Job Description

Functional Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Lab Manager will be responsible for the following duties:

Conceptualize, develop strategy for and oversee the design and implementation of UNTIL Finland Lab’s objective and programme of work; manage/oversee multiple, concurrent and often disparate tasks for projects that involve cutting-edge innovative applications.
Provide oversight on compliance and programme risks;
Set up the UNTIL Finland Lab and prepare project briefs and other programme documentation around programme initiation.
Submit regular reports to the Advisory Board and UNTIL Finland Lab Board and liaise with board members on the strategy of the Lab. Take the lead regarding advice and strategic direction received from the Advisory Board and UNTIL Country Board.
In full coordination with UNTIL’s programme head, identify and negotiate innovation partnerships and commercial agreements that serve the goals and needs of UNTIL.
Lead and direct the UNTIL team; oversee activities for the team; plan and allocate work assignments; coach, mentor and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.
Provide oversight on compliance to procurement rules.
Oversee UNTIL’s communication strategy. Prepare, update and develop communication material.
Direct the research and analysis on potential private sector or public sector entities which could support the work of UNTIL labs in terms of core expertise and/or funding.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, partnership management, international law, international business administration, innovation management or related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
Required
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in management in either of the following or related areas: commerce, health, education, circular economy, peace and mediation.

Desirable
A minimum of three years experience in setting up offices away from headquarters in intergovernmental organizations with responsibilities to implement programmes with local and global scope is an advantage.
A minimum of two years experience in planning, designing and facilitating deployment of innovative technology in the areas of education, health, circular economy or peace and mediation is an advantage.
A minimum of 5 years experience in developing and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships for SDGs is an advantage.

Language Requirements:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Staff
Contract level: P5
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability’
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks

About the Organization

About us

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in more than 80 countries, UNOPS supports partners in the implementation of approximately 1,000 projects, which range from managing the construction of roads in South Sudan to building shelters in Haiti to procuring educational computers in Argentina. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects it supports.

Working with UNOPS

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We’re looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in many disciplines, from project management, to procurement, infrastructure, finance and human resources. The work we do is fulfilling and offers opportunities for professional and personal development.

Watch this video to learn more about working with UNOPS

Diversity

With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce as a means of better understanding and addressing the needs of our partners, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates. Moreover, the vast majority of our personnel are nationals, working in their own country and developing local capacity.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options, such as flexi-time, compressed work schedules and telecommuting. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types across the globe.