UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Education

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? 

Background

For the duration of the new UNICEF PNG’s Country Programme 2024-2028, the overall objective of its Education Programme is to significantly increase the number and percentage of school-age children, especially adolescent girls, children with disabilities and children affected by crises and disasters. The aim is also to improve foundational learning and continue to lower and upper secondary school or vocational training, while gaining life and work skills for full participation in the economy and society.

Purpose of the assignment

The T4D Officer supports programme teams in the identification, assessment and integration of ICT and digital innovation into UNICEF programming; strengthening internal capacity to support T4D related initiatives; identifying and engaging with key partners; building and maintaining business relationships; applying reusable and replicable technical buildings blocks; and maximizing the potential for the scale-up and sustainability of technology and digital innovation for UNICEF programming. The T4D Officer works side by side with Education Programme staff to support and provide inputs to the UNICEF’s cooperation with the Government of Papua New Guinea in the education sector.

WORK ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW:

The T4D Consultant will provide technical leadership and operational support to integrate digital solutions within UNICEF’s Education Programme in Papua New Guinea. The assignment encompasses:

Digital/Data Solution Implementation

The consultant will lead the design and deployment of ICT tools and platforms that enhance education programme delivery, monitoring, and reporting. This includes ensuring solutions are interoperable with existing government systems and UNICEF platforms, while providing technical support for implementation and maintenance. The consultant will lead the collection, validation, analysis, management and dissemination of data to provide an overview education programmes in PNG.

Strategic Oversight and Policy Compliance

The consultant will design a forward-looking strategy that outlines the integration of digital technologies and innovative solutions to enhance education delivery, access, and outcomes at national level. The role ensures that all digital initiatives comply with UNICEF’s global standards, data protection policies, and align with Papua New Guinea’s education strategies. The consultant will conduct compliance checks, assess risks, and advise on policy implications related to technology adoption.

Resource Mobilisation

The consultant will identify funding opportunities and support the development of proposals and concept notes for donors and partners. S/he will also engage with private sector and development actors to secure technical and financial resources for digital education initiatives.

Portfolio Coordination and Project Management

This involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring T4D activities within the education portfolio. The consultant will prepare work plans, manage timelines, and ensure timely delivery of outputs while mitigating risks across multiple projects. The Consultant will work closely with the national and regional actors in developing a digital roadmap for adapting a common solution.

Knowledge Management

The consultant will document lessons learned, best practices, and maintain a repository of digital tools and resources. They will facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and contribute to global learning platforms to strengthen UNICEF’s T4D knowledge base.

Digital Capacity Building

The role includes designing and delivering training for government officials, teachers, and partners on digital tools and platforms. The consultant will develop user guides and materials to ensure sustainable adoption and institutionalization of digital skills.

Digital Innovation

The consultant will identify emerging technologies and innovative approaches to address education challenges. S/he will pilot new solutions, evaluate their scalability, and promote a culture of innovation within UNICEF and partner organizations.

Business Analysis

The consultant will conduct needs assessments and analyze user requirements for digital solutions. They will map workflows, identify opportunities for process automation, and provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making and solution design.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: A university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) is required in Digital Transformation, Business Analysis, ICT Management, Computer Science, Innovation, Digital Development, International Development or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Information Communication Technology for Development in a large international organization or corporation is required, including:

• 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.
• Experience with ICT, mobile and web-based technologies, particularly designing or deploying tools appropriate to the region
• 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

Experience in the following areas is desirable:

• Experience in open source, mobile and emerging technology applied to UNICEF programme areas
• Experience working in T4D/ICT4D program design, service design, and field deployment/implementation in developing countries
• Experience with RapidPro, Primero, DHIS2, ODK and other global public good technologies, and deploying, maintaining and scaling these technologies
• 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

Fluency in English is a must.

Experience in PNG and the Pacific is considered an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate… our core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability. 

This position is a short-term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long-term permanent post with the organization.

Applicants are required to include in their applications a financial proposal which includes a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. Breakdown or details of the fee will be much appreciated.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

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.

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.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or orientation). 

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