ICT Specialist - Business Analysis (Governance Specialist – Knowledge, Information, Data Management)

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.

Global Portfolios Office (GPO), New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) 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 defined activities in support of The Development Coordination Office (DCO).

In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO assumed managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator (RC) system under the collective ownership of the members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). Under the UN development system reform, a reinvigorated RC system has been rolled out since 2019 and has created new frameworks, instruments, tools and platforms to support the RC system, and enhance accountability and transparency. UN Country Teams are now developing and implementing instruments at the core of the reform, such as the new generation Common Country Analysis (CCA) and Cooperation Framework, including via the UNSDG platform of UN INFO. 

To improve development coordination, facilitate data harmonization and demonstrate the UNSDG’s contribution to Agenda 2030, DCO established the online UN INFO system. UN INFO digitizes a standard results framework based upon Cooperation Framework guidance with the ability to adapt to the unique context and user requirements of each UNCT. Accurate data management and analysis of information and data included in UN INFO, and other similar online platforms, is critical for accountability and transparency on the work and results of the UN development system and of the RC system.  

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

UNOPS seeks to recruit a candidate with strong experience in establishing and maintaining governance frameworks for management and leadership decision-making. The incumbent will be instrumental in enhancing the governance structures and processes related to the UN INFO system and other knowledge, information, and data management initiatives within DCO. The incumbent will focus on developing policies, guidelines, and frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in line with UN Secretariat policies and global best practices. This role will involve close collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that governance practices support the effective implementation of the UN's development coordination efforts and contribute to the achievement of Agenda 2030.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

●      Conduct comprehensive policy analysis and research on governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with UN Secretariat policies and global best practices.

●      Develop and propose policy recommendations to enhance governance structures and processes within the UN INFO system, focusing on transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

●      Monitor and evaluate the implementation of governance policies, providing regular updates and reports to senior management.

●      Analyze legal, regulatory, and policy documents to assess their impact on UN INFO operations and propose necessary adjustments.

●      Facilitate stakeholder consultations and engagement sessions to gather input and build consensus on governance-related policies and strategies.

●      Provide expert advice on governance issues, including risk management, compliance, and internal controls, to ensure robust and effective governance frameworks.

●      Draft, review, and revise governance-related documentation, including policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.

●      Support the design and implementation of training programs on governance and policy matters for staff across the UN INFO system.

●      Coordinate with interagency partners to harmonize governance policies and practices, promoting coherence and collaboration.

●      Conduct data analysis to identify trends and patterns in governance-related metrics, using insights to inform policy development and decision-making.

●      Lead or participate in governance and policy working groups, task forces, and committees, contributing to the development and refinement of governance frameworks.

●      Assist in the development and maintenance of governance dashboards and other tools to monitor and report on governance indicators.

●      Provide technical support for the integration of governance considerations into strategic planning and operational activities.

●      Collaborate with IT and data teams to ensure governance policies are effectively integrated into digital platforms and tools.

●      Conduct periodic reviews and audits of governance processes to ensure compliance with established standards and identify areas for improvement.

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

• A first-level university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in social sciences, information management, public administration, management or a related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in social sciences, information management, public administration, management or a related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

• Relevant experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in governance, policy analysis, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks, policies, and/or procedures within an international organization or governmental institution is required.

Desirable:  (The following experience and skills are optional, candidates who do not have them are welcome to apply)

• Experience of results-based project and programme cycle management or similar business management approaches that rely on measurable performance indicators is desirable.
• Familiarity with the UN development system, including its structures, operations, and policy-making processes, is desirable.
• Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations and facilitating collaborative decision-making processes is desirable.
• Proven ability to analyze complex policy and regulatory documents and translate them into actionable recommendations is desirable.
• Knowledge of risk management, compliance, and internal control principles is desirable.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools and software to inform policy development and decision-making is an advantage.
• Experience in drafting policy documents, reports, and presentations is desirable.

c. Language:

• Fluency in English, (read, write, speak) is required;
• Working knowledge any of the other UN official languages is desirable. 

• 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 

• 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.