Digital Transformation Specialist [Open to internal and external applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading organization for sustainable development, integrating efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) shapes the future through policy expertise and innovation. This role is part of the Italy-Africa Digital Flagship initiative, focusing on advancing digital public infrastructure and data-driven governance.
Job Purpose
The Digital Transformation Specialist provides senior technical leadership for the digital transformation components of the Italy-Africa Digital Development Flagship Programme. This role ensures digital solutions, feasibility studies, and implementation approaches are technically sound, interoperable, scalable, and secure, aligning with national digital priorities and international standards. The specialist will work at the intersection of government policy, technology architecture, and development finance, offering advisory services to national governments, UNDP teams, and partners to support coherent programme design and implementation within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Responsibilities
The Digital Transformation Specialist serves as the primary technical authority for digital architecture, strategy, and ICT systems design within the programme. Key responsibilities include leading technical design and quality assurance for feasibility studies, defining full technical architectures (including HPC, cloud, data sovereignty, cybersecurity), and establishing data governance models and interoperability standards. The role involves leading the design and refinement of the programme's digital transformation strategy, overseeing enterprise architecture frameworks for digital public infrastructure, and conducting technical feasibility analyses. Additionally, the specialist will lead the technology workstream for on-time, on-budget delivery, manage programme governance for the digital workstream, develop technical documentation, and oversee quality assurance and acceptance testing. This includes leading the development of cybersecurity strategies, advising on data protection and risk management, and serving as a senior technical liaison with government counterparts and strategic partners, while also designing and delivering capacity development sessions and monitoring emerging technology trends.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in digital transformation, ICT program management, and digital strategy, with at least 5 years in an international development context or with government entities in developing countries. Demonstrated expertise in enterprise/solution architecture for large-scale digital government systems, leading complex digital transformation programs, and advising governments on digital transformation strategies are essential. Experience with cybersecurity, data governance, and developing ICT procurement strategies is also required.
Skills
Digital Transformation Design, Enterprise/Solution Architecture, ICT Programme Management, Digital Strategy, Cybersecurity Principles, Data Governance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Advisory, Project Management, Emerging Technologies, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Open-Source Digital Public Goods (DPGs), System Thinking, Monitoring & Evaluation.