Coordenador Local do PISTA - Alemão

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience. As the UN's development agency, UNDP plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Brazil, UNDP focuses on human development and poverty reduction, aligning its services with the country's dynamic needs through partnerships with government, international financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The project "BRA/24/008 - Acceleration of SDGs in the State of Rio de Janeiro - Rio 2030 Agenda" aims to implement strategic actions to accelerate SDG implementation and foster a culture of sustainability.

Job Purpose

This role serves as the Local Coordinator for the Socio-Environmental Innovation Park (PISTA) within the Complexo do Alemão, Rio de Janeiro. The primary purpose is to manage and lead the PISTA hub, supporting the creation, development, and acceleration of innovative businesses. This involves focusing on the management of local productive groups, incubators, and collaborative networks, as well as implementing accelerators for sustainable cooperative businesses. The coordinator will ensure the PISTA operates as an open innovation park, rooted in the territory and driven by community representation, differentiating itself from traditional tech parks by its interdisciplinary, inclusive, and integrated approach at an urban or regional scale.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UN Project Manager, the Local PISTA Coordinator will lead the Socio-Environmental Innovation Park in Complexo do Alemão. Key responsibilities include defining long-term vision and goals aligned with SDGs, integrating sectoral plans with a focus on innovation, and facilitating dialogue between the territory, public authorities, universities, companies, NGOs, and residents. The role involves strengthening local collaborative governance, attracting investments, and connecting the territory to public policies for innovation, science, technology, culture, and social inclusion. The coordinator will stimulate the creation of innovation hubs, living labs, and co-working spaces, encouraging startups, social enterprises, and local innovative initiatives while ensuring equitable and territorially balanced innovation. Responsibilities also include managing human and logistical resources, ensuring the park's technical, economic, and social sustainability, and supporting the establishment and growth of local associations, cooperatives, and businesses through training, technical assistance, and mentorship. The role entails fostering local partnerships, promoting technology transfer, articulating public policies, and seeking national and international visibility for the park's initiatives and local enterprises.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required in managing innovation projects, programs, or environments such as incubators, accelerators, or technology parks, with a focus on multi-sectoral articulation and resource mobilization. Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, strategic planning, collaborative governance, and impact assessment for social, technological, or environmental projects is essential. Knowledge of open innovation processes, network building, and fundraising is also required. Desirable experience includes strategic plan development, sustainable business models, and financial/logistical management. Prior experience working in vulnerable territories is preferred.

Skills

Essential competencies include achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, engagement, collaboration, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Technical and transversal skills encompass strategic thinking, systemic thinking, and foresight/prospecting for long-term planning and scenario development. Business development skills include collective intelligence design and working with evidence and data for decision-making. Communication skills are vital for clear and concise messaging across various channels. Digital capacity building is also a key skill area.

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