Technology for Development (T4D) Specialist, (P-3), Fixed Term, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), #112447

The Technology for Development (T4D) Specialist is responsible for identifying opportunities to use existing and new data collection systems to strengthen the country projects and programmes involving citizens and/or youth as beneficiaries. The T4D Specialist acts to build capacity in both the country office across all sections, partners and government stakeholders inclusive of all levels within the hierarchy. Under the supervision of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Manager, the T4D Specialist is responsible for initiating and coordinating ongoing and innovation projects for UNICEF Democratic Rep. of Congo (DRC) and partners, and for providing ongoing technical support to each programme team in the design and implementation of their respective Innovation flagship initiative(s).

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, a chance

The Technology for Development (T4D) Specialist is responsible for identifying opportunities to use existing and new data collection systems to strengthen the country projects and programmes involving citizens and/or youth as beneficiaries. The T4D Specialist acts to build capacity in both the country office across all sections, partners and government stakeholders inclusive of all levels within the hierarchy.

Under the supervision of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Manager, the T4D Specialist is responsible for initiating and coordinating ongoing and innovation projects for UNICEF Democratic Rep. of Congo (DRC) and partners, and for providing ongoing technical support to each programme team in the design and implementation of their respective Innovation flagship initiative(s).

How can you make a difference?

1. Citizen Engagement, Participation & Feedback (U-Report)

• Work closely with Programme, and field offices to infuse real-time data into strengthening programmes and to support awareness, behaviour change and mobilization efforts to support specific community activities.
• Build, manage and optimize a scale strategy to ensure U-Report is as accessible to young people across the DRC.
• Work with the resources mobilization unit to identify opportunities for raising raise funds to support the U-Report system.
• Identify and build on existing partnerships to: Increase the number of U-Reporters.
• Keep U-Reporters engaged Share results and feedback.
• Answer questions from U-Reporters on a range of issues.
• Work closely with the Emergency Unit to build U-Report projects that enhance emergency preparedness and response.
• Work alongside the programme sections to leverage existing scale up activities, disaggregate data for individual programmes and support monitoring efforts.
• Liaise with the Nutrition chief and section to determine how best to mobilize young people and community members to prevent stunting.
• Identify how best to support efforts to support existing efforts and partnerships to increase birth registration by working with the Child Protection.
• Work closely with Communication for Development (C4D) team to develop strategy and work plan for U-report DRC where grass roots mobilization and partnerships are important.
• Establish and maintain U-report external steering committee to guide design and deployment of the platform.
• Under the guidance of the ICT Manager, leverage existing partnership opportunities and identify new high-level partnership opportunities with relevant companies in the private sector.
• Work with Communications to monitor and optimize U-Report scale up campaigns.
• Manage and maintain existing partnerships with other UN agencies, NGOs and partners to ensure all fulfil their potential. Management of consultant(s) related to the activities outlined above.
• Work with U-report Global Coordinator to ensure that U-report Nigeria is aligned with global approach and guidelines, including branding, content, and advocacy efforts.

2. Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) & Information Systems

• Act as the country office focal point for collaboration with Programme Division across all new and existing initiatives. Support programme sections in gathering and refining requirements for deployment of RapidPro-based solutions.
• Liaise with technical service providers to support the adaptation / development of new products in line with requirements of programme sections Work with ICT and Telecom authorities to obtain necessary additional dedicated short codes to support specific programmes.
• Under the guidance of the ICT Manager liaise and work with the regional office to develop big data platforms and analysis.
• Manage and maintain existing partnerships with key vendors such as the aggregator and RapidPro hosting companies. Support programme sections and partners in deployment and ongoing management of new products.
• Provide capacity building to programme sections and key counterparts in the design, development, and management of new products.
• Act as an external representative of UNICEF Innovation in meetings with key government stakeholders where programme sections require, request or need support.

3. Nontraditional Partnerships

• Under the guidance of the ICT Manager, work closely with the programme sections, to identify set of priority research questions and develop a research plan around Innovation in UNICEF research for DRC, with links to the programme-level innovation inception and design processes in place.

4. Learning Coordination and Convening:

• Ensure comprehensive documentation of all innovation projects and processes.
• Ensure effective sharing and generation of knowledge around Innovations within UNICEF DRC and develop knowledge products in support of this.
• Organize and coordinate technical working groups across functional areas of focus, and under the guidance of the ICT Manager, provide updates and receive feedback from the UN Country Management Team (CMT) on progress against Innovation strategy and work plan.
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and new partnerships, and work closely with the resources-mobilization unit in leading proposal and partnership development efforts.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in computer science, software engineering, information technology management, business administration or another relevant technical field.
  *A first 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 five (5) years of relevant professional experience in information technology management and business operations in a large international organization and/or corporation is required. Experience in a UN organization is an asset.
• Experience in start-up companies/organizations is an asset.
• Experience in managing internal and external partnerships, including international organizations.
• Good knowledge of current trends in youth participation and new media, as well as a good understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication (II), Working with People (II) and Drive for Results (II).

The functional competencies required for this post are...

• Analyzing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (III)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (II)
• Leading and Supervising (I)
• Planning and Organizing (II)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (II) 

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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:

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

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

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offer of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.