About the Role
UNICEF is seeking an Innovation Specialist (P-4) to drive key digital transformation and innovation initiatives, specifically managing the integrated YOMA technology roadmap and ecosystem architecture. The role delivers remote technical assistance to Country Offices and national platforms while advancing YOMA's transition toward Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) principles.
Key Functions and Accountabilities
- Deliver remote technical assistance to Country Offices and national platforms.
- Manage the integrated YOMA technology roadmap and ecosystem architecture.
- Advance YOMA's transition toward Digital Public Goods and Digital Public Infrastructure principles.
- Prioritise YoID-led ecosystem integration.
- Build strategic partnerships and support donor engagement.
- Support the roll-out of the Generation Unlimited Digital Systems Strategy from a YOMA perspective.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Master's or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Digital Transformation, Innovation Management, Data Science, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Development, Engineering, Social Sciences, or another relevant field.
- Work Experience:
- At least 8 years of relevant work experience in managing digital product roadmaps, technology partnerships, platform integrations, partner onboarding, technical assistance delivery, or digital transformation initiatives in complex multi-stakeholder environments.
- Experience leading or coordinating digital platform implementation, ecosystem development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration involving governments, private sector partners, development organizations, or technology providers.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver technical support, implementation guidance, and operational coordination across multiple stakeholders and geographic contexts.
- Skills:
- Strong digital product and platform management skills, including roadmap development, prioritization, implementation oversight, and delivery tracking.
- Strong partnership building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage governments, private sector partners, technology providers, donors, and youth-serving organizations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts into practical programme and partnership solutions.
- Sound understanding of digital ecosystems, interoperability, digital identity, verifiable credentials, data governance, privacy, responsible technology, and emerging digital trends.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and drafting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments and manage competing priorities in complex, fast-paced settings.
- Strong commitment to innovation, results, inclusion, youth participation, and UNICEF's core values.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language.
- Experience supporting Digital Public Goods (DPGs), Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital identity, verifiable credentials, interoperability, privacy, or responsible technology workstreams in applied programme, partnership, or product contexts.
- Experience coordinating digital identity, verifiable credentials, interoperability, partner platform integration, or foundational ID-related work with technical partners, UNICEF teams, and external stakeholders.
- Experience supporting digital governance, responsible AI, data-sharing frameworks, open-source technology ecosystems, or technology-enabled public service delivery.
- Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the UNICEF portal at jobs.unicef.org.
