Programme Officer, Innovation, United Nations

This position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, Department of Operational Support (DOS)  at the United Nations in New York. 

The Programme Officer reports to the Senior Programme Officer in the Performance and Analytics Section, and supports the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities in an assigned functional area, including via problem-solving and analytics deliverables, for continuous transformation and overall organizational performance of the Department. 

The United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides operational support to UN Secretariat entities globally, including advisory, operational and transactional support services in: human resources, health-care management and occupational safety services; supply chain management including logistics, procurement and support for uniformed capabilities; operational planning and support to start-up, surge, draw-down and liquidation in UN Secretariat entities; UNHQ administrative services and campus support; and, operational information and communications technology (ICT).

Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned frameworks, programmes and projects on continuous transformation and departmental organizational performance; monitors and analyzes implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. 

• Identifies opportunities for innovation within UN operations and develops strategies to harness those opportunities effectively, considering the unique challenges and contexts. 

• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing innovation projects. 

• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources, including analyzing and visualizing data and delivering analytics products, through the use of spreadsheet applications. 

• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. 

• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. 

• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. 

• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. 

• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. 

• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in driving and managing innovation initiatives, with the United Nations or similar international organizations is required. Experience in communicating and advising various audiences, including senior management, on data related matters and innovation initiatives is required.  Experience in developing and delivering communications products (i.e., presentations, reports, memos, videos) is desirable.  Experience in facilitating workshops, planning sessions, and similar interactive sessions is desirable.  Experience in using data analysis or data modelling for informing decision making or action (e.g. development consultancy, management consultancy, investment advisory, technology services) is desirable.