Title:  Director, Division of Policymaking Organs

Requisition ID: 6641 
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: 179,367 USD 
Application Deadline: 15-Dec-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
Female candidates from all Member States are particularly encouraged to apply.

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 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 in Member States. The relevance of inclusive and sustainable industrial development 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 medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. 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 and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

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.

The Division of Policymaking Organs (GLO/PMO) is responsible for organizing all sessions of the UNIDO policymaking organs, such as the General Conference, the Industrial Development Board and its subsidiary organ, the Programme and Budget Committee, as well as any other subsidiary bodies and working groups established by those organs. This includes providing advisory and secretariat services to such sessions. The Division functions as the main focal point for liaison with Member State representatives. It therefore establishes, maintains and monitors the Organization's official engagements with Member States.

The Director for the Division of Policy Making Organs 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.

1. Main Responsibilities

Policymaking organ-related functions

• Develop a strong engagement approach to ensure high-level participation of Member States and partners at the sessions of the UNIDO policymaking organs and, with guidance from MD GLO and in coordination with ODG, organize and coordinate the sessions of the UNIDO policymaking organs.
• Act as the Secretary to the UNIDO policymaking organs and provide support to Member State representatives in accordance with established rules of procedures.
• Plan, coordinate, prepare, review and revise pre-, in- and post-session documents and other strategic documents of the Organization.
• Ensure draft resolutions and decisions that are tabled for endorsement and approval by the UNIDO policymaking organs are appropriately vetted and have received all clearances, including from ODG/LEG.
• Provide support to working groups established by or under the auspices of the UNIDO policymaking organs, including the provision of strategic content and administrative support.
• Oversee external relations functions and protocol duties and provide support services to the Vienna Chapter of the Group of 77 and ensure a continuous and productive dialogue and engagement with UNIDO's policymaking organs.
• In line with the Organization’s communications guidelines, prepare and review official correspondence of the Director General to high-level dignitaries in cooperation with relevant organizational entities.
• Carry out all protocol-related functions, including accreditation of members of Permanent Missions, issuance and update of a directory of Permanent Missions, preparation of official congratulatory and condolence letters, organization and provision of support services for high-level visits (Heads of State and other dignitaries) to UNIDO and the sessions of its policymaking organs.
• In collaboration with GLO/FPR, set up and maintain an adequate platform for the interaction of UNIDO with Member States and partner institutions.
• Advise the Director General on mechanisms and strategies to maximize the effectiveness of the policymaking organs and to introduce innovative practices for organizing the sessions of the policymaking organs.

Member States-related functions

• In line with the Member States Engagement Initiative (MSEI), act as focal point for liaison with Member States, non-Member States, regional groups, IGOs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on matters of policy and substance to identify and pursue strategic opportunities, in close collaboration with SPP/SEC.
• Enhance, in close cooperation with ODG/CCM, UNIDO's visibility, and strengthen the Organization's position among Member States via targeted and strategic advocacy and communication measures.
• In coordination with ODG, conduct consultations with non-Member States and other entities (IGOs/NGOs) with a view to facilitating their membership or relationship with the Organization.
• Develop and execute mechanisms and strategies to ensure the maximum effectiveness of high-level engagement with Member States and non-Member States and advise the Director General on the best approaches to such engagement.
• In collaboration with COR/DIT and in coordination with SPP/SPM, design and implement a digital platform to measure client satisfaction among Member States and funding partners to, among other things, provide inputs into the work of UNIDO entities with the aim of improving their operations.
• In cooperation with COR/DIT and in coordination with IET/PPP and IET/IFI, design, establish and maintain a state-of-the-art Member State, donor and partnership database where profiles, communication records and documents are entered and can be accessed by all personnel for interactive knowledge sharing.

Managerial functions

• Provide leadership to the Division of Policymaking Organs (GLO/PMO) in aligning the work programme of the Division with the organizational priorities and in this context, formulate, cascade, implement and report on the priorities of the Division.
• Manage the financial and human resources assigned to the Division ensuring appropriate delegation, accountability, responsibility, guidance and supervision. In this context, the incumbent is responsible for the collective results of the Divisional staff. 
• Ensure appropriate controls for monitoring and reporting; performance management; motivation of staff and other appropriate measures to ensure optimal utilization of the human resources. In the recruitment of staff in the Division, support the Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director to reach the organizational goals for improving geographical and gender balance.
• Support the Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director in other areas to ensure efficient distribution and coordination of actions; effective linkages; cross-functional teamwork; flow of communication lines and management information among different spans of controls.
• Support the Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director with other special projects and assignments that may be assigned.

3. 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.

3. Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:  Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in areas such as International Relations, Political Science, Public Relations, Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Economics, or field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible working 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 international conference management and organisation is desirable.
• Experience in leadership, high level negotiations and dealings with institutional stakeholders, requiring political astuteness and sensitivity, is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of another official United Nations language, especially French, is desirable.

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