Overview
The External Relations Officer contributes to the organization of UNIDO's policymaking organ sessions and coordinates strategic stakeholder engagement with Member States and non-Member States.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the organisation of UNIDO’s policymaking organ sessions, with a focus on in-session informal consultations.
- Co-lead preparations, conduct, and follow-up of pre- and in-session consultations on draft decisions, resolutions, and declarations.
- Review pre-session documentation and correspondence for alignment with United Nations editorial standards and UNIDO’s External Correspondence Guidelines.
- Oversee preparations, conduct, reporting, and follow-up of UNIDO’s programme of Development Dialogues and briefings to Member States.
- Follow up on outcomes of policymaking organ sessions and support preparation, execution, and follow-up of future sessions.
- Oversee preparations, conduct, reporting, and follow-up of UNIDO’s programme of Consultative Sessions.
- Coordinate the implementation of UNIDO’s strategic stakeholder engagement approach with Member States and non-Member States.
- Collaborate with relevant Divisions and Units to establish and maintain a robust Client Relationship Management tool.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis to strategize, guide, and support engagement activities for priority Member States and non-Member States.
- Coordinate a programme of meetings with key stakeholders to advance engagement efforts.
- Advise UNIDO Directorates, Divisions, Units, and Offices on various tools of engagement and key messages.
- Collaborate with relevant UNIDO Directorates, Divisions, and Units to ensure alignment and effective execution of institutional engagement activities.
- Coordinate strategic engagement activities to increase organizational visibility amongst target audiences.
- Coordinate preparations, conduct, reporting, and follow-up of the Director General’s programme of engagement with Member States and non-Member States.
- Advise on stakeholder management, particularly as regards strategic relations with Member States and non-Member States, partnership opportunities, and corporate outreach.
- Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director, GLO/PMO.
Required Experience
- A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s).
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent).
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience with a Doctorate.
- Progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including some at the international level, in external relations, international cooperation, policy or intergovernmental processes, including liaison with Member States and institutional partners.
- Proven skills and ability in identifying and resolving problems in the area of institutional external relations.
- Ability to deal with complex and sensitive issues through United Nations governing bodies.
- Knowledge and experience in dealing with diplomatic missions.
- Proven conceptual analytical and evaluative skills, and ability to conduct independent research in a meticulous manner and recommend solutions.
- Very good oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner.
- Strong interpersonal skills, proven ability to work harmoniously in a team and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), internet and content management systems (Drupal/TYPO3) is desirable.
- Experience with virtual conferencing platforms and related software is desirable.
Qualifications
- A first-level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) in International Relations, International Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Diplomacy or other closely related field, is required.
- An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) or Doctorate in the same fields are accepted with a reduced requirement for years of professional experience.
