User Experience Researcher (Retainer)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Centre for Humanitarian Data is focused on increasing the use and impact of data in humanitarian response. It is managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and is based in The Hague, the Netherlands. The Centre’s vision is to create a future where everyone involved in a humanitarian emergency has access to the data they need, when and how they need it, to make responsible and informed decisions.

The Centre focuses on four areas: data services, data responsibility, data literacy, and predictive analytics. The data services workstream focuses on the management of the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) platform, the development and use of the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL) data standard, and support to the International Aid Transparency Initiative. The data responsibility workstream focuses on the development and adoption of data responsibility guidelines and different techniques for the secure management and ethical use of data, both within OCHA and the broader humanitarian system. The data literacy workstream focuses on improving the data skills of technical and non-technical humanitarians through the delivery of training programmes and development of capacity-building material. The predictive analytics workstream focuses on model development, including threshold and trigger design, and quality assurance of partner models through validation and a peer review process.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Centre requires the support of a User Experience Researcher to ensure that our products and services are responding to current and emerging needs. The researcher will primarily work to further develop the processes and features associated with managing and using the HDX platform. The researcher will also support the material developed by the Centre’s other workstreams, including through survey design, workshop facilitation and end-user consultation.

We are looking for a researcher who is self-motivated and can thrive in a remote, international, multidisciplinary team. The right candidate has a passion for creating products and services that resonate emotionally with people; thinks about human-centered design every day; likes to work on social impact projects; wants to help increase the impact of data in the humanitarian sector; and enjoys connecting with people in person and online.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

• Undertake remote and in-person interviews with key stakeholders to understand user needs and technical requirements for the Centre’s products and services. This may include getting feedback on aspects of the HDX platform, data responsibility guidance, or predictive analytics training material, among other things.
• Undertake foundational and generative user research across the Centre’s workstreams through surveys, focus groups and usability testing to define the needs of current and future users.
• Support continual user testing of the HDX platform; track feedback, bugs, defects and enhancements and share findings for review by the HDX product manager.
• Lead the design and deployment of surveys in collaboration with key HDX data contributors so that they can get feedback on the use of their data; analyze and synthesize survey results, drawing out relevant insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Undertake in-depth research on new HDX features (e.g., data quality grading, geodata services, enhanced notifications); consult priority partners and make recommendations for visual designs and interaction models.
• Analyze user statistics of HDX and other Centre products and offer insights to increase use and impact.
• Support preparation and facilitation of thematic workshops with OCHA staff and partners on aspects of the Centre’s work in locations around the world (e.g., Nairobi, Dakar, Geneva, The Hague).
• Assess the Centre’s website and make recommendations for improvements.

• Represent the Centre at meetings and events; participate in team meetings as required.

  Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Incumbent will report to the Lead for the Centre for Humanitarian Data, who is based in The Hague. The incumbent will be expected to work closely with each of the workstream leads including a close collaboration with the product manager and lead developer for HDX.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in interaction design, behavioral sciences, business, social sciences or other relevant discipline is required. OR

• A first University Degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in a relevant discipline, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required:

• Five years of experience in user experience, design research or interaction design is required.

Desirable: (The following experience are optional. Candidates who do not have them are welcomed to apply)

• Experience leading as researcher/facilitator, both in-person and with remote participants.

• Ability to synthesize research findings and to articulate insights that will inform and inspire design.

• Experience in developing and improving products and services for a variety of organizations, businesses, brands, and systems.

• Experience analyzing user behavior data from Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or other similar systems.

• Knowledge of humanitarian and development ecosystems is a plus.

• Proficiency with design programs.

Language

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)/ICS10 Contract duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Note: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Retainer : A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work

This is not a position in UNOPS. UNOPS is solely providing operational support to its partner UNOCHA for this recruitment process. The selected candidate will be a personnel member of UNOCHA under its full responsibility and salaries and benefits will be decided by UNOCHA.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.