ICT Senior Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent organization within the UN Development System, dedicated to sustainable development. Established to integrate collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP operates globally, leveraging local knowledge and global perspectives to advocate for sustainable practices. The organization invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), which encompasses a wide range of technical expertise to support its strategic objectives. UNDP is recognized for its commitment to human rights and sustainable business practices, particularly through the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which serve as a normative framework for reducing adverse impacts of business operations on human rights. UNDP has been instrumental in supporting electoral processes in Ethiopia since the country adopted a multi-party system in 1993, working alongside national and international partners to enhance transparency and inclusiveness in elections.

Job Overview:
The ICT Senior Specialist position is crucial for supporting the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) in implementing technological solutions for the upcoming 2026 General Elections. This role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of various technology systems related to electoral processes, including Election Management Systems (EMS) and voter registration technologies. The specialist will ensure that all technological advancements comply with regulatory requirements and uphold principles of integrity, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and personal data protection. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance electoral technology services and to provide training and support to NEBE staff and election workers. The ICT Senior Specialist will play a pivotal role in ensuring that NEBE's technological infrastructure is robust, secure, and capable of supporting the electoral process effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICT Senior Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of technology systems for election processes; ensuring the integrity, security, and reliability of the ICT infrastructure; managing and coordinating ICT staff to deliver effective ICT solutions for the elections; collaborating with stakeholders to enhance electoral technology services; developing training manuals and providing training to staff and election workers on technology use; creating long-term technology plans and integrating advancements in electoral technology; planning and budgeting for new technologies while maintaining existing systems; and ensuring data confidentiality and security in voter information and election results. This role is integral to the successful execution of NEBE's objectives and the overall project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the ICT Senior Specialist position must possess a strong background in information and communication technology, particularly in relation to electoral processes. They should have proven experience in managing technology systems, with a focus on election management and voter registration technologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a thorough understanding of ICT infrastructure security and integrity, as well as experience in capacity building and training. Strong project management skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, are essential. Additionally, candidates should exhibit adaptability, creativity, and professionalism in their approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field is required for the ICT Senior Specialist position. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications. Continuous professional development and certifications in ICT management or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of information and communication technology, with a specific focus on electoral processes and systems. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing technology projects, particularly in the context of elections, and should be familiar with the challenges and requirements of implementing technology in a governmental or organizational setting. Experience working with international organizations or in a multi-stakeholder environment will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the ICT Senior Specialist position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Knowledge of Amharic or other local languages is considered a valuable asset, as it can facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training and support provided to NEBE staff and election workers.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials in Addis Ababa. The UN Volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan, and further details regarding entitlements can be found on the UNV website. The role is expected to be full-time, and the successful candidate will engage in a dynamic work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and development.