Innovation Officer, NO-1, Beijing, China, Chinese National Only

We are looking for an Innovation Officer to work as part of UNICEF’s global innovation network and to be responsible for actively exploring new design methods, technologies and business models to improve results for children in China and beyond.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

How can you make a difference? 

The Innovation Officer is part of UNICEF’s global innovation network and is responsible for actively exploring new design methods, technologies and business models to improve results for children. With innovation being a top priority for the government of China, the incumbent will help in facilitating the exchange of experiences in the country and globally and reinforce UNICEF’s global presence and leadership on using innovative ideas to address child rights in China and beyond.

The incumbent will work with a wide range of UNICEF colleagues across offices and sections, with civil society and Government partners, and with technical service providers to:

• Coordinate and support UNICEF China’s overall innovation strategy and action plans
• Scout for new innovative ideas and opportunities and track activities around innovation
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilisation and new partnerships, and lead proposal and partnership development efforts
• Support the development of partnerships and networks with local innovators, youth organizations, the private sector, media and academia to build and provide spaces to nurture and test new ideas and innovations
• Coordinate and support development and testing of innovation products and processes to strengthen UNICEF’s programming, advocacy and communication
• Provide technical support for the deployment of mobile phone based systems for real-time data collection, education and other innovative uses
• Support the training of UNICEF and partner staff, government counterparts and other end users in the use of innovation products and processes
• Support the documentation of tested innovation projects and ensure sharing of knowledge around innovations in China as well as with UNICEF’s global innovation network

To qualify, you will have…  

• A university degree (preferably at Master’s level) in Social Sciences, International Relations, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, Information Technology, or other relevant disciplines
• At least two years of solid responsible professional work experience at the national or international levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in project management and rolling out of projects especially in hard to reach areas in developing countries is highly desirable
• Experience in start-up companies / organisations is an asset

• Proven capacity to work with teams across different locations and with different technical skills
• Familiarity with information systems and communication technologies is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

• Respect for and adherence to UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Inclusion, and Integrity
• A strong understanding of UNICEF’s mission and vision, and programmes through direct or indirect work experience with UNICEF
• Proven ability to manage relationships with partners, including government ministries, youth coalitions, universities, intellectual leaders, UN organizations, NGOs and the private sector
• Strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences

If you recognise yourself from the above and wish to make a difference for every child, send a Cover Letter and CV to beijinghr@unicef.org or apply online through www.unicef.org/employ (requisition 505158). 

In our effort to obtain a gender-balanced workforce, we’re particularly looking at qualified male candidates to join the team. For conditions of service, click here.