Senior Expert on Local Economic Development (Publication Lead) – UNIDO

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is seeking a Senior Expert on Local Economic Development (Publication Lead) to support the “Green Industrial Recovery through Municipality-based Development in Ukraine” project. This consultancy focuses on research, analysis, and publication development to capture UNIDO’s best practices in supporting green recovery and municipality-based economic development.

About UNIDO

UNIDO is the UN specialized agency promoting industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. Its mandate, anchored in SDG 9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”), extends across all 17 SDGs. UNIDO’s work focuses on:

• Creating shared prosperity

• Advancing economic competitiveness

• Safeguarding the environment

• Strengthening knowledge and institutions

This position is located within the Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME), under the Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit. The unit builds national and regional quality infrastructure systems to strengthen MSMEs, facilitate market access, and promote participation in global value chains.

Project Context

The consultancy supports the project “Green Industrial Recovery through Municipality-based Development in Ukraine”, part of UNIDO’s Green Industrial Recovery Programme for Ukraine (2024–2028). The project aims to strengthen national and municipal institutions to drive green industrial recovery, enhance private sector competitiveness, and promote EU alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Senior Expert will:

Research and Synthesis

• Develop a structured research methodology (desk review, interviews, quantitative data analysis).

• Review existing UNIDO knowledge products, publications, evaluations, and project documents.

• Conduct interviews with UNIDO staff and key stakeholders.

• Map UNIDO service modules (cluster development, quality infrastructure, skills development, industrial diagnostics, etc.) at the municipal level.

• Extract best practices, systemic approaches, and partnership modalities from Ukraine and other contexts.

• Produce an inception report summarizing findings, methodology, and a proposed publication outline.

Drafting the Publication

• Produce a full draft publication (~45–50 pages) including:

  • Executive summary

  • Thematic chapters on UNIDO services and tools

  • Case studies and good practices

  • Data charts, visuals, and models

  • Recommendations for scaling municipality-based approaches

• Integrate cross-cutting themes: gender, environment, digitalization, partnerships.

Validation and Refinement

• Share the draft for internal validation and gather systematic feedback.

• Revise the draft based on inputs and stakeholder engagement.

Finalization and Handover

• Deliver a polished final report, aligned with UNIDO editorial and design standards.

• Provide editable visual assets.

• Prepare a 2–3 page dissemination brief and PowerPoint for presentation.

• Present the publication at an online validation/dissemination meeting.

Deliverables and Timeline

• Inception report: 8 working days

• Draft publication: 21 working days

• Validation and revision: 2 working days

• Finalization and handover: 4 working days

• Total: 35 working days (remote)

Qualifications / Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, business administration, international relations, or related field.

• At least 7 years of progressive professional experience in inclusive industrial development, local economic development, or MSME support, including international technical cooperation.

• Proven record in leading and drafting technical and policy publications.

• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex inputs into clear, policy-relevant reports.

• Excellent technical writing in English (required).

• Experience with the UN system, donors, or international development organizations is desirable.

• Familiarity with the global development agenda and economic transformation issues is an advantage.

Competencies

• Core Values: Integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity.

• Key Competencies: Results orientation, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and strong communication skills.

Job Details

• Title: Senior Expert on Local Economic Development (Publication Lead)

• Requisition ID: 6508

• Grade: ISA-P4

• Contract Type: Non-staff WAE (When Actually Employed)

• Duration: 35 working days over a defined period

• Location: Home-based

• Application Deadline: 22 October 2025 (11:59 PM, Vienna time)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the UNIDO recruitment portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join UNIDO and contribute to shaping knowledge on green industrial recovery and municipality-based development for Ukraine.