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 ย 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, ย 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.
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 Systems Design & Development Economics Analyst for Citra Labโs next iteration.ย
The position will be reporting to the Manager- Citra Innovation Lab.ย
Duties and Responsibilities
The Systems Design & Development Economics Analyst will be responsible for effectively drive systems design and development economics initiatives, contributing to the overall goal of public sector transformation and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
Systems Design and Analysis
Conduct thorough systems analysis to understand the current state, identify inefficiencies, and propose innovative solutions. Apply systems thinking methodologies to design integrated and holistic solutions that address root causes of systemic issues. Mainstream systems thinking and portfolio logic across various teams within UNDP SriLanka.Development Economics Research and Analysis
Conduct research on development economics, focusing on the economic and social challenges facing Sri Lanka which can inform Citraโs interventions.ย Analyze economic data and trends to inform the design and implementation of policies and programmes.Policy Design and Implementation
Collaborate with government partners and stakeholders to ensure policies are practical, feasible, and aligned with national priorities. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies to ensure they achieve desired outcomes and make necessary adjustments.Reporting and Partnership Development
Prepare and submit regular reports on the progress and impact of systems design and development economics initiatives to Citra Labโs stakeholders.ย Identify and secure funding opportunities to support systems design and development economics initiatives. Develop partnerships with local and international organizations to expand the reach and impact of Citra Labโs work. Engage in joint resource mobilization, writing/coordinating proposals to help enhance Citraโs resource pipeline for public sector innovation and digital projects.Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Establish a knowledge management system to capture and share best practices, lessons learned, and success storiesย Create platforms for knowledge exchange among public sector employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Create/ contribute content/ activities to various in-country/ regional communities of policymakers aimed at building new capabilities within government officials.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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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 discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategyย ย ย ย
Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDPโs mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.ย Systems Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemBusiness Managementย ย ย ย
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-making operational frameworks in the organization 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.Business Developmentย ย ย ย
Knowledge Generation. Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. Human-Centered 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 practicesPartnership Managementย ย ย ย
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 , development economics, international relations, public policy, governance, or a related area. OR ย 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:
Applicants with Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in innovation, management, project coordination or a related area. Experience in innovation and project management Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination and working with multiple stakeholders in the context of socioeconomics, development economics and innovation or related area is preferred. Experience in digital transformation, economics and development research and systems design initiatives will be an asset. Prior experience working in an innovation lab, economic research, 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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