Innovation Manager (African Drone & Data Academy) at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

• Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Innovation Specialist (African Drone and Data Academy) will provide advanced technical assistance, quality assurance and knowledge generation/management and partnership building services to African countries to advance the replication of the African Drone and Data Academy and the implementation of youth agency in the green economy via the Youth Agency Market Place (YOMA).

The successful individual will be responsible for the following key accountabilities:

Provide support to research, evidence and data uptake

• Lead the development of evidence and analysis/es on the use of drone technology and citizen science/citizen reported data for SDGs, youth agency and green YOMA.
• Lead the development of strategies to leverage drone & earth observation technologies & citizen science to support growth pathways for young people in the green economy and to facilitate youth driven climate action.
• Lead the scaling up of innovative models related to green YOMA and ADDA
• Lead the promotion of evidence generated with respect to green Yom and ADDA

Lead partnerships and fund raising around ADDA and green YOMA

• Strengthen partnerships and identify opportunities in the region and beyond focused on the expansion of ADDA, youth led data collection for the environment and the implementation of green YOMA. Of particular importance are pathways for young people linking impact, growth and livelihoods in the green space.
• Lead the fund raising around the expansion/deepening of ADDA and green YOMA, including the exploration of innovative funding mechanisms (such as environmental impact funding, CO2 offset, etc.).
• Explore and establish action-oriented partnerships relevant to ADDA and green YOMA, such as various satellite/remote sensing organizations, research institutions, multi/bilaterals, social enterprises/NGOs/CBOs with a significant footprint or with innovation potential in areas relevant to youth green action.
• Act as the YOMA Focal Point with internal and external stakeholders around ADDA and Green YOMA and with respect to earth observations, youth collected data and green impact.

Manage programmes related to ADDA and Green YOMA

• Manage programmatic dimensions linked to the expansion of ADDA and green YOMA, including the facilitation of all administrative processes. Take a pro-active role to ensure that targets and timelines are met and that the interventions optimize benefits for youth.
• Ensure the linkage between operational research and implementation both in the conceptual and implementation stages. Make sure that lessons learned and documented and disseminated.
• Integrate the youth entrepreneurial dimension into all activities.
• Contribute to the technical dimensions of green YOMA, such as the establishment of appropriate and effective data oracles that allow an automated assessment of impact of youth climate action.
• Establish monitoring frameworks, ensure data flows and provide action-oriented dashboards.

Provide strategic guidance and coordination to Country Offices

• Provide guidance to Country Offices on how UNICEF can support governments and strategic partnerships for the replication/expansion of the ADDA and the involvement of youth in climate related action, the green economy and data reporting using YOMA whenever beneficial. Undertake country visit or remote support in that respect.
• Provide technical assistance for Country Offices and partners on how to integrate ADDA and green YOMA into their programming. Clarify with country offices the resource requirements they need to manage those dimensions and advise on possible partnerships.

Provide event coordination and management support

• Organize, facilitate or participate in meetings and workshops/seminars related to skills and employability in the green economy to support good programming practices and innovative models, with partners, including the private sector and resource mobilization by partners, donors, and National Commissions.
• Support to regional office management processes and for other section duties, as agreed with the supervisor.

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

• An advanced university degree in business management or engineering (Master or above). Proven track record in terms of research in areas related to the position.
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at an international level, some of which in a developing country, in fields relevant to the use of drones, earth observation and start-up ecosystems. At least two years’ experience in implementing drone supported programmes.
• Proven track record in supporting training of youth in emerging technologies, such as drones, citizen sciences, etc.
• Proven track record in programme management and partnership building.
• Strong fundraising ability and experience in partner management.
• Experience of working with an UN organisation is an asset as is previous knowledge of UNICEF interventions with drones.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.