UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse
SG Lab Futures Initiative
UN Global Pulse is the UN Secretary-General’s innovation lab. Originally established in 2009 to harness the power of big data and artificial intelligence to protect the vulnerable during crises, UN Global Pulse operates as a globally distributed network advancing innovation in the UN’s work for people and planet. These terms of reference are the result of a strategic realignment of the UN’s innovation ecosystem, overseen by the Secretary-General’s Executive Office and a cross-pillar review team, to maximize its impact. Going forward, UN Global Pulse will serve as the Secretary-General’s cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation in support of leadership priorities and in advancement of the UN Charter.
UN Global Pulse works with digital innovation, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. UNGP’s vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves people, advances their sustainable development, and protects the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The goals of UNGP are: i) Advance digital innovations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, respond effectively to crises, and address emerging global challenges; ii) Facilitate development of global frameworks that maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize the risk of harm, and create pathways to scale and sustainability; and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family into a more dynamic and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution.
The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Key Results Expected
To achieve its goals, Global Pulse is recruiting a Strategic Foresight Analyst based in UN Global Pulse Finland. The role contributes to catalyzing transformation in the UN. It will do so by strengthening the anticipatory capacities, supporting the understanding of emerging issues as well as their impacts on the UN’s mandates and priorities, and collaborating closely with diverse internal and external partners. The incumbent will identify and apply foresight methodologies, tools and processes to tackle challenges across the UN Family, connecting human rights, peace and security and development.
The incumbent will support the development of a new foresight workstream under the SG Lab Futures Initiative. This includes substantive and technical support and elaboration and implementation of value-adding foresight concepts, services, and processes. The incumbent will support gradual development of standing foresight capacity and coordinate foresight experiments. S(he) will also support alignment of activities with UNGP’s wider performance indicators and the strategic priorities of the Executive Office of Secretary General (EOSG).
The role will collaborate with contributors within and outside of the UN Family. It will elicit research questions from a diversity of stakeholders and contribute to planning and implementation of sensing and scanning activities. Using wide data sets and working with a wide range of people and organizations, the role will identify trends and patterns from which it will develop insights and products supporting decision making.
The incumbent will apply cross-disciplinary approaches with inter alia data & behavioral scientists, service design & policy experts applying quantitative and qualitative methods in a complementary manner. S(he) will also participate in providing inputs to guidelines and policies that promote and incorporate ethical and safe practices.
The role will provide support coordination and collaboration across the UN Global Pulse network and UN agencies funds and programmes and member state governments to promote cross-network projects, learning and operations, resource mobilization and partnerships development, as required.
Occasional travel and field missions may be required, as conditions allow.