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.
The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008 and aimed at producing high-quality knowledge products and promoting knowledge sharing and dialogue. It builds on three Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the knowledge4all portal and mobile application, the Arab Reading Index, the Future of Knowledge Report series, and the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Moreover, the project has recently launched a three-year initiative to develop the skills of citizens in the Arab States region, which will be piloted in eight Arab countries providing 5,500 training licenses during the first year of its roll-out.
In 2023, the Knowledge Project plans to produce the GKI 2023, establish a skills development programme, enhance its knowledge4all portal and mobile application, introduce its pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, and implement an outreach and dissemination strategy to increase its impact of the project outputs.
The GKI offers a comprehensive roadmap of factors that drive knowledge competitiveness, focusing on six key sectors as the foundation of a knowledge society. These sectors encompass education at all levels, research, development, innovation, information and communications technology, and the economy, all supported by an enabling environment. Regional Skills Initiative: Having contracted a MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) provider in 2022 to enhance its skills development offer, this year, the project plans to design and implement the regional skilling initiative to prepare citizens to effectively enter the job market. The skilling initiative aims to provide accessible and quality training to individuals, particularly youth and women, to develop the skills needed to secure quality employment opportunities. The initiative will focus on key areas such as soft, entrepreneurial, and technical skills development. By developing these skills, individuals can enhance their employability, productivity, and income-generating potential, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. The skilling initiative aligns with the project's overall mission of promoting knowledge societies and policies as transformative approaches to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. The knowledge4all portal and mobile app serve as digital reference hubs for researchers, professionals, academics, stakeholders, and the general public. They offer Arabic and English resources on various knowledge domains, including reports, indices, publications, and events. The platform also includes tools in development, such as data visualization, an AI tool, and a GKI simulation tool. The AI policy tool, that the Knowledge Project plans to introduce in 2023, will provide policymakers and stakeholders suggested policy recommendations to promote knowledge-based societies. As a pilot, the AI policy tool will only cover topics related to education. It will also provide information on best practices and case studies from around the world to help policymakers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. Accordingly, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States is seeking the services of a Project, Research and Communications Specialist to lead and coordinate the development of the Knowledge Project’s knowledge products and publications including the Global Knowledge Index, create platforms for knowledge sharing, as well as lead the development and implementation of strategic communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager, the Project, Research and Communications Specialist will be responsible for providing technical support to the Knowledge Project in the areas of research, project management, and communication.
The Project, Research and Communications Specialist is responsible for the following:
Lead and coordinate the development of knowledge products and publications, including research reports, policy briefs, and other analyses in support of the Knowledge Project and UNDP’s policy and programme work. Lead and coordinate the production of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Design, coordinate, and implement research initiatives relevant to the Knowledge Project and UNDP’s policy and programme. Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis on key knowledge for development issues in the region, draft reports and other knowledge products, oversee the work of GKI Advisory Board members, consultants and commissioned papers, coordinate the review and feedback process, and oversee the production and dissemination of final products. Guide the research of team members involved in both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Coordinate quality assurance and review processes for knowledge products and project outputs, ensure that outputs are relevant to the needs of stakeholders, and monitor and evaluate the impact of knowledge products and project outputs. Create and manage knowledge sharing platforms and events. Design and manage digital and/or in-person platforms that facilitate discussion, exchange of ideas, and knowledge dissemination. Organize events such as workshops, seminars, or conferences to promote dialogue on key issues. Encourage active participation from a diverse range of stakeholders. Ensure the smooth operation of events and platforms, handling logistical aspects and fostering a conducive environment for discussion. Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Lead the development and execution of effective communication strategies across various channels to promote the work of the Knowledge Project, including communication plans and materials such as social media content, knowledge4all portal content, newsletters, web stories and other communication products. Coordinate communication activities with project partners and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies. Advocate for key policy positions or programme initiatives, using various communication mediums. Lead the management and revamping of the knowledge4all portal and mobile application as well as the conceptualization and implementation of different IT tools. Implement inclusive strategies to ensure the engagement of disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups, making sure their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant organizations, fostering a sense of shared commitment and mutual support. Engage with various stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and partners, ensuring their views and needs are considered. Deliver presentations effectively and actively engage in discussions. Represent the project professionally, effectively communicating its mission and work Provide technical assistance and capacity building to project partners and other stakeholders. Provide guidance and support on technical matters related to the projects, such as research methods, methodologies, tools, or best practices. Troubleshoot issues that arise during project implementation, working collaboratively with team members and partners to find effective solutions. Continuously update technical knowledge and skills, ensuring that advice and support remain relevant and up to date. Develop and deliver training workshops and other capacity building activities. Provide technical advice and guidance to project partners and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of capacity building activities. Promote innovation and actively lead on effective knowledge management. Foster a culture of innovation, seeking out and promoting new approaches and tools to improve project outcomes. Identify strategies for improving processes, tools, or outputs, promoting efficiency and effectiveness. Manage knowledge resources, ensuring they are stored, organized, and shared appropriately to maximize their impact. Track the use and impact of knowledge products, using insights to continuously improve knowledge management practices. Support effective implementation of the Knowledge Project through monitoring project implementation and ensuring adherence to planned activities and timelines. Produce progress reports and conduct other reporting exercises as needed. Draft project documents including but not limited to proposals, concept notes, briefing notes, terms of references, and performance evaluation reports. CompetenciesPeople Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Business Direction and 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. Business Management Portfolio Management • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment Business Development Knowledge Facilitation • Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally. Business Development Collective Intelligence Design • Ability to bringing together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions. Partnership Management Strategic Engagement • Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives. Business Management Communication • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Business Management Working with Evidence and Data • Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.This vacancy is archived.