Overview

The UNIDO Project Associate – Industrial Futures Talent Initiative (IFTI) 2026 is a highly competitive early-career opportunity offered by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) designed for young professionals from underrepresented countries.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting research on economic, industrial, and environmental topics
Preparing reports, presentations, and analytical documents
Supporting project design, monitoring, and evaluation
Maintaining documentation and institutional records
Assisting in organizing events, trainings, and missions
Contributing to policy and technical cooperation activities

Requirements

Age between 23 and 28 years old
Bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement)
At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
Experience in industrial development, sustainability, economic competitiveness, and technical cooperation (desirable)
National of eligible underrepresented UNIDO Member States
Fluency in English; additional UN language (desirable)
Interest in sustainable industrial development; experience in multicultural environments (advantage)

Benefits

Competitive salary of approximately EUR 4,000 gross per month
Air travel allowance (to and from Vienna)
50% medical insurance subsidy
Professional development with exposure to real UNIDO programmes and hands-on experience
Mentorship and support through a structured mentoring programme
Work in a multicultural UN setting