Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) believe that economic inclusion - the opening-up of economic opportunities to previously under-served social groups - is integral to development. Rapid digital transformations, changing demographics, and emerging sectors requiring specific skills, such as the digital and greening economies are challenging traditional education and training systems. Under such circumstances, inclusion of disadvantaged groups of people and equipping them with the skills that match the evolving needs of the labour market is more crucial than ever to transit towards resilient and sustainable economy.
To this end, EBRD and UNDP have agreed to establish a global multi-stakeholder advisory and partnership network; ‘Skills for an Inclusive Future (S4IF)’. The overall objective of this network is fostering skills development to enhance inclusiveness, productivity, and competitiveness of businesses. The network will promote greater private sector engagement in skills development and employment, with a view to creating a more inclusive economy in which disadvantaged groups such as women, youth and people in disadvantaged regions have the necessary skills to compete in the labour market and to take part in high value-added areas of the economy.
The network’s relevance has particularly increased in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. With a view to enabling faster and effective assistance to affected businesses and individuals under the crisis, EBRD and UNDP have agreed to initiate the activities through an online launch, with a plan to gradually expand the functions in the course of the improvement of situations. Knowledge Management Coordinator will be responsible for the strategic planning and leading formulation of materials for the Knowledge and Advisory (K&A) function of the network that will enable successful progression of the network.
The K&A function will be established to contribute for the achievement of strategic goals and objectives of the S4IF, UNDP and EBRD, and for the realization of the SDGs. As such, all activities under K&A function will have clear alignment with the overall vision, mission, and intended outcome of S4IF. By doing so, K&A function will be able to fill in the strategic and knowledge gaps within the S4IF ecosystem in their pursuit to advance inclusive skills development. The K&A function will prioritize the delivery of knowledge products for COVID-19 recovery in the short term, while producing the knowledge products and services in line with the strategic objectives of the network.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of S4IF co-leads and under the direct supervision and reporting directly to the UNDP co-lead, ICPSD Technical Specialist, the Knowledge Management Coordinator will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key functions:
Ensure the implementation of the Knowledge and Advisory Function:
- Proactively lead the Knowledge & Advisory function across the network and deliver prioritized knowledge products and services, including targeted training, toolkits and publications.
- Design an annual work plan on knowledge production for the S4IF network and contribute to the realization of the plan according to the S4IF K&A Roadmap study.
- Oversee the development of knowledge products with respect to UNDP ICPSD quality assurance standard: relevance, evidence-based, timely, authoritative, compelling, consistent.
- Collect, collate and disseminate best practices and case studies to increase knowledge and learning on inclusive skills and employment themes.
- Design, deliver and facilitate regular specialized technical skills development, training and information services.
- Engage with policy-oriented research networks that provide data, analysis, advice and peer review.
- Participate and conduct local and/or regional knowledge exchange workshops on relevant topics/practices, including virtually through webinars, videoconferencing, and other innovative methods.
Monitor, manage and enhance the Knowledge and Advisory Function:
- Design, manage and continually refine the organization’s MEL framework and manage reporting expectations on the network’s members.
- Manage the impact measurement of the network and its contribution to the selected SDGs and the intended outcomes, as detailed within the Network’s MEL framework.
- Report on Knowledge & Advisory performance, progress and activities and analyse learning as to how the number of learnings, materials, toolkits and knowledge products and services can increase, providing timely updates to the wider Secretariat.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Knowledge Management Coordinator will be working under the guidance of and reporting directly to the ICPSD Technical Specialist.
Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Thematic Area Name Definition 2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth Job/ Employment /Decent work Promotion
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth Future of work, automation and technology
2030 Agenda: People Gender Women's Economic Empowerment, including labour issues
Business Direction & Strategy System 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 system
Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
Business Development Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally
Business Management Partnerships Management Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Required Skills and Experience Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in management, business administration, international development, international relations, political science, economic development or related field is required,
OR
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience: Minimum five years (with Master’s degree) or seven years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively relevant work experience at the national or international level in providing research advisory services and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of research projects on topics, preferably related to private sector’s role in development is required.
Required skills:
- Proven track record of research experience at the national or international level in providing research advisory services and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of research projects on topics, preferably related to private sector’s role in development, on human capital development, employment, entrepreneurship, and impact is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge on the design of research materials, field research, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, development of questionnaires, in depth interview guidelines etc. is required.
- Proficiency in English and Turkish is required.
Desired skills:
- Sound knowledge and experience of knowledge management and associated approaches and tools is desired.
- Previous research/analysis experience related to skills development programmes that aim to empower the disadvantaged or focusing on partnerships with the private sector is an asset.
- Previous research/analysis experience related to green skills is an asset.
- Research management or policy or programing experience at the international level is an asset.
- Having a PhD is an asset.
- Research experience within international organizations is an asset.
Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
