Assignment context:
UNDP Innovation-Accelerator Lab, integrated within Pakistan country office, is a dedicated learning space to reimagine development solutions. Our team works with the country office programmes and partners to explore and experiment new approaches, from ethnography to design, to find inclusive and human-centred approaches for meaningful change.
Our service offers
. Exploration: horizon scanning, identifying emerging development issues of the future
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. Solution Mapping: identifying innovative solutions using systemic design and strategic foresight
. Experimentation: developing a portfolio of experiments using portfolio logic
. Learning & Working-out-loud: communicating learnings, thought leadership and ecosystem support
Task description:
The Innovation Associate supports communication policy and knowledge management activities that strengthen the promotion of the project interventions, enhance transparency, raise awareness and information sharing among key partners and general population. In day-to-day activities communication Associate performs following functions:
- Provide assistance to research, organize, and facilitate relevant content for the in-house knowledge management and innovation events, podcasts and webinars.
- Support the head of solutions mapping in future scoping exercises by researching the emerging trends and weak signals in the development/innovation ecosystem via horizon scanning, ethnographic work, focus group consultations, etc.
- Conduct research and map the entry points related to emerging development trends, data, technologies, and issues.
- Support the generation of knowledge products capturing of results and learning from the experiments for rapid reflection and adaptation.
- Support developing and editing content for the innovative webpage such as developing and editing stories, case studies, and blogs.
- Support the AccLab team to design experiments across to validate the hypotheses and test the effectiveness of identified prototypes, including (but not limited to) defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and coordinating experimental protocols;
- Support team in facilitating design processes and sessions for internal and external partners;
- Develop visual content to illustrate, communicate and map design and innovation processes;
- Provide other support and assistance as required.
Required education:
Bachelor / Master’s degree in design thinking, innovation, digital communications, Media Sciences, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Development studies or any related field.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity.
- High level of motivation, ability to show initiative and work independently.
- Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork.
- Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
- Managing conflict.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
- Learning and sharing knowledge and encouraging the learning of others.
- Displays cultural, gender, disability, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Excellent organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills.
- Seeks, shares and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP.
Functional Competencies
- Strong theoretical and practical background in communications and outreach.
- Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities.
- Basic understanding of Pakistan’s development entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
- Academic/practical understanding of global social innovation trends and methodologies.
- Sound knowledge of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook Instagram, Podcast and webcast platforms.
- Excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism.
- Excellent organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to multi-task, work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
- Experience and ability to use a range of visual presentation tools such as MS Excel charts, CANVA, Adobe Photoshop and other similar tools.
- Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms.
- Working experience in a development or innovation environment is desirable.
Desirable Competencies
§ Strong theoretical and practical background in Communications and outreach.
§ Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
§ Proficiency in the use of analytical and statistical software packages such as STATA, TSP, SPSS, MATLAB and SAS.
§ Experience and ability to use a range of visual presentation tools such as MS Excel charts, CANVA, Adobe Photoshop and other similar tools.
§ Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms.
§ Working experience in a development or innovation environment is desirable.
