Join the UNICEF Roster for Gender and Technology Consultancy Services, ICTD Digital Centre of Excellence (Remote-based)

Roster for Gender and Technology Consultancy Services, ICTD Digital Centre of Excellence (Remote-based)
Job no: 580953
Contract Type: Consultant
Duty Station: Nairobi
Level: Consultancy
Location: Kenya
Categories: Gender Development, Information Communication Technology

Introduction to UNICEF

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Their mission is to save lives, defend children’s rights, and help them fulfill their potential. Operating in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF strives to build a better world for every child, everywhere, every day, with a deep commitment to never giving up on this cause.

For Every Child, A Digital Future

As part of its strategic plan, UNICEF aims to bridge the gender digital divide and empower adolescent girls by ensuring their equal access to digital resources and opportunities. Despite advances in technology, the gender digital gap persists, and it remains a challenge to ensure that girls and women have equal access to digital tools, literacy, and online safety. This challenge necessitates catalytic actions, scalable solutions, and measurable results to address the digital inequalities that limit the ability of women and girls to create, innovate, and lead in technology.

One of UNICEF’s flagship projects in this area is Oky, a mobile-based solution designed to provide menstruation and reproductive health information to girls in low- and middle-income countries. The Oky app is an example of how technology can close the gender digital divide by providing access to vital health information for girls in underserved regions.

In addition to Oky, UNICEF is involved in several other initiatives that promote gender equality through digital technologies. These initiatives include supporting girl-led digital solutions that address issues such as gender-based violence, online safety, education, digital skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship, as well as overall health and well-being.

Consultancy Opportunity: Gender and Technology Consultant Roster

UNICEF is seeking qualified consultants to join its roster for Gender and Technology Consultancy Services. The roster will provide support for ongoing and upcoming projects in the realm of gender and digital technology, with a focus on promoting gender equality and adolescent girls’ empowerment. Consultants placed on the roster will be involved in the development, management, and expansion of UNICEF’s Gender and Technology initiatives worldwide.

This opportunity is open for both junior and senior-level consultants, and it will encompass a variety of roles within the Gender and Technology sector. Consultants will be called upon to support UNICEF and its partners globally, regionally, and nationally, offering high-quality digital solutions that are tailored to the digital realities of women and girls.

Key Responsibilities

Consultants will be involved in a wide range of tasks across various categories, including but not limited to:

1. Product and Partnerships Management:
   Consultants will manage projects, products, and partnerships related to girl-centered digital solutions. They will provide coordination, planning, implementation, and reporting support, ensuring the development of strong partnerships with both private and public sector partners.
2. Technology Advisory:
   This role will involve providing technical advice on the development of gender-related digital products, particularly advising on technology decisions to ensure products meet the needs of girls and women. Consultants will ensure that digital products are designed with these groups in mind and will advise on multi-platform products and content management systems.
3. Full-stack Development:
   For those with technical expertise, full-stack development roles will require writing and maintaining code for gender-focused digital products, ensuring compatibility with new operating systems, and conducting security audits and penetration testing.
4. UX/UI Design:
   Consultants will be tasked with designing user-friendly interfaces for gender-related digital products, testing user journey maps, and refining product features based on feedback from users.
5. Deployment and Scaling:
   Consultants will provide guidance on the scaling of digital products, offering advisory on operational aspects like localization, deployment, and rollout strategies. They will also work on human-centered design strategies and document insights for future deployments.
6. Open-source Advisory:
   For consultants with expertise in open-source technologies, this role will involve advising on open-source governance structures, supporting community development, and ensuring that gender-focused products remain accessible and sustainable.
7. Research and Advocacy on the Gender Digital Divide:
   Consultants will conduct research on the gender digital divide, providing expertise on strategies that effectively close the gap for girls and women. This may also include supporting policy advocacy initiatives and engaging with policymakers.
8. Digital Literacy:
   Consultants will develop gender-specific digital literacy guidance and case studies, and support the creation of materials that enhance digital literacy for girls and women.
9. Content Creation and Promotion:
   This role involves creating girl-centered digital content, including gamified elements, chatbot scripts, and engaging digital stories. Consultants will also support the promotion and user engagement of gender-related products.
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
    Consultants will refine the Theory of Change, develop monitoring frameworks, and lead impact assessments, using lean data approaches for digital products.
11. Data Analysis:
    Consultants will support research efforts by reviewing data sets and providing statistical analysis to generate insights on the effectiveness of gender-related digital solutions.
12. Peer-to-Peer Support:
    Consultants will adapt peer education strategies to help connect unconnected women and girls, leveraging networks and training materials to promote digital literacy.
13. Disability and Accessibility:
    Consultants will provide guidance on ensuring that digital products are accessible to girls and women with special needs, designing strategies to engage these groups effectively.

Duration and Location

This consultancy opportunity is for placement on the ICTD Digital Centre of Excellence Gender and Technology Consultant Roster, with work assignments offered on a full-time or part-time basis. The assignments will be remote-based, though travel to deployment countries may be required for specific tasks or conferences.

Qualifications and Experience

To qualify for this consultancy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in fields like Social Sciences, Gender Studies, ICT, or related areas.
• At least 8 years of professional experience (for senior roles) or 3 years (for junior roles) in gender, digital innovation, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in the specific roles and categories listed.
• A track record of working on digital projects, products, or services with a focus on gender and women’s empowerment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of other languages (especially UN languages) is an asset.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their applications through UNICEF’s Talent Management System. The application should include:

• A cover letter indicating availability and interest in remote work.
• Samples of relevant work (e.g., links to projects, publications, etc.).

For more details and to apply, please click here.

Commitment to Diversity

UNICEF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities.

For further information, please visit UNICEF’s diversity and inclusion policies.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding