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
The Operations Manager will report to the UN Resident Coordinator. The position implies frequent interaction with the following:
Designated department heads in Government, donor representatives, officials from non-governmental organizations, international organizations, consultants, civil society, and senior officials from the private sector. It also entails interface and coordination with the UN Country Team, and its attendant working groups.
As Team Leader, the Operations Manager will have responsibility for the successful implementation of Global Pulse in Uganda. This position will provide strategic leadership and bear primary administrative responsibility for all activities aimed at fulfilling the Lab objectives. The incumbent is expected to ensure the Lab’s technical approach remains cognizant of local realities on both technical and infrastructural environments, and is responsible for forging high-value relationships and building sustainable and effective solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:- Provide the overarching strategy, direction and management for Pulse Lab Kampala in line with the overall Global Pulse strategy and goals;
- Provide high level programmatic/technical support and capacity building to local partners as appropriate to build support for the project;
- Ensure inclusion into and demonstrate added value to delivering the United Nations mandate in Uganda;
- Coordinate and network effectively with Government and other stakeholders regarding project planning, monitoring, execution and deliverables;
- Manage a highly skilled team and foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, collaboration, experimentation, and commitment to embodying the highest ideals of the United Nations;
- Advocate the goals of Global Pulse and the work of Pulse Lab Kampala in relevant forums (e.g. conferences, workshops);
- Ensure adherence to UN guidelines, rules and regulations in financial management and accountability;
- Provide strategic and substantive innovation-related content for high level communications, speeches, publications, and statements;
- Seek private and public funding for Pulse Lab Kampala activities;
- Drive the Big Data for Development and Data Philanthropy movements through Thought Leadership in Uganda and the greater East Africa region;
- Maintain relationships with Pulse labs in other countries, sharing knowledge, ideas and expertise.
- Strategy for Pulse Lab Kampala in place in line with the overall Global Pulse strategy and goals;
- Capacity of local partners built for effective implementation;
- A well-functioning Global Pulse Team Kampala with high-levels of intellectual curiosity, creativity, collaboration, experimentation, and commitment to embodying the highest ideals of the United Nations;
- Effective advocacy and resource mobilization for the further development of Global pulse Lab Kampala;
- Effective partnerships built, managed and leveraged.
- The successful implementation of Global Pulse in Uganda. This position will provide strategic leadership and bear primary administrative responsibility for all activities aimed at fulfilling the Lab objectives;
- The incumbent is expected to ensure the Lab’s technical approach remains cognizant of local realities on both technical and infrastructural environments, and is responsible for forging high-value relationships and building sustainable and effective solutions.
Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
- Understanding of big data and data analytics;
- Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development;
- Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
- Capacity to adapt policies, approaches and models to meet emerging needs;
- Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
- Ability to apply economic theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality economic research.
- Knowledge of utility of data in non-traditional situations;
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
- Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation;
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
- Understanding of government partner workflows and agendas;
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Advanced University Degree in social sciences, public or business administration, international development, international relations, or a technical field relevant to the work of Global Pulse;
- A first-level university degree with nine (9) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A minimum of seven(7) years experience in project or knowledge management, design, and implementation;
- At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in innovation management, project management, management consulting, organizational development, business or public administration management, including three (3) years of which were in a supervisory capacity;
- Understanding of big data and analytics;
- Experience in the technology sector or innovation in the private or public sector highly desirable;
- Experience working in international development an advantage;
- Demonstrated administrative management and supervisory skills, including experience working with a culturally diverse staff;
- Excellent communication, public speaking and documentation skills;
- Excellent ability to interact with senior management and top government officials;
- Proven ability to build and manage internal and external relationships;
- Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.
- Fluent in English.