Background

Please note that Ugandan Nationals are not eligible to apply to International positions in their country.

Global Pulse is an innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, established to harness today’s new world of digital data and real-time analytics to gain a better understanding of changes in human well-being. Global Pulse aims to contribute a future in which access to better information sooner makes it possible to keep international development on track, protect the world's most vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to global shocks. Global Pulse is being implemented as a global network of Pulse Labs, bringing together expertise from UN agencies, governments, academia, and the private sector to research, develop, test and share tools and approaches for harnessing real-time data for more effective and efficient policy action. For more information on Global Pulse go to http://www.unglobalpulse.org.

Pulse Lab Kampala:

Global Pulse is establishing an innovation hub for real-time monitoring in Kampala. The Lab will function as an open innovation space where policy experts together with UN development practitioners and other partners experiment with new types of data and emerging technologies to evaluate their potential to enhance both public policy decision-making and community resilience. Following the development of useful approaches, Pulse Lab Kampala will support institutional adoption of these innovations into policy and practice.

Working Relationships:

Reporting to the Lab Operations Manager, the Research and Partnerships Coordinator will forge partnerships and lay the groundwork necessary for launching a fully operational Pulse Lab. The incumbent will work with the Data Scientist and Global Chief of Research to engage with stakeholders across the UN system, government and private sector to solicit Big Data project ideas, develop scopes of work and project proposals, identify appropriate research partners, and manage the execution and delivery of research project results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:
Responsibilities:
  • Establish and coordinate UN Global Pulse partnerships in Uganda;
  • Support initial research project discussions, design and implementation;
  • Establish and maintain relationships with relevant Government entities, UN specialists and other partners involved in research projects;
  • Advocate for the objectives of Global Pulse.
Partnership Building:
  • Review the partnerships landscape in Uganda to ensure optimal win-win partnerships for Pulse Lab Kampala;
  • Identify and mobilize key strategic private sector partnerships to enhance impact of Global Pulse’s strategic priorities;
  • Maintain effective relationships with counterparts in the UN system to promote and strengthen coordinated support for Pulse Lab Kampala;
  • Monitor and analyze the latest developments in areas of relevance to Pulse Lab Kampala, including emerging technologies for social change, mobile data collection and advocacy, data visualization etc. Identify issues and trends of significance to Global Pulse and advise Pulse Lab Kampala on appropriate responses and actions;
  • Actively keep track of events and conferences of interest to Global Pulse.
Coordination:
  • Develop and implement the Pulse Lab Kampala partnership strategy in line with the overall Global Pulse partnerships strategy;
  • Review and refine the strategy at regular intervals to harness new emerging opportunities, to anticipate changes to the internal direction and external environment, and to make mid-term adjustments;
  • Lead the Lab’s engagement with the local innovation sector, while advocate the goals of Global Pulse in relevant forums (e.g. meet-ups, workshops, conferences, etc);
  • Lead the establishment and achievement of specific private sector resource mobilization/partnership goals and objectives;
  • As necessary, provide support to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in partnership consultations, including convening meetings and events.
Project Management:
  • Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of assigned research projects;
  • Act as the principal operational liaison for research partners;
  • Monitor the progress of research activities, develop and maintain research records, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports as required;
  • Implement quality control process throughout the research process;
  • Coordinate Pulse Lab Kampala’s ongoing research projects by ensuring that work scope, research protocol and UN Rules and Regulations are followed;
  • Responsible for final output and delivery of completed research projects, and related output materials (reports, write-ups, presentations) on deadline;
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Function / Expected Results:
  • Key strategic private sector partnerships mobilized;
  • Pulse Lab Kampala partnership strategy developed and implemented;
  • Achievement of specific private sector resource mobilization/partnership goals and objectives;
  • UN Resident Coordinator’s Office effectively supported to coordinate UN collaboration and advocacy;
  • Research records effectively managed and timely and effective reporting and communication on results.
Impact of Results:

The Research and Partnerships Coordinator will forge partnerships and lay the groundwork necessary for launching a fully operational Pulse Lab. The incumbent will work with the Data Scientist and Global Chief of Research to engage with stakeholders across the UN system, government and private sector to solicit Big Data project ideas, develop scopes of work and project proposals, identify appropriate research partners, and manage the execution and delivery of research project results.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:
  • Strong leadership skills;
  • Excellent communication, public speaking and documentation skills;
  • Ability to forge and manage relationships for results;
  • Demonstrated sense of initiative and problem-solving skills;
  • Understanding of government partner workflows and agendas;
  • Understanding of UN workflows and agendas.

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Advanced university degree in social sciences, international development, law, public or business administration, economics, or related area;
  • A first-level university degree with 7 years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
  • At least five years of relevant experience, preferably in business management, setting up/managing diverse and innovative partnerships, producing workable process documentation for technical innovation projects;
  • Experience with technology innovation and demonstrated ability to translate between technical non-technical stakeholders;
  • Work experience in a Start-up, and proven ability to start initiatives in rapidly changing environments highly desirable;
  • Background in project management or consulting is highly desirable;
  • Demonstrated success in multilateral negotiations with government and private sector actors;
  • Excellent computer skills;
  • Software development skills an asset.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluent in English;
  • Knowledge of a local language is desirable.

UNDP is any Equal Opportunity Employer. Highly Qualified women are encouraged to apply. Short listed candidates will be required to send certified copies of academic credentials.