Liaison Officer

Requisition ID: 3582 
Grade: P3 
Country: United States 
Duty Station: New York 
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: 120,804 USD 
Application Deadline: 2 July 2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

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 (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 Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

Each of these thematic priorities contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented 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. These core functions are carried out in Directorates in UNIDO Headquarters, as well as Field and Liaison 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; 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 position is located in the Liaison Office New York (GLO/FLS/NYO). The Liaison Office ensures the effective promotion and representation of UNIDO at the UN in New York. It maintains close contact and communication with Permanent Missions of Member States to the UN; raises awareness of and support for UNIDO’s mandate, programmes and activities; represents UNIDO in meetings of intergovernmental and inter-agency bodies; promotes partnerships and cooperation with the organizations of the United Nations System, civil society, academia and the private sector; and reports back to UNIDO on major trends and developments as well as partnership and funding opportunities.

The Liaison Officer works under the direct supervision of the Director of the office, and in close collaboration with other colleagues to support the mandate of the office.

At the P3 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.

Main Responsibilities

The incumbent shall carry out the following functions to achieve the results of the Office and the outcomes of Directorate:

• In coordination with the Director, represents UNIDO and delivers statements and interventions on behalf of the Organization, as appropriate, in inter-governmental processes such as sessions of the General Assembly and its Committees (particularly the Committee on Economic Affairs – Second Committee); relevant segments of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), including the High-level Political Forum (HLPF); and informal consultations of Member States, thereby contributing to ensure visibility and effective positioning of UNIDO.
• Represents UNIDO in UN inter-agency processes, working groups and task forces to ensure that UNIDO’s mandate and priorities are effectively reflected in UN system-wide strategies, initiatives and reports.  
• Represents UNIDO, as appropriate, in meetings and conferences outside the UN by effectively advocating the Organization’s positions.
• Prepares strategies and position papers to ensure UNIDO’s participation and positioning in important international development fora and debates, including those for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to promote UNIDO’s role as custodian agency of SDG 9 (industry indicators). Analyses development debates and political trends at UN Headquarters New York for provision to UNIDO Headquarters.
• Drafts UNIDO’s contribution to Reports of the Secretary-General and other UN reports on issues of direct relevance to the mandate of UNIDO and consolidates related inputs of technical divisions; leads the preparation of the biennial Industrial Development Cooperation Report of the Director General.
• Prepares speeches and presentations for delivery by the Director in inter-governmental, inter-agency and other fora.
• Engages with working-level diplomats of Permanent Missions in New York with a view to soliciting their support to UNIDO’s mandate and work, and to ensure rapid responses to their needs. Also facilitates the participation of New York-based Permanent Representatives in sessions of UNIDO’s Vienna-based Governing Bodies.
• Develops targeted advocacy, outreach and communication strategies and activities of the office to promote the mandate, role and activities of UNIDO with relevant stakeholders, including through social media, in close coordination with UNIDO HQ.
• Supports the identification and development of new strategic partnerships with sister agencies and other actors, including the private sector, to increase the impact of UNIDO’s work, and contributes to maintaining a close liaison function with the UN Secretariat.
• Coordinates the organization of UNIDO events and conferences (e.g. Africa Industrialization Day in New York) to increase UNIDO’s outreach and impact.
• Supports the Director in preparing UNIDO’s participation in the UN Chief Executives Board (CEB), High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP), UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), and related bodies.
• Facilitates, in close consultation with the Director, UNIDO’s Secretariat function in Member State negotiations on the biennial Industrial Development Cooperation Resolution in the Second Committee of the General Assembly.
• Acts as alternate allotment holder for the office budget and UNIDO projects directly managed by the New York Office; supervises and guides temporary staff (consultants, interns) affiliated with the office.
• Supports the preparation of missions of the Director General and other senior staff to New York, including the design and implementation of mission programmes, and follow-up thereto.
• Performs other relevant duties and assignments as requested by the Director.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education:

Advanced university level degree (master’s or equivalent) in Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant field is required.

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in international development in a multilateral cooperation context with focus on sustainable economic development issues is required; several years of experience with the United Nations/international organizations and/or with inter-governmental processes is required; work experience in developing countries is required; experience in communications, analytical work and planning and organizing is required.  

Languages:

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

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.

NOTE: UNIDO professional level applicants are required to have served at least one year in their current position, if applying for a higher-level position. However, the seniority-in-grade requirements for applying for higher level positions, as per paragraphs 18 and 78 of the HRMF, have been waived.

UNIDO General Service applicants are required to be at least at the GS-5 level; to have served in their current position for at least two years; and to have served in UNIDO for at least five years.

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: [email protected]