Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Specialist
Organizational Context
UNICEF Bhutan supports the Royal Government and national partners to improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and women across key sectors. The organization leverages digital transformation to enhance programme delivery, data systems, and child online protection. Bhutan is advancing its digital agenda while facing emerging risks in cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI. UNICEF Bhutan assists the government in strengthening digitalization, improving online child protection, and promoting the safe adoption of new technologies.
Job Purpose
The Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Specialist will contribute to UNICEF Bhutan’s digital transformation and Technology for Development (T4D) agenda. The role focuses on strengthening cyber awareness, identifying and mitigating digital risks, promoting the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies, and managing knowledge on technology applications relevant to children. The specialist will support the exploration and responsible use of innovative digital technologies to enhance education and child protection programmes, ensuring that technology use is safe, inclusive, and appropriate for children and adolescents. This includes strengthening national capacities for child online protection by integrating cybersecurity principles and supporting the prevention, detection, and response to online risks affecting children.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist and in collaboration with the Child Protection Specialist, the UN Volunteer Specialist will enhance the responsible use of emerging technologies in programmes for children and adolescents, with a focus on cybersecurity and child online protection. Key tasks include mapping and analyzing emerging technology trends relevant to UNICEF's work, developing and disseminating concept notes, reports, and guidelines on innovation, AI, cybersecurity, and child online safety. The specialist will monitor and communicate results and lessons learned, provide technical support for the safe and child-responsive use of technologies, and assist in promoting practical approaches to responsible technology adoption. Additionally, the role involves strengthening national capacities for child online protection through training and resource design, and facilitating partnerships with various stakeholders to advance AI literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and digital innovation initiatives.
Work Experience
Requires 3 years of relevant experience in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, digital innovation), supporting technology-enabled programmes or digital transformation initiatives, and cybersecurity or digital risk management. Experience in child online safety, data protection, and working with government or development partners is also valuable. Proficiency in research, analysis, writing, presentation, and training facilitation is expected.
Skills
Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Communication, Creativity, Empowering Others, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, and Technological Awareness. Specific skills include expertise in emerging technologies, cybersecurity fundamentals, digital hygiene, online safety, safe data practices, and the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.