Digital Solutions Analyst (Full Stack Engineer)

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

As the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System, UNDP serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work is carried out at the HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forming a contiguous spectrum of local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), which acts as its network of technical expertise on a wide range of knowledge domains.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)  develops the policy guidance needed to meet the targets of UNDP’s Strategic Plan and is responsible for providing technical advice to Country Offices, advocating for UNDP corporate messages, representing UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora, and engaging in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. Moreover, it works closely with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau to support emergency and crisis response, ensuring that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes.

As one of the six Global Policy Centres managed by BPPS, and following an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and UNDP signed in Nov 2009, the Seoul Policy Center (USPC) was established in 2011 as the UNDP Seoul Policy Center for Global Development Partnerships. The Center’s functions and activities were set out to include: (1) Serving as the immediate interface with the Government on all aspects relating to the evolving ROK–UNDP partnership; (2) Serving as a knowledge center for comparative experiences and approaches of new development partners in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable human development; and (3) Facilitating and promoting learning, networking, policy dialogue and consultation among new development partners, while contributing to capacity development in developing countries. 
USPC’s profile has continued to evolve since its inception and the current triennial work programme (2023-25) further augments the Centre’s role as the facilitator of global knowledge exchange and the country-level application of innovative and tested-and-proven development solutions for the achievement of the SDGs. This is achieved through the flagship programme known as the ‘SDG Partnerships,’ which it complements through programmatic, partnership, and policy activities in the following substantive areas: (i) Development Cooperation Approaches and Modalities; (ii) Governance and Gender (including a focus on Anti-corruption and SGBV); (iii) Green Recovery and Transition (including a focus on Sustainable Forestry); and (iv) Private Sector Engagement and Development. 

Against this backdrop, the development cooperation team is expected to provide support to the existing thematic portfolios of USPC through: 

• Facilitating innovative multi-bi projects with Korean partners, which are funded through contributions from bilateral donors to multilateral organizations that are earmarked for specific development purposes (e.g., (sub-) regions, countries, sectors, or themes)
• Contributing to partnership development between the ROK and UNDP
• Conducting and disseminating policy research on development cooperation issues, especially on development policy of the ROK, effective development cooperation, South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), and green as well as digital ODA
• Support the growing work of USPC and UNDP in development cooperation on technology and innovation issues, including by optimising UNDP’s own digital capabilities to better support partners 

Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will be working directly under the supervision of the Centre’s Development Cooperation Policy Specialist.

The Digital Solutions Analyst, under the supervision of the Policy Specialist and in partnership with other members of USPC and the GPN network, will support these aspects of the development cooperation portfolio with a particular focus on digital solutions and tools.

Contribute to the Digital Solutions Development 

• Design, develop and implement prototypes and microservices
• Create data management and visualization tools
• Implement automated systems for monitoring and evaluation\
• Provide technical documentation and capacity building support
• Lead the development of digital platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing between Korean partners and developing countries

Ensure Partnership Development and Technical Advisory 

• Support the development and implementation of partnerships focused on digital transformation in development cooperation
• Provide technical advisory during partner consultations and project design
• Contribute to the adaptation of Korean digital solutions for developing country contexts
• Support the preparation of technical components for partnership proposals
• Facilitate in organizing technical capacity-building workshops and knowledge sharing events

Facilitate Knowledge Management and Innovation 

• Identify opportunities for improving development cooperation through digital solutions
• Support research and analysis on digital transformation in development cooperation
• Contribute to policy briefs and knowledge products on digital solutions
• Contribute to documenting best practices and lessons learned
• Support overall efforts to streamline USPC's project and knowledge management systems

Other Support Work 

• Support outreach and communications activities on relevant USPC activities
• Support other administrative processes such as but not limited to internship selection

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Competencies   Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy    

• System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Partnership management    

• Relationship management. Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Digital     

• Data governance. Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies
• Prototyping. Ability to make ideas tangible, at low costs early in the innovation process, to test and improve them through iteration. Using a ""build first"" approach, using visualising ideas and making things as a way of thinking. Ability to define what fidelity level is required for a test, define prototyping goals, or a hypotheses; evaluate results against these goals and reflect on unanticipated learning outcomes. Using prototypes to communicate a vision, develop shared understanding and create momentum around an idea.
• Data engineering. Ability in programming languages such as SQL, Python, and R, be adept at finding warehousing solutions, and using ETL (Extract, Transfer, Load) tools, and understanding basic machine learning and algorithms

Required Skills and Experience   Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Development, International Relations, Environmental Policy, and/or Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Information Systems, Physics or any other relevant field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree. 

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two years of professional experience  in software development, data management, digital solutions, or related fields, preferably in a public sector or international organization context.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals in either:
• One modern frontend framework (React, Vue, Angular etc.) or
• One backend language/framework (Python, Node.js, Java etc.)

Technical expertise:

• Experience building full-stack applications from concept to deployment
• Experience with cloud services and DevOps practices
• Experience with API design and integration
• Experience with data management tools and automated monitoring systems

Development sector knowledge:

• Experience working with international organizations or development projects
• Familiarity with development cooperation and Korean development policies
• Knowledge of digital transformation in development contexts
• Experience in capacity building and knowledge transfer 

Required languages:

• Fluency in English and Korean is required. 
•  Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
   

Disclaimer
  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
  UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
  Applicant information about UNDP rosters
  Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
  Non-discrimination
  UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
  UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
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