Senior Process Transformation & AI Integration Expert

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. UNIDO's mission is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9. The organization focuses on areas such as fair supply chains, innovation for food security, renewable energy, and digitalization. UNIDO operates through four enabling functions: technical cooperation, analytical and research services, normative functions, and partnerships. The Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy (SPP) oversees strategic planning, policy advice, and engagement in multilateral forums. The Quality Assurance and Safeguards Unit (SPP/SPM/QAS) within SPP is responsible for the project formulation, appraisal, and approval processes.

Job Purpose

To lead the diagnostic, design, and pilot phases of UNIDO's strategic review to modernize its Identification, Formulation, Appraisal, and Approval (IFAA) process. The goal is to enhance efficiency, agility, and quality by shifting to an upstream, advisory-oriented approach, optimizing workflows, designing differentiated pathways, integrating AI and digital tools, and fostering a culture of shared accountability.

Responsibilities

Lead the redesign and optimization of the IFAA process, including diagnostic reports, stakeholder analysis, benchmarking, and developing differentiated workflow options. Define AI logic and integration strategy for the project cycle, including functional specifications, human-in-the-loop protocols, and feasibility assessments. Model resource reallocation and efficiency impacts of process redesign and digital tools. Oversee pilot implementation, monitoring, training, and change management communication strategies.

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressive professional experience in international development, project cycle management, or organizational process transformation. Minimum 5 years of specific experience in redesigning approval/governance processes within complex organizations (UN, multilateral banks, large INGOs). Deep knowledge of Results-Based Management (RBM), Quality Assurance, and project design. Experience in process architecture, governance design, systems thinking, stakeholder facilitation, and political economy analysis. Experience in AI strategy, digital integration, and change management is desirable.

Skills

Process optimization, AI integration, digital transformation, project cycle management, quality assurance, change management, stakeholder engagement, analytical thinking, strategic planning, results-based management, systems thinking.

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