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:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Office based position
Duty station: New York, United States (Initially New York, USA and move to Bonn, Germany before end December 2026.)
Background
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
For six decades, UNDP has shaped the progress of human development, working with its partners to lift millions from poverty and increase opportunities for all. Empowered by Member States with a mandate to work across the spectrum of human development, UNDP provides integrated support at scale to improve people’s lives worldwide. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty, the greatest global challenge, indispensable to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue to support countries’ progress towards high human development, while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and healthy planet – define its strategic direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind.
Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) unites world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks so UNDP is not only ready for the future but helps build it with governments and partners. To support the achievement of the Strategic Plan, BPPS keeps UNDP at the leading edge of thought and practice, translating evidence into action and elevating solutions that work on the ground. BPPS is where policy meets practice - for impact. From development to crisis contexts, BPPS helps countries navigate complexity, scale what works, and advance a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.
In response to the dynamic and rapidly changing development context, BPPS implemented a new structure in 2026 to strengthen its ability to plan, adapt, and execute its strategy in support of the achievement of UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029. A key component of this restructuring is the centralization of operational support functions within the Business Solutions Hub for greater cost and process efficiency, integrating digital solutions where possible.
The Business Process and Digitalization Specialist will therefore lead efforts to streamline operations and leverage technology to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of BPPS’ programme and project implementation. They will be instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives aligned with UNDP’s prevailing Digital Strategy.
This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to implement innovative digital solutions that address operational challenges, streamline workflows, and improve service delivery across BPPS operations.
To develop a culture of solutions-orientation and continuous improvement, in the BSH, the Business Process and Digitalization Specialist will be a key resource in monitoring the team’s progress against established KPIs, commitments to Service Level Agreements with Clients, facilitating the team’s action on client feedback, and ensuring that the governance structure for service delivery is followed.
Duties and Responsibilities
1.)Lead Process Optimization
• Conduct analysis and mapping of existing business processes to identify inefficiencies.
• Facilitate workshops with stakeholders to gather requirements and brainstorm solutions.
• Design and implement new processes that leverage technology for better outcomes.
2.) Lead Digital Transformation Initiatives
• Develop and implement strategies for the digital transformation of business processes.
• Assess current processes and recommend improvements through digital solutions.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of digital initiatives on operational efficiency
3.) Promote Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive buy-in for digital initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison between BPPS units to ensure seamless integration of new technologies.
• Conduct periodic surveys to obtain client feedback to inform improvements.
4.) Support Governance and Performance Management
• Assist in the development and monitoring of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Arrange Governance board meetings to ensure alignment on performance metrics; resulting action points and recommendations are followed-up with team members.
5.) Lead Knowledge Management
• Design and deliver training programs to enhance digital literacy among personnel.
• Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for digital tools and systems.
• Monitor industry trends to stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in digital transformation.
• Evaluate potential tools and platforms for their efficacy in enhancing business processes.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.
Institutional Arrangement
Directly reports to the Team Leader.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Required skills:
Desired skills:
Required Language(s):
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
#LI-DNI