The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has opened applications for a highly specialized international consultancy role: International Technical Expert – Digital Single Window Systems for Free Economic Zones. This home-based international consultant position offers experienced professionals a unique opportunity to contribute directly to digital transformation, trade facilitation, and sustainable industrial development within a United Nations framework.
With a flexible non-staff WAE contract, a total assignment of 45 working days, and a strong focus on digital governance and economic modernization, this role is ideal for experts with proven experience in Single Window systems, trade facilitation platforms, and public-sector digital transformation. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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About UNIDO and Its Global Mandate
UNIDO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). Its mandate, grounded in the Lima Declaration and the Abu Dhabi Declaration, aligns closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable industrialization.
As UNIDO transitions into its 2026–2029 Medium-Term Programme Framework, it places increasing emphasis on renewable energy, climate action, digitalization, artificial intelligence, circular economy models, MSME development, and inclusive global supply chains. Digital transformation is a critical cross-cutting priority, making this consultancy role both timely and strategically important.
Organizational and Technical Context
The position sits within UNIDO’s Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) and is implemented through the Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). This division leads UNIDO’s work on applying advanced digital technologies to industrial ecosystems, supporting Member States in adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions while ensuring inclusivity, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
Through its work, the division helps industries transition toward smart manufacturing, smart energy systems, digital public infrastructure, and e-government platforms, particularly in developing and emerging economies.
Project Overview: Digital Single Window for Free Economic Zones in Tajikistan
This consultancy is linked to 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 support the implementation of a Single Window Platform that integrates multiple government ministries, agencies, and Free Economic Zones (FEZs). The platform will streamline investment approvals, licensing, import-export procedures, and administrative services for businesses operating in FEZs.
Expected project outcomes include:
- Reduced bureaucratic delays and processing times
- Increased transparency and administrative efficiency
- Improved investment climate for domestic and foreign investors
- Enhanced trade competitiveness and job creation
- Stronger public-private partnerships and regional economic integration
The system aligns with Tajikistan’s 2030 National Development Strategy and its Mid-Term Program for Digital Economy Development.
Key Responsibilities of the International Technical Expert
Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the International Lead Expert on Single Window Systems for Free Economic Zones will provide high-level technical leadership across several critical activities:
1. Business Process Audits (25 Days)
The consultant will conduct comprehensive Business Process Analysis (BPA) across all relevant ministries and FEZs. This includes mapping existing workflows, reviewing international best practices (including WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement standards), and identifying early opportunities for business process re-engineering and interoperability improvements.
2. Gap Analysis (15 Days)
The role requires identifying inefficiencies, compliance gaps, and missing digital functionalities within current systems. The expert will assess alignment with international standards and propose targeted digital and procedural reforms.
3. Process Documentation (15 Days)
All existing processes related to FEZ applications and approvals will be fully documented to support the development of Functional Requirements Documents (FRD) and Technical Requirements Documents (TRD).
4. IT Infrastructure Assessment (10 Days)
The consultant will evaluate existing IT infrastructure and define technical requirements for the Single Window platform, including cybersecurity, interoperability, governance frameworks, and data exchange standards.
5. Reporting and Advisory Support (5 Days)
The assignment concludes with a comprehensive final report, including recommendations, lessons learned, and a clear way forward for system development and implementation.
All activities are primarily home-based, with the possibility of short missions to ministries and FEZs if required.
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Required Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Information Systems, Digital Governance, Industrial Engineering, Public Administration, Trade Facilitation, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- At least 7 years of hands-on experience in Single Window systems, e-government platforms, trade facilitation, or digital public infrastructure.
- Demonstrated expertise in business process re-engineering (BPR) and interoperability frameworks.
- Strong analytical and technical writing skills.
- Experience working with Free Economic Zones, customs authorities, investment agencies, or regulatory bodies is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and government system architecture is an asset.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) is required.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.
Core Values and Competencies
UNIDO seeks professionals who embody integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, and a strong results-oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, stakeholder engagement abilities, innovative thinking, and the capacity to work effectively in multicultural environments.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers more than just professional advancement—it provides a chance to shape national digital infrastructure, improve governance efficiency, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. As a home-based international assignment, it also offers flexibility while maintaining meaningful global impact.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through UNIDO’s official recruitment system. UNIDO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
