UNDP Jobs - 76330- Integrated Knowledge Team Leader

Integrated Knowledge Team Leader

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

30-Dec-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-C

Duration of Initial Contract :

One (1) year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Background:

UNDP in Sri Lanka is reorganizing internally and moving to an integrated collaborative business model. Internally, an energetic and innovative team will converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders will require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

Post Context:

In this context, under the direct supervision and strategic guidance of the Deputy Country Director, the Integrated Knowledge Team Leader anchors and oversees the programme and policy advisory service portfolio in Sri Lanka. The incumbent is primarily focused on portfolio management and team leadership, through creative collaboration and integrated approaches

The incumbent develops and implements innovative methods that strategically capture and share technical knowledge from all teams and partners to improve program effectiveness through a management approach that values creative collaboration over narrow silos of self-verifying expertise and practice. Rather than confirming or controlling an established approach or dialogue, the KM facilitates an open and rigorous dialogue across teams that serve the strategic direction of the CPD.

The Integrated Knowledge Team Leader will be responsible for a wide variety of activities related to identifying, managing and disseminating key information to advance technical practice and provide team members and collaborators with the tools they need to reach new audiences, attract new partners and perform better work. As a member of the leadership team, the IKTL shares in the management, leadership and outcomes of the country office. S/he models the commitment to creative collaboration and team accountability in the service of Sri Lanka’s Grand Challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ideas and Expertise:

Lead the renewed strategic positioning of UNDP Sri Lanka through policy expertise, established expertise and the capacity to hear and encourage a dialogue of divergent viewpoints from technical collaborators.
Design and formulate CO programme translating Sri Lanka Grand Challenge priorities into measurable action
With team members, define a portfolio of programmes and services that go beyond conventional practice to one where new clients and collaborators see their perspectives and are compelled to join and invest in UNDP.
Strategize with CO senior management on new project opportunities as well as non-project modalities for delivering advisory services and development support to national counterparts
Manage UNDP investments across CPD priorities.
Lead the development of a pipeline UNDP programme and technical advisory support
Manage portfolio resources approving transactions and work planning.
Continually test the alignment of UNDPs efforts with Sri Lanka Grand Challenges and honestly assess the value of its contribution proposing specific measures for recalibration.
Frame risk issues with supporting analysis to support CO senior management.
Refine portfolio strategy and policy positions through continuous critical assessment and analysis providing team members and CO management with compelling analytics.
Develop and deliver signature packages and services in selected entry points for development cooperation.

Partnership engagement:

Engage the policy dialogue across sectors and actors including UN partners, the private sector, government and civil society ensuring the voices of all are heard by, and seen in, the work of UNDP.
Cultivate relationships with technical experts locally and internationally that champion Sri Lanka’s Grand Challenges demonstrating UNDP Sri Lanka’s expertise and innovation.
Engage the international policy dialogue on SDGs and South-South Cooperation identifying linkages and supporting evidence for Sri Lanka program
Develop and convene networks of collaborators both conventional and novel who are willing to participate in the dialogue, are attracted to the issues and can advance the work and profile of UNDP.
Deliver technical advice to national counterparts.

Team Collaboration

Provide leadership in strategically utilizing portfolio management tools and practices to keep resources aligned to actual and evolving priorities rather than rigid, preset planning targets.
Manage team members, advisory personnel and relationships with donors, government and counterpart relationships
Identify the ability of UNDP Sri Lanka to conduct specific design engagements and recommend sourcing of necessary capacity, facilitating the design and scoping of engagements and their deliverables
Provide practical guidance to team members and clients on UNDPs evolution from a programme towards a dynamic portfolio approach that links outreach to new collaborators and non-conventional actors with both useful ideas and fee-based services and investments. Learn from colleagues and adapt to new thinking and approaches.
Continually seek opportunities and linkages within broader country office efforts for governance work.
Conduct learning seminars and lead discussion groups for the team on relevant subjects.
Model reliability of output, organization and, innovation.

Competencies

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional

Community (of Practice) Management

Ability to maintain a community on assigned thematic areas

Global Conversations and Outreach

Ability to manage global conversations and knowledge campaigns

Knowledge Curation

Ability to turn raw information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to stated need

Knowledge Facilitation

Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share Competency Definition

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's or Bachelor’s degree in social policy, public policy, politics, economics, development studies or a related area.

Experience:

Master’s with 5 years or Bachelor’s with 7 years of overall relevant professional experience as well as a proven professional record as a practitioner in programme areas for development in international context;
Work experience within a developing country context;
Experience in leading/managing integrated knowledge product development and dissemination.
Experience of knowledge sharing within a web 2.0 environment.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and in the national language of the duty station. Knowledge of other UN official language is desirable