Policy Design Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working closely with national counterparts to address global and national development challenges. In Bhutan, UNDP has been a partner to the Royal Government for over 50 years, assisting in the achievement of national priorities. The organization is currently implementing the Country Programme Document for 2024-2028, which aligns with Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan. UNDP has played a significant role in Bhutan's transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) and continues to support the nation in overcoming socio-economic challenges while striving for sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Policy Design Specialist will be a key member of the Bhutan Innovation Lab, which was established to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in its development vision and economic roadmap. This role involves leading the design and delivery of policy innovation initiatives, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions that align with Bhutan's long-term economic transformation agenda. The incumbent will apply design thinking, user-centered approaches, and systems thinking to the policy development process, ensuring that policies are responsive, inclusive, and adaptable to the needs of the population. The specialist will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to co-create and iterate innovative policy solutions, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of government policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide advisory and technical support on policy innovation, assisting the Prime Minister and government agencies in developing critical policies using innovative tools and methods.
• Lead the design, prototyping, and development of innovative policy solutions, applying design thinking and systems thinking methodologies to create viable, scalable policy solutions.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and co-creation workshops with various stakeholders, ensuring that policy designs are grounded in real-world needs and insights.
• Support collaboration and communication among multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that design solutions are feasible and impactful.
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and new partnerships, supporting proposal and partnership development efforts.
• Ensure gender-responsive analysis and programming, integrating gender perspectives into policy analysis and recommendations.
• Document best practices and lessons learned from projects and partnerships, contributing to the knowledge base of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Science, Environmental Science, Engineering Design, or related areas. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in these areas combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in innovation management, design research, or international development, with proven experience working effectively in diverse teams. Familiarity with office software and web-based management systems is essential, along with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages. Additional experience in qualitative social research, human-centered design, and policy experimentation is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as Social Science (Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, International Development), Environmental Science, Transition or Complexity Science, Engineering Design, Communications, Business, or a related area is required. A Bachelor's degree in one of these areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in innovation management, design research, and international development, either in the public or private sector. Those with a Bachelor's degree should have at least 7 years of relevant experience. Experience in conducting qualitative research, designing policy experiments, and applying innovation to solve complex issues is essential. Prior experience in an innovation lab is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Dzongkha is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and practices in its hiring processes.