Project Management and Community Engagement Specialist (Home based)

Background

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

Digital technologies are one of the most profound drivers of change globally.  Recognizing that these technologies bring both opportunities to accelerate progress in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as presenting challenges to development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting over 120 countries on digital transformation.  UNDP’s work in governance and digital transformation seeks to help create a world in which digital technology is an empowering force for people and the planet. 

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations. Present in 170 countries with over 22,000 people, UNDP works on the world’s biggest challenges, from rising poverty and inequality and weak systems of governance to a rapidly changing climate and the continued degradation of our natural world.   UNDP’s Digital Strategy 2022 – 2025 aims to support our partner countries to unlock the power of digital to tackle these pressing issues.  The strategy lays out UNDP’s ambition to use a rights-based approach to digital technologies to improve our development results and help build inclusive digital ecosystems globally that leave no one behind.  These aims are supported by the transformation of our internal operational systems and building an agile, digitally capable workforce.

As the impact of digital technology to accelerate human development has become increasingly evident, there has been a proliferation of digital solutions across the world. The Digital X program aims to create partnerships between governments and proven solutions - focused on promoting human security and human dignity - that scale faster, easier, and are more impactful than building solutions from scratch and reinventing the wheel.

Project Background 

The Digital X program aims to support the scaling of impactful digital solutions across borders – making it faster, easier, and safer to deploy these technologies to advance human development. An emergent priority for UNDP is to scale up what already works, reduce duplication, and improve coordination across development actors. This is why Digital X supports scaling digital solutions from not only UNDP, but also from other UN agencies, social enterprises, private sector, nonprofits, NGOs, universities, and more.

In the face of an emerging horizon of interconnected global threats – from climate disruptions, conflicts, polarization, and pervasive health challenges – there is an immediate and pressing need to rethink our approach to human security. Even promising strides in human development are often accompanied by heightened sensations of insecurity, with recent data indicating that 6 out of 7 people globally do not feel secure. To address this, disconnect, and the troubling "development with insecurity" trend identified in the ground-breaking Special Report on Human Security (SRHS), a pioneering concept of a "New Generation of Human Security" was introduced by UNDP.

The latest iteration of Digital X, the ‘Digital X: Human Security Tech Accelerator’ provides high visibility for proven digital solutions on a global scale and connects them to UNDP country offices and governments for effective scaling of digital projects.  The Accelerator calls for proven digital solutions, including open-source solutions, from around the world that promote human security and matches them to UNDP Country Offices for potential collaboration.

Scope of Work  

The Project Management & Community Engagement Specialist will lead the implementation of UNDP’s Digital X program in partnership with the Government of Japan and the UNDP Chief Digital Office. The role will involve day-to-day project activities, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and outreach. The Specialist will drive project activities such as conducting needs assessments, organizing convenings, and community engagement to enhance the adoption of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and open-source solutions, with a strong focus on human security. The Project Manager & Community Engagement Specialist will connect UNDP country offices, digital solution providers, private sector stakeholders, and donors, while ensuring effective knowledge management and strategic communication.

With a good understanding of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and open-source solutions, the Project Management & Community Engagement Specialist will also support into CDO’s broader partnerships and communications work, including on messaging, development of outreach strategies and content that highlights the impact of Digital X. Additionally, the Project Management & Community Engagement Specialist will collaborate closely with project teams, partners, and key stakeholders to drive awareness, enhance knowledge-sharing, and contribute to advocacy efforts that support the adoption of open, inclusive, and secure digital solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure Project Management and Community Engagement

• Host match-making events (e.g. webinars, info sessions, and virtual events) targeting solution providers globally to increase awareness about DPGs, open-source solutions, and the unique value proposition of partnering with UNDP.
• Expand the Digital X Solution Catalogue with a focus on finding digital solutions that promote human security and Human Dignity based on the needs of UNDP country offices and government partners. 
• In collaboration with experts in the Chief Digital Office, support UNDP Country Offices on working with technical teams and implementations of digital solutions (e.g. develop the business case for new solutions, draft plans, engage with potential users, etc.)
• Facilitate connections between UNDP country offices, private sector and other solution providers globally, and funders, and monitor matchmaking funnel. 
• Coordination with external stakeholders: Maintain close coordination with external partners, such as global solution providers including Japanese start-ups, and other UN agencies to advance implementations of solutions in countries.
• Develop, design and execute communications plans to build momentum and awareness of the Digital X: Human Security Tech Accelerator (Digital X 3.0) Project, which may include work on newsletters, articles, blog posts, reports and social media posts.

Outreach, Partnerships and Strategic Communications 

• Build relationships with innovation and startup networks to aid in amplifying reach, particularly with the Japanese tech ecosystem.
• Explore and support broader outreach to Japanese stakeholders and the Japanese tech ecosystem on UNDP’s digital programmes and work.
• Collaborate with team members and external stakeholders to identify and integrate communications and advocacy strategies, to advance DigitalX, DPGs/DPI and broader CDO work.

Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing. 

• Organize training for the project personnel to enhance their capacities in the technical matters of the thematic area of the project. 
• Identify, evaluate, synthesize, and document lessons learned and best practices directly linked to the project goals and activities. Develop knowledge sharing materials and respond to related queries. 
•  Contribute substantively to knowledge networks and communities of practice within the thematic area of the project. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements 

The Project Management & Community Engagement Specialist will report to the Digital Public Infrastructure Manager in the Chief Digital Office, with a separate dotted reporting line to the Head of Digital Partnerships and Engagement. Given the global assignments to be undertaken, the candidate is expected to be reasonably flexible to attend meetings/video calls taking into consideration different time zones. Occasional travel is to be expected as part of the role.

Competencies

CORE:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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