Background
As a culmination of the introductory work that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka began on innovation and foresight tools and approaches, the countryโs โ and the regionโs first โ social innovation lab, Citra, was established back in 2018. The Lab which started as a joint initiative between the then Ministry of Science, Technology and Research and UNDP Sri Lanka, is now anchored within the Prime Ministerโs Office.
In 2023, an independent review of Citra was conducted with a focus on how best to evolve Citra Lab to support public sector transformation in Sri Lanka, including the social and financial conditions for success. The review highlighted that Citra Lab now occupies a unique position from which it has been, and is able to be, leveraged to drive benefits and opportunities for system reform in Sri Lanka. The findings highlighted that Citra Lab could be an effective and impactful lever for driving and enabling genuine and systemic transformation of both the government and economy in Sri Lanka, particularly in the immediate and urgent context of major fiscal and social pressures.ย In July 2024, The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, convened a meeting with senior representatives from the Ministries of Education, Finance and Planning, Public Administration, and Technology on operationalizing Citra 3.0, a transformational public sector innovation lab and to explore the possibilities for furthering government investments and in August 2024, Citra 3.0 was formally approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.ย
Under its new iteration, the Lab, given its position as a joint initiative between UNDP and the Prime Ministerโs Office, will operate under three workstreams โ systems transformation, public sector innovation, and policy coherence. This work will be driven by four key enablers โ digital, data, innovation, and service design. Furthermore, Citraโs work will be guided by four lead Ministries, who will sit on the Labโs Governance Board โ namely, Education, Finance and Planning, Public Administration, and Technology. The Lab closely works under the guidance of the Regional Innovation and Digital Unit of UNDP in Asia Pacific as well as other arms of UNDP like the Strategic Innovation Unit, Chief Digital Office, Bureau of Policy and Programme Support etc. at the UNDP Headquarters.
Against this backdrop, UNDP seeks to recruit a Digital & Service Design Officer for Citra Labโs next iteration.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Digital & Service Design Officer will report to the Lab Manager and work under the overall guidance of the Team Leader, Strategic Engagement, Digital and Innovation Team.
The Digital & Service Design Officer will be responsible for effectively driving innovation in public service delivery, contributing to systemic transformation within the public sector in Sri Lanka. The incumbent will be expected to support the overall management of the Lab working closing with the Lab Manager. S/he will also be expected to cover and perform the duties of the Lab Manager during her/his absence.ย
Policy Design and Development
Lead the support to the Government for the design and development of public policies that address key societal challenges (within the strategic objectives of Citra Lab). Conduct thorough policy analysis and research to inform the development of innovative and evidence-based policy solutions. Collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure policies are practical, feasible, and aligned with national priorities.ยService Design and Innovation
Lead the design and implementation of innovative public services, applying user-cantered design methodologies. Facilitate workshops and co-design sessions with stakeholders, including citizens, to ensure services meet user needs and expectations. Prototype, test, and iterate service solutions to ensure effectiveness and user satisfaction.Digital Transformation
Lead the digital transformation initiatives of Citra Lab, focusing on integrating digital technologies to enhance policy design and public service delivery. Identify and implement digital tools and platforms that support the Labโs innovation projects and improve operational efficiency. Promote the adoption of digital solutions among stakeholders, providing guidance and support to ensure successful implementation and user adoption. Stay informed about emerging digital technologies and trends, leveraging them to drive innovation and improve policy and service outcomes. Work closely with the Regional Innovation and Digital Team at UNDP Asia Pacific to align, add value and joint resource mobilization for the Digital portfolio and communities of policymakers anchored regionally. Collaborate with IT and digital experts to ensure the technical feasibility and security of digital transformation projects.Policy and Advocacy
Advocate for policy changes and reforms that support the objectives of Citra Lab and the broader goals of public sector innovation and transformation. Engage with policymakers to influence and shape policies that enhance public sector efficiency and effectiveness. Conduct learning sessions (in person/ virtual), produce policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials to position and communicate the impact and importance of Citraโs work.Competencies
Core competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision makingยCross-Functional & Technical competenciesย
Business Direction & Strategy
Business Development
Human-Cantered Design - Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process Knowledge and understanding of human centred design principles and practices Integration within the UN - Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work. Knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situationsBusiness Management
Digital Awareness and Literacy - Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.Partnership Management
Relationship Management - Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understandingRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced University degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent), in development studies, public policy, governance, or a relevant related field is required. ORย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with a Masterโs Degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelorโs Degree) of relevant working experience in innovation, management, project coordination or a related area is required. Experience in innovation and project management Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination in the context of innovation or related area is preferred. Experience in digital transformation initiatives will be an asset. Prior experience working in an innovation lab, design thinking and systemic design will be an asset. Prior work experience with UN entity or development organization will be an added advantage.Required Languages
Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil with excellent English communication skills.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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