Project Assistant

The Business Innovation and Support (BIS) section has been established to drive business modernization and efficiency across UNICEF. The section supports staff globally and works closely with all HQ Divisions, regional and country offices for simplification and automation of processes applying LEAN principles and project management methodologies.

BIS is seeking a GS-5 Project Assistant to join the Digital and Data Innovation Stream under the guidance of the IT Officer, Network Administrator, NOB (Applications Support). This role will focus on supporting the implementation of the Boosting Office Operational Efficiency (BOOE) project, which addresses gaps in enterprise platforms by providing methodologies and tools tailored to meet the specific operational needs of UNICEF offices. The Project Assistant will also promote innovation and explore new technologies and practices within GSSC as well as in the broader UNICEF system. This role is pivotal to enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and advancing digital transformation efforts across UNICEF.

Summary of key functions accountabilities:

Project Support and Coordination:

• Support the implementation of the Boosting Office Operational Efficiency (BOOE) initiative.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and executing project activities, ensuring adherence to timelines, milestones, and objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including reports, proposals, presentations, and progress updates.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and consultations with stakeholders, preparing agendas and documenting key outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Act as a liaison between the project team, and stakeholders to facilitate seamless communication and alignment.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure project activities align with organizational goals.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and summaries to communicate project progress and achievements.
• Document meeting outcomes, decisions, and action items for effective follow-up and alignment with project goals.

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research on industry best practices, organizational agility, and emerging technologies to inform activities of the team.
• Analyze trends and provide insights to optimize strategies and implementation techniques.

Supporting Innovation:

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of GSSC’s innovation strategy.
• Support the development and strengthening of the GSSC innovation network
• Strengthen collaborate with universities and academic institutions to foster partnerships that drive research and innovation initiatives.
• Promote the adoption of design thinking and user-centered design methodologies to identify and solve challenges innovatively.
• Facilitate events/workshops to involve end-users in co-creating solutions that meet their needs and improve user experience.
• Assist in developing and managing tools, resources, and communication materials to support innovation initiatives.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

• Completion of secondary education (i.e., high school diploma) is a minimum requirement. University degree or master’s degree in the field of work such as business administration and innovation management are an asset.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience in innovation/strategy management preferably within the UN or other international organizations is required. A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field relevant to the position counts as three years of relevant work experience, while a completed master’s degree adds two additional years.
• Advanced proficiency in Office 365 products, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required. ·
• Familiarity with tools such as MS Power Platform, SharePoint, data management systems, and digital transformation technologies is desirable.
• Experience in a development organization with a multicultural and diverse environment is an asset.
• Work experience in partnership building with academic institutions is an asset. Experience in establishing and managing innovation networks, including connecting with external experts and facilitating knowledge exchange is an asset.
• Background in project setup and related communication is an asset.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/579933