Programme Manager (Responsible Data for Children Lead), (P-4), Temporary Appointment (364 days), Office of the Chief Data Officer, DAPM, Florence, Italy, #128275

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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For every child, responsible data

The Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM) was established in 2019 to drive decision making and organizational learning, improve effectiveness and achievement of results of UNICEF and its partners to realize the rights and improve the life of every child. DAPM promotes the use of data and monitoring to achieve transformative impact on the lives of children.

The Division is responsible for driving, shaping and guiding UNICEF’s evidence-informed analysis, strategic planning, programme monitoring and organizational performance management. As such, DAPM enables the organization to deliver on results in a more coherent manner, based on agile and contextualized programming process, and on data, evidence, and analysis, as well as the application of human-rights based and results-based management approaches.

Within DAPM, the Data Team (DaT) is the global go-to for data on children. It leads the collection, validation, analysis, use, and communication of the most statistically sound, internationally comparable data on the situation of children and women around the world. For this purpose, both traditional and innovative data and analysis – including administrative and household survey data as well as geospatial analysis, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence – are used.

DaT upholds the quality, integrity and organization of these data and makes them accessible as a global public good on the data.unicef.org website.

DaT provides leadership, strategic and normative guidance and technical support to generate data and evidence on children. The team works together with other teams within UNICEF as well as partner organizations, to support statistical systems strengthening at the country level. DAT is also fostering a data-driven transformation in how UNICEF works internally and together with partners that includes positioning UNICEF as a leader on data for children, protecting children through governance of data and building an organization-wide culture of data.

The Chief Data Office (CDO) in the DaT team is hiring a Programme Manager (Responsible Data for Children) to start in summer of 2024, a pivotal role to define and drive practices to ensure that data from and about children and data technologies (including statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence) are used to advance child rights, not (accidentally or intentionally) to erode them. Timely, high quality, and relevant data offer critical guidance to decision makers faced with difficult programmatic, operational, or administrative decisions including timely recognition of the need to pivot. When data inform policy, they institutionalize good practice grounded in knowledge of what works. Availability of data unlocks opportunities to develop new products and services taking advantage of (big) data processing capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI), an opportunity to drive economic vitality in countries. Taken together, when used well, data can transform delivery of results for children. This role of data is recognized in the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022-2025 which highlights data as a change strategy.

At the same time, there is risk inherent in data production and use. When used badly, data can erode children’s rights including, and often starting, with the right to privacy. Consequently, data need to come with safeguards: robust data governance including data protection and privacy. The CDO serves the twin objectives of putting in place: (a) the enabling environment for data and data capacities for UNICEF to enable all of UNICEF to leverage data as a change strategy in service of better decisions and outcomes and (b) the safeguards to identify and reduce to a minimum the risks and harms to children and UNICEF staff due to data production and use to undergo a responsible and safe digital and data transformation.

Purpose for the job:

As a member of the office of the CDO, the incumbent will lead the Responsible Data for Children (RD4C) initiative – a joint endeavour between the Chief Data Office at UNICEF and The GovLab at New York University to highlight and support best practices in ensuring Children’s Rights are maintained in an ever-increasingly datafied world. The initiative provides principled yet practical considerations across the data and AI lifecycle and complements work on related topics being addressed by the development and humanitarian community such as guidance on specific data systems and technologies, technical standardization, and digital engagement strategies. It advocates for human and child rights in the age of data and AI, sets ethical principles, and writes policies.

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.

How can you make a difference?

• 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.

The following desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.