Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the operational backbone to the UN system: providing payroll, financial transactions, common premises, treasury investment, procurement, legal services to UN agencies. UNDP provides IT support for 13 UN entities with 40,000 United Nations and external users of the UNDP’s Quantum ERP system, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), applications and Green Energy solutions for the United Nations field presence.
To enable the digital transformation of the organization, the Information and Technology Management (ITM) provides ICT systems and green energy services and solutions to a global network of 155+ UNDP Country Offices and partners worldwide. UNDP ITM /Smart Infrastructure Services is tasked with developing and operating the enabling corporate technology platforms and providing related services that power the digital and green energy transformation including: (1) advice, administration and acceleration services to promote delivery of maximum business value of each platform; (2) a global service desk operation; (3) and outreach services to promote knowledge sharing and effective, agile planning and governance of technology development and utilization;
The mission of ITM Smart Infrastructure is to “Create Smart Facilities, build local Capacity and Inspire and Movement”, which guarantees efficient, innovative, and sustainable management of technologies for UN facilities, and consistency with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Smart Facility solutions include Green Energy services, Connectivity, Security and IoT and Data. ITM offers a framework of best practices to deliver resilient, highly available and sustainable business solutions that flourishing innovation throughout the organization. These services are aligned with the organization’s Digital Transformation Agenda and Smart Facilities Initiative.
The Business Development Specialist will be responsible to improve and grow UNDP Information Technology Management/Smart Infrastructure Services (ITM/SIS) business, by establishing and developing relationships with customers, suppliers and other partners. Working at the Business Development Group, the cornerstone of successful revenue growth and resource mobilization, the BDS plays a key role in the strategic development of ITM/SIS.
The BDS is expected to manage, market, and sale a number of services and products developed by the ITM/SIS as follows: Green Energy (including, but not limited to, Vehicle-Grid Integration, solar PV installation, energy efficiency, training and capacity building and waste management), Smart Building, Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, digital and collaboration solutions. As the BDS, you will report to the Business Development Officer and you will identify new business opportunities in order to generate revenue, improve profitability and help the business grow. Your work can involve careful strategic planning and positioning ITM/SIS in the UN system, NGO and human development arena. These opportunities are aligned with the UNDP strategic plan 2022-25.
UNDP’s work is summarized in the Strategic Plan by this “3x6x3” framework:
3 Directions of Change: Structural transformation, leaving no-one behind, building resilience 6 Signature Solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, gender equality 3 Enablers: Strategic innovation, digitalisation, development financingDuties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the ITM Business Development Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Assist Developing the Business Strategy:
Develop a business development strategy focused on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction Provide trustworthy feedback and after-sales support Regular surveying of UN and NGO market to assess demand for specific products and services. Keep abreast of trends and changes in the business world and identify new markets and customer needs Prepare service agreement ensuring adherence to UN rules and guidelines Seek ways of improving the way the business operates Perform accurate costing and consistent pricing for all programs and products/services, develop pricing models and set KPI targets Carry out sales forecasts and analysis and present findings to senior management/the board of directorsCustomers and Stakeholder Management:
Nurture and develop long-term business partnership with new and existing customers for the ITM/SIS by building and strengthening business and client partnerships Arrange business development meetings with prospective clients, identify the needs of clients and respond effectively with a tailored business plan or solution Develop mutually beneficial proposals, negotiate contract terms and pricing with clients in line with internal guidelines Explore opportunities of collaboration with universities, ITM internship, course accreditations, research etc.Product/Service Management:
Promote the company’s products/services addressing or predicting clients’ objectives Have a good understanding of the businesses’ products and/or services and provide specialist advice to customers Research and identify new business opportunities - including new markets, growth areas, trends, products and services - or new ways of reaching existing markets Develop a sale package of products provided Assisting with the tendering process Strengthen the marketing support for on-going projects to promote visibility and inspire a movementStrengthening Smart Facility Branding and Communications:
Develop and disseminate marketing strategy and communication materials on social media channels and UNDP websites under the guidance of ITM Communications Team Write promotional articles for SIS projects and knowledge-based articles Develop a promotional strategy and activities Develop opportunities in target markets with support of marketingSeek Business Opportunities and Event Management:
Organize inauguration and groundbreaking ceremonies of Smart Facilities projects Attend events and networking, taking stands at exhibitions and conferences, and responding to incoming leads. You will also more than likely be expected to identify partner opportunities to cross and up sell services Develop new opportunities for local capacity building and training programs. These can include executive training/coaching programs, as well as other non-credit courses / programs. Perform ad-hoc consultancies and field missions Promote and support research collaborations (with different institutions) Engage actively with academic personnel to develop courses under relevant agreements Surveying the participants of all collaboration programs and incorporating appropriate feedback into future programsThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement:
The Business Development Specialist will report to the Business Development Officer.Competencies
Core:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3
Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impactThink Innovatively: LEVEL 3
Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsLearn Continuously: LEVEL 3
Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiencesAdapt with Agility: LEVEL 3
Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsAct with Determination: LEVEL 3
Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater resultsEngage and Partner: LEVEL 3
Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaborationEnable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3
Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityCross-Functional & Technical:
Digital and Innovation - Data storytelling and communications:
Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling Fashion.Digital & Innovation - Digital product management:
Ability to design and lead digital product development including testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.Partnership management - Relationship management:
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingBusiness Direction & Strategy - System Thinking:
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Sales or relevant field is required or A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.Experience:
Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience as business development manager, sales executive or a relevant role.Required skills and competencies:
Data Analysis & Reporting – experience in data analysis, using tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, or Power BI to extract insights. Report Writing – Proven ability to produce formal reports, adhering to industry standards. Experience in writing technical, research-based, or policy reports is required. Multitasking & Time Management – Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with shifting priorities is essential. Stakeholder Engagement – demonstrated ability of collaboration and engagement of various stakeholder groups (e.g., community organizations, government agencies, private sector) Program Development – experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs and workshops tailored to the identified needs, including setting objectives, creating curricula, and establishing evaluation metrics. Advocacy & Strategic Communication – experience in advocacy or public affairs, with a proven track record of developing and executing advocacy initiatives. Ability to effectively advocate for UN programs including strategic communication tailored to diverse stakeholders, evidence-based advocacy aligned with UNDP mission Project Management – experience in managing projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery while meeting performance goals.Desired additional skills and competencies:
Experience in the Smart Facilities, Green Energy, Information Technology, IoT and AI Good understanding of Green Energy solutions markets, coupled with experience in customer support is an asset. Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)Required Language(s):
Fluency in English and French or Spanish is required. Proficiency in other UN official languages is of benefit.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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