ICT Senior Analyst (Technology Innovation - Knowledge and Coordination)

Helsinki

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Helsinki
Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Innovations for Sustainable Development
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

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.

The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) 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
The UN Global Pulse (UNGP) is the UN Secretary-General’s innovation lab. Originally established in 2009 to harness the power of big data and artificial intelligence to protect the vulnerable during crises, UN Global Pulse operates as a globally distributed network advancing innovation in the UN’s work for people and planet. UNGP has developed new Terms of Reference as a result of a strategic realignment of the UN’s innovation ecosystem, overseen by the Secretary-General’s Executive Office and a cross-pillar review team, to maximize its impact. Going forward, UN Global Pulse will serve as the Secretary-General’s cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation in support of leadership priorities and in advancement of the UN Charter.

The UN Global Pulse works with digital innovation, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. UNGP’s vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves people, advances their sustainable development, and protects the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital 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.

The goals of UNGP are: i) Advance digital innovations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, respond effectively to crises, and address emerging global challenges; ii) Facilitate development of global frameworks that maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize the risk of harm, and create pathways to scale and sustainability; and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family into a more dynamic and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution.

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

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent of this position, in full coordination and collaboration with key internal stakeholders, will help UN Global Pulse align with its new Terms of Reference and better coordinate work between teams in different locations globally. The position will support the core work streams of the Finland lab and work closely with the other labs across the Global Pulse network, to coordinate project work between distributed teams.

Secondly, the position will support a variety of processes that enable projects and approaches to scale, increase adoption, or diffusion within and across the UN System, in field operations as well as at HQ entities.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Programme Manager (Helsinki), with a technical reporting line to the Innovation Strategist (substantive aspects of work) to manage, implement, coordinate and communicate UN Global Pulse’s work in collaboration with partners from the UN system, the private sector and academia. A key priority for this position is to explore ways UN Global Pulse can absorb new approaches more quickly, and more effectively.

The incumbent will ensure that the outputs and outcomes of the role are aligned with and support UNGP’s wider work on innovation, data, futures and foresight, behavioural science and digital transformation.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Knowledge Sharing and Documentation of Best Practices
2. Coordination and Technical Support
3. Analysis and Scaling Support
4. Communication and Partnerships

1. Knowledge Sharing and Documentation of Best Practices

Set up, create best practices for and maintain project management tools and repositories for the lab network.
Document tested innovation projects and processes and ensure effective sharing and generation of knowledge around innovation throughout the global Lab network.
Act as a focal point for partners and internal staff, and in general act as a translator between data science/technology and development/humanitarian subject experts to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration

2. Coordination and Technical Support

Coordinate and assist in Software Development projects, including project planning, task management, documentation and resource allocation.
Provide support to Global Pulse´s digital tool development, including coordination of user and feature requests, documenting requirements, and creating product roadmaps
Train users, create videos and other documentation aimed at increased adoption, and document processes and workflows related to the use and maintenance of software tools.
Act as the account responsible for toolkits with external user bases.
Coordinate, schedule and facilitate Global Pulse lab network project meetings and workshops.

3. Analysis and Scaling Support

Support the build-up of evidence and contribute to creating scaling pathways for projects within Global Pulse.
Apply relevant research, evidence and data-driven decision making to support Global Pulse and partners in the scale up of programmes, through assisting in documenting, codifying and disseminating key programme processes and lessons learnt.
Provide analysis of impediments, or areas that require adjustment for increased scale, adoption or diffusion

4. Communication and Partnerships

Contribute to producing concept notes, project reports, and other documents on innovation projects and activities.
Support the communications team in producing relevant communications material including data visualizations and infographics.
Provide support in developing partnerships and networks.

Performs other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Impact of Results

The incumbent will provide support to the core workstreams of the UN Global Pulse Finland lab and coordinate project work within the wider Global Pulse network. He/she will ensure that UN Global Pulse can absorb new approaches more effectively to enhance UN Global Pulse’s work on innovation, data, futures and foresight, behavioural science and digital transformation.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY Education:

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in information systems, computer science, innovation management, international business administration, partnership management, or related field is required.
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.

Experience:

Required:

A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in project, product or knowledge management support, particularly in the areas of innovation, data, research, software development, technology, or related field.

Desirable:

Experience in humanitarian, development or public sector work.
Experience working with agile project management in a technology development environment.
Experience with user-centered design.
Experience in coding algorithms and data analysis methodologies.
Experience working in the UN context.

Language Requirements:

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

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

Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract level: P2
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 Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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
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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of 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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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