Assistant Innovation Officer (Digital Employment and Connectivity for Refugees)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, as well as to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, focusing on providing life-saving support and solutions for refugees and displaced communities.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Innovation Officer will play a pivotal role in advancing digital employment and connectivity initiatives for refugees in Rwanda. This position is part of the UNHCR Innovation Service, which aims to enhance the livelihoods of forcibly displaced communities through improved access to digital resources and employment opportunities. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing and implementing market-driven approaches that engage the private sector to strengthen digital connectivity and skills among refugees. This role will involve coordinating with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and private sector partners, to create a national platform for digital employment and connectivity. The Assistant Innovation Officer will also oversee the design and delivery of activities that align with national strategies and labor market demands, ensuring that refugee communities can fully participate in Rwanda's digital economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Innovation Officer include:

• Supporting the establishment of the Inclusive Digital Employment Alliance (IDEA) and Connectivity for Refugees (CfR) initiatives in Rwanda through a national platform.
• Convening key stakeholders and facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, including UNHCR teams, implementing partners, government actors, mobile network operators, technology providers, NGOs, and refugee-led organizations.
• Serving as the UNHCR focal point in the newly created Joint Programme on Data, Innovation, and Digital.
• Overseeing the design and delivery of activities related to connectivity infrastructure, digital skills development, inclusive policy engagement, and employment linkage initiatives.
• Supporting the planning and rollout of private sector connectivity partnerships to enhance digital access for refugees and host communities.
• Tracking and reporting on progress, conducting assessments, and documenting lessons learned.
• Supporting fundraising efforts by developing pitch decks and donor briefs.
• Representing UNHCR in strategic forums on digital livelihoods and inclusion.
• Collaborating with global stakeholders to align Rwanda's programming with international platforms. 1
• Coordinating closely with UNHCR Rwanda colleagues across various programmatic areas to embed digital inclusion.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Assistant Innovation Officer position include:

• An undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as Politics, Human Rights, Computer Science, Economics, Business Studies, Telecommunications, Innovation, Technology, or Computer Engineering. A graduate degree is desired.
• Proven experience in digital livelihoods, technology, telecommunications, business, economics, private sector development, or entrepreneurship.
• Experience in implementing community-facing digital livelihoods and connectivity solutions is an advantage.
• Familiarity with the connectivity and business ecosystems in Rwanda, including telecom actors and innovation hubs.
• Strong experience in coordination, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, and civil society.
• Experience in the UN system is a distinct advantage.
• Prior experience working with young people, especially in marginalized or forced displacement settings.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. A graduate degree is preferred but not mandatory. Relevant disciplines include Politics, Human Rights, Computer Science, Economics, Business Studies, Telecommunications, Innovation, Technology, and Computer Engineering. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of digital employment and connectivity initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires previous proven experience in areas related to digital livelihoods, technology, telecommunications, business, economics, private sector development, or entrepreneurship. Candidates should have experience implementing community-facing digital solutions and working with private sector actors to translate digital programs into employment or income outcomes. Familiarity with Rwanda's connectivity and business ecosystems is crucial, as is strong experience in coordination and stakeholder engagement across various sectors, including government and civil society. Experience within the UN system is considered a distinct advantage, as is prior experience working with young people in marginalized or forced displacement settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of Kinyarwanda and/or French is considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance engagement with refugee communities. Proficiency in these languages would be beneficial for the role, given the multicultural context of Rwanda and the diverse backgrounds of the refugee population.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA-8 level and is expected to start on August 1, 2026, with a contract duration from August 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and may involve field missions. The position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote. The hardship level is classified as A, indicating the least hardship, and the family type is categorized as Family, which is not applicable for home-based staff.