Senior Programme Manager (Strategy lead - Global Data Access Initiative )

Under the direct supervision of the EAPMCO Director and the technical supervision of EAPMCO Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

2. Thought Leadership 3. People Management
4. Coordination and Collaboration


1. Program Management

• Lead the initial definition and continued evolution of the GDAI Project.
• In consultation with partners articulate GDAI’s objectives and direction and ensure its alignment with the UN Global Pulse Strategy and UN 2.0 vision
• Directionally steer GDAI and assume accountability for the success of initiative.
• Define the impact horizon of the GDAI project, Assess and actively monitor the risk level of the project including the likely drivers of success or failure, and develop mitigation/adaptation strategies;
• Coordinate with Global Pulse’s senior leadership team and actively assist in the design of Global Pulse’s programme portfolio to ensure that Global Pulse (a) operates at the appropriate risk level across projects and programmes and (b) addresses current needs and anticipates future needs with appropriate impact horizons;
• Provide strategic guidance to activities and use cases that are a part of the GDAI project
• Troubleshoot and provide hands-on assistance in project activities need to refocus or are at risk of failure;

2. Thought Leadership

• Provide thought leadership to the GDAI initiative in particular, including the preparation of briefs and other materials for ESOG and others on an as needed basis 
• Identify and participate in panels, working groups, and other forums within and beyond the United Nations to articulate current and future challenges with regards to digital justice in coordination with the strategic communications lead and in alignment with Global Pulse’s strategic communications and storytelling; 
• Serve as an advocate for GDAI to shape current dialogue towards a more just and equitable future including our digital future;
• Establish partnerships, organize convenings, and author articles to position Global Pulse as a capable, trusted, and trustworthy player in digital equity and advocate for the fair digital commons;

3. People Management

• Provide strategic guidance to the GDAI team, assume accountability for the work of cross-functional project teams and supervise the streamlined execution of initiatives that are a part of the project working in close coordination with and providing guidance to the project manager;
• In coordination with capability and service leads, ensure effective people resource management and quality project delivery for GDAI
• Support the retention, development, and career growth of cross-functional team members; 
• Hire and supervise dedicated project team members as required for GDAI;
• Lead by example, nurture a growth mindset, and actively build a collaborative team;

4. Coordination and Collaboration

• Identify new partners and efficiently leverage existing partnerships in close consultation and collaboration with Global Pulse’s partnerships team for initiative  success and contribute to the continued alignment of partner engagement with Global Pulse’s network-wide partnership strategy;
• Drive the engagement with GDAI partners as well as identify and develop new partnerships in close consultation/ collaboration with existing partners and the Global Pulse’ partnerships team 
• Proactively identify and surface the need for resources for GDAI, opportunistically surface funding opportunities, and work in collaboration with Global Pulse’s resource mobilization team to assist in the development of material as conducive to their work;
• Ensure that the project have a clear plan for monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with Global Pulse’s Monitoring & Evaluation team;
• Ensure that  the project have a clear plan for scale to achieve long-term sustainable impact in collaboration with Global Pulse’s Innovation and Scale team;
• Identify the need for skills and other expertise across initiatives part of the project and collaborate with Global Pulse’s capability teams (data & AI team, anticipation team, behavioral sciences team, etc.) to identify needs for their expertise 
• Contribute to Global Pulse’s network wide optimal allocation of people to projects across the portfolio.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of key results by the GDAI Strategy lead will position the UNOPS Global Pulse network as a capable, trusted, and trustworthy voice in digital equity and as an advocate for a fair digital commons. Successful initiatives will pave the path towards a more just digital commons. This promotes the image of UNOPS as an effective service provider and leader in digital innovation and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services at the global, regional, and local level.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 (seven) years of experience in data science, engineering, data protection, or data privacy policy is required;
• A proven track record of excellence in delivering and managing complex data and digital innovation initiatives is required;
• Experience in people management including coaching and career development is required;
• A minimum of 3 (three) years of experience working in unstructured and research environments including academic research is an asset;
• Proven track record of successfully working as a part of large, collaborative teams including distributed international teams is required;
• Experience in identifying opportunity, scoping initiatives with no guidance, and developing compelling pitches is a strong asset
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Knowledge of digital justice, digital equity, data sharing, the data/digital economy from a technical and policy perspective is an asset;
• Experience working with the UN system is an asset.