Data Exchange Specialist (Home based)

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.
  Job Purpose and Organizational Context

At UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), we are on a mission to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions around the world. UNDP is the United Nations' global sustainable development organization working across 170 countries with 17,000 staff.
 

Digital technology is one of the most fundamental drivers of changes this century. Digital not only provides new opportunities and challenges for development, but it is also fundamentally changing the context in which development is taking place. Since the launch of its first Digital Strategy in 2019, UNDP has been on an ambitious transformation journey to harness the potential of digital technology for development. We are now in the next phase of our digital transformation, implementing the Digital Strategy 2022-2025, which puts forth a vision to create a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet. 

The Chief Digital Office at UNDP is leading this effort with the goal of embedding digital technology in the development projects that we implement, supporting government partners to build inclusive digital eco-systems, and transforming the organization internally to enable these changes.

Project description

In today’s interconnected world, data has the power to drive human-centred innovation and growth, to enable transparency and accountability in public governance and to support the digital empowerment of people. Many countries in the Global Majority are aware of the importance of data, are driven to strengthen their data ecosystems and are exploring innovative approaches. Yet, they are not yet able to fully leverage the potential of data and mitigate all associated risks.

Data Exchanges have emerged as one opportunity to enhance the availability of data across sectors. Often perceived as one of the core components of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), —alongside digital identity systems and digital payment platforms—data exchanges have the potential to accelerate the delivery of inclusive digital services. DPI, as a broader concept, is increasingly seen as a transformative approach to digital transformation, with the potential to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At its core, DPI is an evolving approach to digital transformation that draws on a set of shared secure and interoperable digital systems, built on open standards and promote access to services for all, with governance and community as core components. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting into the Data Lead at the Chief Digital Office, with a matrix reporting line to the DPI Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for below:
 

• Lead on the implementation and revision of UNDP’s safe & inclusive data exchange assessment and broader data governance assessment, including providing technical guidance to governments on data exchange/data governance and updating the assessment frameworks
• Deliver capacity development activities for governments, such as online and in-person trainings, on data, data governance and data exchange, contributing to enhancing data skills and building a data culture across sectors
• Provide technical expertise to governments on strengthening local data ecosystems, covering aspects such as national/sub-national data strategies, open data, and data governance for AI
• Drive close and results-oriented coordination both internally and with external partners, collaborating closely with UNDP’s country offices to identify challenges in strengthening local data ecosystems and to ensure close alignment in supporting governments 
• Ensure increased knowledge exchange and thought leadership on good data governance, data privacy, and strategic data use through leading the disseminatio