Head of Programme (Senior Advisor)

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

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.

The 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 UN Digital Cooperation Multi-Partner Trust Fund (Administered by UNDP MPTFO) to implement project activities for the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Technology. 

The Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Tech Envoy (OSET) is dedicated to advancing the United Nations' digital cooperation agenda, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all of humanity while mitigating associated risks. The office serves as a bridge between the UN system, member states, the tech community, and other stakeholders, promoting partnerships and harnessing technology for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Secretary-General's report "Our Common Agenda" issued in September 2021 prioritizes the digital space and the need to "protect the online space and strengthen its governance". It also proposes a Global Digital Compact to be developed through a multistakeholder track. OSET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology, while mitigating the risks. 

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

The Head of Programme (Senior Advisor), coordinating with the Senior Portfolio Manager, will meet with relevant stakeholders in the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology to outline planned and ongoing deliverables and ensure that their deadlines are realistic and aligned with relevant workflows.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in International development, in computer science and/or mathematical modelling or related areas with seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.
• A first-level university degree in the above- mentioned fields of study, with nine (9) years of relevant work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience: 

Required:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience working on big data and AI, related infrastructure and applications.
• A minimum of 3 years experience managing technology implementations using natural language processing and big data analytics is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of deployment of AI solutions in developing country contexts is required.

Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

• Recent experience working on data and artificial intelligence governance, including the application of ethical frameworks, handling of biases in datasets, sandboxing, and engagement with stakeholders.
• Experience on Artificial intelligence governance across multiple jurisdictions, including in developing country contexts
• Experience in evaluating/deploying artificial intelligence technology in complex societal domains such as agriculture, health, education, and public policy.

• Fluency (read, write, speak) in English is required. 
• Knowledge of French and Arabic is an asset.

1. Contract type: Staff
2. Contract level: P4
3. Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contracts - 'One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

• 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.

• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.

• 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.

• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types. 
• This position is stationed in Geneva, Switzerland which is a family duty station.

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.