Header

UNICEF Software Consultant

Duration period: 11 months

Background

Within the framework of the 2012-2015 Government of Zimbabwe-UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation the use of Technology for Development (T4D) has been identified as a critical strategy to help accelerate positive results for children and women, in the areas of knowledge management, health, education, protection and participation. In this regard, T4D technical assistance is required to add technology, development and innovation capacity to the existing Communications Cluster and the Collaborative Centre for Operational Research and Evaluation (CCORE).

The technical assistance will provide the capacity in the country office to create and support at least three IT platforms for prototype projects with projected quick wins. This engagement will prove the value of this additional capacity in a country office, in collaboration with ongoing work being done in Tech4Dev and real-time monitoring at HQ. It will support the set up and roll out of Technology for Development initiatives aimed at real time data collection.

The ZCO has identified a specific need to add a technology, development and innovation capacity to the existing work of CCORE (whose focus is currently on data, analysis and operational research). This additional capacity will be modeled on other successful Tech4Dev engagements – where small teams have been created in country offices to support specific programme needs. The objectives will be lined up directly with the organizational priority of real-time monitoring and management of Programmes within the ZCO.

Objective(s)

To support the set up and roll out of Technology for Development initiatives aimed at real time data collection.

Methodology & Expected Output

Working under the direct guidance and supervision of the Chief of Social Policy and in collaboration with the IT Manager and the Communications Section within UNICEF, the T4D Specialist will add a technology, development and innovation capacity to the ZCO to develop and support IT platform for three prototype projects over an 11-month period.

Summary of Deliverables

1.Development of Real-time Systems for Programme monitoring and children’s participation. 2.Development of appropriate technology to address identified needs for children with disabilities – such as “hard of hearing” 3.Analyze software requirements and develop paper prototypes 4.Develop software both independently and as team leader using agile methodology 5.Analyze and comment on software partners’ code, on both a technical and a strategic level 6.Develop and implement software and technology innovations on a national scale (understanding constraints of working with various partners, but also the strengths of representing an international organization) 7.Set-up and administer servers, networks and mobile gateways

Consultancy Requirements

1.A recognized T4D/IT professional with proven experience in designing and implementing technology for development initiatives, including social media programming and use of digital media. Prior experience in similar assignments with the UN system including UNICEF is an advantage. 2.Minimum 5 years hands-on software development experience with a mix of the following frameworks, tools and languages: a.Python or Ruby b.Django (or extensive experience with a framework such as Cheetah, Camping, Rails) c.Source code management / Version control systems (Git) d.AJAX and JavaScript including libraries (such as jQuery and Mootools) e.mySQL (postgres)
f.XHTML and CSS
g.XML
h.Mapping (Google Maps API/ Openlayers) i.Lightweight libraries for interacting with graphing, photos.
j.Platforms a.Linux
b.Apache
c.Windows

3.Strong, proven developing country experience in T4D including negotiating agreements with ICT private sector. 4.Existing personal and professional network of technology partners 5.Self-motivated, responsive and innovative 6.Proficiency in object oriented back-end programming languages; specifically Python

How to apply:

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application letter and curriculum vitae, quoting Consultancy Notice number to the following address.

Human Resources Manager (Consultancy Notice No. 06: Zim-2012) UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare

or email: hararevacancies@gmail.com

Applications should be received by 27 May 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.