Innovation Dashboard Support
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active in Malawi since 1964, working to reduce poverty, inequality, and exclusion. UNDP Malawi collaborates with the government, civil society, and the private sector to foster economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance. Aligned with Malawi Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, UNDP's work is structured into two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement, and Resilience and Sustainable Growth. In 2024, UNDP Malawi partnered with MUBAS to establish the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to promote innovation and bridge academia with local innovators.
Job Purpose
This UN Volunteer assignment aims to support the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) by developing and implementing an innovation-tracker dashboard. This tool will enhance UniPod's operational management and provide UNDP, MUBAS, and other stakeholders with a clear, evidence-based overview of the hub's impact, progress, and areas for improvement. The dashboard will facilitate better decision-making and reporting on innovation initiatives. The volunteer will contribute to strengthening the data management capabilities of UniPod, supporting its role in transforming ideas into practical solutions and connecting with the broader African innovation network through UNDP's timbuktoo initiative.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will be responsible for supporting the finalization of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework for the dashboard's four modules: equipment and space use, skills and training, intellectual property, and outcomes/consumer trust. This includes building and refining data intake forms using tools like Kobo Toolbox or Google Forms. The volunteer will assist in developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) dashboard, potentially using Google Sheets with Looker Studio or Power BI, and populate it with existing pilot data. Key duties also involve training designated UniPod staff on data ownership and dashboard maintenance, creating a concise maintenance guide for non-technical users, and documenting all processes for independent upkeep. The dashboard will be integrated into the UniPod website, and the volunteer will provide monthly progress updates to their supervisor.
Work Experience
Previous experience in IT, data management, data analysis, analytics, or data visualization is preferred. Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary or volunteer teams is considered an asset. This experience will help the volunteer effectively contribute to the project and integrate with the UniPod team.
Skills
Required skills include working familiarity with at least one data visualization tool such as Google Sheets, Looker Studio, Power BI, or Excel. Strong written communication skills are essential for documenting processes and creating guides for a non-technical audience. A genuine interest in youth innovation ecosystems is desirable. Fluency in English is required, with knowledge of Chichewa being an advantage.