United Nations Foundation

Job Details

Description

The salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000.

The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data

The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD) is seeking a proactive, entrepreneurial, and visionary leader to take the Partnership to the next level as it embarks on its second decade. Founded to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the Partnership has established a powerful track record as a dynamic, high-ambition network of governments, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and international institutions committed to harnessing the power of data for sustainable development. GPSDD catalyzes political support and practical action to strengthen data ecosystems, drive collaboration across sectors, and ensure that better data leads to better lives. By mobilizing political commitments, technical innovations, and financial resources, GPSDD helps countries and organizations strengthen their data systems, sharpen policies, and empower communities so that data technologies deliver benefits for all.

GPSDD is housed at the United Nations Foundation; governed by a board of eminent international advisors from public, private, and civic sectors; and co-convened by the United Nations and World Bank.

The Moment: Challenge and Opportunity

We are at a critical juncture. Reliable and timely data is more vital than ever to human possibility, for everything from economic prosperity to planetary health. At the same time, concerns about data integrity, reliability, and ownership are taking on new urgency as the rapid acceleration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is putting questions about the quality, representativeness, and governance of data at the heart of global and national debates. Concern about “dual uses” of data, especially in AI, only had to the immediacy of the challenge.

Yet, investment in and policies around data systems are under real pressure, and the fast-moving geopolitical and geo-economic landscape is constraining our ability to think together across geographies, sectors, and institutions about how best to harness data and breakthrough technologies for broader and durable benefit.

In this moment of challenge and opportunity, GPSDD has a unique opportunity to be a catalyst for reimagining how data and data systems can underpin accelerated progress, innovation, and resilience for people and planet. The GPSDD network is a singular platform that unites voices and expertise from across the world in shaping the future of new technologies and promoting data systems that enable innovation while safeguarding equity, rights, and accountability.

The next CEO will lead the network in seizing this moment, inspiring confidence, and shaping the global data agenda for the decade ahead.

The Role of the CEO

The CEO of GPSDD is the strategic and operational leader of the organization, responsible for:

• Vision and Strategy: Defining and communicating a clear and compelling vision for GPSDD’s future, aligned with global priorities and the needs of partners.
• Leadership and Change: Providing confident, inspiring, and enthusiastic leadership through times of transition and uncertainty; building trust and momentum across a diverse global community.
• Partnership and Advocacy: Serving as a visible champion for the role of data in sustainable development; engaging with heads of state, ministers, CEOs, civil society leaders, and donors to advance GPSDD’s mission.
• Resource Mobilization: Building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, ensuring the long-term financial health and independence of the Partnership.
• Innovation and Influence: Anticipating trends in technology, policy, and geopolitics; positioning GPSDD at the forefront of debates on data, digital public infrastructure, and AI; and ensuring the Partnership remains relevant and
• Organizational Management: Leading a high-performing, values-driven team; ensuring strong governance; overseeing financial sustainability; and delivering impact through effective programs.

The CEO must bring strategic vision, diplomatic skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to this role— with a proven ability to navigate complexity, inspire confidence, and lead with enthusiasm in a fast-changing world.

The CEO works closely with the Partnership’s high-level Board and its co-conveners, as well as leading figures across government, industry and civil society to build coalitions that can drive change, especially at the country level, including negotiating new partnerships and relationships to ensure the survival of the mission in this moment of deep transformation across the sector.

Key Criteria

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in leadership roles in the public, private, or civic sector with a reputation as a dynamic and innovative leader
• Demonstrated command of the strategic landscape, compelling vision for how data and technology can be used to advance human betterment.
• Fluency in emerging trends across various data communities, including knowledge of and vision for the strategic use of data for global policy and investment decision-making.
• Experience working across sectors, with established partnerships across government, international organizations, the private sector, international civil society, and
• Proven experience of shaping innovative coalitions, alliances, and cross-sector collaborations; reputation as an effective catalyst for action in complex environments; and a demonstrated track record of impact at the country level.
• Extensive experience interfacing with government officials and understanding of the dynamics of decision-making for governments using data to better assess and address development challenges.
• Experience working on a global scale including with and/or in the Global South, with the ability to undertake significant international travel.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship-building and persuasion skills, with demonstrated ability to be influential with different audiences and circumstances.
• Proven ability to develop and implement innovative strategies in the context of a federated implementation model.
• Successful track record of fundraising with strategic partners.
• Proven capacity to grow, lead, and manage a high-performing, international, and geographically dispersed team, with multiple skill sets and sector backgrounds.
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills, including experience in media, large events and engagements with senior leaders.
• Confident, entrepreneurial spirit who will thrive in a growth-oriented environment with demonstrated competency managing change.
• Advanced degree in international relations, social science, data science or related field.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in an additional international working language.

Benefits & Compensation

For full-time, U.S. benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

• a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• 403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
• group term and supplemental life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• back-up care
• employee assistance program

Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Pay or shift range: $250,000 USD - $300,000 USD