Innovation Adviser and Product Manager (Innovations for data and Frontier tech)

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.  Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.  UN-Habitat office in KSA has been working in a number of projects to support the UN-Habitat mandates and to boost the implementation of the NUA and the SDGs especially goal 11 as well as support the implementation of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its different programmes that correspond with the mandate of UN-Habitat. The Saudi Arabia Office is affiliated to The Regional Office of Arab States (ROAS), which is responsible for the implementation of the UN-Habitat Work Programme at Regional and at Country level for all domains of change under the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan (2020-2025). The KSA country programmes and projects is establishing a wide programme to enhance UN-Habitat's capacity of delivery at the country level.

UN-Habitat has been tasked by the Quality-of-Life Program to provide technical and advisory services for the design, development, and promotion of a global Quality of Life Index with a universal, and standardised method that will provide coherence and alignment for all development partners, including the UN system. The project is composed of three different phases over a period of 36 months. 

The project is composed of three outcomes as follows: 

• Enhanced technical and institutional capacity of participating countries and cities to adapt and use the Global Quality of Life Index as a decision-support system that relies on reliable, timely, and disaggregated data. 

• Enhanced understanding of local, national and global urban quality of life trends, and challenges that hinder effective implementation of policies/ actions and formulate transformative actions.

• Enhanced capacity of local and national governments and development partners to adapt, use and report on quality of life urban trends, including through the voluntary local and national review processes using the harmonised Global Urban Monitoring framework. 

Under the supervision of the global coordinator and project manager of the Quality of Life Initiative, in close collaboration with the team members of the Quality of Life Initiative and particularly the Technical Lead of the Index Development, the Innovation Adviser and Product Manager (Innovations for Data and Frontier Tech) will facilitate the process to incorporate and apply technologically innovative solutions and Frontier Tech dimensions to the Quality of Life Initiative and oversee the development of related products. 

 UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

The Innovation Adviser and Product Manager (Innovations for Data and Frontier Tech) will be responsible for the following duties:  

 1.   Knowledge, Strategy and collaboration for technological innovation 

• In close collaboration with the Project Coordinator, guide the team of the Quality-of-Life Initiative through a process to identify the most impactful innovations for data collection, analysis, and visualisation in response to the objectives and principles set forward by the project and its partners. 
• Strategic Innovation Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with the initiative goals and UN 2.0, focusing on specific areas to enhance the overall product offering.
• Technology Scouting: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies relevant to the project, exploring opportunities for integration to maintain a competitive edge. Inform the team on trends, opportunities and needs analysis throughout the implementation of the project, in line with the principles of the UN 2.0. 
• Idea Generation and Evaluation: Lead brainstorming sessions and idea generation activities, evaluating and prioritising concepts based on feasibility, market demand, and potential impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration among various work streams to drive innovation within the project team.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of project progress, innovations implemented, and lessons learned to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Presentation and Reporting: Communicate regularly with leadership and project stakeholders, presenting updates, insights, and recommendations related to innovation initiatives.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that innovative solutions meet high-quality standards, addressing any issues that may arise during the development process.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback, analysing results, and implementing lessons learned into future innovation projects.

2.   Partnerships and stakeholder engagement for data collection and analysis 

• Research, recommend and coordinate strategic partnerships to strengthen and implement the innovation strategy of the Initiative 
• Contribute to ongoing dialogue with a variety of stakeholders to advance a joint approach to innovation throughout the Initiative.  Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including team members, executives, and external partners, to gather input, feedback, and support for innovation initiatives.
• Support the Project team in leveraging innovations for data collection and analysis throughout the pilot-testing phase of the Initiative 

3.   Product Lifecycle Management 

• Coordinate the testing and development of technological applications (x4) for data collection, analysis and management. 
• Drive the lifecycle of the digital index platform development from ideation and development to prototyping, iteration and to final roll-out.   Advise the Project Management team on the end-to-end execution of innovation projects, coordinating timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful and timely delivery.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with innovation projects and develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring a smooth implementation process.
• Performance Measurement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the success of innovation projects, continuously monitoring and adapting strategies based on performance data.
• Coordinate the various vendors engaged in the different components of product development, in close collaboration with the Programme Management Officer, Administrative Officer and Fund Management Officers of the Project 
• Through internal and external consultations, develop the detailed concept and technical requirements for the online platform.  
• Identify cutting edge tools for data visualisation responding to the objectives of the Initiative and  index, which respond to the principles of UN 2.0 
• Deliver the Technological Applications of the Project (x4) and digital platform of the Index 

