Title:  Programme Expert

​Requisition ID: 6783 
Grade: L3 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Project-funded 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: 108,478 USD 
Application Deadline: 11-Dec-2025, 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.
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 reduction, inclusive 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 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 to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.

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, 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 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; and supports the implementation of particularly complex projects, programmes and special assignments, thus also fulfilling an important role in safeguarding their quality and the reputation of the Organization. The Directorate houses the Divisions of Policymaking Organs (GLO/PMO), Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination (GLO/RFO), Funding Partner Relations (GLO/FPR), and Investment and Technology Promotion Offices and Institutional Partnerships (GLO/ITP). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS).

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, country programmes (including Programmes for Country Partnership - PCPs) and monitors their implementation. The Division encompasses all the UNIDO field offices and the five Regional Bureaus: Africa (GLO/RFO/AFR), 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).

This position is located under the Regional Bureau for Africa (GLO/RFO/AFR), which covers forty-six (46) African countries located in the four Sub-Saharan regions of Africa (West, Central, East and South) that are home of seven of the eight African Union’s  recognized Regional Economic Communities (RECs), namely the: Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Community of Sahel– Saharan States (CEN–SAD), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These RECs are the building blocks of the African Economic Community (AEC). In addition, the Regional Bureau for Africa hosts the IDDA III Secretariat and acts as UNIDO’s Focal Point for the LDCs/LLDCs, RECs in the region, African Union Commission (AUC), AU Development and Specialized Agencies including AUDA-NEPAD, AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Africa Business Council (AfBC).

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 supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

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. Project/Programme Context 

In support to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and within the framework of the ongoing European Union (EU) - African Union (AU) partnership, the EU (DG INTPA) approved the Action Document for the programme entitled ‘’Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP), in the amount of EUR 205 million in November 2022 financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). ATCMAP will be developed through several regional components, building on existing or previous regional programmes (WACOMP in West Africa, MARKUP in East Africa, PIQAC in Central Africa, RECAMP and SIPS in Southern Africa. A single framework Action will ensure a structured approach and coherence between the different continental and regional components of the Programme, connect all these components, and maximise their coherence and joint impact with a common view to contribute to the AfCFTA and economic integration.

The overall focus of the Programme is on mature value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa, with market access challenges, through two pillars:

1. Supporting countries to benefit from trade opportunities by enabling them to conform with standards and technical regulations, requiring quality infrastructure and conformity assessment services: The programme will help the African countries to benefit from trade opportunities by being able to conform with standards and technical regulations, which requires establishing efficient testing, certification and accreditation mechanisms that conform to the requirements of the SPS and TBT agreements and benefit from international recognition.
2. Maximizing MSME export potential and access to new markets by overcoming constraints or developing enablers like value addition, and export capacities: In order to maximise MSMEs export potential and support them to enter new markets, the Programme will also address other market access constraints or enablers: enhance value addition and export capacities through marketing, labelling, branding strategies, sustainability and environmental issues, technology transfer and processing for export, business promotion through market linkages and capacitate trade and investment support institutions. Support will be provided both at institutional and policy level, as well as at private sector level, with a primary focus on selected key export-oriented regional priority value chains. Particular focus on intra-African exports as well as exports to the EU will be given, so regions can fully exploit their trade-driven growth potential, with a view to contribute to sustainable growth and jobs creation.

The Overall Objective (Impact) of ATCMAP is to contribute to increase sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade.

The Specific(s) Objective(s) (Outcomes) of this Action are:

1. Enhanced market access for selected value chains
2. Enhanced export competitiveness for SMEs in selected value chains

The Outputs to be delivered by this Action are:

1.1 Market access barriers are identified and reduced

1.2 Quality compliance and standards are strengthened

1.3 Facilitate a value-chain revision mechanism

2.1 Enhance value addition and diversification

2.2 SME capacities and opportunities for business and export are enhanced

The ATCMAP will contribute in particular to SDG 8 (Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all) as well as to SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).

Coordination among the continental and regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation.

ATCMAP is covered by UNIDO through the following projects:

• 240112 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) – continental component
• 240104 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) – Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Programme
• 240108 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regional programme
• 240111 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMAP) - Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
• 240325 - Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) – SADC Regional Programme

2. Responsibilities

The Programme Officer works under the overall guidance of Director, Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination (GLO/RFO); the direct supervision of the Chief, Africa Regional Bureau (AFR) and in close collaboration with AFR Programme Officers, field office colleagues and relevant technical teams to support the mandate of the Bureau.  She/he will be responsible for providing AFR’s support to the ATCMA Lead Division (TCS/SME) and Programme Managers for the management and coordination of the ATCMA programme, facilitating the contribution from field teams, and for regularly updating the Managing Director, Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO/OMD), as/if assigned. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide AFR’s contribution to strategic matters of the management and coordination of ATCMAP continental and regional components including the inter-agency cooperation with ITC.
• Contribute to the development, monitoring and updating of joint work plans

• Act as AFR focal point for internal coordination with technical divisions (SME, DAI, AGR, PST, IET/OMD, ECA, IPC), PMUs and field offices.
• Support AFR’s external engagement and relationship management with ATCMA Programme stakeholders
• Contribute to internal programme oversight and governance mechanisms as laid out in the ATCMA Programme Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):
• Support advocacy, outreach and knowledge management through contributions to communication materials and the promotion of knowledge sharing
• Provide AFR’s contribution to the mobilization of partnerships and complementary resources in support to ATCMA Programme from IFIs, DFIs and private-sector financing windows
• Contribute to identifying synergies and complementarities with other similar projects/programmes in Africa that align with the ATCMA Programme goals
• Support advocacy and positioning of ATCMA Programme in relevant thematic AU/EU global fora e.g. AU Summit, Intra-African Trade Fair, AfCFTA Forums, AU-EU Business Forum etc.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required, in line with the mandate of AFR and the implementation of the ATCMA Programme.

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.

4. Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, international relations, Business Administration, engineering or similar field relevant to UNIDO’s mandate, is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, including some at the international level, involving technical cooperation in developing countries, is required.
• Knowledge and experience including in the provision of technical assistance in the area of value chain development, trade competitiveness and market access, preferably in developing countries, is required.
• Experience in project management across all phases of the project cycle, is desirable.
• Good understanding of the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries, is required.
• Experience working with African institutions, including the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AfCFTA Secretariat, and other regional bodies, is desirable.
• Familiarity with the African development context is required
• Working experience in socio-economic analysis, indicator development and impact monitoring, and knowledge management systems, is desirable.
• Development project implementation and field experience, preferably in Africa, is desirable.

Language Skills:

Fluency in written and oral English is required.  Fluency or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations particularly French is an asset.

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