Date: Communications and Outreach Expert

​​Requisition ID: 5270
Grade: ISA-Specialist
Country: Austria
Duty Station: Vienna
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension
Application Deadline: 24-Mar-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations (COR), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible and accountable for the management of UNIDO’s human, financial and material resources, ensuring the capacity of the Organization to fulfil its mandate. The Directorate oversees a full range of corporate services to meet the support needs of the Organization, acts as a custodian for corporate management policies, and promotes a culture of cooperation, service orientation and corporate excellence throughout the Organization to deliver efficient and effective high-quality work and enable tangible impact on the ground to achieve ISID worldwide.

The Directorate manages the functions of the Ethics and Accountability Unit (COR/EAU), the Risk Management and Compliance Unit (COR/RCU), the Divisions of Financial Resource Management (COR/FIN) and Human Resources Management (COR/HRM), as well as the following Services: Procurement Services (COR/PRO); Digitalization, Innovation and TC Optimization Services (COR/DIT); Facility Management Services (COR/BMS); and Asset Management and Logistics Services (COR/AML). The Directorate also manages personnel security and safety matters. The Directorate ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant organizational entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

UNIDO InnoLab

The position is located under the Innovation Lab (COR/DIT/LAB). The UNIDO Innovation Lab (InnoLab) focuses on enabling organization-wide platform for advancing industrial innovation and digital transformation, with a dual mandate:

• Supporting internal UNIDO teams by integrating innovation methodologies and digital tools into technical cooperation projects and policy work.
• Designing and implementing standalone innovation programmes that leverage emerging technologies, new business models, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to scale transformative industrial solutions globally.

  As part of its portfolio, InnoLab leads ScaleX, UNIDO’s new flagship global innovation acceleration programme, aimed at de-risking market entry and scaling for startups, scaleups, and SMEs in emerging and frontier markets. ScaleX provides structured pathways to commercial adoption and investment readiness through:

  • Real-world testbeds, where companies can validate their technologies and business models in live market conditions.
  • Policy sandboxes, enabling regulatory experimentation to help governments adapt policies and create conducive environments for innovation.
  • Corporate-backed validation, engaging multinational enterprises (MNEs), local industry leaders, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to accelerate technology adoption and commercialization.

    FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

    Under the supervision of the Head of the UNIDO Innovation Lab and guidance of the ScaleX Programme Manager, the Communications and Outreach Expert will lead the visibility, stakeholder engagement, and outreach strategy for ScaleX. The incumbent will ensure effective storytelling, brand positioning, and digital engagement to attract stakeholders, secure partnerships, and strengthen ScaleX’s global presence.

    In particular, the incumbent will perform the following key functions:

    Strategic Communications & Content Development

    • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for ScaleX, aligned with UNIDO’s overall strategic priorities.
    • Create high-impact content, including articles, reports, case studies, and success stories, highlighting ScaleX’s impact and innovation.
    • Oversee the development of visual and multimedia content such as infographics, videos, and social media materials to engage global audiences.
    • Ensure that all communications materials adhere to UNIDO branding and visibility guidelines while effectively showcasing ScaleX’s unique value proposition.

      Media Relations & Public Engagement

      • Foster relationships with international, regional, and industry media outlets to increase visibility and thought leadership for ScaleX.
      • Draft and distribute press releases, op-eds, and media briefings on major milestones and partnerships.
      • Act as a focal point for media inquiries, interviews, and public relations efforts related to ScaleX.
      • Monitor and analyze media coverage and public perception of ScaleX to refine messaging and outreach strategies.

        Digital Outreach & Social Media Engagement

        • Lead the development and management of ScaleX’s digital presence, including website content, blogs, and social media platforms.
        • Plan and execute targeted digital campaigns to engage key stakeholders, including startups, policymakers, corporates, and investors.
        • Work with external agencies and digital partners to ensure a data-driven approach to online engagement, leveraging SEO, analytics, and paid promotions when necessary.
        • Identify and manage brand ambassadors and influencers within the innovation and development ecosystem to expand ScaleX’s reach.

          Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

          • Develop and maintain communications partnerships with corporates, investors, governments, and innovation hubs to amplify ScaleX’s impact.
          • Collaborate with UNIDO regional and country offices to adapt communication strategies to local market needs.
          • Ensure consistent engagement with UN agencies, development finance institutions, and strategic partners, aligning messaging with broader industrial development efforts.
          • Support event and partnership-driven communications initiatives, including co-branded campaigns, joint announcements, and partner storytelling efforts.

            Event Branding & Thought Leadership

            • Lead the branding, communication, and marketing efforts for ScaleX events, demo days, investor roundtables, and innovation summits.
            • Position ScaleX as a thought leader in industrial innovation, ensuring strong participation in global forums, industry conferences, and policy discussions.
            • Develop presentation materials for ScaleX leadership in high-level engagements.

              Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Reporting

              • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications impact, ensuring effectiveness in messaging and outreach.
              • Prepare impact reports, dashboards, and presentations showcasing ScaleX’s reach, engagement metrics, and brand perception.

                Use data-driven insights to refine communication strategies and increase audience engagement.

                MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS