Digital Impact Expert

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 globally, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The Digital Impact Expert position at UNICEF Pacific is focused on integrating digital transformation across 14 Pacific Island countries. The role involves providing expert guidance on digital solution lifecycle management, digital inclusion, policy and governance, and cybersecurity. The consultant will engage in consultative sessions, develop operational strategies, and ensure alignment with UNICEF's Multi-Country Programme priorities. The position aims to enable sustainable digital transformation that drives effective programming and partnerships, addressing the unique challenges faced by the region in terms of infrastructure and digital capacities. The expert will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on high-impact digital initiatives, ensuring that they align with country-specific priorities and strengthen collaboration among partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with stakeholders to conduct consultative sessions and deep-dive studies.
• Develop and operationalize the Pacific Digital Impact Operationalization Strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure alignment with the next Multi-Country Programme priorities and establish effective governance structures.
• Enable sustainable and responsible digital transformation to drive effective digital programming, AI, and data initiatives across the Pacific region.
• Coordinate and strengthen partnerships by negotiating and formalizing agreements with mobile network operators, internet service providers, technical agencies, and CROP agencies.
• Develop a comprehensive sustainability model for a regional platform dedicated to digital public goods.
• Conduct donor landscape mapping and create investment cases.
• Provide strategic guidance, oversight, monitoring, and reporting for the implementation of key digital initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Systems, ICT, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, or related fields.
• Expertise in digital strategy design and development across multiple countries.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Management, preferably in low-resource settings or government/donor-funded programs.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives at national or regional levels.
• Experience in conducting system reviews, landscape analysis, needs assessments, and policy design related to digital solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports and guidance documentation.
• Experience engaging with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and donor partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems, ICT, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of digital transformation and technology management in diverse contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, particularly in digital strategy design and development. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and leading digital transformation initiatives, especially in challenging environments such as low-resource settings or government-funded programs. Experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials and international organizations, is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Familiarity with Pacific Island contexts or languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage effectively with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy role is not considered a staff position under UNICEF's regulations, meaning that consultants will not receive benefits typically afforded to staff members. The contract will be governed by specific terms and conditions, including tax liabilities. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from diverse candidates. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding children's rights. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must ensure compliance with health and visa requirements. The position may involve travel within the Pacific region, and candidates are expected to submit a financial proposal detailing their fees and associated costs.