountable for the achievement of project results as/if assigned. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

 

 

  • Execute and monitor projects/ programme implementation activities and services, ensuring that assigned inputs are high quality, delivered on time and within the allocated budget.
  • Coordinate the execution of the project, including as/if needed:
    • Supervising and coordinating the work of project consultants, partners and sub-contractors.
    • Preparing necessary inputs (work plans, consultant job descriptions, terms of reference, training arrangements, equipment specifications, etc.).
    • Monitoring progress and expenditures, preparing financial forecasts and budget revisions, including missions to project sites.
    • Participating in oversight meetings in the field and at headquarters and assists the Evaluation Group in its evaluations of projects/programmes.
    • Coordinate project communication and knowledge management activities.
  • Manage external relations by maintaining close relationships with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government institutions and international entities, locally based donor institutions, international financial institutions and regional development banks, the private sector, civil society and academia to establish collaborations and synergies.
  • Support advocacy, communication and global forum activities related to the progamme/project and aimed at strengthening public relations, including the preparation of promotional materials, organization of media events, dissemination of information on the project activities through UNIDO/project website and network of UNIDO offices.
  • In line with the guidelines and procedures governing the technical cooperation activities of UNIDO, contribute to planning funds mobilization strategies and cooperate with other units in-house in mobilizing the funds necessary for a follow up project and programme.
  • Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

 

 

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 requirements and desirable criteria

 

Education:

A first‑level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, international relations, engineering or similar field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or a Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.

 

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

 

  • 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): at least 5 years of relevant professional experience

-Doctorate: at least 3 years of relevant professional experience

  • Professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required. 
  • Knowledge and experience including the provision of technical assistance in the area of value chain development, trade competitiveness or quality infrastructure support, preferably in developing countries, is required.
  • Experience evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is required.
  • Experience in conceptualizing and/or implementing multi-country or multi-partner projects, is required.
  • Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle, is desirable.
  • Working experience in socio-economic analysis, indicator development and impact monitoring, and knowledge management systems, is desirable.
  • UN project implementation and field experience is desirable.

 

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English is required.

NOTE: 
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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