In an era defined by rapid technological change, environmental urgency, and shifting global value chains, the transformation of industry has become a central pillar of sustainable development. At the heart of this transformation is Industry 4.0—the integration of digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, data, and sustainability principles into industrial systems.
To support countries and enterprises in navigating this transition, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional to join its work as an Associate Expert on Industry 4.0 transformation methodology and programme design.
This home-based international consultancy role sits at the intersection of innovation, policy, and practical implementation. It offers a unique chance to contribute directly to shaping how manufacturing SMEs adopt smart, green, and inclusive industrial practices—particularly in the Western Balkans—while working within a globally respected UN organization.
UNIDO’s Mission and the Importance of Industry 4.0
UNIDO is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). Its mandate, grounded in the Lima Declaration (2013) and the Abu Dhabi Declaration (2019), aligns industrial development with poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and inclusive globalization.
This mission is strongly linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9): Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. However, UNIDO’s work also contributes across the entire SDG framework, recognizing that modern industry influences employment, energy, climate action, food systems, and global supply chains.
As UNIDO transitions from its 2022–2025 Medium-Term Programme Framework (MTPF) toward the 2026–2029 cycle, the organization is sharpening its focus on forward-looking priorities. These include renewable and clean energy, climate action, digitalization and artificial intelligence, circular economy, skills development, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Industry 4.0 plays a crucial role across all these areas, acting as a catalyst for productivity, innovation, and sustainability.
The Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI)
The position is hosted within UNIDO’s Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). This division supports Member States in leveraging the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—such as smart manufacturing systems, digital factories, AI, and cyber-physical systems—to enhance industrial competitiveness while mitigating negative impacts on jobs and working conditions.
TCS/DAI promotes innovation ecosystems that integrate manufacturing firms, digital service providers, entrepreneurs, and institutions. Its work emphasizes helping developing and emerging economies technologically catch up, rather than fall behind more advanced industrialized nations. Through applied innovation, capacity development, and policy advice, the division enables smart manufacturing, smart energy, and smart agribusiness solutions that are both inclusive and sustainable.
Project Context: Industry 4.0 for the Western Balkans
This consultancy is linked to the project “Fostering Industry 4.0 for green transition and circular economy in the Western Balkans” (Project ID 230258). Building on earlier phases, including the establishment of the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center (SMIC) in Novi Sad, the project aims to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and integrate Western Balkan SMEs into the wider European industrial and technological landscape.
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In close collaboration with governments, innovation centers, and international partners—including the European Union—the project supports SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 solutions that drive green transition and circular economy practices. A core outcome of this initiative is the development and piloting of a comprehensive “Factory of the Future” transformation methodology and toolkit.
The Role: Associate Expert on Industry 4.0 Transformation
As an Associate Expert, you will work under the supervision of the Project Manager at UNIDO Headquarters and in close collaboration with international and national experts. The role is home-based, with limited travel (including short-term engagement in Serbia), and is offered as a Non-Staff, Work Against Expenditure (WAE) international consultancy.
Your contribution will be instrumental in translating complex Industry 4.0 concepts into practical, scalable tools that manufacturing SMEs can realistically adopt.
Key Responsibilities and Expected Outputs
1. Developing the “Factory of the Future” Transformation Methodology (10 days)
You will support the Lead Expert in designing a comprehensive transformation methodology that serves as the strategic backbone of the SMIC Transformation Toolkit. This methodology will define the conceptual structure, logic, and process flow guiding SMEs on their journey toward smart and sustainable manufacturing.
Key contributions include:
- Structuring the SME transformation pathway along digital and green maturity stages.
- Defining the role of SME advisors in facilitating transformation.
- Mapping interlinkages between toolkit components such as the Maturity Scan, Transformation Plan, Implementation Guide, and Training & Certification Programme.
- Integrating governance and support mechanisms, including advisor certification and SME–advisor matchmaking.
- Embedding seven transformation areas: advanced manufacturing technologies, digital factory, eco-factory, customer-focused engineering, human-centered organization, smart manufacturing, and value-chain-oriented open factory.
This methodology will function as a one-stop strategic reference for implementing Industry 4.0 accelerator programmes.
2. Developing the “Factory of the Future” Transformation Toolkit (25 days)
You will assist in designing the practical tools that operationalize the methodology:
- Advanced Manufacturing Maturity Scan: A structured assessment framework with indicators, scoring criteria, and benchmarking logic to evaluate SMEs’ Industry 4.0 readiness.
- Transformation Plan Methodology and Template: A standardized approach enabling SMEs to analyze performance gaps, prioritize actions, and integrate digital, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions.
- Implementation Journey Guide: A hands-on guide for SME advisors to translate plans into actionable steps, with milestones, KPIs, and monitoring tools.
- Training Programme and Certification Framework: A comprehensive training and certification scheme for SME advisors, covering learning outcomes, delivery methods, assessment, and quality assurance.
These tools are designed to be scalable, practical, and adaptable across different industrial contexts.
3. Piloting the Toolkit and Accelerator Programme (4 days)
You will support the pilot phase by:
- Contributing to a three-day train-the-trainers workshop for at least 10 SME advisors.
- Supporting the launch of a pilot accelerator programme for 10 manufacturing SMEs.
- Collecting feedback, documenting lessons learned, and contributing to recommendations for scaling up the initiative.
4. General and Ad Hoc Tasks (1 day)
You may also support reporting, outreach, and other project-related tasks as required by the Project Manager.
Qualifications and Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates should bring a strong blend of technical expertise and practical experience:
- Education: Advanced university degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing systems, economics, innovation or technology management, or a related field.
- Experience: At least three years of professional experience in smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 strategy, industrial modernization, or SME digital transformation.
- Proven experience in developing transformation methodologies or maturity models.
- Strong analytical and technical writing skills, with the ability to translate complex frameworks into SME-friendly tools.
- Experience in sustainability, circular economy, or environmental aspects of manufacturing is an advantage.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
UNIDO also values strong alignment with its core competencies: integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, people-centered collaboration, results orientation, trust-based communication, and innovation.
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Why Apply?
This role offers a rare opportunity to:
- Shape cutting-edge Industry 4.0 methodologies with real-world impact.
- Work flexibly in a home-based international consultancy.
- Contribute to sustainable industrial development and green transition in emerging economies.
- Collaborate with UN experts, governments, and innovation ecosystems across Europe.
Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply, in line with UNIDO’s commitment to gender equality.
Application Details
- Position Title: Associate Expert on Industry 4.0 transformation methodology and programme design
- Grade: ISA-P2
- Duty Station: Home-based
- Employment Type: Non-Staff (WAE)
- Application Deadline: 25 December 2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna time)
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.
