Digital Transformation Specialist

Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed‑term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed‑term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Office / Unit / Project Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system and acts as the key integrator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP operates across headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. For six decades, UNDP has worked with partners to lift millions out of poverty and expand opportunities for all.
UNDP’s Strategic Plan is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives
- prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind.
Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world‑class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results‑based management, innovation, and data‑driven approaches.
The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi‑stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter‑agency coordination across thematic areas.
The Italy-Africa Digital Flagship initiative is implemented in close collaboration with national governments, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Italian public and private sector partners. It focuses on advancing digital public infrastructure, digital identity systems, agritech solutions, and data‑driven governance, contributing to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Within this framework, the Digital Transformation Specialist will provide senior technical leadership for the digital transformation components of the Italy-Africa Digital Development Flagship Programme. The role will focus on ensuring that digital solutions, feasibility studies, technical specifications, and implementation approaches are technically sound, interoperable, scalable, secure, and aligned with national digital priorities, international standards, and relevant donor and financing requirements. The incumbent will work closely with the Project Specialist, UNDP Country Offices, national digital counterparts, technical teams, and external partners, providing technical inputs and quality assurance to support coherent programme design and implementation.
The assignment is situated within a complex and evolving multi‑stakeholder environment, characterized by tight timelines, advanced stages of project design, and the need to align diverse partner expectations and requirements. Additional challenges include the coordination of multi‑country interventions, adaptation to specific donor formats and procedures (including AICS requirements), and ensuring consistency across projects developed in different national contexts together with the project team.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the strategic guidance and supervision of the UNDP Rome Centre Senior Advisor, and in close coordination with the Project Specialist, the r Digital Transformation Specialist will serve as the primary technical authority for digital archi