Professionals with advanced experience in digital transformation, ICT programme management, digital strategy and digital public infrastructure have an opportunity to join the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rome, Italy.
UNDP is recruiting a Digital Transformation Specialist under an International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-11). The position is based in Rome and is open to both internal and external applicants. The contract is for one year, while the role sits within UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
The position provides an opportunity for an experienced digital technology professional to contribute to the Italy-Africa Digital Flagship Programme, working with governments, UNDP Country Offices, development partners and private-sector organisations to advance digital transformation across Africa.
The Digital Transformation Specialist will provide senior technical leadership for the digital transformation components of the Italy-Africa Digital Flagship Programme.
The role focuses on ensuring that digital solutions, feasibility studies, technical specifications and implementation approaches are technically sound, interoperable, scalable and secure. The specialist will also ensure that proposed solutions are aligned with national digital priorities, international standards and relevant donor and financing requirements.
The position sits within UNDP’s broader effort to support sustainable development through digital and artificial intelligence transformation, effective governance, sustainable finance and other strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical authority for digital architecture, digital strategy and ICT systems design within the programme.
One major responsibility will be leading the technical design and quality assurance of feasibility studies under the Italy-Africa Digital Flagship Programme.
This includes overseeing systems involving GIS platforms, remote sensing, telemetry, IoT sensors and climate advisory dashboards. The specialist will also help define technical architectures covering high-performance computing, cloud and hybrid deployment models, data storage and sovereignty, cybersecurity, disaster recovery and AI use cases.
The specialist will also lead the programme’s digital transformation strategy across four focus countries and oversee enterprise architecture for digital public infrastructure, including digital identity systems, e-government platforms, connectivity infrastructure and interoperability frameworks.
Another important part of the role involves advising governments and implementing partners on technology architecture, cybersecurity, data protection and technology-stack selection.
Technical Management and Cybersecurity
The Digital Transformation Specialist will lead the technology workstream to support timely and cost-effective delivery of digital components.
Responsibilities include establishing programme governance structures, maintaining technical documentation, supporting procurement documentation such as RFPs and Terms of Reference, developing testing strategies and overseeing technical quality assurance.
The successful candidate will also contribute to cybersecurity and data governance.
This includes developing cybersecurity strategies, conducting IT risk assessments, advising on data protection and privacy-by-design approaches, and ensuring that digital systems include appropriate access controls, audit trails and incident-response capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement and International Development
This is not purely a technical position. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of government policy, technology architecture and development finance.
The specialist will engage with government ministries, national digital agencies, regulators, international financial institutions, bilateral donors and private-sector partners.
The role also involves translating complex technical concepts into language suitable for senior government officials, donors and development-finance partners.
In addition, the specialist will design and deliver technical workshops and capacity-development sessions for government officials and UNDP teams. They may also represent UNDP at technical conferences, inter-agency forums and bilateral meetings.
Countries and Programme Context
The Digital Transformation Specialist will coordinate with UNDP Country Offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Mozambique, as well as with the Italian Government, development finance partners and national digital counterparts.
The programme focuses on areas including digital public infrastructure, digital identity, agritech solutions and data-driven governance, with the broader objective of contributing to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or equivalent, in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering, Public Administration, Public Policy or International Development with a strong ICT focus.
A Bachelor’s degree in the relevant fields may also be considered when combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience.
Candidates with a Master’s degree need at least seven years of progressively responsible experience, while candidates with a Bachelor’s degree require at least nine years.
At least five years of experience in an international development context and/or with government entities in developing countries is required.
Applicants should also demonstrate expertise in enterprise or solution architecture, large-scale digital transformation programmes, digital government systems, cybersecurity, data governance and complex multi-country programmes.
Preferred Skills and Certifications
Experience working in West or East Africa on digital transformation or e-government initiatives is desirable.
Additional desirable experience includes working with digital public goods, open-source platforms, interoperability frameworks and international development programmes.
Familiarity with UNDP programme management cycles, results-based management and procurement procedures is also an advantage.
Professional certifications considered highly desirable include ITIL 4, CISSP, PMP and PRINCE2.
Fluency in English is required, while working knowledge of Italian is desirable.
Application Deadline
The UNDP vacancy was posted on 31 August 2026. The official vacancy listing gives an application deadline of 8 September 2026 at 05:59 AM.
Candidates should therefore complete their applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.
How to Apply
Interested professionals should apply through the official UNDP Careers recruitment platform.
Applicants should carefully review the complete vacancy requirements and ensure that their education, professional experience and technical expertise are accurately reflected in their application.
UNDP also states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process, so applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in connection with this vacancy.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Digital Transformation Specialist IPSA-11 position in Rome offers an opportunity for an experienced ICT and digital transformation professional to contribute to major digital development initiatives connecting Europe and Africa.
The role combines technology architecture, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, government advisory, development finance and international stakeholder engagement.
Professionals who meet the substantial experience requirements and have a strong background in digital transformation, ICT strategy and large-scale digital government systems should consider applying before the 8 September 2026 deadline.
Application deadline: 8 September 2026.
