Programme Manager

Combining learning-by-doing (applied research) with strategic dialogue with key stakeholders, the incumbent will lead the strategic expansion and deepening of RD4C in three priority areas: artificial intelligence (AI), humanitarian work, and country data systems strengthening. This will help derive practice-informed insight that will in turn inform both the development of RD4C content, tools, frameworks, and guidance for self-enablement at UNICEF and beyond; and support the development of the UN AI model policy and the development of an AI policy fit for UNICEF. The incumbent will also lead advocacy efforts to strengthen the positioning of both RD4C as the global framework and UNICEF as the lead actor in responsible data and AI practices concerning data for and about children. This will be partially enabled by the strategic oversight of project implementation across UNICEF and partners, to foster and embed responsible data practices within the organisations’ programmes and activities.      

For the role, UNICEF is looking for a talented team player with experience in promoting data responsibility to drive impact for results at pace and scale, eager to embrace the challenge of strengthening responsible data practices with data for and about children across UNICEF and with partners. An interpersonal relationship skill set, a creative mind and a nurtured curiosity in both global advances and contextual specificities in this field will be crucial for success in the role.

• Lead the strategic expansion and deepening of RD4C in three priority areas: artificial intelligence (AI), humanitarian work, and country data systems strengthening
• Lead the strategic dialogue with the RD4C team and key stakeholders at UNICEF and beyond to set priorities, select projects, and identify applied research and advocacy needs for the year;
• Guide and conduct project-based, applied research in AI, humanitarian work and country data system strengthening, with the RD4C principles as a starting point to derive practice-informed insight into good data and data technology governance principles and practices;
• Lead the development of content, tools, frameworks, and guidance to distil insights from applied research projects into artifacts for self-enablement with the objective to drive better practice at UNICEF and beyond at scale;

Provide strategic oversight to project implementation across UNICEF and working with partners:

• Oversee the tailored RD4C support provided by the Chief Data Office to UNICEF country and regional offices, programmes and divisions, including their partners, to foster and embed responsible practices;
• Oversee and nurture a strong RD4C community of practice across UNICEF country and regional offices, programmes and divisions, and context (humanitarian/development) for peer-learning, peer-enablement, and knowledge exchange;
• Provide strategic advice and support to UNICEF country and regional offices, programmes and divisions, looking to integrate RD4C principles and practices into their planning and actual work with governments and other partners, including efforts to improve the national policy landscape to better serve (and protect) every child;
• Test and validate the RD4C new content, tools, frameworks, and guidance within stakeholder groups; lead the implementation and use of the new resources;
• Ensure recurrent queries, feedback and recommendations on RD4C resources and support are documented and implemented as appropriate to evolve RD4C to meet needs from across UNICEF; promote entry points for demand-driven engagement.

Lead advocacy efforts to strengthen the positioning of both RD4C as the global framework and UNICEF as the lead actor in responsible data practices concerning data for and about children :

• Evolve and strategically grow the RD4C alliance onboarding new partners beyond UNICEF and The GovLab – including UN agencies, NGOs, private sector organization, academic institutions, and alike;
• Liaise, build, and nurture (new) relationships with key individuals at and beyond UNICEF – at practitioners’ level (community of practice) and leadership level to serve as advisors, champions, and “brain trust”;
• Identify and craft compelling content that documents and showcases exemplary responsible data practices at UNICEF and beyond for dissemination (UNICEF Data blog, RD4C website, newsletters, etc.);
• Seek opportunities to represent UNICEF at conferences and other meetings, secure UNICEF presence at key data-related global events;
• Represent UNICEF and engage in key external and inter-agency platforms, technical/expert groups, communities (e.g. IASC Data Responsibility Working Group);
• Play an active part in resource mobilisation efforts: collect and analyse information about donor policies, trends and priorities; identify and engage with public and private funders; support proposal development; explore new funding models for financial sustainability.

Support the development of UNICEF good practice and instruments for implementation/institutionalization of good practice:

• Support the development of the UN AI model policy and the development of an AI policy fit for UNICEF informed by the applied research into AI (see first bullet point) in consultation with other relevant divisions.
• Participate in interagency working groups on data and AI governance (e.g., HLCM AI Task Force) and support UNICEF senior leadership in preparing for meetings at high-level on these topics.

People management, oversight and coordination:

• Contribute to data capability building across UNICEF country and regional offices, as well as headquarter divisions – specifically, the development of the data stewardship curriculum and skills.
• Manage the internal team (1-3 officers/specialists/consultants) and oversee the work of the external team (GovLab, specifically in RD4C support for UNICEF-related projects, future partners);
• Oversee project implementation, monitoring, provision of technical support, preparation of reports and administrative tasks (including contractual requirements with partners);
• Coordinate internal and external teams to nurture a fruitful and efficient collaboration, and ensure the timely and quality delivery of results;
• Support team members in growing their careers at UNICEF and beyond.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

The following minimum requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree in international development, law or any other relevant area of study.
• Licenses/certifications in management, leadership and/or negotiation would be considered an asset for this position.

Work Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in areas relevant to this role, including at least three in the Global South;
• Experience in international development, UNICEF regional or country office experience is considered an asset, as is experience working in an emergency or humanitarian context.
• Strong experience in responsible data, data ethics, data protection and related areas;
• A solid understanding of UNICEF’s core areas of work and familiarity with the broader UN agenda.
• Proven research skills and demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and/or technical publications.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.

Source:  https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/570920