Digital Transformation & Innovation Specialist at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Position Title: Digital Transformation & Innovation Specialist

Employer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Employment: Full-Time | Volunteer

Place of Work: Kigali - Rwanda

Posted date: 1 week ago

Deadline: Submission date is over

Office: UNDP Rwanda Country Office

Volunteer Category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months

Expected Start Date: 10 January 2025

Number of Assignments: 1

Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Mission and Objectives

In 2021, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa launched timbuktoo, a multi-pronged initiative to empower African youth as entrepreneurs and innovators. The initiative supports scalable, impactful youth-led entrepreneurship aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Timbuktoo operates through a hub-and-spoke model of 10 thematic nodes, aiming to transform Africa by investing in its vibrant youth population.

Context

This assignment supports UNDP Rwanda’s Digital Transformation Portfolio, with a focus on:

• Innovative financing mechanisms
• Youth-led digital entrepreneurship
• Development and scaling of technologies to accelerate Rwanda’s digital economy

The specialist will collaborate with the UNDP Rwanda Accelerator Lab and contribute to regional initiatives, including the timbuktoo programme, while fostering Japan-Rwanda knowledge exchange on digital innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Entrepreneurship and Youth Development

• Provide mentorship and business development support to youth-led digital startups
• Design and implement innovative financing models (e.g., blended finance, impact investment)
• Develop taxonomy frameworks for sustainable digital investments
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for tech entrepreneurs
• Contribute to timbuktoo programme activities and connect local innovators to pan-African networks

Innovative Technologies for Development

• Identify emerging technologies with development potential in Rwanda
• Support piloting and scaling of digital solutions addressing local challenges
• Build partnerships with financial institutions, venture capital firms, and impact investors
• Document and share best practices in digital innovation
• Facilitate Japan-Rwanda tech ecosystem exchanges through events and webinars

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Analyze financing mechanisms for digital startups and SMEs
• Identify opportunities to scale successful initiatives through resource mobilization
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and partnership agreements
• Promote South-South and triangular cooperation, especially Japan-Rwanda-Africa collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Range: 18–80
• Nationality: Must be a national of a country other than Rwanda
• Additional Requirement: Only Japanese nationals are eligible (funded by the Government of Japan)
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years relevant experience
• Language: Fluent in English
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
  • Computer Sciences
  • Information Technology and Systems
  • Digital Transformation and Innovation
  • Data Sciences
  • Software Engineering
  • Technology Management
  • Entrepreneurship Development
  • Or related disciplines

Required Competencies and Values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Communication
• Creativity
• Empowering Others
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in digital innovation, entrepreneurship development, or innovative financing
• Knowledge of emerging technologies for sustainable development
• Experience designing and implementing entrepreneurship support programs
• Understanding of impact investment and blended finance
• Experience with startups, incubators, accelerators, or innovation hubs
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Project management and stakeholder engagement experience
• Familiarity with the African tech ecosystem (strong advantage)
• Understanding of UN development frameworks and the SDGs

Living Conditions in Kigali

Kigali offers modern infrastructure, reliable transport, and a safe environment. Options include motorcycle taxis, standard taxis, public buses, and rental cars. Healthcare is accessible through facilities like King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic, which accept CIGNA insurance. Emergency services are available via 999 (police), 111 (firefighters), and 112 (general emergencies).

Inclusivity Statement

UN Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme committed to diversity and non-discrimination. All volunteers pledge to uphold human rights and dignity, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or other status.

Covid-19 Vaccination Note

Selected candidates may be subject to vaccination requirements in accordance with host entity policy.

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