Portfolio Officer (Mission Hubs Foresight Support)

1. Background and Context:

UNOPS is the United Nations Office for Project Services. We support the successful implementation of our partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.  

In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global landscape, strategic foresight plays a crucial role in enabling UNOPS to anticipate future trends, identify emerging opportunities and challenges, and adapt its strategies and operations effectively. This Junior Analyst position will provide dedicated support to UNOPS missions and technical experts in strengthening their foresight capabilities.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The Junior Analyst will provide research, analytical, and administrative support to enhance UNOPS' strategic foresight capacity across all mission hubs and relevant technical areas. The role will involve assisting with the identification of emerging trends, the collection and analysis of data, and the documentation and dissemination of foresight insights to inform strategic decision-making.


This position is a temporary assignment for an initial period of 6 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and business needs.

Under the guidance of the Supervisor, the Junior Analyst will be responsible for the following duties:

• Research and Data Collection:

  • Conduct desk research on emerging global trends, technological advancements, policy developments, and other factors relevant to UNOPS' areas of work.

  • Assist in identifying and collecting relevant data from various sources, including reports, publications, databases, and online platforms.

  • Support the development and implementation of data collection tools and methodologies for foresight activities.

• Analysis and Synthesis:

  • Assist in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, insights, and potential future scenarios.

  • Support the synthesis of research findings and data into clear and concise summaries, briefs, and presentations.

  • Contribute to the identification of potential risks and opportunities for UNOPS based on foresight analysis.

  • Contribute, through foresight and scenarization, to the development of corporate strategic documents.

• Documentation and Knowledge Management:

  • Assist in the documentation of foresight processes, methodologies, and findings.

  • Support the development and maintenance of a knowledge repository for foresight-related information and resources.

  • Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and other communication materials to disseminate foresight insights to relevant stakeholders.

• Support to Technical Experts and Missions:

  • Provide support to technical experts and mission staff involved in foresight activities.

  • Assist in organizing foresight workshops, seminars, and other events.

  • Support the integration of foresight insights into strategic planning and programme development processes at the mission level.

• Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Assist in monitoring emerging trends and developments in areas relevant to UNOPS' mandate.

  • Support the preparation of regular updates and reports on foresight activities and findings.

• Other Duties:

  • Provide other research, analytical, and administrative support as required by the Supervisor to advance UNOPS' foresight agenda.

Impact of Results:

The work of the Junior Analyst will contribute to:

• Enhanced awareness and understanding of emerging trends and future scenarios within UNOPS.
• Improved availability of data and analysis to support strategic foresight activities.
• Strengthened capacity of UNOPS missions and technical experts to incorporate foresight into their work.
• Better informed strategic decision-making across the organization.
• Increased proactive identification of opportunities and mitigation of potential risks for UNOPS.

Education:

• University degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, economics, development studies, social sciences, or a related field with a demonstrated interest in future trends and strategic thinking.
• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field may substitute for some years of experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in research, analysis, or administrative support is required. 
• Familiarity with research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Experience with office software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Interest in global trends, emerging technologies, and future scenarios.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish) is an asset.

Submission of Applications:

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application through the UNOPS online recruitment system. The application should include a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience, qualifications, and interest in strategic foresight, and a detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.