Background Information – Job-specific

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

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.

The 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.

We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights.

The goals of the UN Global Pulse Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

 

To achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse is looking for a Project Management Support – Officer (Innovation Scaling). 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 Senior Analyst (Innovation Scaling), the Project Management Support – Officer (Innovation Scaling) will be responsible for supporting tasks necessary for the successful delivery of the team’s activities. The selected candidate will execute the following duties:

Strategic planning and needs alignment support

• Support the development of the team’s overall strategy to ensure its activities remain responsive to up-to-date innovation scaling best practices and UN System needs. Where applicable, this may include supporting the reassessment of the UN System’s needs which will contribute to the planning of future activities in line with UN Global Pulse priorities.
• Support the management of the UN Innovation Scaling Group in collaboration with the UNIN coordinator. This may include supporting the development of an engagement plan for the efficient management of the group. The approach should include aligning the recommendations from Scaling the Summit report with the strategic priorities of both UN Global Pulse and UNIN for the sustainable maintenance of the group.

Coordination and activity implementation support

• Support the coordination of the UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator, including but not limited to providing cohort support, content review, assisting with reporting and drafting partnership agreements.
• Assist with the coordination and provision of technical support within the scope of the innovation capability advisory service to other areas of the UN Global Pulse network or other UN agencies, funds and programmes.
• In cooperation with the UNIN coordinator, support the Innovation Scaling Senior Analyst in the conceptualisation and implementation of activities (virtual, hybrid and/ or in-person where applicable) for the UN Innovation Scaling Group. This may include managing group communication channels, identifying creative ways to stimulate asynchronous discussion, encouraging knowledge sharing and engaging key experts to contribute to content creation.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework and support with data collection, analysis, and reporting at both team and project levels.

Partnerships, communication and outreach support

• Contribute to the communications plan developed with the in-house Creative Communications team to strategically and effectively communicate the team’s work both internally and externally to the UN System.
• Support stakeholder mapping and management to contribute to the UN Innovation Scaling Group’s activities as well as to increase visibility of the UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator and innovation capability advisory service.
• Support the team’s participation in advocacy events and speaking engagements by drafting key participation points which highlight the team’s activities and advocates for innovation scaling.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

In coordination with the Senior Analyst (Innovation Scaling), the Project Management Support – Officer (Innovation Scaling) will report on progress and assure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. The selected candidate is expected to exercise flexibility regarding the potential of dynamically adapting working arrangements so that outputs can be delivered. The position may require international travel.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Innovation Management, Social Sciences, International Relations or another relevant discipline is required.
• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) may substitute for some of the required years of experience.

Work Experience:

Required Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of experience in one or more of the following: Innovation Management, Project Management, International Development, Humanitarian Context or a related field.

Desired Experience: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply

• Strong interest in innovation and its role within a development and/ or humanitarian context is highly desirable.
• Experience in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and establishing online or in-person communities is a strong advantage.
• Data analysis, visualization skills and proficiency in related software applications (e.g. Adobe Illustrator) are a strong advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are an asset.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills are an asset.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning processes and/ or research is an asset.
• Experience in working with the United Nations or other multilateral organizations is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

 

Competencies

 

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

 

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.