2026 :UNIDO Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist| Home-Based Consultancy Opportunity
Are you an experienced researcher, policy analyst or international development professional looking for a home-based United Nations consultancy opportunity? The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is recruiting a Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist to support research and strategic partnership development focused on the European Union and the Europe and Central Asia region.
This is a home-based international consultancy for an experienced professional with expertise in research, policy analysis, international development cooperation and European Union institutions and policies.
Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist at UNIDO
The Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist will work under the supervision of the project manager for UNIDO project ID 200046, Reinvigorating a Business Model of Strategic Engagement with Emerging Donors.
The consultant will conduct research and prepare the narrative for an evidence-based publication examining UNIDO’s value proposition for the European Union and its Member States in the Europe and Central Asia region.
The publication will support UNIDO’s strategic engagement, partnership development and resource mobilization efforts. It will highlight UNIDO’s mandate, comparative advantages, delivery capacity, partnership models and results while identifying potential areas for future cooperation.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting extensive research and helping develop a high-quality publication for external audiences.
Key duties include:
- Conducting desk reviews of UNIDO strategic documents and relevant EU policies and frameworks.
- Researching EU external action, development cooperation, investment, industrial and climate policies.
- Examining frameworks such as the Global Gateway, Team Europe approach, EU enlargement policy, European Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal.
- Mapping UNIDO-EU cooperation, funded projects, funding trends and flagship initiatives.
- Identifying potential areas for future cooperation between UNIDO and European partners.
- Preparing a structured evidence base containing research, data, examples and case studies.
- Drafting a comprehensive analytical paper suitable for senior and external audiences.
- Incorporating data visualizations and relevant examples into the publication.
- Consulting with UNIDO technical teams and other stakeholders.
- Revising and finalizing the publication based on stakeholder feedback.
- Preparing a design brief and supporting the transformation of the manuscript into a professionally designed publication.
The position therefore combines research, policy analysis, strategic partnerships, international development and professional writing.
Education Requirements
Applicants must have an advanced university degree in economics, international relations, political science, European studies, public policy or a related field.
Alternatively, candidates with a first-level university degree or an advanced technical college diploma may be considered if they have an additional seven years of directly relevant professional experience.
Professional Experience
UNIDO requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in research, policy analysis, international development cooperation or a related area, including international-level experience.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of European Union institutions, policies and funding instruments.
- Experience producing analytical papers, policy documents or publications for high-level or external audiences.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
Experience working with the United Nations system or other international organizations is desirable. Experience coordinating research or publication processes involving multiple stakeholders is also an advantage.
Contract Details
The Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist position is classified at ISA-P4 level and is based entirely remotely from a home-based location.
The consultancy is scheduled to run from 12 October to 11 December 2026, for a total of 40 working days.
The application deadline is 4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM Vienna, Austria time.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply. UNIDO also welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodation where required.
About UNIDO
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the UN specialized agency responsible for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
UNIDO works with governments, development partners, businesses and other stakeholders to advance sustainable industrialization, innovation, investment, clean energy, skills development and economic opportunities.
Its work supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for professionals with backgrounds in:
- International development
- Public policy
- European studies
- Economics
- International relations
- Policy research
- Strategic partnerships
- Development finance
- Industrial development
- Climate policy
- Research and analysis
Candidates should be able to demonstrate substantial professional experience and a strong understanding of EU institutions and development cooperation.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official UNIDO Online Recruitment System before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that their CV and application clearly demonstrate their relevant professional experience, EU policy knowledge, research capabilities and experience producing high-quality analytical publications.
Job Title: Strategic Partnerships Research Specialist
Organization: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Grade: ISA-P4
Location: Home Based
Employment Type: NonStaff – When Actively Employed
Contract Duration: 12 October–11 December 2026
Total Duration: 40 working days
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
Sector: Research, Strategic Partnerships & International Development
Recruitment Contact
For questions concerning individuals or companies claiming to recruit on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment, applicants can contact:
Email: recruitment@unido.org
UNIDO states that it does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or recruitment fees. Applicants should disregard any request for payment connected with recruitment.
For applications, candidates should use the official UNIDO online recruitment system rather than sending applications directly to the recruitment email address.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced international development or policy professional seeking to contribute to UNIDO’s strategic partnerships with the European Union while working remotely.
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