Director, Knowledge, Innovation and Foresight

Organizational Context

The Partnerships and Futures Group (PFG) at UNOPS strengthens partnerships and builds capabilities in knowledge, innovation, and foresight. It operates through eight thematic missions to enhance UNOPS' ability to deliver impact. PFG engages with diverse partners, including UN agencies, governments, and the private sector, to deepen engagement and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

Job Purpose

The Director, Knowledge, Innovation and Foresight (KIF) leads a team focused on knowledge, innovation, and foresight across eight thematic missions. Reporting to the Director of PFG, this role provides strategic leadership to ensure coherence and integration of these functions. The purpose is to enhance UNOPS' capacity to anticipate and respond to partner needs and emerging trends, thereby strengthening mission readiness and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This involves aligning partnership development, opportunity development, service offering refinement, and service delivery.

Responsibilities

Strategic leadership and operational priorities for Knowledge, Innovation, and Foresight, aligning with UNOPS' strategic plan. Elevating these capabilities within corporate planning and standard-setting processes. Advising senior management on current and future operations. Providing strategic oversight and direction for thematic missions, supervising technical experts, and ensuring coherence and impact. Strengthening UNOPS' positioning and visibility across mission areas and representing them collectively. Overseeing the integration of knowledge, innovation, and foresight into partnership and service delivery. Setting strategic direction for knowledge and innovation frameworks, systems, and processes, ensuring knowledge codification for service refinement and standardization. Positioning UNOPS' learning within the UN ecosystem and linking internal knowledge with external trends through foresight. Driving innovation processes and championing a culture of experimentation. Setting strategic direction for foresight, including horizon scanning and trend analysis. Leading and developing a diverse and inclusive team, fostering a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability.

Work Experience

Extensive senior leadership experience in complex international organizations is required, with a proven track record in advising senior decision-makers and leading interdisciplinary teams. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing initiatives in knowledge management, innovation, or strategic foresight is essential. Experience overseeing complex portfolios, linking strategy to delivery, and representing organizations externally is also required. Experience in multicultural environments is necessary, with a preference for experience in development or humanitarian contexts or within UN system organizations.

Skills

Strategic Thinking, Knowledge Management, Organizational Learning, Innovation Management, Foresight, Team Management, Concept Generation, Design Thinking, Growth Strategies

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