Chief Knowledge Management, P-5, Florence

Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Associate Director, the post is responsible for the coordination of the Office’s functions relating to knowledge management for both internal and external research relating to UNICEF’s key priorities.

Key expected results

1. Leads and coordinates the Office of Research’s contribution (produced by its strategic research clusters) to knowledge management through syntheses of significant research conducted both outside and inside the organization in the areas covered by the Office’s clusters. Assist cluster chiefs in outsourcing arrangements and assures liaison with other HQ Divisions, Regional and Country Offices and other key partners in knowledge management

2. Coordinates Office of Research’s knowledge management functions in research areas where the Office has no strategic research cluster, including liaison with other HQ Divisions, Regional and selected Country Offices, and identifies important gaps in present capturing of research results. Develop proposals for alternative ways to assure accessible syntheses of research findings in such areas, including quality controlled outsourcing arrangements.

3. Keeps abreast of latest developments in knowledge management globally and works with HQ Divisions, Regional and Country Offices in the design and execution of knowledge management functions across the organization, including participation in capacity building efforts. Proposes improvements in the overall knowledge management functions of UNICEF, including management of non-research knowledge (such as child related data, conditions of children, local policies and practices) to build UNICEF’s global role as the primary ‘observatory for knowledge on children’.

4. Builds and maintains a network of research and knowledge managements focal points, and consults with them to develop norms and standards to ensure the quality of UNICEF’s knowledge management functions,

5. Develops and ensures easily accessible formats and portals for packaging research syntheses in collaboration with cluster chiefs and the chief of communication and advocacy.

6. Contributes to workplanning of the Office of Research, linking initiatives in knowledge management to the plan of the research clusters.

Qualification

Advanced university degree in the Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF*.

Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in research and knowledge management, including in the field of development.

Fluency in English and at least one other UN working language (e.g., French, Spanish). Reading ability in multiple languages is desirable, in order to critically review studies and publications in a range of languages.

*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.

Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget.

Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment.

Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching.

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential.

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders.

Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.

Contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2011-001728. Applications must be received by 21 October 2011.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.