UNOPS JPO - Associate Project Officer (innovation)

New York City

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: New York City
Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Project and Programme Management
- Innovations for Sustainable Development
- EXPERIMENTATION AND DIGITAL INNOVATION
Closing Date: Closed

Background

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the

United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding,

humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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. UNOPS is supporting the implementation of

the Global Pulse Initiative.

Established in 2009, UN Global Pulse is a programme of the Executive Office of

Secretary-General (EOSG) with a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe,

Africa and Asia. In support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, and in advancement of

the UN Charter, Global Pulse serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for

experimentation and digital innovation.

Global Pulse works at the intersection of digital innovation and the human sciences to

inform, inspire and support the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate

and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The Associate Project Officer (innovation) contributes to the role of Global Pulse to

drive the adoption of new and emerging solutions, services, products, and approaches

across the UN System. The incumbent will understand the importance of cultural

adaptation and the complexity of innovation processes as well as the positive and

negative implications of innovation, alternative approaches, and change. Ideally the

incumbent will have a thorough understanding of the role that human rights have to play

in the production and adoption of innovation.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of Global Pulse and working

closely with the senior management team and Squad Leads, the Associate Project Officer

(innovation) is responsible for the effective delivery of services in order to support the

mandate of Global Pulse.

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Associate Project

Officer (innovation) maintains a collaborative, client-focused, quality and

results-oriented approach.

The first year of the assignment will be based in New York, USA. The second year of the

assignment will be based in Kampala, Uganda.

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme:

The JPO Programme equips outstanding young leaders with the skills and experience required to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive difference in the world. As a pathway into the world of development, the programme offers young professionals excellent exposure to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development while providing a valuable entry point into the UN system.

During their assignments, JPOs benefit from the guidance of experienced UNDP staff members and are actively involved in supporting the design and implementation of UNDP’s programs within UNDP’s headquarters, regional or country offices.

Content and methodology of supervision:

As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:

Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO
Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results
Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment
Easy access to the supervisor
Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness
Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
Completion of the yearly UNDP Performance Management Document (PMD)
If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties

Training and Learning:

As part of the JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following training and learning opportunities:

Participation at the UNOPS Induction Course
Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide
Other training and learning opportunities, as presented in the UNDP JPO Orientation Programme
nline learning packages available for all staff

Duties and Responsibilities

Project support

Contribute to the definition and planning of project roadmaps for Global Pulse
projects supporting Common Agenda outputs and outcomes;
Support testing of solutions and processes by UN and external partners to
strengthen, adapt and improve the project’s efficiency and effectiveness;
Contribute to extracting insights from project data to support teams iterate and adapt approaches in lines with prevailing needs and operating environments;
Contribute to conducting feasibility studies that can help the overall
understanding of problem statements and challenges relevant to Global Pulse and UN partners;
Conduct research and search for new innovative ideas and opportunities for
Global Pulse’s work;

Knowledge management

Support the producing of concept notes, project reports, and other high quality
documents on innovation projects and activities;
Contribute to document tested innovation projects and processes and ensure
effective sharing and generation of knowledge around innovation throughout the Global Pulse Network;

Partnerships and communication

Provide support in developing partnerships and networks, including providing
inputs to support negotiations with inter alia data providers and other technical service providers;
Provide inputs to the communications team in producing relevant communication material including data visualisations and infographics.
Participate in meetings and conferences as needed.
Support is provided for development of new products and processes to include research components deemed to be strategic for EOSG and the broader UN System.
Innovation project management practices are reinforced for Global Pulse (and partner) projects that inform iterations as well as data and evidence for scale.
Lessons learned and knowledge from projects and innovation processes are shared across the Global Pulse network and with (when appropriate) partner organisations.

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. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilising 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 behaviour. 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree preferably in data science, international development, business administration, economics, computer science, engineering, design or other relevant discipline.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of paid, progressively responsible work experience in project or product support, particularly in the areas of innovation, data, research, software development or technology.
Experience in humanitarian, development or other public sector work is required.
Proven strong writing and communication skills including demonstrated experience documenting processes and writing research articles and/or project proposals;
Proven ability to manage relationships with partners, including government, universities, UN organizations, NGOs and the private sector;
Demonstrated ability to translate between data/science/technology and international development and humanitarian experts;
Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a dispersed team with members across various time zones;
Experience working in the field in humanitarian crisis is an asset.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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