Innovation Specialist, Strategic Coordination, UN 2.0

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Position Title: Innovation Specialist, Strategic Coordination, UN 2.0
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of innovation and transformation in its strategic plan (2022-2025) to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to recover lost gains in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Job Overview:
The Innovation Specialist will be a key player in the Innovation and Transformation Branch (ITB) of UNFPA, which is crucial for guiding the organization towards enhanced efficiency and impact. This position involves shaping and executing strategic initiatives that foster innovation and change across the organization in alignment with the UN 2.0 framework. The specialist will work closely with various internal partners, including the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director, Human Resources, and technical staff, as well as external partners such as UN agencies and donor countries. The role requires a collaborative approach to strengthen UNFPA's partnerships and support initiatives like the Equalizer Accelerator Fund and the WomenX Collective. The specialist will also provide managerial, technical, and coordination support to the Chief of the Innovation and Transformation Branch, ensuring effective implementation of various initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic implementation of UN 2.0 within UNFPA by operationalizing the UN 2.0 Action Plan in alignment with the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
• Identify opportunities to integrate data analysis, digital technologies, innovative approaches, foresight, and behavioral science into UNFPA programmes.
• Provide overall direction to HQ business units, Country and Regional Offices in integrating UN 2.0 Scorecards into their programme planning.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to UNFPA offices on UN 2.0 implementation, focusing on driving innovation.
• Foster a learning environment within UNFPA by sharing lessons on innovation and UN 2.
• Collaborate with technology companies, research institutions, and other UN agencies to access innovative solutions for UNFPA programmes.
• Advocate for innovation within UNFPA by building strategic partnerships with UN agencies, Member States, and other stakeholders.
• Carry out any other duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in developing and implementing portfolios related to innovation, digitalization, data, and strategic development.
• Strong understanding of the UN system and its development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Demonstrable experience in establishing and utilizing knowledge management platforms is an added advantage.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity building and training, preferably within the UN context.
• Good analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the UN system and knowledge of UNFPA’s work would be advantageous.
• Experience working in UNFPA program countries is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of global development challenges and to effectively contribute to UNFPA's mission.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to innovation, digitalization, data management, and strategic development. Candidates should have a strong track record of developing and implementing relevant portfolios, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of the UN system and its development agenda.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. 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. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.