Background Information – Job-specific

 

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse.

UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse is the Secretary General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

To achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse is looking for an Innovation Scaling Lead. The Innovation Scaling team (‘the team’) in UN Global Pulse Finland was initiated to support the Executive Office of the Secretary-General’s Quintet of Change priorities outlined in the Secretary-General’s report on Our Common Agenda (OCA) for a ‘next-generation UN’. The team initially focused on evolving the UN Global Pulse network’s experimentation portfolio towards one with 1.) Clearly defined, needs-driven experiments which are scalable by UN partners, and 2.) Validated innovations which are sustained within the UN System with clear scaling pathways for sustainable impact and systemic change beyond mandate silos.

The team has now expanded its focus to equip the wider UN System with capabilities to use innovation for improved delivery on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and OCA priorities. A 2022/2023 research exercise (Scaling the Summit) conducted by the team looked at innovation scaling practices within the UN System; it identified significant barriers in the existing support mechanisms for scaling innovations and in facilitating their widespread adoption. In response to this, the team’s activities have been set up to make innovation scaling knowledge and support more available broadly across the UN System. Amongst the team’s activities are the:

1. UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator, a structured programme for innovations from across the UN System to develop scale strategies and receive catalytic support to implement the strategies.
2. Innovation capability advisory service, to provide tailored support and advice to any UN agencies, funds and programmes (including other parts of the UN Global Pulse network) seeking to embed capabilities within their entities to enable innovation scaling.
3. UN Innovation Scaling Group, a special interest group co-managed with the UN Innovation Network (UNIN) to serve as the go-to space for UN colleagues to share experiences and knowledge around innovation scaling.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes of UN Global Pulse Finland, the incumbent will execute the following duties:

1. Strategic Planning and thought leadership

2. Programme Management

3. Team Leadership

4. Collaboration and Resource Mobilization

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in a field related to Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Competencies

 

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-term staff contract
Contract level: P3
Contract duration: ‘One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability’

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

 

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This position will be based in Helsinki, Finland which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.