Global Lead - SPARK Innovation Award

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. With a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to providing support and resources to children and communities worldwide. The organization is known for its diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. UNICEF is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the right to education and a better future, and it operates with a strong focus on innovation and community engagement.

Job Overview:
The Global Lead for the SPARK Innovation Award will play a crucial role in providing strategic, operational, and community leadership for SPARK, which is UNICEF's flagship innovation platform. This position involves overseeing the successful delivery and ongoing development of various initiatives, including the annual SPARK Innovation Award, the SPARK Accelerator for UNICEF Country Offices, and SPARK Week, which is UNICEF's premier innovation event. The consultant will be responsible for enhancing UNICEF's innovation capacity by supporting high-performing teams and ensuring that innovative solutions are effectively developed and implemented across various regions. The role requires a strong focus on strategic leadership, community building, and resource mobilization to ensure the sustainability and impact of the SPARK program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and overall management of SPARK, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's innovation strategy.
• Lead the governance, design direction, and integrity of the annual SPARK Innovation Award.
• Act as the global innovation accelerator, guiding the development and implementation of innovative projects.
• Ensure that SPARK teams receive high-quality capacity-building support aligned with accelerator objectives.
• Oversee SPARK Week, ensuring it aligns with SPARK’s objectives and UNICEF’s overall innovation strategy.
• Develop and implement digital systems and tools for mentorship and community engagement.
• Foster a culture of innovation and community building within SPARK, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader innovation agenda.
• Lead strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the SPARK program.
• Provide oversight of SPARK portfolio learning, ensuring that insights and evidence inform program decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Innovation, Design, Technology, Public Policy, International Development, Business, Entrepreneurship, or Organizational Development. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience is required, including experience in leading innovation, accelerator, entrepreneurship, or design programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing global initiatives and building partnerships, as well as the ability to lead strategic programs that deliver measurable results. Experience within the UN system is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should ideally encompass areas such as Innovation, Design, Technology, Public Policy, International Development, Business, Entrepreneurship, or Organizational Development, which are crucial for understanding the complexities of innovation and program management within UNICEF.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 12 years in relevant fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading innovation initiatives, managing multi-stakeholder projects, and building communities and partnerships. The ability to deliver measurable results through strategic program management is essential, and prior experience within the UN system is advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 12 months, and the working arrangement is home-based. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from individuals with disabilities. The organization offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.