Background
The Pacific region is facing considerable economic and social development challenges due to the increasing impact of climate change and geo-hazards. At the same time, development in these countries is potentially increasing this vulnerability to climate change and disasters. The Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP), endorsed in 2016 by Pacific leaders, demonstrates a clear recognition that managing climate change and disaster related risk must be undertaken in the context of economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Governance for Resilience (Gov4Res) Project works with Pacific governments to ensure that countries adapt their decision making and governance systems towards more resilient development. The projects theory of change rests on a core assumption that Pacific Island people will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters if countries manage all development through a risk informed approach. This is consistent with the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific which calls for the โmainstreamingโ of climate and disaster risk treating risk management as fundamental to all development decisions.
The Gov4Res Project contains two outcome areas to work with countries across the region to address these risks by development: 1) Pacific Island Country Governance Systems enable gender and socially inclusive Resilient Development; 2) Pacific Island Countries Weave Learning to Advocate for and Communicate gender and socially inclusive resilient Development. UNDP is partnering with a range of partners to deliver this project across the Pacific including Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Gov4Res Project Manager based in UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, the Analyst will work across governance in the programming countries, including risk informed development (RID) and public financial management (PFM).
The Analyst will provide advisory, technical skills and programmatic support. As the risk informed agenda builds on the countryโs systems, it entails governance structural changes which require close collaboration with the government counterparts therefore the expert is required to have the ability to engage with senior and middle management in the partner governments.
The Analyst will collaboratively develop context specific solutions that enhance participatory governance, data analytics, PFM, and risk-informed development in the Pacific region. This work will also include leveraging advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and sharing good practices and perspectives from developing and developed countries in the use of AI and digital technology solutions.ย
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Duties and Responsibilities
The Analyst will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Governance for Resilient Development (Gov4Res) Project Manager.
Working under the direction of the Gov4Res Project Manager and guidance of the Senior Public Finance and Governance Advisor, the Analyst will be responsible for the following:
Provide policy advisory and technical advice to partner governments on risk informing governance
Conduct diagnostics and research to develop policy papers to support policy level dialogues for the adoption of innovative measures for risk management practices. Support the creation of resources, including reports on risk-informed governance & PFM initiatives in the Pacific, that support engagement, participation, and consultations for risk informed governance mechanisms. Support collaboration, partnerships and engagement with a broad target audience, including regional organizations and development partners/stakeholders integrating and coordinating diverse specialist inputs into all governance initiatives To enhance the effectiveness of portfolio approach, collaborate with other UNDP projects to create synergies with the Gov4Res initiatives, aiming to integrate risk-informed governance practices.Strengthen data governance and data management systems availability and use at all levels of government. ย
Provide technical advice and guidance on strategic and policy issues to strengthen data governance, data management and knowledge management systems at all levels of government, including data generation, data storage, dissemination, and data usage.ย Develop and rollout initiatives, knowledge products, and training packages created for various stakeholders on data management and knowledge management. Serve as the focal point for data-related tasks in the Gov4Res Project, provide technical advice, and undertake analysis as required.ย Analyze information and take stock of actions on issues related to e-Governance and data/knowledge management. Document and share success stories and good practices with communications team and in programme reports. ยOversee the development and implementation of digital technology solutions
Provide specific programmatic support in developing a comprehensive support plan (including reports, toolkits, and guidelines) for countries that incorporates specific initiatives for better utilization of digital technology solutions in participatory governance, data analytics, PFM, and risk-informed development, leveraging advances in artificial intelligence. Identify, conceptualize, and implement innovative solutions that integrate climate and disaster risk considerations into governance and PFM systems to enhance resilience and agility in governance. Provide policy and technical advice to government partners to support them in leveraging advances in AI and strategic data analysis.ย Organize and coordinate (including preparation of concept notes and advocacy materials) meetings, workshops, missions, conferences and side events to strengthen strategic engagement with UN system partners and other stakeholders on the use of digital technology and AI in risk informed governance portfolio.ย Organize and participate in knowledge-sharing events, workshops, and peer learning forums to promote best practices and lessons learned in digital technology solutions and its impact on governance, data, PFM and RID across the Pacific.Support capacity building and upskilling across Gov4Res in data analytics and digitalisation.
Working under the supervision of the Project Manager, and in collaboration with the Strategic, Learning and Innovation Specialist, identify areas for capacity development and upskilling within the space of data analytics and digitalisation in Gov4Res/UNDP.ย Design, develop and facilitate capacity building and upskilling data analytics and digitalisation. programmes and training exercises, including training on GEDSI specific data analytics and digitalisation initiatives.ย Contribute to team development around topics of data analytics and digitalisation in programming including trialing new tools and approaches to initiatives.ย Establish and maintain a strong relationship with government counterparts and development partners and identify opportunities to coordinate with counterparts and partners in the implementation of cross learning exercises.ย Facilitate connections with appropriate partners in the data analytics and digitalisation space, to enhance Gov4Res programming and sustainability of initiatives.Support efficient and effective planning, management, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities and results.
Coordinate technical inputs from risk informed planning and financing project outcomes in consultation with project technical experts, resilience officers, implementing partners, and other project stakeholders.ย Support integration of risk into government planning and financing systems and support delivery of risk informed demonstration and implementation by coordinating technical experts and resilience officers; liaising with government counterparts; undertaking training and capacity building. Provide technical advice to implementing partners and stakeholders to perform tasks related to project activities efficiently and effectively. Support and coordinate the implementation of project activities with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders.ย Participate, collate and provide inputs in preparation project workplans, reports and evaluations. Undertake other duties as assigned by the Project Manager, such as drafting ToRs/other documents, or as a proactive necessary contribution to the success of the project.Perform other duties within the functional duties assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the project/UNDP Programme.ย
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
2030 Agenda: Partnerships
SDG Finance: Governance and Coordination for the Financing of the SDGs2030 Agenda: Peace
Governance: Digitalization of Governance2030 Agenda: People
Gender: Inclusive governance and womenโs participation and representationBusiness Managementย
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. Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-makingDigitalย
Artificial intelligence thought leadership: Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in AI, along with their social, ethical, and economic implications, including data privacy and human rights. Ability to engage with industry experts, government representatives, and academics to stay updated on latest trends and to form partnerships. Strong skills in conducting and interpreting research to support thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, policy briefs, or case studies. Understanding of global trends and cultural nuances, as they relate to the field of AI. Familiarity with international laws and standards regarding technology, particularly in a multistakeholder environment like the UN.Business Direction & Strategyย
System Thinking: Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologiesRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Development Practice, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required, ORย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas mentioned above 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 masterโs degree) or 4 years (with bachelorโs degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in governance, risk-informed governance, public financial management or administration, data analytics, digitalization of governance, local governance, and/or leading and managing development projects. Experience providing technical assistance to governments on risk-informed governance practices, preferably in the Pacific.ย Experience in the development and implementation of inclusive digital governance solutions is desirable. Experience working within multilateral agencies, UN agencies or Pacific regional organizations is desirable. Demonstrated work experience in the Pacific region is desirable. Demonstrated project management experience is desirable.Required Languages:
Fluency of English language is required. Knowledge of Pacific Island languages and culture will be strongly considered. Fluency in additional UN languages is an added advantage.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.
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