Junior Innovation, Data and Communication Contractor
Organizational Context
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is an intergovernmental platform promoting sustainable development. This role is within the Division of Administration, operating organization-wide under the Executive Secretary's supervision. The position supports an inter-divisional innovation team focused on fostering a culture of innovation, enhancing products and services, and promoting cross-collaboration.
Job Purpose
This role supports ESCAP's efforts to innovate its work culture, enhance internal processes, and improve the impact of its knowledge products and services. The contractor will assist the Innovation Team in designing and implementing innovation activities, coaching, and training programs for personnel. Key contributions include facilitating the adoption of Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design methodologies, and supporting teams in leveraging digital tools to create more user-centric and impactful knowledge products. The role also involves enhancing the team's outreach and engagement through communication materials and strategies, and contributing to knowledge management and the development of automated systems for operational efficiency. Ultimately, the purpose is to drive innovation across ESCAP, leading to better outcomes for stakeholders and the region.
Responsibilities
The Junior Innovation, Data and Communication Contractor will support the design and implementation of innovation activities, coaching, and training programs to foster a culture of innovation and build capacity in Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design. Responsibilities include assisting ESCAP teams in innovating knowledge products using digital tools, and enhancing the Innovation Team's engagement and outreach through various communication materials and channels. The role involves developing visibility and communication materials, refining and maintaining a SharePoint page for knowledge management, and creating automated systems for team operations. Additionally, the contractor will support the seed funding exercise for innovative projects, prepare for innovation mapping and awards, organize innovation events, establish communities of practice, and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection system maintenance.
Work Experience
At least one year of professional experience supporting corporate innovation activities is required. Proven experience in organizing innovation events or training programs (e.g., hackathons, open innovation challenges) is also necessary. Professional experience in data analysis and strategies is desirable, with internship experience being acceptable (minimum 2 months).
Skills
Innovation activities, coaching, training programs, Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, digital tools, knowledge product innovation, engagement and outreach, communication materials, SharePoint, PowerAutomate, data analysis, event organization, communities of practice, monitoring and evaluation.