Digital Public Goods (DPG) Technical Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, and it emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in its hiring practices.

Job Overview:
The Digital Public Goods (DPG) Technical Consultant position is integral to advancing Sierra Leone's Digital Public Goods Ecosystem. The consultant will provide technical expertise to support the development, governance, and sustainability of DPGs through capacity building, policy development, and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation (MoCTI) and UNICEF. The role involves fostering inclusive digital transformation by integrating DPGs into education, supporting startups through the DPG Accelerator Lab, and developing sustainable platforms like the DPG Bounty Platform. The consultant will report to the Innovation Specialist and will be responsible for advancing the Accelerating Digital Public Goods initiative, strengthening the DPG ecosystem, and ensuring that DPG initiatives are inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include providing technical expertise to advance the Accelerating Digital Public Goods initiative, facilitating the development of a robust DPG ecosystem, advising on open-source policies and regulatory frameworks, designing and delivering training programs, supporting the integration of DPG-focused modules into university curricula, providing technical guidance for the establishment of the DPG Accelerator Lab, overseeing the development of a DPG Bounty Platform MVP, and developing a monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework to track progress and measure impact. The consultant will also leverage existing UNICEF initiatives to maximize synergies and resource efficiency, ensuring inclusivity in all DPG initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the social innovation ecosystem, open-source development, and mentoring tech entrepreneurs. Knowledge of frontier technology and digital public goods is highly valued, as is familiarity with Sierra Leone's developer community. Experience in programming languages such as Java, Python, and Golang, as well as familiarity with frameworks like Java/Spring and Python/Django, is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a diverse team and adapt to a rapidly changing work environment.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the development and governance of Digital Public Goods in Sierra Leone.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience working in relevant fields, including social innovation, entrepreneurship support programs, and open-source development. Experience in programming and familiarity with the local developer community in Sierra Leone is highly desirable. Previous experience in international development or social impact spaces is also required, particularly in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for effective collaboration and reporting. While English is the primary language required for this position, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context in Sierra Leone.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role, and UNICEF encourages applications from eligible and suitable Sierra Leoneans. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.