Programme Analyst, Digitalisation and Innovation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for women, adolescents, and marginalized populations. UNFPA's mission is to promote the rights and choices of all individuals, and its strategic plan for 2026-2029 aims to accelerate progress towards the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) by 203

• UNFPA emphasizes collaboration with partners, sustainable financing, and evidence-based advocacy to address global challenges and protect past gains, particularly in fragile settings.

Job Overview:
The Programme Analyst, Digitalisation and Innovation plays a crucial role within the UNFPA South Africa Country Office, specifically within the programmes team. This position is responsible for integrating digital solutions, data innovation, and emerging technologies into UNFPA's Country Programme. The analyst will assist in identifying, developing, and scaling innovative approaches that align with UNFPA's transformative results, which include ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs for family planning, and combating gender-based violence. The role requires a proactive approach to drive the adoption of innovation through the development and implementation of a digitalization strategy, which includes researching and recommending technologies such as mobile health platforms and artificial intelligence. The analyst will also build capacity among staff and partners, foster partnerships with the private sector, and contribute to resource mobilization efforts. Monitoring the impact of innovation projects and documenting lessons learned are critical components of this role, ensuring that successful solutions can be scaled effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Analyst, Digitalisation and Innovation has several key responsibilities, including: A. Programme Management, Digitalization, and Innovation: Assisting in the development and implementation of the Country Office's Digitalization and Innovation Strategy, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNFPA's strategic plan. Identifying and recommending digital solutions that enhance the efficiency and impact of UNFPA programmes in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender-Based Violence, and Population and Development. Supporting the integration of innovative methodologies into programme design to ensure user-friendly and culturally appropriate solutions. Contributing to the analysis of trends in the digital landscape to inform programme formulation. Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of innovation projects by defining key performance indicators and synthesizing results. B. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Providing operational support to implementing partners and UNFPA teams on scaling digital solutions. Supporting capacity building initiatives for national partners and staff on innovation processes and technology use. Serving as a focal point for the innovation community of practice within the Country Office and promoting knowledge sharing. C. Partnerships, Knowledge Management, and Advocacy: Establishing strategic partnerships with private sector entities, technology companies, and civil society organizations to leverage resources for digital initiatives. Contributing to resource mobilization efforts by highlighting innovative components in proposals and reports. Documenting and disseminating innovation results and success stories for advocacy purposes. D. General Support: Standing in for other Programme team members as required and carrying out additional duties as assigned by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Innovation Management, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related area. Knowledge and experience in digital transformation, innovation management, or programme management in the public sector or development sector are desirable. Practical experience in designing and deploying digital solutions for social impact, particularly in sexual and reproductive health or gender issues, is preferred. Familiarity with innovative methodologies such as human-centered design or agile project management is a strong asset. Candidates should also have strong research, analytical, and report writing skills, and familiarity with UN procedures is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Innovation Management, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, International Relations, or Public Administration is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the digitalization and innovation efforts of UNFPA.

Experience:
The position requires 0-2 years of demonstrable responsibility, knowledge, or experience in digital transformation, innovation management, or programme management. Candidates should have practical experience in the design, testing, and deployment of digital solutions or emerging technologies for social impact, preferably in the context of sexual and reproductive health, gender, or population issues. Familiarity with the political, social, and economic context of South Africa and national development priorities is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Additionally, professional working knowledge of one or more official South African languages is considered an advantage. Working knowledge of another UN Official Language is also seen as an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.