Innovation Specialist

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Description

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The UN is undergoing a significant transformation to better address the complex challenges of the 21st century. This transformation, known as UN 2.0, focuses on strengthening the organization’s capabilities in data, digital technologies, innovation, behavioral science, and strategic foresight. These core capabilities are essential for the UN to effectively support Member States and deliver on its mandates, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As the UN 2.0 Strategic Coordination Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation within UNFPA. You will be a key agent of change, ensuring that UNFPA is equipped to leverage the power of UN 2.0 to achieve its strategic goals, particularly the three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. Your expertise in UN 2.0 methodologies and your ability to foster collaboration and innovation will be crucial in ensuring that UNFPA is at the forefront of this transformative process.

You would be responsible for:

Lead the strategic implementation of UN 2.0 within UNFPA:

• Support operationalizing of the UN 2.0 Action Plan in alignment with the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
• Identifying opportunities to integrate data analysis, digital technologies, innovative approaches, foresight, and behavioral science into UNFPA programmes and interventions     
• Giving overall direction to HQ business units, Country and Regional Offices in integrating UN 2.0 Scorecards into their programme planning.

Foster an innovative culture within UNFPA:

• Providing technical assistance and guidance to UNFPA offices on UN 2.0 implementation, with a special focus on driving forward innovation, in line with the new innovation strategy      
• Fostering a learning environment within UNFPA and sharing lessons on innovation and UN 2.0 within and beyond the UN.   

Build strategic partnerships and advocate for innovation within UNFPA:   

• Collaborating with technology companies, research institutions, and other UN agencies to access cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to advance UNFPA programmes.
• Collaborating with UN agencies, Member States, and partners to advance the innovation within UNFPA.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field is required.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience developing and implementing portfolios related to innovation, digitalization, data and strategic development.
• Strong understanding of the UN system and its development agenda, including the SDGs
• Demonstrable experience in establishing and utilizing knowledge management platforms is an added advantage.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity building and training, preferably within the UN context. .
• Good analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with the UN system and knowledge of UNFPA’s work would be advantageous. Experience working in UNFPA program countries is highly desirable.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2003/job/24267

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