Assistant Innovation Officer

Organizational Context

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global leader in providing protection and sustainable solutions for refugees. With a presence in over 130 countries, UNHCR works to ensure that everyone can return to their home country, or find a new home, in dignity and safety. The agency is committed to upholding the rights and well-being of displaced populations worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Innovation Officer will support UNHCR's efforts to foster a culture of innovation and drive transformative change within the organization. This role involves assisting in the identification, development, and implementation of innovative solutions to address complex challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons. The incumbent will contribute to pilot projects, research emerging trends, and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance UNHCR's operational effectiveness and impact. The position aims to leverage new ideas and technologies to improve service delivery, promote self-reliance, and advocate for the rights of those forced to flee their homes, ultimately contributing to UNHCR's mandate of protection and durable solutions.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Innovation Officer will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of UNHCR's innovation strategy. Key responsibilities include assisting in the design and execution of innovation challenges and hackathons, from ideation to prototyping and testing. The role involves conducting research on emerging technologies, best practices, and innovative approaches relevant to the refugee context, and synthesizing findings to inform strategy development. The incumbent will support the facilitation of workshops and co-creation sessions with internal and external stakeholders, including refugees, to generate and refine innovative ideas. Furthermore, the Assistant Innovation Officer will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of innovation projects, tracking progress, identifying lessons learned, and documenting impact. This includes assisting in the preparation of reports, presentations, and communication materials to share innovation initiatives and outcomes across the organization and with external partners. The role also entails supporting the development of partnerships with academic institutions, private sector entities, and NGOs to leverage external expertise and resources for innovation. Additionally, the Assistant Innovation Officer will help maintain an inventory of innovation projects and resources, ensuring knowledge management and facilitating the scaling of successful solutions.

Work Experience

Some relevant work experience in project support, research, or a related field is desirable. Experience in innovation, design thinking, or working with humanitarian organizations is an advantage.

Skills

Research and analysis Problem-solving Communication Collaboration Project support Report writing Presentation skills Adaptability Creativity Stakeholder engagement Digital literacy

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