Technology for Development Specialist

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 has been active in Laos since 1973, implementing one of its largest country programs worldwide, focusing on education, health, nutrition, protection, and sanitation for vulnerable children. The organization employs over 70 dedicated staff members in Laos, working tirelessly to ensure that children's rights remain a priority for the international community.

Job Overview:
The Technology for Development Specialist will oversee and support the demand for programmatic needs related to Technology for Development (T4D). This role involves supporting program teams in identifying, assessing, and integrating ICT and digital innovations into UNICEF programming. The specialist will strengthen internal capacity for T4D initiatives, engage with key partners, build and maintain business relationships, and maximize the potential for scaling and sustaining technology and digital innovations. The position also includes developing and coordinating the implementation of the Innovation and T4D Office Strategy to align with the upcoming Country Programme Document for 2027-2031.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions and responsibilities of the Technology for Development Specialist include:

• Digital/Data Solution Implementation: Overseeing the implementation of digital solutions to enhance programmatic outcomes.
• Strategic Oversight and Policy Compliance: Ensuring that all T4D initiatives comply with UNICEF policies and strategic objectives.
• Resource Mobilisation: Identifying and securing resources to support T4D initiatives.
• Portfolio Coordination and Project Management: Coordinating various projects under the T4D portfolio, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.
• Knowledge Management: Capturing and sharing knowledge related to T4D initiatives to enhance organizational learning.
• Digital Capacity Building: Developing training and capacity-building programs for staff and partners in digital technologies.
• Digital Innovation: Identifying and promoting innovative digital solutions that can be applied to UNICEF programming.
• Business Analysis: Conducting business analysis to support decision-making and project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Digital Transformation, Business Analysis, ICT Management, Computer Science, Innovation, Digital Development, International Development, or a relevant technical field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in ICT for Development (ICT4D) within a large international organization or corporation, demonstrating experience in identifying, designing, and implementing solutions for large-scale projects with technical components. Experience in coordinating external vendors and software developers, supporting business analysis, budgets, contracts, project management, and procurement is also required. Familiarity with ICT, mobile, and web-based technologies is essential, particularly in designing or deploying tools suitable for the region.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Digital Transformation, Business Analysis, ICT Management, Computer Science, Innovation, Digital Development, or International Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of technology integration within UNICEF's programming.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in ICT for Development (ICT4D) within a large international organization or corporation. Candidates should have experience in identifying, designing, and implementing solutions for large-scale projects with technical components. Additionally, experience in coordinating the work of external vendors and software developers, as well as supporting business analysis, budgets, contracts, project management, and procurement, is essential. Familiarity with UNICEF or other international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in programmatic areas such as health, nutrition, child protection, and education is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse UNICEF workforce.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. Candidates must also meet any inoculation requirements, including against COVID-19, as part of the selection process. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during recruitment.