Senior Programme Manager (Strategy lead – Global Data Access Initiative ), P4, Geneva or Copenhagen

Background Information – Job-specific

** The duty station is listed as either Geneva or Copenhagen where consideration may be given to allow the position to be in one of those locations.

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

UNOPS has been providing management services to the UN Global Pulse network and their initiatives since its establishment in 2009. One of their initiatives is called the Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI), managed out of the UNOPS Indonesia Office.As of 2023, the UNOPS Indonesia Office will provide operational services to the UN Global Pulse – Asia-Pacific Regional Hub.

UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse UN Global Pulse (UNGP) is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. We work in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in advancement of the UN Charter. UNGP serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. We have a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The teams work with digital innovation, strategic foresight, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. Our vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves to empower people and protect the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and science to inform, inspire and support the entire UN and those it serves, to anticipate and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches that help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability.

Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI)

UNOPS is seeking for the UN Global Pulse network a Strategy lead for the Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI) . The GDAI strategy lead will guide and oversee the initiative in different areas and ensure alignment with Global Pulse’s strategic objectives and overarching priorities as directed by the UNGP Executive Director. The Strategy Lead will identify and scope projects and use cases that are a good fit for the initiative and, in coordination with their supervisor and the entire Global Pulse’s senior leadership team, decide to strategically invest in select projects and use cases to foster the strategic positioning and evolution including setting the path to scale of the Global Data Access Initiative to deliver maximum impact in service of the well-being of people and the planet.

The Strategy lead will provide senior thought leadership in their area and will act as a representative of Global Pulse within and beyond the United Nations. They will participate in panels, working groups, and other relevant forums within and beyond the United Nations to articulate current and future challenges with regards to digital justice. They will serve as an advocate for a fair digital commons to shape current dialogue towards a more just and equitable future including our digital future.

GDAI is a UNGP initiative that brings together UN agencies and private, public, and social sector partners for the development of data and AI products as digital public goods (DPGs). GDAI aspires to catalyze the formation of a cohesive and responsibly open ecosystem of data and AI products and services that reduces inefficiencies in the development of digital solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian action—with an initial focus on natural disaster response and recovery—to accelerate attainment of the sustainable development goals.

The Strategy lead will develop and oversee the strategy for GDAI and is accountable for the successful implementation of GDAI and the delivery of impact through this initiative. The incumbent will be responsible and accountable for strategic input leading to the successful delivery of use cases, which is the mechanism to realize the GDAI vision. The incumbent will work with global partner organizations to ensure that input gained in the development of use cases support the progression and are integrated into the GDAI vision. The incumbent will ensure the institutional evolution of GDAI. The incumbent will ensure effective communication and liaison with the GDAI steering committee and ensure decisions of the steering committee are effectively incorporated into GDAI’s implementation.

The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility. The day to day management and supervision of this position is under the responsibility of the UNGP.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the EAPMCO Director and the technical supervision of EAPMCO Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

1. Programme Management

2. Thought Leadership
3. People Management
4. Coordination and Collaboration

1. Program Management

• Lead the initial definition and continued evolution of the GDAI Project.
• In consultation with partners articulate GDAI’s objectives and direction and ensure its alignment with the UN Global Pulse Strategy and UN 2.0 vision
• Directionally steer GDAI and assume accountability for the success of initiative.
• Define the impact horizon of the GDAI project, Assess and actively monitor the risk level of the project including the likely drivers of success or failure, and develop mitigation/adaptation strategies;
• Coordinate with Global Pulse’s senior leadership team and actively assist in the design of Global Pulse’s programme portfolio to ensure that Global Pulse (a) operates at the appropriate risk level across projects and programmes and (b) addresses current needs and anticipates future needs with appropriate impact horizons;
• Provide strategic guidance to activities and use cases that are a part of the GDAI project
• Troubleshoot and provide hands-on assistance in project activities need to refocus or are at risk of failure;

2. Thought Leadership

• Provide thought leadership to the GDAI initiative in particular, including the preparation of briefs and other materials for ESOG and others on an as needed basis
• Identify and participate in panels, working groups, and other forums within and beyond the United Nations to articulate current and future challenges with regards to digital justice in coordination with the strategic communications lead and in alignment with Global Pulse’s strategic communications and storytelling;
• Serve as an advocate for GDAI to shape current dialogue towards a more just and equitable future including our digital future;
• Establish partnerships, organize convenings, and author articles to position Global Pulse as a capable, trusted, and trustworthy player in digital equity and advocate for the fair digital commons;

3. People Management

• Provide strategic guidance to the GDAI team, assume accountability for the work of cross-functional project teams and supervise the streamlined execution of initiatives that are a part of the project working in close coordination with and providing guidance to the project manager;
• In coordination with capability and service leads, ensure effective people resource management and quality project delivery for GDAI
• Support the retention, development, and career growth of cross-functional team members;
• Hire and supervise dedicated project team members as required for GDAI;
• Lead by example, nurture a growth mindset, and actively build a collaborative team;

4. Coordination and Collaboration

• Identify new partners and efficiently leverage existing partnerships in close consultation and collaboration with Global Pulse’s partnerships team for initiative success and contribute to the continued alignment of partner engagement with Global Pulse’s network-wide partnership strategy;
• Drive the engagement with GDAI partners as well as identify and develop new partnerships in close consultation/ collaboration with existing partners and the Global Pulse’ partnerships team
• Proactively identify and surface the need for resources for GDAI, opportunistically surface funding opportunities, and work in collaboration with Global Pulse’s resource mobilization team to assist in the development of material as conducive to their work;
• Ensure that the project have a clear plan for monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with Global Pulse’s Monitoring & Evaluation team;
• Ensure that the project have a clear plan for scale to achieve long-term sustainable impact in collaboration with Global Pulse’s Innovation and Scale team;
• Identify the need for skills and other expertise across initiatives part of the project and collaborate with Global Pulse’s capability teams (data & AI team, anticipation team, behavioral sciences team, etc.) to identify needs for their expertise
• Contribute to Global Pulse’s network wide optimal allocation of people to projects across the portfolio.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of key results by the GDAI Strategy lead will position the UNOPS Global Pulse network as a capable, trusted, and trustworthy voice in digital equity and as an advocate for a fair digital commons. Successful initiatives will pave the path towards a more just digital commons. This promotes the image of UNOPS as an effective service provider and leader in digital innovation and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services at the global, regional, and local level.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

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, 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other relevant disciplines is required. A PhD degree is preferred.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 (seven) years of experience in data science, engineering, data protection, or data privacy policy is required;
• A proven track record of excellence in delivering and managing complex data and digital innovation initiatives is required;
• Experience in people management including coaching and career development is required;
• A minimum of 3 (three) years of experience working in unstructured and research environments including academic research is an asset;
• Proven track record of successfully working as a part of large, collaborative teams including distributed international teams is required;
• Experience in identifying opportunity, scoping initiatives with no guidance, and developing compelling pitches is a strong asset
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Knowledge of digital justice, digital equity, data sharing, the data/digital economy from a technical and policy perspective is an asset;
• Experience working with the UN system is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required;
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Fixed term Appointment (FTA)
• Contract level: ICA11/P4
• Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension 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 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.
• 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.
• Both Geneva and Copenhagen are family duty stations.

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.

How to apply

Click this link to apply