Corporate Innovation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional intergovernmental platform established to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP is dedicated to generating action-oriented knowledge and providing technical assistance and capacity-building services that align with national development objectives and regional agreements, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization operates with a focus on collaboration and innovation, aiming to continuously adapt its knowledge products and internal processes to enhance its impact. ESCAP's secretariat is known for its inclusive approach, working closely with partners at the national level to foster development initiatives. The organization is characterized by a flat, non-hierarchical structure that promotes cross-collaboration among its divisions, ensuring that innovation is at the forefront of its operations.

Job Overview:
The Corporate Innovation Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing ESCAP's innovation capabilities and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. This position is designed to support the Innovation Team in implementing various innovation activities and training programs aimed at ESCAP personnel. The specialist will be responsible for coaching project teams in applying methodologies such as Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design to improve product development and strategic planning. Additionally, the role involves utilizing digital tools to enhance the usability and user-centricity of ESCAP's products and services. The specialist will also oversee the management of digital innovation tools, ensuring effective user onboarding and providing necessary training. The position requires collaboration with various divisions within ESCAP to drive innovation initiatives and support the organization's overall mission of sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Corporate Innovation Specialist will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Designing and implementing innovation activities and training programs for ESCAP personnel to foster a culture of innovation.
• Coaching project teams in the application of Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, and futures methodologies in product development and strategic planning.
• Assisting ESCAP personnel in innovating their products and services using digital tools, including managing licenses and providing training on these tools.
• Collaborating with the Business Automation Specialist and key ITS colleagues to develop automation solutions that enhance ESCAP’s business processes.
• Preparing, launching, and reviewing the annual Seed Funding exercise for innovative projects at ESCAP.
• Conducting the annual ESCAP Innovation Mapping Exercise and organizing innovation events and recognition activities.
• Implementing the team's Communication and Outreach Strategy, including content writing for various communication channels.
• Developing and maintaining a knowledge management system for the Innovation Team’s resources and outputs.
• Conducting innovation monitoring and evaluation activities to track performance against KPIs. 1
• Managing administrative operations for the Innovation Team, including procurement and coordination. 1
• Recruiting and mentoring interns within the Innovation Team as needed. 1
• Engaging in any other strategic initiatives as identified by the Innovation Team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Innovation, Economics, Information Technology, Communications, or a related field. A certificate course or a Master's degree in innovation methodologies and approaches is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of professional experience in the corporate innovation field, demonstrating proven experience in organizing innovation events and training programs, such as hackathons or open innovation challenges. Experience in implementing design thinking and human-centered methodologies is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Innovation, Economics, Information Technology, or Communications. A certificate course or a Master's degree in innovation methodologies is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the corporate innovation field. This experience should include organizing innovation events and training programs, as well as implementing design thinking and human-centered methodologies in various projects.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral, are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is 9 months, starting from November 1, 2026, to July 31, 202

• The position can be performed remotely or based in Bangkok, depending on the contractor's preference. If the contractor chooses to work remotely, they must adhere to Bangkok's time zone for collaboration purposes. Relocation to Bangkok is possible, and the ESCAP team will assist with visa procedures, although the contractor will bear the relocation costs. No travel provisions are included in this contract, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.