Job description
The Position:
The National Individual Consultant is a dedicated technical role focused on building the national disability data ecosystem platform. Operating within the project framework the position is responsible for establishing secure database structures enforcing user authentication protocols creating role based access controls and setting up data validation and recovery workflows. The role bridges technical software engineering with inclusive design by turning complex data sets into highly accessible user friendly visualization tools.
You will report to the Chief Technical Adviser.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results
Job Purpose:
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a national disability data ecosystem that improves the availability, quality, and use of disability disaggregated evidence to address critical data gaps in Papua New Guinea. Reliable disaggregated data is currently lacking, which limits the ability of policymakers to fully understand and address the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities, including their access to sexual and reproductive health care, legal support, and protection from violence or exploitation. To resolve this, the consultant will design and deploy a specialized web based platform housed under the Department of Community Development and Religion website. This portal will serve as a secure, inclusive tool for stakeholders, data managers, and persons with disabilities to effectively manage, generate, and display disability related information for data driven decision making.
You would be responsible for:
- The consultant is responsible for the end to end web platform development according to approved technical and functional specifications, building both front end and back end components using appropriate technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks.
- The consultant must build data input, retrieval, processing, filtering, visualization, and reporting functionalities while implementing secure user authentication mechanisms and enforcing role based access control.
- To ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1, the consultant must optimize the user interface and experience for users with visual, motor, or cognitive impairments to make the platform fully usable by persons with disabilities.
- The consultant is responsible for designing and implementing secure database structures to store disability data, enforcing data validation mechanisms, managing data backup and recovery processes, and enabling data extraction and export functionalities in compliance with relevant data protection policies.
- The consultant must perform thorough functional, performance, security, and accessibility testing, including conducting user testing workshops with representatives from the disability community when possible.
- The consultant is responsible for providing complete technical documentation covering system architecture, codebases, and credentials, authoring detailed user manuals, and delivering training workshops to support knowledge transfer and a smooth handover to in house staff for long term maintenance
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- First level university degree Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least five years of proven experience in web application development with strong skills in front end and back end development frameworks using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Demonstrated experience with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 standards implementation alongside direct experience in database design and secure data handling.
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, while experience working on social impact projects, government institutions, or with the United Nations is an advantage.
Languages:
- High level of proficiency in English is required.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
Functional Competencies:
- Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise: Demonstrates in-depth, cutting-edge knowledge of front end and back end web development frameworks, database design, and secure data handling mechanisms to build a scalable data ecosystem.
- Commitment to Quality and Accessibility: Focuses meticulously on technical excellence and precision under pressure, ensuring strict compliance with international usability and accessibility guidelines to meet the needs of all platform users.
- Results-Based Project Management: Coordinates effectively with institutional partners and technical supervisors to deliver complex, structured digital components and documentation within strict project timelines.
Managerial Competencies (if applicable):
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.