BACKGROUND

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the operational backbone to the UN system: providing payroll, financial transactions, common premises, treasury investment, procurement, legal services to UN agencies. UNDP provides IT support for 13 UN entities with 40,000 United Nations and external users of the UNDP’s Quantum ERP system, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), applications and Green Energy solutions for the United Nations field presence.
To enable the digital transformation of the organization, the Information and Technology Management (ITM) provides ICT systems and green energy services and solutions to a global network of 155+ UNDP Country Offices and partners worldwide. UNDP ITM /Smart Infrastructure Services is tasked with developing and operating the enabling corporate technology platforms and providing related services that power the digital and green energy transformation including: (1) advice, administration and acceleration services to promote delivery of maximum business value of each platform; (2) a global service desk operation; (3) and outreach services to promote knowledge sharing and effective, agile planning and governance of technology development and utilization;
The mission of ITM Smart Infrastructure is to “Create Smart Facilities, build local Capacity and Inspire and Movement”, which guarantees efficient, innovative, and sustainable management of technologies for UN facilities, and consistency with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Smart Facility solutions include Green Energy services, Connectivity, Security and IoT and Data. ITM offers a framework of best practices to deliver resilient, highly available and sustainable business solutions that flourishing innovation throughout the organization. These services are aligned with the organization’s Digital Transformation Agenda and Smart Facilities Initiative.
The Business Development Specialist will be responsible to improve and grow UNDP Information Technology Management/Smart Infrastructure Services (ITM/SIS) business, by establishing and developing relationships with customers, suppliers and other partners. Working at the Business Development Group, the cornerstone of successful revenue growth and resource mobilization, the BDS plays a key role in the strategic development of ITM/SIS.
The BDS is expected to manage, market, and sale a number of services and products developed by the ITM/SIS as follows: Green Energy (including, but not limited to, Vehicle-Grid Integration, solar PV installation, energy efficiency, training and capacity building and waste management), Smart Building, Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, digital and collaboration solutions. As the BDS, you will report to the Business Development Officer and you will identify new business opportunities in order to generate revenue, improve profitability and help the business grow. Your work can involve careful strategic planning and positioning ITM/SIS in the UN system, NGO and human development arena. These opportunities are aligned with the UNDP strategic plan 2022-25.

UNDP’s work is summarized in the Strategic Plan by this “3x6x3” framework:

• 3 Directions of Change: Structural transformation, leaving no-one behind, building resilience

• 6 Signature Solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, gender equality3 Enablers: Strategic innovation, digitalisation, development financing

EDUCATION:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Sales or relevant field is required or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience as business development manager, sales executive or a relevant role.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Data Analysis & Reporting – experience in data analysis, using tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, or Power BI to extract insights.
• Report Writing – Proven ability to produce formal reports, adhering to industry standards. Experience in writing technical, research-based, or policy reports is required.
• Multitasking & Time Management – Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with shifting priorities is essential.
• Stakeholder Engagement – demonstrated ability of collaboration and engagement of various stakeholder groups (e.g., community organizations, government agencies, private sector)
• Program Development – experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs and workshops tailored to the identified needs, including setting objectives, creating curricula, and establishing evaluation metrics.
• Advocacy & Strategic Communication – experience in advocacy or public affairs, with a proven track record of developing and executing advocacy initiatives. Ability to effectively advocate for UN programs including strategic communication tailored to diverse stakeholders, evidence-based advocacy aligned with UNDP mission
• Project Management – experience in managing projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery while meeting performance goals.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in the Smart Facilities, Green Energy, Information Technology, IoT and AI
• Good understanding of Green Energy solutions markets, coupled with experience in customer support is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)

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.

Under the guidance of the ITM Business Development Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: