Technical Specialist - Innovation

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 large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a strong focus on humanitarian assistance and development programs.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist - Innovation position at UNICEF Ethiopia is designed to provide specialized technical expertise in the identification, design, implementation, and integration of innovative solutions into UNICEF Ethiopia’s programming. The role involves coordinating the innovation portfolio, advising on digital strategies, and ensuring adherence to data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies. The specialist will engage with partners to co-create and scale solutions, maintain knowledge management systems, and build capacity among staff and partners in data literacy and analytics. This position is crucial for enhancing UNICEF's impact on children's lives through innovative programming and effective use of technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Specialist include:

• Providing technical expertise to the Innovation Portfolio, including support for the coordination of the innovation portfolio with ECO programme sections, adapting and localizing digital solutions, and overseeing implementation and risk management.
• Advising on policy and strategic development for digital-enabled programming, tracking milestones and ensuring adherence to digital development principles.
• Engaging and maintaining partnerships to co-create and scale solutions, providing technical inputs to inter-agency forums, and facilitating skill transfer to counterparts.
• Maintaining an inventory of innovation initiatives and contributing to knowledge sharing within global networks.
• Building capacity in data literacy and analytics among staff and partners, designing and delivering training on innovation methodologies, and promoting ethical use of technology.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Data Analysis, Digital Transformation, or Computer Science. They should have at least 5 years of professional experience in ICT for Development, particularly in large international organizations. Experience in identifying, designing, and implementing solutions for large-scale projects, as well as familiarity with UNICEF's innovation areas, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate skills in project management, vendor supervision, and technical solution application.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in Business Administration, Business Analysis, Data Analysis for Management, Digital Transformation, ICT Management, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of digital solutions and their application in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Information Communication Technology for Development, particularly within large international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale projects with technical components, including experience in supervising external vendors and software developers, as well as managing budgets and contracts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with specific deliverables and outputs expected throughout the contract period. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.