Innovation Specialist (Nutrition & Education), P-3, Post#102951, Fixed Term Appointment, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Innovation Specialist applies specialized products knowledge and in collaboration with counterparts in UNICEF field offices and Programme Division, is accountable on the management of product innovation projects with the goal to enable the procurement of fit for purpose, end-user driven innovative products and technologies for use in UNICEF 's global nutrition and education programmes.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Full Potential

Strategic Office context and Purpose for the Job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Organizational context:

The Product Innovation Center (PIC) influences global and local markets collaboratively with other Centers and external partners, for existing and future products/services, by advocating fit-for-purpose product profiles, accelerating R&D and scale-up, and addressing issues of access, affordability and value for money, ultimately to improve the lives of all children.  

The Product Innovation Center drives research and development (R&D), and implementation of products to address programmatic and/or emergency needs. In instances where there are no products in a procurable form on the market, a Product Innovation Project (PIP) is initiated with the ultimate goal of enabling procurement of fit-for-purpose and value-for-money supplies in UNICEF’s program areas.

How can you make a difference?

The Innovation Specialist applies specialized products knowledge and in collaboration with counterparts in UNICEF field offices and Programme Division, is accountable on the management of product innovation projects with the goal to enable the procurement of fit for purpose, end-user driven innovative products and technologies for use in UNICEF 's global nutrition and education programmes.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Manage the portfolio of UNICEF's Nutrition and Education product innovation projects including general project management as well as documenting and communicating developments to management and the innovation review board.
2. Supports and/ or conducts end-user needs assessments in programmes or projects aimed at improving access to Nutrition and Education supplies and equipment.
3. Creates terms of reference (TOR’s) and shares technical expertise for procurement of products and services to support the development and scale up of product innovation.
4. Conducts market research for innovations, provides analysis, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products.
5. In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisors, Country offices and other key partners, contributes to the development of Target Product Profiles (TPP's) and product specifications for innovative products and technologies.
6. Plans, collaborates and executes in-country field trials of innovative products and technologies.
7. Communicates to and collaborates with developers, suppliers, academia and industry to stimulate markets and drive innovation in this sector with the end goal being availability of products for procurement.
8. Ensures strong connection between Innovation Unit and the Technical Centers within the Supply Division and the communities of practice within Nutrition and Education globally, with particular focus on UNICEF Programme Division, regional and country offices.
9. Creates tools to document best practices for driving product innovation around Nutrition and Education programmes.
10. Identifies fundraising opportunities and manages budgets for the Nutrition and Education innovation portfolio.
11. Creates other tools and processes as required and requested by the supervisor.
12. Engages in any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

A completed advanced university degree (Master’s Degree*) in one of the following areas: Public Health, Policy, Design, Mechanical Engineering, Business Studies, Social Sciences, or a field relevant to international Nutrition and/or education related development assistance is required.

*A completed 1st university degree (Bachelor's degree) and 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree (Master’s).

Experience:

• 5 years working in product innovation, product development (with focus on at least one of the following areas: nutrition or education), business development, implementing business plans in UN or private sector required. Working in UN structures a plus.

• Knowledge of research and development; working with manufacturers, innovators and entrepreneurs at international and local levels desirable

• Budget management is required.

• Experience in procurement processes is a plus but not essential. 

• Good knowledge of computer applications, including internet navigation and various office applications along with advanced Excel skills required.

• Language Requirements:

  Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: 20 November 2023 Romance Daylight Time
Deadline: 04 December 2023 Romance Daylight Time