Lead Innovation Researcher

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Under the supervision of Communication and Innovation Officer under the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team at UNDP, and Director of Programme Management Office (PMO), the International UNV will undertake the following tasks to support the development of UNDP Innovation Lab as well as project implementation and management:

Innovation Research

• Provides support to Communication and Innovation Officer under the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team at UNDP and the head of PMO in the overall implementation of UNDP SDGs Innovation Pilot Project;
• Leads academic research related with: (1) digital cooperation and the development of sustainable development goals; (2) Investment for sustainable development goals; (3) innovation and technology for social good; (4) sustainable business model for SMEs; and (5) digital economy, etc.
• Monitors and analyzes current and emerging issues related to the development of digital response to build resilience.
• Maintains and develops an established knowledge and network of contacts for research purpose.
• Develops specific data collection plans and strategies to improve lab capacity to collect data for innovation research.
• Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data and compile analytical outputs and written products. This includes drafting of texts, editing, review and providing feedback on the work prepared by colleagues.
• Prepare and provide quality assurance of outreach materials, including reports, issue briefs, speeches, briefing notes, etc for the UNDP Innovation Lab in Chengdu.
• Develops research proposals for new innovation initiatives;
• Draft, edit and/or provide quality assurance of external outreach and communications materials, including speeches, Op-Eds, success stories, press releases, website write-ups, PowerPoint Presentations, proposals, etc.
• Other ad hoc research tasks assigned by UNDP in coordination with CICETE.

Strategic planning

• Leads and coordinates the integration of sector-wide research and statistical information analysis as inputs for the strategy formulation and policy development of the UNDP Innovation Lab in Chengdu.
• Coordinate internal and external resources for the development of the UNDP Innovation Lab, such as the partnerships with international innovation partners, academia and research institutions and other skateholders in the innovation community;
• Conduct horizon scanning to map local trends, developments, players, under the radar solutions, and future challenges in the areas of programmatic interest and for support to the the Regional Innovation Center (RIC).

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Master degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

Master's degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Economics, Business Management, International Development, Political Sciences or related fields is highly favoured. Candidates with undergraduate degrees with extensive relevant experience will also be considered.

Required experience:

36 Months

Experience remark:

• Minimum 3-5 year's working experience. Previous working experience in a think tank or research institute would be desirable;
• Demonstrable ability to maintain effective communications with international stakeholders;
• Excellent computer skills, in particular mastery of all applications of the MS Office package;
• Project financial, technical and/or administrative management experience as well as basic knowledge on innovation projects are assets;
• Fluency in English; fluency in Chinese a distinct advantage.

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• Chinese(Optional), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise:

Knowledge management, archiving and documentation, Monitoring and evaluation, Resource mobilization, partnership and donor coordination

Area of expertise details:

• Good analytical skills for carrying out innovation-related research;
• Good communications and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Sound judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity in confidential matters;
• Good coordination and organizational skills, teamwork;
• Proactive, organized and self-motivated.
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Excellent inter-personal skills, proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Creativity, Knowledge Sharing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

* Important Note

This assignment is based Chengdu with travel to UNDP China office in Beijing and other places for project-related activities.

* Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool?

Please first register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup. Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply.

* Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool?

Please first update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call to which you would like to apply.

Application deadline: 20-09-2020