Software Developer Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic change. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Software Developer Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Kenya Country Office (KCO) Gender/GBV Advisor and will be responsible for developing and integrating a technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) Prevention Digital Prototype aimed at youth populations aged 18-29 years. This role is crucial for the implementation of the Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) global programme, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada and aims to enhance the benefits of technology for women and girls while addressing issues of gender-based violence. The consultant will engage in a multi-stakeholder co-design process to create a digital prototype that combines gender-transformative learning and streamlined access to GBV referral services, ensuring that the solution is tailored to the needs of youth in the target counties of Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi. The consultant will also provide technical support for the integration of this prototype into existing youth-focused SRHR/GBV prevention programmes, ensuring that the final product is effective, user-friendly, and sustainable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Software Developer Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Design, develop, validate, and support the integration of a context-specific, gender-transformative, and gamified digital prototype that includes learning modules and a one-tap referral layer for youth populations.
• Provide technical support and coordination to facilitate the integration of the digital prototype into two existing youth-focused SRHR/GBV prevention programmes in the target counties.
• Conduct a desk review of relevant programme, policy, legal, and technical documents to inform the design process.
• Organize and execute virtual consultations with stakeholders, including young people and GBV/SRHR programme custodians, to gather input for the design process.
• Develop and refine a mid-fidelity prototype, conduct user testing, and incorporate feedback into the final product.
• Prepare and submit a detailed inception report, prototype technical specifications, and a final consultancy report documenting the entire process.
• Ensure that all methodologies and deliverables adhere to UNFPA guidance and international standards for safe and ethical GBV data collection and use.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in IT, software engineering, digital innovation, or a related field. Additionally, at least three years of demonstrable experience in digital product design, safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and privacy by design, human-centered design, software development, or technology-for-development initiatives is required. Experience in GBV, SRHR, or digital safety is preferred. Proven expertise in digital safety, GBV prevention, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the Kenyan context is essential. Candidates should also have experience designing youth-centered digital products, gamified learning tools, or digital literacy interventions, as well as knowledge of ethical technology principles and data protection.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in IT, software engineering, digital innovation, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background should be complemented by relevant training or certifications in software development, digital product design, or related areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in digital product design, software development, or technology-for-development initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects related to gender-based violence prevention, digital safety, or youth engagement in technology. Experience with participatory or co-design methodologies is also highly valued, as is demonstrated experience working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kiswahili is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both English and Kiswahili to effectively engage with stakeholders and target populations.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted remotely, with the consultant utilizing their own office space, computer, internet, and other necessary equipment. The duration of the consultancy is approximately 45 days, from 12 August to 25 September. The consultant will be required to submit various deliverables, including an inception report, prototype technical specifications, a functional prototype, consultation and validation reports, and a final consultancy report. The UNFPA Kenya Country Office reserves the right to discontinue the contract if the consultant does not meet expectations or acts in a manner detrimental to UNFPA's reputation.