Programme Specialist (Digital Innovation) [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) serves as UNDP's primary knowledge and advisory hub for the Europe and CIS region (RBEC). The Hub connects the region to a global network of development experts, builds knowledge and capacity, and forges partnerships to address the development challenges of a complex and diverse region. The new Regional Programme (2026-2029) integrates four strategic priorities: prosperity for all; effective governance; crisis resilience; and healthy planet. Under each programmatic priority the programme seeks to act as a catalyst for systemic transformation and to deploy the portfolio approach more widely, enabling dynamic experimentation, learning and adaptation across interconnected interventions. 

The IRH Innovation and Digital Team is taking forward a transformative approach to sustainable development through strategic innovation, portfolio and systems-thinking methods. At the core of this work is the portfolio approach, which organizes initiatives around cohesive outcomes, enabling UNDP to address complex challenges through systems thinking and adaptive management. With over 20 active portfolios across 7 Country Offices, this systems approach is reshaping development strategies in areas such as urban transformation, digital innovation, and crisis response. Looking ahead, the team is focusing on three key innovation portfolio areas: urban transformation; digital development and emerging technologies; and innovative financing. Across all dimensions of our work, the team employs systems thinking, future-oriented approaches emphasizing the generation of development intelligence, and acceleration of local innovation to unearth new development pathways. The IRH Innovation and Regional Team acts as a regional extension of UNDP’s global Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub (DAI Hub) and closely collaborates with the global team. 

The role of the Program Specialist (Digital Innovation) will be to lead the advancement of digital transformation and responsible engagement with emerging technologies across the Europe and CIS region, supporting the development of digitally-native societies, economies, and institutions that effectively leverage technology for public purpose. The role leads the team’s work on supporting Country Offices and their government partners in navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and its implications for sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a key member of the UNDP Innovation and Digital Team at the Istanbul Regional Hub, the Program Specialist will lead the advancement of digital transformation and the responsible engagement with emerging technologies across the region. The incumbent will support Country Offices in their work with governments and partners to build digitally-native societies, economies, and institutions. In doing so, he/she will integrate systems thinking and portfolio-based approaches into UNDP's work, including designing models for digital transformation, developing and delivering learning programs, and establishing strategic partnerships. The Program Specialist will collaborate closely with UNDP's global Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub to ensure alignment with global standards and practices while addressing regional contexts and needs.

In addition, the Program Specialist is expected to work closely with Country Offices and the Innovation and Digital Team Leader at the IRH in building both regional and national partnerships with relevant organizations, national stakeholders, and international partners that can help advance this work.

Policy and program leadership in digital development

• Provide strategic policy advice on digital transformation and artificial intelligence to Country Offices and UNDP teams, inclu