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Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP Rwanda works in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and other stakeholders to support the country's development priorities aligned with Vision 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Rwanda's Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024-2029).
Rwanda has positioned itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and ICT-enabled development. The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and other institutions, is advancing an ambitious digital agenda including: Smart Rwanda Master Plan II (SRMP II, 2024-2029), ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2024-2029), Rwanda's Center for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), National Data Revolution Policy, Digital Ambassadors Programme, and investments in emerging technologies and approaches such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT).
UNDP Rwanda is committed to supporting the Government's ICT sector development and digital transformation agenda as outlined in the ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2024-2029). Drawing inspiration from the global UNDP Accelerator Labs network and UNDP's Chief Digital Office, UNDP Rwanda is establishing the Digital Horizon initiative as a dedicated innovation and digital development capability embedded within the Transformational Governance Unit. This initiative will serve as a center of excellence for digital transformation, emerging technologies, AI governance, digital public infrastructure safeguards, and digital policy advisory services to the Government of Rwanda.
The Digital Horizon Lead will report to the Head of Transformational Governance Unit and work closely with the Resident Representative and Senior Management Team. This position will provide strategic leadership, policy advice, and technical support to strengthen Rwanda's digital ecosystem, advance digital public infrastructure with robust safeguards, promote responsible innovation in emerging technologies including AI, and ensure inclusive and equitable digital transformation that leaves no one behind.
Scope of Work
This position leads UNDP Rwanda's digitalization and AI and DPI work at the frontier of digital development and innovation, at the intersection of people, technology, and governance. Inspired by the UNDP Accelerator Labs network's focus on horizon scanning, solutions mapping, exploration, and experimentation, and aligned with UNDP's global digital strategy and AI Sprint initiative, the Digital Horizon Lead will:
This position leads UNDP Rwanda's digitalization and AI and DPI work at the frontier of digital development and innovation, at the intersection of people, technology, and governance. Inspired by the UNDP Accelerator Labs network's focus on horizon scanning, solutions mapping, exploration, and experimentation, and aligned with UNDP's global digital strategy and AI Sprint initiative, the Digital Horizon Lead will:
1. Digital Transformation Strategy and Policy Supportย
- Provide strategic advice to the Head of Transformational Governance Unit, Resident Representative, and Senior Management Team on digital transformation opportunities and emerging technology trends;
2. Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods
Advise on development and scaling of digital public infrastructure (DPI) including digital ID, payment systems, and data exchange platforms; Promote adoption and localization of digital public goods and open-source solutions; Support interoperability frameworks and standards for government digital systems; Facilitate knowledge exchange on DPI best practices aligned with GovStack, MOSIP, and international standards.3. Sector Analysis and Strategic Foresight
Conduct comprehensive ICT sector assessments, digital maturity diagnostics, and technology landscape analyses; Provide strategic foresight on frontier technologies and their development and governance applications; Support investment case development and resource mobilization for ICT sector initiatives aligned with the ICT Sector Strategic Plan's projected RWF 2.04 trillion budget.4. AI Trust and Safetyย
Contributing to UNDP's AI Trust & Safety workstream within the AI Sprint initiative, developing context-aware approaches for responsible AI that informs local and global programming; Explore and strengthen the intersection of AI and DPI systems, supporting Rwanda in navigating strategic decisions about which parts of the AI stack infrastructure, models, and data to build independently, source from others, or develop collaboratively; Develop context-specific AI trust and safety strategies that address Rwanda's unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring alignment with international standards while adapting to local contexts; Conduct comprehensive assessments of AI risks and harms at individual and societal levels within the Rwanda and continental context, to inform the design and implementation of mitigation strategies and protection practices; Aid in the development of localized AI Safeguards that are interoperable with DPI Safeguards; Engage with government stakeholders to strengthen national AI governance frameworks and regulatory approaches, providing technical assistance in policy development and implementation; Collaborate with continental bodies (African Union, SADC) to harmonize AI governance approaches across the region, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practice exchange; Develop mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal for AI escalations and risks identified, ensuring they are accessible and effective for all populations; Support the creation of ethical guidelines and principles for AI deployment and procurement that reflect African values and priorities; Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues on AI governance and Trust and Safety involving government, private sector, academia, and civil society.5. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards
