Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist (re-advertisement)

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines is geared to support the Philippine government in its thrust for digitalization, in support of evidence-based public sector decision-making. UNDP Philippines requires a Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist to help the country office drive this agenda and its implementation within the Country Office (CO). This will require working closely and integrating with the UNDP CO programme teams (Peace, Climate Action, and Institutions and Partnerships) and their government stakeholders while leading Pintig Lab, the CO’s digitalization and advanced data analytics lab. The Specialist will be under the Impact Advisory Team (IAT) and supervised by the Economist.

The Pintig Lab has the following goals: 1) Data-driven policymaking is promoted, 2) Government, CSO, and UNDP Country Office capacity to use data for decision-making is increased, and 3) SDG Data ecosystem is strengthened. It is envisioned that policy research insights are communicated or shared to create discussions among a wide audience towards policy considerations or change, data platforms with analytics and visualization are developed and/or enhanced sustainably, and local and national government, academe, NGO/CSO and CO programme teams increase in knowledge on data governance and its applications for development planning and decision-making. 

The Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist shall ensure not only effective day-to-day operations of Pintig Lab but also strategic leadership and innovation while integrating work with the CO programme teams, s/he will also lead the CO’s efforts to boost the quality, usefulness and impact of the digitalization and analytics projects and initiatives at the CO and build the National Government agencies/units, LGUs and CSOs competencies to support e-Governance. S/he is expected to analyze and interpret the UNDP’s financial rules and regulations and other corporate policies and processes on project and procurement management to accelerate the delivery of outputs. S/he is expected to promote a collaborative and client-focused approach to delivering quality services and results. S/he shall lead a team that is composed of Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Enterprise Architects, and a Project Associate and work closely with responsible parties, consultants, and suppliers to deliver services with impact. The Specialist is expected to coordinate with government, CSOs, and other relevant offices. S/he is expected to collaborate with relevant UNDP Philippines Country Office and UNDP project teams.

The Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist will be directly supervised by the Impact Advisory Team Leader or Economist. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop, update, and ensure strategic management of the CO’s digitalization and analytics portfolio and strategy that should advance UNDP Philippines’ development agenda and Country Programme Document (CPD). This would entail the following:

• Consultation and strategic needs assessment on digitalization and analytics needs and challenges with the UNDP Programme Teams and external partners from NGAs and LGUs. These needs should be analyzed based on alignment with and potential to advance the development agenda.
• Provide professional advice on the implementation of the digitalization initiatives of the CO and its partners, ensuring that this would translate into achievement of the development agenda and better public decision-making. Technical advice should also emphasize sustainability of digital initiatives. As much as possible, digital products designed for government partners must be owned and hosted by the government partner in the long-term.
• Provide analytical oversight on key digitalization projects in the UNDP Country Office, with support from the Pintig Lab. This would involve:
• Ensuring that industry best practices are in place and being implemented;
• Ensuring that the UNDP Data Standards and Principles are in place and being implemented; and
• Ensuring alignment with priorities, mandates, and needs of the CO and the partner NGAs, which should translate into the use of digitalization initiatives for better decision-making.
• Continuously update the digitalization and analytics strategy and portfolio of the UNDP Country Office and ensuring there are key performance indicators that will be reported to UNDP Philippines Senior Management on a regular basis.

Ensure strategic management and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of Pintig Lab’s activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Coordinate and facilitate exploratory consultation and technical meetings with the CO’s digitalization and analytics partners and data scientists;
• Lead the preparation and updating of the Pintig Lab’s annual work plan, procurement plan and M&E plan;
• Manage portfolio funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of resources;
• Oversee the conduct of an assessment of technology options and digital solutions, both national and international, that would be appropriate to meet the ICT requirements of the program;
• Draft terms of reference and support recruitment and management of a team of national and international consultants and subject matter experts;
• With the Project Associate, provide quality and timely financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and National government requirements;
• Ensure delivery of outputs and contribution to outcomes through an effective implementation plan and close coordination with UNDP Programme teams, NGAs, and UNDP management and technical teams;
• Operational coordination through support to existing coordination mechanisms, propose modifications of the plan to respond to changes in the project context;
• Overall management of the initiative and technical inputs in the implementation of the digitalization and analytics portfolio under the overall guidance and advisory support of UNDP and NGAs;
• Preparation of detailed annual and financial plans based on Pintig Lab’s results framework and theory of change;
• Ensuring the effective, efficient and timely implementation of activities
• Support services to Pintig Lab for procurement, subcontracting and outsourcing of services.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of UNDP’s digitalization and analytics portfolio focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Build and maintain an effective relationship with key partners and stakeholders, and keep NGAs and the UNDP CO informed as appropriate;
• Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, such as thinks tanks and academic institutions;
• Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders;
• Ensure effective collaboration with the UN and other development partners;
• Management, certification and reporting on financial disbursement based on approved work plan and payment schedule; and
• Programme advocacy and visibility and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Support resource mobilization, financial accountability, and human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage CO funds and results;
• With the Project Associate, ensure proper coordination and availability of all of Pintig Lab’s documents for any internal and external audit requirements;
• Draft terms of reference and support the recruitment and management of national and international consultants, subject matter experts, consulting firms, and other such resources;
• Work closely with program administration and finance staff to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations;
• Supervise the Pintig Lab team members and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
• Set performance parameters for Pintig Lab, assess their performance and provide feedback.

Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure the implementation of the communications and advocacy plan for Pintig Lab and the CO’s digitalization and analytics strategy/portfolio;
• Establish suitable monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring and reporting on portfolio and lab progress, risks and constraints; updates the implementation plan as required;
• Promote accountability through effective programme results reporting (monthly, quarter, and annual progress and financial reports), to the UNDP, NGAs and the Project Board (when appropriate); and

Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of outputs and accomplishments towards the achievement of intended outputs.

• Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Identification of sources of information related to portfolio and lab implementation related issues;
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to CO digitalization and analytics portfolio and Pintig Lab goals;
• Maintain effective network with development partners and Government at national level and subnational level; and
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

 Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• 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 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management competencies:

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: 

Business Direction & Strategy    

• Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
• Negotiation and Influence: Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations
• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management   

• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Resource Management: Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity.
• Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness        

• SDG Integration: SDG Monitoring and Reporting

Required Skills and Experience:
Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in information management, statistics, computer science, information technology, sustainable development, economics, data science, social sciences, or related area is required, or
• First level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 7 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in managing the development and execution of digital and data analytics projects, innovations, and policy and institutional reforms; designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating development programs and projects; or coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors with development partners, civil society organizations, and/or government agencies.
• At least five (5) years of work experience in data analytics, business data analyst, digital products and dashboard development, software development and/or information technology work experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated capacity in developing and implementing digitalization and analytics portfolios, strategies, and roadmaps.
• Experience in project management including preparation of budgets, annual work plans and financial and physical reporting.
• Proven experience of effective partnership development with national counterparts, development partners and/or civil society.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Prior work experience in data labs or similar organizations is an advantage.
• Proficiency in applications for programming, data analysis, design, and project management are desirable.
• Previous working experience with international organizations is advantageous.
• Previous working experience with private sector IT and analytics-related firms is advantageous.

Required Languages:

• English and Filipino 

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