Vacancy code VA/2016/B5004/9627
Position title: Policy and Interagency Affairs Coordinator
Level: ICS-10
Duty station: New York, United States of America
Contract type: Consultant, International ICA
Contract level: IICA-2
Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)
Application period: 29 Feb 2016 to 13 Mar 2016
Background Information – Job Specific
Global Pulse is an innovation initiative of the UN Secretary-General launched in 2009 in response to the global financial crisis. Its vision is a future in which big data is harnessed safely and responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and adoption of data science innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. Global Pulse network includes an office in New York and two data science innovation hubs, known as Pulse Labs, in Uganda and in Indonesia.
UN Global Pulse pursues a two-track strategy to achieve its goals:
Innovation Driver. Implement data innovation programmes across the network of Pulse Labs to provide UN System and development partners with access to the data, tools and expertise required to discover high-potential applications of new sources of digital data, and support pilot-based evaluation of promising solutions.
Ecosystem Catalyst. Contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks and technical standards to address big data sharing and privacy protection challenges, engage key stakeholders on a priority innovation agenda, and provide public sector organisations with policy guidance and technical assistance to strengthen their capacity for integrating data science approaches and real-time insights into operations.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the candidate will support priority partnership and policy activities of Global Pulse. Specifically, the incumbent will:
- Develop recommendations on policy issues by researching and assessing information from diverse sources and drafting key messages, concept notes and various other written outputs;
- As directed, represent Global Pulse’s views in data revolution related inter-governmental dialogues, inter-agency coordination mechanisms and working groups;
- Provide substantive coordination support to meetings, conferences and intergovernmental working groups, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing documents and presentations, drafting conference reports, etc.
- Coordinate and support quality-control and alignment of communications collateral related to policy engagements across the Lab Network to ensure a coordinated approach with the wider UN System;
- Support follow-up with private sector partners and potential partners, including organizing meetings with key stakeholders, drafting concept notes, presentations and proposals.
Desired Competencies
Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure;
Demonstrated consciousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Capacity to multi-task and coordinate several projects;
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstration of personal maturity;
Integrity and probity; ability to work with utmost discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters;
Client orientation with constructive approach to resolution of problems and dedication to providing timely support;
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision but also to function effectively as part of a team
A proactive, critical and flexible thinker, and problem solver;
Strong interest in digital data landscape and emerging discipline of Big Data for Development.
Education
Advanced university degree in Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, International Finance, Public Administration, or other relevant disciplines is required.
Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with two additional years of experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, development, humanitarian affairs or other related areas preferably with an international organization or the public sector is required;
- At least 3 years of experience working with the United Nations is required;
- Experience in drafting concept notes, background documents and coordinating correspondence, particularly involving high-level consultations and workshops is required;
- Work experience in the intersection of policy and data, innovation or technology is desired;
- Demonstrated writing and editing skills and an ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and direct style;
- Familiarity with social media and new communication technologies in the workplace is desired.
Language
Working level knowledge of English. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.
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