What's Happening?
UNICEF is actively recruiting a Digital Impact Manager for a P-4 fixed-term position within its Regional Services Division, Information and Communication Technology section, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is critical for guiding and overseeing the
implementation of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) interventions across various country offices. The manager will be responsible for identifying, designing, deploying, and ensuring the sustainability of T4D solutions to address programmatic bottlenecks. Key responsibilities include providing technical oversight, troubleshooting, documenting challenges, and managing business relationships to define requirements for T4D solutions. The position also involves strategic oversight and policy compliance, integrating digital development into program planning, and leading the development and implementation of technology and digital innovation strategies for country offices. The role emphasizes quality assurance, ICT emergency preparedness, and compliance with T4D best practices and UNICEF's Technology Playbook. Candidates are expected to have a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Information Systems or International Development, or a Bachelor's degree with additional experience, and at least eight years of professional experience in ICT4D within a large international organization.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment highlights UNICEF's commitment to leveraging technology for development, particularly in regions like East and Southern Africa, where digital solutions can significantly impact child welfare and community resilience. The Digital Impact Manager will play a pivotal role in strengthening the technological infrastructure and strategic application of digital tools to achieve UNICEF's programmatic goals in health, nutrition, child protection, and education. By ensuring the effective deployment and sustainability of ICT4D interventions, UNICEF aims to enhance its operational efficiency, reach more vulnerable populations, and improve the delivery of essential services. The emphasis on compliance with digital development principles and UNICEF's internal guidelines underscores a commitment to ethical and responsible technology use. This initiative is crucial for fostering innovation and building local capacity in technology-enabled programming, which can lead to long-term improvements in the lives of children and communities in the region. The role's focus on resource mobilization and partnership development also signifies the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
What's Next?
The immediate next step is the selection and appointment of a qualified candidate for the Digital Impact Manager position. Once appointed, the manager will begin to implement and oversee the digital development and technology innovation strategies for UNICEF's country offices in the region. This will involve working closely with section chiefs to co-create strategies, ensuring compliance with T4D best practices, and building partnerships with local solution providers, innovators, and other stakeholders. The manager will also be responsible for leading resource mobilization efforts and developing proposals to secure funding for digital initiatives. Furthermore, the role will involve continuous monitoring, evaluation, and learning from implemented solutions to share lessons learned and contribute to peer support networks. The long-term outlook includes strengthening the resilience of communities and the capacity of national authorities through technology, as humanitarian action remains a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan, requiring staff at all levels to be prepared for deployment in humanitarian contexts.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of this Digital Impact Manager role reflects a broader trend in international development organizations to integrate advanced technology and digital solutions into their core operations. This shift acknowledges the transformative potential of ICT4D in addressing complex global challenges, from improving healthcare access to enhancing educational outcomes and strengthening emergency response mechanisms. The focus on ethical awareness, accountability, and sustainability in UNICEF's core values (CRITAS) underscores the critical importance of responsible innovation, particularly in vulnerable communities where technological interventions can have profound social and cultural implications. This role also highlights the growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between technological expertise and humanitarian objectives, ensuring that digital tools are not only effective but also equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. The emphasis on building local capacity and fostering partnerships suggests a commitment to empowering communities and ensuring the long-term self-sufficiency of digital initiatives, moving beyond short-term aid to sustainable development.
