Policy Design Specialist (open To Internal And External Applicants)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bhutan supports national priorities and development goals, aligning with the 13th Five Year Plan. Following Bhutan's graduation from LDC status, the country faces challenges like skilled labor emigration and economic diversification. The Royal Government, with UNDP's assistance, established the Bhutan Innovation Lab (BIL) under the Prime Minister's Office to foster policy innovation, systems transformation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Job Purpose

The Policy Design Specialist will be a key member of the Bhutan Innovation Lab (BIL), supporting the Prime Minister's Office and the 10X Delivery Unit. This role is crucial for institutionalizing innovation practices across the government and advancing Bhutan's development priorities. The specialist will lead the design and delivery of policy innovation initiatives, conduct strategic diagnostics, facilitate experimentation, and engage stakeholders. The purpose is to develop innovative, human-centered policy solutions that address complex socio-economic challenges, support economic recovery, and contribute to Bhutan's long-term economic transformation agenda, ultimately helping the country achieve high-income status.

Responsibilities

The Policy Design Specialist will provide advisory and technical support on policy innovation to the Prime Minister and government agencies, utilizing innovative tools and human-centered approaches. This includes leading the design, prototyping, and development of innovative policy solutions through methodologies like design thinking and systems thinking, and testing prototypes for scalability. The role involves facilitating stakeholder engagement, co-creation workshops, and user-centered research to ensure policy designs are grounded in real-world needs. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, clear communication of insights, and capacity building within the lab are essential. Additionally, the specialist will support strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and ensure gender-responsive analysis and programming, documenting best practices and lessons learned.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) in innovation management, design research, or international development is required. Experience working effectively in diverse teams and proficiency with office software and web-based management systems are also necessary.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: Systems Thinking & Transformation, Innovation Management, Regulatory Sandboxes, Partnership Management (Resource Mobilization), Communication, Knowledge Generation, Innovation Capacity Building.

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