Develop and implement comprehensive safeguard frameworks for DPI in Rwanda; Serve as the primary in-country focal point for all safeguards work between RISA, UNDP, and implementing entities; Coordinate engagements with national stakeholders: BNR, PDPC, Ministry of Agriculture, and the National ID Agency; Organize consultations, working sessions, and multi-stakeholder discussions to validate emerging safeguards priorities; Facilitate end-to-end safeguards assessments across priority projects and use cases, coordinating external technical experts; Track, research and inform use cases on how AI and DPI safeguards need to be mutually adapted for AI application viability; Work with RISA and UNDP to finalize national safeguards priorities across ID, payments, data exchange, credit infrastructure, and agriculture systems; Translate roadmap items into concrete implementation actions, timelines, and responsible institutions; Collaborate with RISA to strengthen data protection and cybersecurity laws and frameworks relevant to DPI; Promote adoption and localization of the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework; Establish clear mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal for DPI systems.6. Programme Design and Innovation Managementย
Design programmes on AI governance, AI for development applications, AI capacity building, and ethical AI frameworks; Develop blockchain use cases in public service delivery, supply chain management, and digital identity; Support data-driven decision making and national data strategy implementation; Conduct foresight and readiness programmes on quantum computing, 5G/6G, edge computing; Support designing programmes strengthening digital entrepreneurship ecosystem including startups, innovators, and tech companies, contributing to the ICT sector's goal; Establish and manage innovation labs, accelerators, and digital innovation hubs; Support digital skills development, STEM education, and ICT talent pipeline initiatives contributing to the 20% reduction in digital skills gap; Facilitate access to finance for digital enterprises through venture capital, grants, and innovative financing; Manage portfolio of digital innovation initiatives using exploration, experimentation, and solutions mapping methodologies; Lead implementation of UNDP's ICT and digital transformation programme portfolio ensuring quality and results; Develop programme documents, results frameworks, theories of change, and M&E plans; Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and innovations for scaling; Contribute to continental initiatives including Timbuktoo and other digital transformation programs, ensuring AI trust and safety considerations are integrated.7. Capacity Building and Digital Governance
Assess capacity gaps of government and UNDP and develop capacity building plans; Design and deliver training programmes for government officials on emerging technologies, AI governance, and digital policy; Support organizational development of government ICT agencies including strategic planning and change management; Advise on cybersecurity governance, data protection, and digital rights frameworks; Build capacity on digital safeguards, risk assessment, and impact evaluation of digital technologies; Engage with UNDP's global Accelerator Labs network and Chief Digital Office for knowledge exchange.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangements
The Digital Horizon Lead reports to the Head of Transformational Governance Unit and works closely with:
UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative and Senior Management Team; Government of Rwanda: MINICT, RISA, RDB, NCSA, National AI Authority; UN agencies: ITU, FAO, RCO, UN Women; Private sector;ย Rwanda's innovation ecosystem stakeholders.Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact; Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems; Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences; Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands; Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results; Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration; Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.Cross-Functional/Technical competencies
Strategic Thinking
Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDPโs mission and objectives, based onย the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.Entrepreneurial Thinking
Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNDPโs organizational priorities and mandate.System Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Knowledge Generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.Human-Centered Design
Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process Knowledge and understanding of human centered design principles and practices.Partnerships Management
Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.Digital Awareness and Literacy
Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, IT, Public Policy, AI/ML, Development Studies, Digital Innovation is required, OR; A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree)ย ย in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of masterยดs degree.Minimum years of relevant work experienceย
Minimum 5 years (with masterยดs degree) or 7 years (with bachelorยดs degree) in ICT sector development, digital policy, or technology for development is required.Required skillsย
At least 3 years in senior advisory or leadership positions required.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies sectionย
AI governance, trust & safety frameworks, and responsible AI deployment experience; Digital Public Infrastructure and safeguards experience (GovStack, MOSIP, Universal DPI Safeguards); Emerging technologies knowledge or experience (AI, blockchain, IoT, big data) in development context;ย Experience in Policy advice to government on digital transformation/AI governance;ย Knowledge of Rwanda's ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2024-2029) and digital transformation priorities; Experience with UN or international organization.ยRequired Language(s)ย ย
Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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