Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Office of the Director-General, in the Beyond Lab, under the direct the supervision of the Chief of the Lab.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
Policy and Programming
- Contributes to the creation and design of programmatic, policy and strategy products, initiatives, tools and methods in support of the implementation of the Beyond Lab’s strategic vision and mission.
- Serves as the thematic focal point on inter-generational impact (including on youth engagement and futures generations).
- Works on key Lab projects that enhance intergenerational impact and participatory engagement for long-term sustainability including through the development and application of new methodologies and policy tools (i.e. Futures Balance, Beyonds Challenge).
- Explores, supports and tests new ideas, products and programmatic activities in alignment with the Lab’s additional key strategic lenses:
- emotions/affective science and constructive hope;
- evolving and regenerative development, including rethinking economic systems; and
- the ‘Factor X’ considering contextual needs.
- Works on the design, execution and follow up of collaborative workshops and creative convenings around the strategic priorities of the Lab, applying innovation methods such as systems-thinking or regenerative and circular design, or strategic foresight;
- Contributes to the provision of research and products on emerging themes, topics, and concepts in the areas of cross-disciplinary and participatory policymaking and innovation for long-term sustainability, especially as they relate to evolving long-term and regenerative sustainability concepts, with a key focus on intergenerational impact and values-based development models;
- Provides technical assistance on participatory policy design to leverage innovation for long-term sustainability to partners including the UN System, member states, academia and research, civils society, and other innovation entities with a view to inform intergovernmental and interagency processes;
- Provides backstopping support to the Lab’s management in preparing input to UNOG’s leadership on issues related to innovation, sustainable development, intergenerational equity and long-term sustainability, such as through briefing notes and other formats.
Strategic stakeholder and partnership engagement
- Contributes to the development and implementation of strategies and innovative approaches to initiate and foster partnerships (financial and non-financial) between the Lab and both public and private sector entities, such as the UN system, other multilateral organizations, member states, academia, civil society and the private sector, in support of advancing the Lab’s new vision and mission on advancing long-term sustainability;
- Contributes to resource mobilization efforts, including developing funding proposals and materials to generate support for the Lab’s thematic focus areas and initiatives.
- Assists in establishing, growing and maintaining relationships with key partners of the Lab, both existing and potential, in alignment with the key strategic priorities of the Lab and facilitates strategic consultations with partners, including financial and non-financial;
- Acts as the Lab’s focal point with Geneva-based technology and sciences partners such as GESDA or ITU.
Administrative support
- Provides planning support to the Beyond Lab’s Director and other senior members of the team on issues such as calendar management, scheduling and arranging online and in-person meetings with internal and external partners, when needed;
- Carries out any other ad hoc tasks, as may be required by the Director/senior members of the team.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of innovation and foresight methods. A strong understanding of theory, principles, established and emerging approaches to sustainable development, financing for development and related policy and programme design on international and national levels; demonstrates ability to forge and maintain partnerships supporting UN approaches to sustainable development; conceptual, analytical and political skills; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in complex and stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of all genders in all areas of work;
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
- Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; and uses time efficiently.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, intergovernmental affairs, political science, social innovation, design thinking, sustainability or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in the thematic areas of policy research and analysis, political affairs, design thinking, social innovation is required. Experience in policy and strategy design and participation in the intergovernmental and interagency collaborations is desirable. Experience in designing anticipatory and participatory processes is desirable. Previous experience providing support to senior UN officials (or comparable international organization) or national government officials is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.
Application instructions
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