UNDP Jobs - 48660- Innovative Solutions and Knowledge Management Spec

Innovative Solutions and Knowledge Management Specialist

Location :

Amman, JORDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

24-Aug-2014

Application Deadline :

14-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Until 31 December 2014 (renewable)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Until 31 December 2014 (renewable)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The impact of the Syrian crisis on the development trajectory of countries in the region can easily span a decade. The magnitude of the conflict has not only led to a high loss of human life and massive population displacement both within and outside of Syria, but it has also destroyed the social, economic and political fabric and has seriously compromised the future of the country and the region.

The scale of the refugee influx and its impact on host countries calls for dedicated action, as coping mechanisms are stretched and resilience is eroding. There is increasing recognition amongst concerned governments and the international community that the crisis has begun to compromise development gains and that overall stability of many countries is at risk, as social tensions continue to increase, as evidenced by declining human development and growth trends, and increasing levels of vulnerabilities. The development loss is amplified in the sub-region, which is reliant on intra-regional trade and a vibrant private sector.

This requires long-term vision that guide short and medium term interventions and that generate immediate, concrete changes in lives of people affected by the crisis while simultaneously arresting development loss. Countries affected by the Syrian crisis are in the middle-income bracket, which suggests that there are domestic resources available and systems in place that international support can build upon.

The situation in the region is protracted and a more sustainable approach, utilizing the comparative advantages of UNHCR and UNDP is required to meet the identified needs and vulnerabilities of both refugees, host communities as well as national, sub-national and local institutions.

On 17 December 2013 UNDP and UNHCR signed a regional MOU in order to consolidate the cooperation between our two organizations, and to draw on the comparative advantages of humanitarian and development organizations in order to address the range of needs on a timely basis and at an appropriate scale.

One of the key elements of this partnership is the establishment of a UNDP-UNHCR Joint Secretariat that will support Country Offices by addressing knowledge gaps, and provide the required operational framework, and analytical and programmatic tools.

The Joint Secretariat is hosted in the UNDP Sub-Regional Response Facility to the Syria Crisis, under the Supervision of the UNDP Sub-Regional Coordinator (SRC) and management of the Policy & Coordination Specialist (PCS).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the Supervision of the Policy & Coordination Specialist (PCS) the Innovation Specialist will produce a number of deliverables including products and services to support the work of the UNDP-UNHCR Joint Secretariat in the sub-region.

Produce horizon scanning document with potential partners for UNDP and UNHCR to support offices in creating networks with the private sector, innovation companies and development partners in the sub-region and globally to develop innovative solutions for urgent challenges in the context of the Syria crisis;
Develop and deliver advisory service packages to UNDP and UNHCR offices on setting up Innovation Labs and on prototyping with local partners;
Identify innovative practices relevant to humanitarian and development responses to the Syria-crisis and develop proposals for context-specific customization;
Develop Concept Note for Innovation event with partners from private sector, academia and think-tanks to generate high-impact ideas and support the management of the event.
Create network of UNDP and UNHCR innovation specialists and relevant partners to identify innovative approaches and strategies for up-scaling;
Support the collection of good and innovative practicies and identify opportunities for piloting, and/or scaling-up.
Create mechanisms, including web site conceptualiztion and outreach, to crowd-source ideas, manage global challenges related to the Joint-Secretariat and support offices in implementing applicable ideas;
Support the Sub-Regional Development Coordinator, Policy & Coordination Specialist and the Joint Secretariat in integrating innovation principles and methods in the Reslience-Based Development Approach and in other tasks as requested;
Review and contribute to all knowledge products of the Joint Secretariat;
Any other task assigned by the Policy & Coordination Specialist .

Competencies

Corporate competencies

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

Functional Competencies

Proven experience in social innovation, in advising partners on innovation and in implementing innovation practices in a development, humanitarian or private sector context;
Solid understanding of development and humanitarian issues;
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Capable of working in a high pressure work environment with frequent urgent deadlines;
Ability to multi-task;
Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client;
Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure and tight deadlines;
Demonstrates openness to change;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view .

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience

At least 3 years of relevant experience in the field of innovation, knowledge management; preferably in an international context;
Previous experience in working in innovation labs within the private sector is an advantage;
Highly familiar with current trends in innovation (processes, products and services) and with change management techniques;
Proven experience in leading researches and the drafting of knowledge products;
Hands-on experience in establishing networks and relationships among organizations and individuals.

Language:

Fluency in English required, Arabic an asset

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information as one file to demonstrate their qualifications. Candidates that fail to submit the required information will not be considered.

Resume;
Cover Letter (not more than 250 words);
Daily and/or monthly rate on a lump-sum basis (financial proposal);
Three professional references (emails and phone numbers) .

Financial Proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a daily and/or monthly rate on a lump sum basis. Payment will be made in monthly installments.