Global Knowledge Advisor

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, South-South and Triangular cooperation initiatives, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts in close coordination and thematic synergy with the Crisis Bureau (CB).

The SDG integration team (SDGi team) of the GPN’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) facilitates the delivery of an effective integration offer to countries and the UN Development System, leveraging substantive connections across teams and approaches to complex challenges, leading a new way of working across UNDP’s flagship initiatives, workstreams and capacities.

Reporting to the Head of SDG Integration, the Global Knowledge Advisor provides management and strategic leadership of knowledge collaboration and the 8 corporate Communities of Practice (CoPs). The Global Knowledge Advisor provides substantive advice and technical expertise, advocacy, relationship building and knowledge for the whole organization.

Knowledge Management Strategy 2022-2025

Knowledge Networks

Communities of Practice (CoPs) are the corporate mechanism for knowledge sharing, peer learning and sourcing latest insights to directly support development solutions. CoPs are designed to be inclusive and dynamic, leveraging both internal and external knowledge partners to build inclusive communities around UNDP’s main thematic areas of work. Thousands of UNDP’s workforce engage in the CoPs to solve problems, stay abreast of the latest knowledge, share ideas, seek information, and learn.

The Global Knowledge Advisor will be responsible for UNDP’s corporate knowledge collaboration platforms, strengthening and activating a seamless, rapid knowledge sourcing and sharing function and positioning UNDP as world-class knowledge leader. 

S/he works under the direct supervision of the Head, SDG Integration, and collaboratively with teams across UNDP’s Regional Hubs, Policy Centers and Global Policy Network. S/he manages the development of knowledge and learning methods to ensure optimal knowledge flows and expertise exchange that drives excellence in development solutions.

1. Lead innovation in corporate knowledge networks and learning approaches
2. Manage SparkBlue and Corporate Communities of Practice
3. Coordinates and supports CoP learning processes
4. Establish and Communicates CoP Results
5. Drive innovation in network learning approaches

 Lead innovation in knowledge networks and learning approaches

Example of Duties:

• Lead UNDP’s corporate knowledge platform, SparkBlue, setting direction and engaging with internal constituencies and external partners
• Serve as lead advisor for large scale global development dialogues hosted on SparkBlue
• Advocate the importance of the knowledge management and learning in various fora, including academia and civil society, with a view to deepen partner commitment and position UNDP as a knowledge organization.
• Provide substantive advice and support to overall CoP architecture and direction of communication for key global initiatives.

Manage SparkBlue and Corporate Communities of Practice

Example of Duties:

• Manage and oversee the eight communities of practice ensuring cutting-edge, top-quality knowledge networking that meets user needs
• Oversee, coordinate, and facilitate the management of Communities of practice, producing regular reporting and forward management of key performance indicators as part of the Quarterly Review of the CoPs
• Manage and oversee the 6 Data curators and 4 Community Coordinators
• Provide technical support to the development of strong collaborative work across the CoPs

Coordinate and supports CoP learning processes

Example of Duties:

• Establish on an annual basis learning priorities, learning activities, demand analysis and proposed learning products for each CoP in with the respective Community Managers.
• Improve the definition and capturing of learning results in CoP through the development of unique/creative approaches, and formulation and monitoring of KPIs.  
• Design and help teams in adoption of continuous learning and collaboration through Co-facilitation of learning sessions between COs and key stakeholders.

Establish and communicate CoP Results

Example of Duties:

• Draft and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to support implementation of the KM strategy.
• Oversee strategic, coordinated, and creative communication.
• Actively participate in communities. Model the desired behaviors by being visible as a leader and member of internal and external communities.
• Lead ongoing codification of the process through joint blogs, briefs, webinars, and other relevant knowledge products.

Drive innovation in network learning approaches

Example of Duties:

• Build partnerships to support learning needs of CoP Community Managers and their constituencies.
• Drive innovation in learning approaches within the CoPs
• Foster cross-CoP learning through retreats, documentation of best practices, and lessons learned.
• Design, review, and test innovative approaches using SparkBlue features such as crowdsourcing, gamification and blockchain.
• Conducts on a yearly basis an internal/external gamification to test or scale up an innovative initiative.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 8 Community Managers, SDG engagement Specialist

Requirements:

Education

• A Master’s degree or higher in areas related to Knowledge Management, Strategic Communications, or Adult Learning;

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience in knowledge management, organizational learning, and /or strategic learning in an international development context, preferably including UN experience.
• Experience with data management, learning, and/or KM or online community platforms.
• Experience in the following areas is strongly preferred:
• Managing websites and online communities
• E-learning and training
• Facilitation of groups, meetings, and events - both online and in-person
• Experience with communities of practice, both online and in-person, preferably within the context of an international development organization.
• Fluency in English, both written and oral. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 4: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, has foresight
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 4: Create systems and processes that enable learning and development for all
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 4: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high stake situations, foster co-creation
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 4: Create ethical culture,  identify/address barriers to inclusion

People Management

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

• Multi-stakeholder engagement - Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding-Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platform

General (across the functions)

• Event planning - Event planning and execution-Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate

Digital & Innovation Solutions mapping

• Solution Mapping - Ability to appreciate and integrate various sources of knowledge (academic, experiential, observational, traditional, indigenous) in problem solving processes. Set up structures and processes to collect ideas, solutions and facilitate matchmaking between supply and demand of solution

Digital & Innovation

• Co-creating - Ability to design and facilitate a process that enables a diverse group of stakeholders to solve a common problem, develop a practice, or create knowledge together. Ability to embrace diversity, work with a diverse group of stakeholders understand their interests, perspectives and views and tap into to them as a source for creativity. Ability to facilitate processes and create conditions that are open for diverse inputs, stimulate collaboration and sharing
• Data storytelling and communications - Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.