Policy Specialist - Digital Connectivity, P-4, #103007, Data, Research and Policy, New York Headquarters

This position is within the Policy Lab Unit in the Policy Section at the Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP). DRP’s mission is to facilitate the role of evidence in driving change for children. To that end, the division seeks to harness information about the state of the world’s children; fill evidence gaps; develop robust policy solutions; support countries in the application of evidence; and ground UNICEF’s strategic planning and learning in evidence and knowledge. DRP is composed of two Sections (Data and Analytics, and Policy) and the Office of Research – Innocenti.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. 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 fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, a future 

This position is within the Policy Lab Unit in the Policy Section at the Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP). DRP’s mission is to facilitate the role of evidence in driving change for children. To that end, the division seeks to harness information about the state of the world’s children; fill evidence gaps; develop robust policy solutions; support countries in the application of evidence; and ground UNICEF’s strategic planning and learning in evidence and knowledge. DRP is composed of two Sections (Data and Analytics, and Policy) and the Office of Research – Innocenti.

Through its three units (Policy Analysis, Policy Lab and Learning/Knowledge Exchange), the Policy Section at DRP serves as a catalyst to connect and amplify the data and research functions within the division. The Policy Section seeks to analyze new and emerging issues, scope policy options and develop recommendations. These policy products will enable UNICEF to demonstrate leadership in shaping policy for children, whether by feeding into corporate campaigns, driving new approaches to enhance results in key areas of the Strategic Plan, or providing guidance to country and regional offices on a number of new and emerging issues. The Policy Lab Unit has the mandate to develop policy recommendations on new, complex or cross-cutting issues affecting children, responding to the needs of the organization and its work with its partners.

Learn more about UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/

How can you make a difference?

Digitalization is transforming every parts of our society, from business operations to social interactions. It is for instance changing how children and young people learn, communicate and establish relationships. Understanding the risks and opportunities brought by digitalization can inform how UNICEF adjusts its policies and programs to continuously respond to the needs of children and young people.

Under the guidance of the Chief of Policy Lab Unit and working closely with the Lab team and colleagues in DRP and beyond, the Policy Specialist, Digital Connectivity, will scan and analyze new trends that affect children in a digital age; fill evidence gaps related to children well-being in a context of growing connectivity; systematically analyze policy options that can deliver results for the most vulnerable; and strengthen UNICEF field offices’ ability to engage with governments in designing digital solutions that can improve child well-being.

Analyze

• Keep abreast of and undertake research on new and emerging issues affecting children as they relate to digital connectivity, new technologies, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, digital financial inclusion, digital literacy, cybersecurity, digital policy trends and implications as well as on possible solutions (e.g. on identification, communication, and financing) that deliver results for the most vulnerable.

• Carry out stakeholder mappings and facilitate the Policy Lab’s partnership with relevant stakeholders and thought leaders in the digitalization space to engage them in UNICEF’s policy work as appropriate.

Convene

• Analyse the many dimensions of digital connectivity challenges and their regional specificities, and systematically take stock of external evidence and experiences to assess which issues should be prioritized when conducting labs.
• Convene relevant actors inside and outside UNICEF to further explore UNICEF’s engagement and/or assess the viability of policy solutions.

Supporting Countries

• Working closely with the Knowledge Exchange and Learning Unit, take stock and disseminate knowledge (including field experiences) so that all relevant staff in UNICEF have access to the evidence required to clarify and maximize UNICEF's policy positioning and engagement on digitalization-related issues.
• Provide selective policy support and recommendations to UNICEF country and regional offices and UNICEF National Committees  based on evidence and key trends.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

• An Advanced University Degree (Master's) in Science and Technology, Social Innovation, law, social policy, political science and/or a directly-related field is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years relevant work experience at the national and international levels, in areas related to digital connectivity, new technologies, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, digital financial inclusion, digital literacy, cybersecurity, policy digital trends/implications is required.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary perspective of national and international policy and institutional arrangements governing digitalization is required.
• Experience in policy or programme development in the field of digital connectivity, with flexibility and sensitivity to contextual constraints and capacities is required.
• Experience in designing research projects,  facilitation of research with a range of stakeholders as well as policy analysis is required.
• Experience in synthesizing research for empirically based conclusions on related subjects is required.
• Excellent communication and writing skills and ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and reader-friendly formats and text is required.
• Knowledge of children's rights and gender in the context of digital transformation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of  UNICEF's catalytic role in advancing pro-poor, child friendly economic policies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.
  
  

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Analyzing, Relating and Networking, Innovating and Creativity, Applying Technical Expertise, Learning & researching, To view our competency framework, please click here.

Remarks: 
This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty (5 years for New York Headquarters).

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.