Posting Title: Regional STI expert
Department/Office: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Duty Station: BANGKOK
Posting Period: 03 May 2023 – 13 May 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific-207862-Consultant
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Result of ServiceOutput A: A preliminary outline of the workbook is prepared based on consultations with key stakeholders and approved by ESCAP Deliverable: – Interviews to collect inputs from stakeholders are conducted. – The preliminary outline of the workbook, with chapter headings and short summaries is approved by ESCAP. Delivery date: 30 June 2023 Output B: A webinar to introduce the workbook drafting activities and collect feedback from key stakeholders is delivered Deliverables: – An agenda for the webinar with objectives and potential sessions is shared with ESCAP. – The webinar facilitated by the expert is delivered. Delivery date: 10 July 2023 Output C: Four peer-learning sessions with the community of practice are conducted Deliverables: – A plan of activities with the topics for each peer learning session is shared. – The agendas for each peer-learning session are produced. – The four peer-learning sessions are conducted with the facilitation of the expert. Delivery date: 30 October 2023 Output D: The final version of the workbook is approved by ESCAP Deliverables: – A preliminary draft of the workbook is shared with ESCAP and the community of practice for comments and feedback. – The final version of the workbook is approved by ESCAP. Delivery date: 30 November 2023 Output E: Expert support for regional forum is provided Deliverables: – A tentative programme for the regional forum is approved by ESCAP. – The regional forum is organized and concluded with the support of the expert. Delivery date: 2 February 2024
Work LocationHome based
Expected duration1 June 2023 – 2 February 2024
Duties andResponsibilities
Purpose: Science, technology, and innovation (STI) have played a crucial role in driving economic development and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific. STI has the potential to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda and create benefits for society, the economy, and the environment. Moreover, private sector engagement in STI activities is becoming increasingly important as governments recognize that they cannot achieve the sustainable development goals without leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector. With this in mind, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has supported the development of a South-South and Triangular Collaboration Programme on STI among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam (CLTV). This Collaboration Programme aims to leverage their collective assets and expertise in STI to address pressing challenges in key priority areas. Among the strategic actions identified in the Collaboration Programme, CLTV countries recognize the vital role of the private sector and have committed to boosting partnerships and platforms, including public-private and civil society partnerships. To support CLTV countries in this endeavor, ESCAP will develop a workbook on policies to promote private sector engagement in STI. The workbook aims to provide policymakers and STI practitioners with a comprehensive and practical guide on effectively engaging the private sector in STI activities. It will be developed through extensive research and analysis of current best practices and successful models for promoting private-sector engagement in STI, with an emphasis on the experiences of CLTV countries. It will cover a range of topics, such as strategies for creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, methods for fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and tools for measuring and evaluating the impact of private sector engagement in STI activities. Furthermore, the creation of the workbook will be linked with the development of a community of practice of CLTV policymakers and experts. The insights and feedback from this community will enable an in-depth exploration of the real needs and challenges of policymakers regarding the engagement of the private sector in STI activities. To achieve this, the drafting of the workbook will be complemented by multiple activities, such as capacity-building exchanges, webinars, interviews, and other informal exchanges. Finally, a regional forum will be organized to launch the workbook. This forum will bring together experts, policymakers, and private sector representatives to discuss private sector engagement in STI activities, share best practices, and exchange experiences and knowledge. Objective / Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, Technology and Innovation Section, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, a regional STI expert will be engaged to draft a workbook on policies to promote private sector engagement in STI activities. This will include: 1. Draft a workbook on promoting private sector engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI) activities, including: a. Develop a clear and concise structure and format for the workbook that meets the needs and expectations of the target audience. b. Ensure that the workbook is accessible and user-friendly, including clear and concise explanations, practical examples, and relevant case studies. c. Engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, STI practitioners, private sector organizations, and government agencies, to gather feedback and input on the workbook. d. Review and incorporate feedback from stakeholders into the final draft of the workbook. e. Ensure that the workbook adheres to high standards of quality, accuracy, and clarity, and is free from errors and inconsistencies. f. Maintain a database of information related to the workbook, including relevant research and analysis, feedback from stakeholders, and updates to the content. 2. Support the development of a community of practice on the topic of promoting private sector engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI) activities, including: a. Advise on the development and implementation plan for the community of practice, including establishing clear goals, objectives, and expectations for the community. b. Design and lead one webinar and four online peer-learning sessions and discussions, ensuring that these are relevant, engaging and aligned with the goals of the community. This includes developing agendas, leading and facilitating discussions, and designing conversations that generate relevant insights that can be used to enrich the workbook. c. Facilitate the sharing of best practices and experiences among community members, and encouraging collaboration and exchange of knowledge. 3. Provide expert support for organizing a regional forum on promoting private sector engagement in science, technology and innovation (STI) activities, including: a. Support the development of the content of the regional forum, in collaboration with ESCAP. This includes providing expert advise on the content, format, and objectives of the sessions. b. Identify experts, policymakers, and private sector representatives to participate in the forum, ensuring that the forum is representative of a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. c. Provide expert-level support for the sessions, including delivering presentations, leading discussions, and providing technical input as needed.
Qualifications/special skillsDoctor’s Degree in Technology Policy, Development Economics, Public Policy or related field. More than five years of experience in science, technology and innovation research, policy and/or management. Experience in Mekong countries is desirable.
LanguagesFluency in English is required.
No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.