Programme Management - Analyst (Innovation)

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.

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 Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), Innovation Cell (IC) to implement project activities supporting the area of emerging technologies in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding.

The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) through the IC, advances new technologies and innovative approaches to advance preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts.  

The Innovation Cell’s 2025-2026 workplan prioritizes enhancing its capacity-building initiatives, fostering digital transformation, and advancing the use of generative AI and geospatial tools like Geoguard for data-driven decision-making. These efforts align with DPPA’s broader commitment to the UN 2.0 agenda. 

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

UNOPS seeks a skilled Programme Management - Analyst (Innovation) to implement innovation projects, including Artificial Intelligence-enabled digital dialogues to enhance inclusion in peace and political processes, capacity-building initiatives, strategic communications, and partnership-building, while serving as the UNOPS liaison. The incumbent, with experience in innovation processes and tools - including advanced technologies relevant to the UN’s peace and security work - will ensure seamless integration of these efforts into the Innovation Cell’s (IC) workflow. This position in UNOPS requires close coordination with DPPA. 

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

Under the supervision of the UNOPS Project Manager and in close collaboration with DPPA (PMD-Innovation Cell), the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities: 

Operational and Financial Management

• Monitor procurement and consultancy engagements, ensuring adherence to UNOPS policies and the efficient use of resources. 
• Process and monitor financial transactions for DPPA’s internal tracking, maintain accurate records, and monitor expenditures against the budget, including according to internal DPPA mechanisms, as relevant and appropriate.

Innovation Projects and Strategic Communications

• Support the scaling of DPPA’s AI-enabled digital dialogue and other digital engagement tools, focusing on localizing these tools for field missions and capturing lessons learned. 
• Support other innovation projects as required, including their piloting, design, and implementation, in line with innovation processes and DPPA’s strategic mandate. 
• Contribute in  and provide support in communications plan activity to highlight DPPA’s achievements in innovation and new technologies. 
• Support the coordination and management of communications for events and projects, ensuring alignment with DPPA’s priority areas.
• Ensure and monitor  the operational readiness of the Innovation Space, including logistical coordination, equipment upkeep, and data tracking for reporting purposes.

Capacity-Building and Training Initiatives

• Support the delivery of the annual E-Analytics and Innovation Course, including virtual sessions, participant support, and logistical arrangements for the in-person Lab.

Partnership Development

• Provide support and collaboration in partnership activities, ensuring alignment with DPPA’s strategic objectives.

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

a. Education

• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, innovation-related subjects such as innovation, behavioural science, strategic communications or in a field related  to the post description with two (2) years of relevant experience is required. OR;
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, innovation-related subjects such as innovation, behavioural science, strategic communications with no relevant experience is desirable.

b. Work Experience 

Required:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in providing innovation project management support.
• Experience in conducting training related to innovation and/or new technologies to enhance preventive diplomacy and/or mediation at an international level is required.
• Experience in working for conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding or any other related areas is required.
• Experience in donor reporting and preparing project proposals is required.

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

• Experience in the use of digital engagement tools for peace and political processes is an advantage.
• Experience working with international organizations, such as the UN, is an advantage.  

c. Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. 
• Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.

• Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) 
• Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA-1) or Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA-8) - ICS8
• Contract duration: Ongoing contract; Though an ongoing contract will be offered, the contract will be through September 30, 2025 renewal subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration.

**Even though the duty is indicated as New York, USA, consideration will be given to allow the position to be home-based in a time zone close to New York (USA), depending on the incumbent's personal situation. For home-based positions, a location-specific fee scale is applied in determining the contractor's fee.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

• 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.