UNDP is Hiring a Digital Transformation Specialist in Rome: Apply for the IPSA-11 International Opportunity
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting a Digital Transformation Specialist in Rome, Italy, under an International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-11). The one-year post is open to internal and external applicants and sits within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. It supports the Italy-Africa Digital Flagship Programme, which works with governments, UNDP Country Offices, development partners and private-sector organisations on digital transformation in Africa.
What the role involves
The specialist is the main technical authority for digital architecture, strategy and ICT systems design in the programme. Responsibilities include leading quality assurance of feasibility studies covering GIS, remote sensing, telemetry, IoT sensors, climate advisory dashboards, cloud and high-performance computing, data sovereignty, cybersecurity and AI use cases; leading the digital strategy across four focus countries; and overseeing enterprise architecture for digital public infrastructure such as digital identity, e-government, connectivity and interoperability. The post also involves programme governance, technical documentation, procurement documents, testing, cybersecurity strategy, IT risk assessments and data protection advice.
The specialist will engage ministries, digital agencies, regulators, financial institutions and donors, run workshops for officials, and coordinate with UNDP Country Offices in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Mozambique and with the Italian Government.
Who can apply
Applicants need 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, plus seven years of progressively responsible experience. A Bachelor's degree with nine years is also considered. At least five years in international development and or with government entities in developing countries is required, along with expertise in enterprise architecture, large digital programmes, cybersecurity and data governance.
Requirements
Fluent English is required. Working Italian, experience in West or East Africa, work with digital public goods and open-source platforms, UNDP programme knowledge, and certifications such as ITIL 4, CISSP, PMP and PRINCE2 are desirable.
How to apply
Candidates apply through the official UNDP Careers platform.
Key dates
The vacancy was posted on 31 August 2026. The deadline is 8 September 2026 at 05:59 AM.