Social Systems Lead

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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.  

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) was established in January 2023 through the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office and it currently oversees UNOPS projects in 24 countries across the region, with its headquarters in Bangkok and nine business units spanning various locations.

In 2022, UNOPS EAPMCO successfully implemented projects exceeding USD 95.7 million, addressing diverse areas such as Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, and more. The Multi Country Office in Bangkok plays a central role, providing strategic direction, operational support, and assurance of excellence in business processes and quality standards across all locations, while also managing and delivering engagements within the countries of its presence.

Background Information – Project

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 (AI), UN Global Pulse operates today as a global network advancing innovation within the UN’s work. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the UN family and those it serves to anticipate, respond, and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

Serving the wider Asia Pacific region, the hub is a frontrunner in practicing and advocating for inclusive innovation. Drawing on a decade of successes harnessing system design, as well as big data and artificial intelligence for platform development and data analytics, Global Pulse Asia Pacific facilitates co-creation of forward-thinking solutions that inform policy and decision-making.

From enhancing humanitarian crisis response, strengthening climate resilience, and improving the decision-making process in digital transformation, the hub will continue to apply innovation to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda for a better future.

To manage and conduct analysis of related and impacted social systems, UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific (UNGP-AP) is looking for an experienced Social Systems Lead who, under the guidance of Head of UNGP-AP, will supervise and develop the social systems team and its outputs. The Social Systems Lead as part of the senior management team, also contributes to strategic planning and in identifying new program areas and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. S/he ensures a consistent approach with the operations and finance teams and supports effective communication of the UNGP-AP portfolio with Government officials, UN agencies and donors. The Social Systems Lead will work closely with a wide variety of stakeholders such as UN Agencies and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society with a specific focus on social systems impacted by or utilizing new and conventional digital data sources for development and humanitarian action in the Asia Pacific Region. S/he must be a detailed oriented person, focused on the needs and goals of UNGP-AP key partners, have strong communication skills and is a team player

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields of study relevant to the position.
• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Award
• Contract level: LICA10
• Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.