Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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. Office/Unit/Project Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations. Present in 170 countries with over 17,000 people, UNDP works on the world’s biggest problems: extreme poverty, climate change, good governance, renewable energy, crisis prevention, and women’s empowerment, among others.
UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 highlights the organisation’s commitment to scale and accelerate progress towards green, inclusive transitions that empower every last person through greater opportunity and resilience. It also clearly defines the role of digitalisation as a critical enabler for development outcomes. As further explained in the UNDP Digital Strategy 2022-2025 (publication forthcoming), UNDP aims to consider the changing development context through digitalisation in all its interventions and to systematically harness the potential of digital technology for development.
The Chief Digital Office at UNDP is leading this effort with the goal of embedding digital technology in the development projects that we implement, supporting government partners to build inclusive digital ecosystems, and transforming the organization internally to enable these changes. Including through the use of open-source software, digital public goods (DPGs), and promoting a digital public infrastructure (DPI) approach in our development work to foster the use of reusable, standards-based and interoperable digital systems to accelerate our path towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. UNDP is also a co-leading member of the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA).
UNDP is looking for a project associate who can strategically integrate the use of open source digital technology in a shared project with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in two developing countries:
The UNDP, in collaboration with the ITU, and generously sponsored by the European Commission, is launching a transformative project to enhance the capacity of government and local digital ecosystems in two low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) to harness the benefits of open-source technology for delivering effective digital government services. Over a period of three years, this partnership is committed to establishing and shaping two open-source technical facilities (OSTFs). OSTFs share a strong resemblance to Open Source Programme Offices (OSPOs).
OSPOs, and relatedly OSTFs, are dedicated divisions within an organization that manages its open source initiatives. Its primary role is to govern and oversee open source contributions, consumption, and compliance. By servering as a bridge between open source communities and the orga nization, these entities aide organizations to benefit from open source while also giving back to the local digital community. Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate, while primarily positioned within UNDP, will play a key role within this partnership framework, advising and supporting the two OSTFs. Working closely with both UNDP and ITU, the candidate will guide the establishment of open-source strategies, policies, and guidelines in close cooperation with the Programme Manager. The collaboration will extend to various departments to ensure that the open-source initiatives align with broader development goals and mandates.
Oversee and guide the OSTFs in all open-source related activities and deliverables, working in close collaboration with Programme Manager. Offer technical, capacity building, and community management advice and support. Enhance awareness of the partnership's open-source strategy both internally and externally, particularly among the two host countries of the OSTFs, in open-source communities and other relevant fora. Support OSTFs build and scale open-source communities of contributors through community management, possibly via university partnerships, and support with events and communications. Work collaboratively with digital innovation and government digitization teams to align country digital plans with relevant open-source projects and DPGs.The role is predominantly remote, yet requires the flexibility to travel to the two LMICs where the OSTFs will be situated to ensure on-ground alignment and effective collaboration.
Institutional Arrangement
The candidate will be part of the UNDP Chief Digital Office and report to DPI Manager a.i. in the Chief Digital Office (UNDP), with joint project implementation relationship and oversight with Programme Manager of the project (ITU).
Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
People Management (Insert below standard sentence
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) Thematic Area Name Definition Digital and Innovation Digital ecosystems
Knowledge of how they work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society Digital and Innovation
Digital learning & development
Knowledge of digital learning methods and ability to design and develop digital learning programmes. Digital and Innovation
Digital public goods
Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society Digital and Innovation
Digital transformation design
Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organisations.
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 understanding
Information Management & Technology
Programming
Knowledge in programming concept, developing software program and management of application lifecycle. Knowledge of Oracle VCBS, Microsoft tools and equivalent an asset. Information Management & Technology
IT Project Management
Capacity to manage ICT projects, using IT methodologies and approaches such as agile deployment and/or waterfall system development methods. PMP and PRINCE2 certification or equivalent desirable.
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements
Essential: Proficiency in English.
Desirable: Knowledge of other UN languages. Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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