Programme Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States, aligning with SDG-9 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNIDO's strategic framework (MTPF 2026-2029) focuses on fair and sustainable supply chains, hunger reduction through innovation, clean energy, and climate action, supported by technical cooperation, analytical services, normative functions, and partnerships. This position is located within the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (GLO/RFO/LAC), part of the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Offices (GLO/RFO) under the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO). The Division coordinates UNIDO's field representation, determines programmatic priorities, and facilitates the development and monitoring of regional strategies and country programmes.

Job Purpose

To contribute to UNIDO's mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development by developing, implementing, and monitoring technical cooperation programmes and fostering partnerships within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, ensuring programmatic coherence and effective service delivery.

Responsibilities

Backstop assigned countries and support UNIDO field offices. Ensure coordinated communication with the regional network of field offices. Maintain relations with stakeholders and prepare background/briefing notes for meetings. Formulate effective and innovative cooperation strategies and technical assistance programmes for the region, based on country priorities and UNIDO strategies. Lead or actively participate in project and programme development, including identification, formulation, implementation, and monitoring at national and sub-regional levels. Develop country, regional, and partnership strategies and programmes linked to national development priorities and the UNIDO mandate. Provide backstopping and monitoring support for the Bureau's workplan and programmatic coherence of technical cooperation. Establish close linkages with UNIDO institutions in the field. Collaborate with national, regional, and partner institutions, including Permanent Missions, to strengthen relationships and information flow. Collaborate with other UNIDO units on organizing conferences and global forum activities. Monitor the country programme portfolio and project implementation, including the LAC Regional Programme 2026-2030. Provide substantive inputs and backstopping for Director General's missions to the region. Act as a Team Member in UNIDO programmes, promoting services and mobilizing resources from various partners. Support the implementation of UNIDO’s SDG9 Accelerator, its online platform, and South-south and triangular cooperation Mechanism. Contribute to results-based reporting, including progress and annual reports, ensuring accuracy and evidence-based analysis.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience with a first-level university degree; 5 years with an advanced university degree; or 3 years with a Doctorate. This experience must include economic development, programme management, and technical cooperation in developing countries, with some at the international level. Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle is required. Exposure to the needs, conditions, and problems affecting the Latin America and the Caribbean region is desirable. Experience in programme/project monitoring, reporting, and evaluation within a development or UN context is desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, synthesize, and interpret complex data, identify key trends, issues, and risks, and translate them into actionable recommendations. Ability to collaborate effectively across units and with external stakeholders (e.g., field offices, UN partners). Functional competence in continuously developing and maintaining expertise, staying informed of industry trends and best practices, applying knowledge to improve results and decision-making, adopting new tools and technologies, and taking ownership of professional development.

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