UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, innovation

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The acceleration in digital transformation (DX) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is set to continue worldwide. DX is a process by which the whole social fabric is disrupted by new technologies. The digital divide created by this accelerated adoption of digital solutions is considered the new face of inequality by the UN.

The UNICEF 2022-2025 Strategic Plan recognizes digital transformation (DX) as a key change strategy to achieve results for children across all of UNICEF’s work. The demand for operational and programmatic support on DX is rapidly increasing. UNICEF is continuously working to strengthen DX processes to ensure no child is left behind, and all can equitably access the benefits of digitalization.

How can you make a difference?

The Technology for Development (T4D) Specialist (Level P3) will report to the “Deputy Representative – Operations” overseeing T4D related technological matters supervising staff specifically hired for T4D implementations and solutions, the T4D Specialist will peer with the Local ICT Manager to coordinate and enhance cooperation and teamwork to achieve an optimized and enhanced implementation of technical solutions and will have a functional operational reporting line related to Programmes under the “Deputy Representative – Programmes”.

The purpose of this role is to coordinate and support demand for Technology for Development (T4D) programmatic support. UNICEF Programmes increasingly leverage digital means for effective programme delivery, systems strengthening and monitoring. The T4D Specialist will work with programme teams in the identification, assessment and integration of ICTs and digital innovation into UNICEF programming; strengthening internal capacity to lead and support T4D related initiatives; identifying and engaging with key partners; building business relationships; applying reusable and replicable technical buildings blocks; and maximizing potential for the scale-up and sustainability of technology and digital innovation for UNICEF programming.

The T4D Specialist works closely with Programme staff and in close liaison with Regional Office ICT and Digital Innovation Unit, and the central ICT Division. The T4D Specialist may supervise local staff members or oversee the work of consultants.

The T4D Specialist will have the following functions:

1. Coordinate the T4D Function and Provide Technical and Programmatic Support
2. Policy and Strategic Development for Technology-enabled Programming
3. Engage and Maintain Partnerships and Networks
4. Knowledge Management
5. Capacity Building
6. Leadership and People Management

For further details regarding the key functions, related duties and tasks, please refer to the specific job profile:  T4D Specialist Level 3.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or higher) is required in Digital Transformation, Business Analysis, ICT Management, Computer Science, Innovation, Digital Development, International Development or another relevant technical field.
  *A first-level university degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) in a large international organization or corporation is required.
  • Experience identifying, designing and implementing solutions for large-scale projects with technical components – including supervising external vendors and software developers; responsibility for business analysis, budgets, contracts, project management and procurement, etc. is required.
  • Experience with ICT, mobile and web-based technologies, particularly designing or deploying tools appropriate to the region is required.
  • Exposure to UNICEF, UN or other INGO programmatic areas, including health, nutrition, child protection and/or education.
  • Experience in applying technical solutions to address programmatic issues is required.
  • Experience in open source, mobile and emerging technology applied to UNICEF programme areas is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience working in T4D/ICT4D program design, service design, and field deployment/implementation in developing countries is highly desirable.
  • Experience with RapidPro, Primero, DHIS2, ODK and other global public good technologies, and deploying, maintaining and scaling these technologies is highly desirable.
  • Software programming experience, with focus on writing new code to deliver enhancements, new functionality, and defect resolution as well as proficiency with source code and continuous integration solutions (such as GitHub, Circle/Travis, Jenkins, etc.) is desirable.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

“UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.