The Position:

The ICT for Programme Delivery Specialist will be responsible for managing and integrating ICT solutions into UNFPA’s programmatic work. Within the core Information Technology Solutions Office (ITSO) team, the position will play a crucial part in identifying, evaluating, and implementing cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance the organization’s ICT capabilities and support its mission.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

ICT for programme delivery, Innovation and Digital are key strategic goals in the ICT Strategic plan, which the ICT for Programme specialist will contribute significantly to the achievement of these goals. The incumbent will support the establishment and implementation of the Center of Excellence for Programme IT to accelerate the evaluation and piloting of technology solutions to deliver business value.

You would be responsible for:

The ICT for Programme specialist plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and ensuring effective knowledge exchange practices within UNFPA’s ICT landscape. The individual will champion the exploration and implementation of frontier technologies, foster a culture of knowledge sharing, and develop strategies to leverage ICT for enhanced organizational impact.

A. Fostering the Use of Frontier Technology

• Identify emerging ICT trends and technologies with potential applications for UNFPA’s Programmes.
• Collaborate with Country Offices and business units to pilot and scale up innovative ICT initiatives.
• Provide normative guidance and support to project teams in the design and implementation of frontier technology projects.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Ensure that the use of frontier technologies aligns with UNFPA’s ethical principles, data privacy standards, and commitment to human rights.
• Collaborate with technical teams to integrate ICT solutions into existing and new programmes, ensuring they are tailored to meet the specific needs of different contexts.

B. Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

• Monitor and evaluate capacity building activities on ICT initiatives with business units to assess their impact and effectiveness.
• Establish and nurture communities of practice where staff and partners can share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in utilizing ICT for Programme.
• Develop and implement knowledge exchange strategies and systems to capture, organize, and share information and best practices within UNFPA.
• Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and learning within the organization through training, workshops, and other capacity-building initiatives.
• Provide input to the process of identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant knowledge and evidence.

C. Partnership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with UN agencies, government partners, and other stakeholders to align ICT initiatives, exchange knowledge and best practices in ICT for development.
• Build partnerships with external organizations, including tech companies, research institutions, and NGOs, to leverage expertise and resources for ICT innovation and knowledge management.
• Represent UNFPA in relevant forums, conferences, and working groups related to ICT innovation and knowledge management.
• Support efforts for knowledge sharing and lessons learned with Country Offices and other business units.
• Provide programmatic and logistical arrangement to ITSO events, webinars and workshops.

D. Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master’s level) in business administration, public health, ICT, data science, international development or related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience, especially in the fields of information technology implementation, digitalization and health, social innovation and entrepreneurship;
• Experience in managing projects and partnerships with a focus on implementing technology and innovation initiatives.
• Familiarity with the UN procurement system is an asset.
• Experience in establishing and using knowledge management platforms and innovation management platforms.
• Experience with reviewing research, evidence, and innovative models applying frontier technology for improving health systems, data for decision-making, providers and other users’ skills.
• Good analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
• Good network with the academic, development, and innovation community is an asset.
• Field experience is a strong asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of other working languages of the UN is an asset.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System,
• Embracing diversity in all its forms,
• Embracing change.

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.