Technical Specialist - IT (Digital Census)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization supports countries in utilizing population data for policy and program planning, which is essential for achieving sustainable development goals. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of high-quality population data for national development planning and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist - IT (Digital Census) position is crucial for the National Institute of Statistics in Maputo, Mozambique. The incumbent will provide technical leadership and expertise to support the Government of Mozambique in adopting and implementing modern, technology-driven approaches for conducting population and housing censuses. This role is aligned with UNFPA's strategic focus on digital transformation and innovation in data collection and management. The Technical Specialist will ensure the effective integration of technology to collect, process, and disseminate accurate census data, thereby contributing to national development planning and monitoring of the SDGs. The position requires collaboration with government stakeholders and technical partners to develop a cohesive and methodologically sound digital strategy that enhances the technical capacity of the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: providing expert advisory services to INE and UNFPA on the formulation and validation of digital census operations; serving as the technical authority for quality assurance, development, testing, and deployment of digital tools and platforms; defining technical requirements and ensuring quality assurance for the procurement of necessary hardware, software, and IT infrastructure; conducting technical assessments of INE’s IT teams and coordinating a comprehensive capacity-building strategy; establishing and overseeing a technical monitoring and risk management framework; and contributing to resource mobilization by identifying potential donors and preparing proposals for support to the digital census. The role also involves providing high-level technical briefings and progress reports to leadership and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Statistics with a strong IT component, or a related discipline. A Doctoral degree (PhD) is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in applying information technology to large-scale statistical operations, such as censuses or national surveys. In-depth knowledge of digital census phases and technologies, GIS cartography, and the full software development lifecycle for large-scale data collection is essential. Candidates should also have expert knowledge of relational database management, complex IT infrastructure design, and the implementation of robust data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and privacy protocols for sensitive national data.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Statistics with a strong IT component, or a related discipline is required. A Doctoral degree (PhD) is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in digital census operations and technology applications in statistical contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in applying information technology to large-scale statistical operations, such as censuses or national surveys. This experience should include managing large-scale technology projects, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable project plans and methodological guidelines. Demonstrated ability to identify systemic technical risks and lead multicultural technical teams in high-pressure environments is also essential for ensuring project continuity.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required for this position. Knowledge of the Portuguese language, both written and verbal, is desirable, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance collaboration within the context of the census operations.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, pension, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. The role is based in Maputo, Mozambique, and involves working closely with government agencies and international partners. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of ethical standards, human rights, and cultural diversity in its operations. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to report any fraudulent notices or offers.