Description of assignments 

1.  Knowledge, Strategy and collaboration for technological innovation

• In close collaboration with the Project Coordinator, guide the team of the Quality-of-Life Initiative through a process to identify the most impactful innovations for data collection, analysis, and visualisation in response to the objectives and principles set forward by the project and its partners.
• Strategic Innovation Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy aligned with the initiative goals and UN 2.0, focusing on specific areas to enhance the overall product offering.
• Technology Scouting: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies relevant to the project, exploring opportunities for integration to maintain a competitive edge. Inform the team on trends, opportunities and needs analysis throughout the implementation of the project, in line with the principles of the UN 2.0.
• Idea Generation and Evaluation: Lead brainstorming sessions and idea generation activities, evaluating and prioritising concepts based on feasibility, market demand, and potential impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration among various work streams to drive innovation within the project team.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of project progress, innovations implemented, and lessons learned to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Presentation and Reporting: Communicate regularly with leadership and project stakeholders, presenting updates, insights, and recommendations related to innovation initiatives.

Expected Deliverables:

• Innovation strategy and action plan 

• Bi-monthly updates on innovations, trends, opportunities and needs analysis 

• Presentations and reports to project team and partners (Monthly at the minimum)

2. Collaboration, partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Research, recommend and coordinate strategic partnerships to strengthen and implement the innovation strategy of the Initiative
• Contribute to ongoing dialogue with a variety of stakeholders to advance a joint approach to innovation throughout the Initiative. Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including team members, executives, and external partners, to gather input, feedback, and support for innovation initiatives.
• Support the Project team in leveraging innovations for data collection and analysis throughout the pilot-testing phase of the Initiative

Expected Deliverables:

• Bi-monthly partnership update reports 

• Participation in relevant team meetings and missions 

•  Contribution to the collection and analysis of data and continuous improvement of the methodology

3. Product Lifecycle Management

• Coordinate the testing and development of technological applications (x4) for data collection, analysis and management.
• Drive the lifecycle of the digital index platform development from ideation and development to prototyping, iteration and to final roll-out. Advise the Project Management team on the end-to-end execution of innovation projects, coordinating timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful and timely delivery.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with innovation projects and develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring a smooth implementation process.
• Performance Measurement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the success of innovation projects, continuously monitoring and adapting strategies based on performance data.
• Coordinate the various vendors engaged in the different components of product development, in close collaboration with the Programme Management Officer, Administrative Officer and Fund Management Officers of the Project
• Through internal and external consultations, develop the detailed concept and technical requirements for the online platform. 
• Identify cutting edge tools for data visualisation responding to the objectives of the Initiative and index, which respond to the principles of UN 2.0
• Deliver the Technological Applications of the Project (x4) and digital platform of the Index
• The consultant is expected to travel to Riyadh (or another location) for onboarding, training and knowledge management facilitation purposes over a period of 10 working days. The exact dates to be confirmed. (travel costs is not included in the assignment and should be paid from UN-Habitat travel budget)

Expected Deliverables:

• Product ideation/review 

• session reports for each (4) technological application and the digital platform 

• Risk Matrix for innovation developed and updated throughout the project cycle

• Technical specifications document 

• Data visualisation solutions proposal with options 

• Technological Applications for data collection and analysis delivered (x4) 

• Index Platform MVP delivered 

• Mission to Riyadh delivered

• Professionalism – Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to work independently in support of overall programme objectives and take responsibility in incorporating youth and gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Knowledge of Saudi Arabia socio-economic situation as pertaining to youth and women, urbanisation issues and challenges and effective liaising with the Saudi government to enhance the trust and confidence of the government in UN-Habitat. 

• Planning and Organizing -  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary Uses time efficiently . 

• Accountability -  Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments

• Teamwork - Promote strong collaboration among colleagues to achieve programme goals and objectives, share credit with team members for accomplishments in the project, and accept responsibility for the team's shortcomings. 

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, Science and Technology, Product Development/Design, Engineering Business Administration.

• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. Proven track record of managing all aspects of a successful product throughout its lifecycle. 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in managing technological innovation projects 

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in oral and written English is required. 

Additional requirements

• Strong technical background with the ability to quickly understand and apply new technologies is required 

• Demonstrated understanding of latest data visualisation technologies and their application, practical experience with rapid prototyping and evaluation of user feedback  is required

• Practical experience with research – esp. around market trends and analysis  is desired

• Demonstrated understanding of open source and open data principles and practices   is desired. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing products with applications for social challenges   is desired  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills   is desired. 

Candidates to submit a cover letter explaining how they meet the specified criteria and answering the following questions

• Can you provide an example of a successful innovation project you've led in the past? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

• Understanding of the latest data visualisation technologies and their application is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

• Understanding of open source and open data principles and practices is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

• Experience developing and managing products with applications for social challenges, Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

• 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.