The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has announced an exciting international consultancy opportunity for qualified digital governance and trade facilitation professionals. The organization is currently recruiting a National Technical Expert – Digital Single Window Systems for Free Economic Zones, a home-based, non-staff consultancy role supporting a major digital transformation initiative in Tajikistan.
This role is ideal for professionals with strong experience in Single Window systems, e-government platforms, business process re-engineering, and digital public infrastructure, who are eager to contribute to sustainable industrial development under the United Nations system.
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About UNIDO and Its Global Mandate
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). Its mission is rooted in the Lima Declaration (2013) and the Abu Dhabi Declaration (2019), which emphasize industrialization as a key driver for poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
UNIDO’s work directly supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9): building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Through its integrated approach, UNIDO contributes to nearly all SDGs by strengthening industrial capacities, advancing digital transformation, and supporting policy innovation in Member States.
As UNIDO transitions from its 2022–2025 Medium-Term Programme Framework (MTPF) to the 2026–2029 cycle, new strategic priorities include clean energy, climate action, digitalization, artificial intelligence, gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable global value chains.
Position Overview at a Glance
- Job Title: National Technical Expert – Digital Single Window Systems for Free Economic Zones
- Requisition ID: 6869
- Grade: ISA-NOB
- Category: National Consultant
- Employment Type: Non-Staff (WAE)
- Duty Station: Home-Based
- Application Deadline: 27 January 2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)
- Vacancy Type: Internal and External
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
This is a temporary project-based appointment with no expectation of renewal.
Organizational and Division Context
The position is located within UNIDO’s Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), which leads the organization’s technical interventions in areas such as energy, environment, MSMEs, digitalization, and industrial policy.
Specifically, the role falls under the Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). This division promotes the adoption of advanced digital technologies and AI to enhance industrial competitiveness, foster innovation ecosystems, and support smart manufacturing, smart energy, and smart agribusiness—particularly in developing and emerging economies.
Project Context: Digital Single Window for Free Economic Zones in Tajikistan
The consultancy supports Project ID 230121, titled:
“Establishing a Single Window system for the facilitation of economic activity in free economic zones in Tajikistan.”
The project aims to design and implement a Single Window Platform that integrates government ministries, public agencies, and Free Economic Zones (FEZs) into a unified digital system. This platform will streamline investment approvals, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and enhance transparency.
By simplifying import, export, and investment procedures, the project is expected to:
- Improve administrative efficiency
- Attract domestic and foreign investment
- Boost trade competitiveness
- Create jobs
- Strengthen public-private partnerships
- Position FEZs as engines of regional economic integration
The initiative aligns with Tajikistan’s Digital Economy Development Program and the 2030 National Development Strategy.
Functional Responsibilities and Expected Outputs
Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with an International Lead Expert, the National Technical Expert will contribute across several technical workstreams:
Business Process Analysis (25 Days)
- Conduct comprehensive audits of existing FEZ application and approval processes
- Map workflows across ministries and FEZs
- Analyze international Single Window best practices (WTO TFA, CIS, global models)
Key Outputs:
- Draft process maps and consolidated datasets
- Summary of international Single Window standards
- Inputs for business process simplification recommendations
Gap Analysis (15 Days)
- Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and missing digital functionalities
- Compare existing systems against international benchmarks
Key Outputs:
- Gap analysis tables
- Risk log inputs and mitigation measures
- Targeted business process re-engineering (BPR) recommendations
Process Documentation (15 Days)
- Document all validated FEZ workflows
- Support preparation of functional and technical system specifications
Key Outputs:
- Process documentation
- Inputs for Functional and Technical Requirements Documents
IT Infrastructure Assessment (10 Days)
- Review existing IT systems supporting FEZ operations
- Identify integration, interoperability, and cybersecurity needs
Key Outputs:
- Infrastructure assessment datasets
- Draft technical and cybersecurity guidelines
- Recommendations for platform readiness
General Project Support (5 Days)
- Support reporting, outreach, and ad-hoc project tasks
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree or higher in Information Systems, Digital Governance, Industrial Engineering, Public Administration, Trade Facilitation, or a related field
Professional Experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience in Single Window systems, e-government platforms, or digital public infrastructure
- Proven expertise in business process re-engineering and interoperability frameworks
- Strong analytical and technical documentation skills
- Experience working with free economic zones, customs, or investment authorities is an advantage
Languages
- Fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) is required
- Knowledge of additional UN languages is desirable
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Core Values and Competencies
UNIDO professionals are expected to uphold the highest standards of:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for diversity
Key competencies include people-centered collaboration, results orientation, trust-building communication, innovation, and strategic thinking.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers a rare chance to contribute directly to national-level digital transformation, shaping how governments and businesses interact in free economic zones. As a home-based role with regional impact, it combines flexibility with meaningful international development work—ideal for professionals seeking both autonomy and purpose.
