Development Innovation and Data Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National University contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National University contracts.

In March 2021, UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina established the Integration and Innovation Cell to stimulate programmatic synergies, cross-sectoral collaboration, as well as boost innovative and system thinking in development work. The Cell is led by the Chief Technical Advisor and, at the moment, includes the Innovation Accelerator Lab, the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, and an administration and finance assistant. In 2023, the Cell continues to support the UNDP team in designing new development interventions, applying portfolio design into UNDP work, fostering data function and learning and exploring new methods and skills for the future of development.

This UN Volunteer assignment, building on the Cell’s 2023 workplan, is aimed at providing support to the Country Office, and more specifically its data, research and innovation experimentation function.

The main thematic focus of the 2023 portfolio of innovation experiments and research gravitates around green transition (circular economy, decarbonisation, waste management); however, the Cell team also leverages innovation, technology and data to contribute to effective and inclusive governance.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor and in close collaboration with the Cell team and other UNDP teams, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following main tasks:

o Assist in the content and data management in the areas of thematic focus and engage in data analytics and data visualization; conduct rapid research of global practices, trends, solutions. o Assist in rapid global/local research on applying new sources of data to current challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina, referring to and using best practices for inclusive and just green transition. o Support innovation experimentation led by the Cell team (e.g., testing new circular business models, decarbonization strategies, sustainable lifestyles in communities or households, or connecting academia and research with future thinkers or models) as part of scanning for innovative solutions and bringing on board new approaches, methods, and innovative thinking that accelerates sustainable development. o Assist the team in stakeholder mapping, assessment, and engagement, particularly in terms of including a wide network of collaborators and unusual suspects (e.g., private sectors, communities) in the design and delivery of the portfolio of early-stage and mature experiments of the Cell. o Proactively participate in event and campaign planning, learning and thematic workshops, implementation, and monitoring of results, capturing results, innovative practices into the UNDP Country Office knowledge hub and suggesting and delivering learning opportunities for UNDP staff and partners. o Assist in the organization of potential field visits, missions, conferences, trainings and other logistics arrangements, as required by the project activities and in accordance with business processes.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

o Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). o Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. o Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
o Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. o Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers. o Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

• Quantitative & qualitative data collection and analysis, research or content management (data sets, web portals, etc.); • Orientation in green transition in a developing country context; • Orientation in social innovation theory and practice; • Good communication skills; • Curiosity and drive toward positive change at scale; • Comfort with working across disciplines; • Ethnography & co-creation; • Good drafting and formulation skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the largest urban centre, with an estimated population of 370.000. The city is situated along the Miljacka river and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

The city is famous for its religious diversity, with Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Judaism coexisting there for centuries. There are no administrative or other restrictions, apart from visa (exceptions possible), on international staff members’ travelling to/within/from the country and restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic have all been lifted.

In general, regular medical facilities are available, with two main hospitals and a significant number of small private clinics. General sanitary and hygiene conditions are adequate. Good local banking facilities are available (use of credit cards, ATMs).

Communication services (domestic and international) are available on a regular basis. Availability of food, furnishings and other necessities is adequate (various grocery stores and markets with fresh food products, shopping canters, etc). Public water supply, electricity and sewerage system are in place.

Public transportation is available (tram, bus, trolleybus, taxi). The international airport is 20 minutes away by car from the UN building in Sarajevo and the city centre.

Sarajevo offers numerous cultural events. The most famous ones are the Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS (international theatre festival), the Jazz Festival, Sarajevo Winter, Bascarsija’s Nights in the summer time, Novi Grad’s Days, Agro-food, International Book Fair, etc.

There are galleries and museums, sports facilities open for public use and annual international sports competitions. There are several Cinema multiplex offering a rich repertoire of latest films, both blockbusters and masterpieces of independent cinema.

The United Nations designated state of alert for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Security Level 1, which is minimal and the lowest security level in the Security Level System for the entire country, including the capital of Sarajevo.

The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally quiet; all international agencies consider threats to their staff to be low at this time. However, the country faces the same problems as much of Europe, from pickpockets to traffic accidents, so all staff must exercise appropriate personal security awareness and common sense. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still the country with the largest mine contamination problem in Europe?. Staff are advised not to deviate from well-travelled routes while in the country. See http://www.bhmac.org.