Senior Expert on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development

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Website UNIDO

Senior Expert on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development

Organization: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Requisition ID: 6294
Grade: P5 (Senior Specialist)
Location: Home-Based
Category: International Consultant
Type: Non-staff WAE
Contract Duration: 30 working days (over a defined period)
Application Deadline: 18 September 2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna time)

Organizational Context

UNIDO is the UN specialized agency that promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) for poverty reduction, globalization, and environmental sustainability. Its mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.” UNIDO’s strategic priorities include creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness, safeguarding the environment, and strengthening knowledge and institutions.

This position is situated within the Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME), under the MSME Development and Job Creation Unit (TCS/SME/MDJ). The division works to strengthen MSMEs in developing countries by modernizing businesses, fostering innovation, facilitating access to finance, and building compliance with international quality standards.

Purpose of the Role

The consultant will develop a conceptual framework titled “Enhancing MSME Competitiveness and Sustainability: UNIDO’s Strategic Framework.” This framework will guide UNIDO’s role in advancing MSME competitiveness through integrated approaches that support sustainable supply chains, climate resilience, and food security.

The document will include:

  • Global context and challenges.

  • Principles of MSME competitiveness and sustainability.

  • Key sectors and value chains.

  • Emerging trends and barriers.

  • UNIDO’s framework for action, theory of change, and comparative advantages.

  • Partnerships, methodologies, and flagship projects.

  • Recommendations for UNIDO’s future MSME development strategy.

Functional Responsibilities

Main Duties

  • Develop the first draft of the MSME conceptual framework, including literature review, global trend analysis, SDG relevance, and portfolio mapping of flagship projects.

  • Prepare a final draft incorporating feedback from the MSME Task Force and the UNIDO General Conference.

  • Produce an information note on the framework for presentation at the General Conference.

  • Support conceptualization of the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the MSME framework.

Required Competencies

Core Values

  • Integrity: Work honestly and impartially.

  • Professionalism: Deliver results with commitment and responsibility.

  • Respect for Diversity: Collaborate inclusively across cultural and professional backgrounds.

Key Competencies

  • Focus on people and results.

  • Communicate effectively and foster trust.

  • Innovate and apply new approaches to development challenges.

Minimum Organizational Requirements

Education

  • Advanced degree in Economics, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, or related disciplines.

  • Specialization in cluster development is required.

Experience

  • At least 10 years of experience in MSME policy analysis and capacity building, including international-level technical cooperation.

  • Proven record of producing complex strategic and programmatic documents.

  • Experience with UN systems is required.

  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize information, manage data, and prepare evidence-based reports.

  • Strong knowledge of challenges facing MSMEs in developing countries.

Languages

  • Fluency in English (required).

  • Fluency or working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the UNIDO Careers portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Selected candidates may be required to disclose financial or personal interests.

Note: UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, or recruitment fees. Vacancies are advertised exclusively on UNIDO’s official website.

To apply for this job please visit careers.unido.org.

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