Background
<Job Purpose and Organizational Context>
South Africa is embarking on an ambitious journey of digital transformation within its public sector, guided by the Digital Transformation Roadmap called MyMzanzi. This roadmap envisions a modernized government that delivers efficient, inclusive, and citizen-centric services through the strategic implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), encompassing crucial components such as Digital Identity, Data Exchange, Digital Payments, and Trusted Digital Channels. The success of the roadmap is critically dependent on not only technological innovation but also the deliberate integration of robust safeguards to ensure trust, protect human rights, and foster an inclusive digital society.
The Universal DPI Safeguards Initiative, jointly stewarded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), is a global multi-stakeholder effort dedicated to developing and promoting frameworks and guidelines for safe and inclusive DPI. Recognizing the shared objectives and the importance of in-country application and learning together, the Safeguards Initiative is working in close partnership with the South African government to support the MyMzansi roadmap.
To bolster the integration of safeguard principles into MyMzansiโs implementation, the Safeguards Initiative, in collaboration with the Digital Services Unit (DSU) within The Presidency, seeks to engage a Safeguards Researcher and Advocacy Specialist. This role will be pivotal in translating universal safeguard principles into actionable local strategies, fostering multi-stakeholder engagement, and effectively communicating the progress and benefits of safeguarded DPI.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Safeguards Researcher and Advocacy Specialist will contribute to the successful and inclusive implementation of South Africa's Digital Public Infrastructure by:
Understand MyMzansi roadmap, conduct targeted research to inform the contextualization and integration of DPI safeguards within the MyMzansi roadmap. Facilitating dialogue and engagement between the DSU, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders on DPI safeguards in context of MyMzansi roadmap, implementation and rollout.ย Developing and disseminating compelling communications materials that articulate the value and impact of safeguards to diverse stakeholders. Documenting lessons learned and best practices to inform both national implementation and global knowledge sharing within the Safeguards InitiativeThe Safeguards Researcher and Advocacy Specialist will undertake the following functions in support of the DPI Safeguards Initiative and the MyMzansi Digital Transformation Roadmap:
Safeguards Research and Governanceย Analyze policy, regulatory, and legal frameworks relevant to DPI and safeguards in South Africa. Conduct in-depth research on past practices, learnings from previous digital rollout, known digital rights issues, emerging trends, and localized challenges related to DPI & safeguards (e.g., privacy, data protection, digital inclusion, algorithmic accountability, ethical AI) within the South African context. Create a backlog and action plan of safeguards to be implemented as per the relevant MyMzansi's DPI components (Digital ID, Data Exchange, Digital Payments, Trusted Digital Verifiable Credentials) and use cases (such as child grant or pension) Contribute to the development of decision frameworks that guide design choices while articulating tradeoffs and use case identification with safeguard considerations. Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison: Advocate and set up a multistakeholder advisory council for Digital Service Unit to ensure they have a listening board to brainstorm, ideate and test ideas to ensure they are safe and inclusive.ย Act as a key liaison between the DSU, the Safeguards Initiative, civil society organizations, and other relevant local and international stakeholders. Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, workshops, and consultations to gather input, build consensus, and address concerns related to DPI safeguards. Ensure that the voices and perspectives of civil society and vulnerable groups are meaningfully incorporated into the design and implementation of DPI safeguards. Support the DSU in fostering a \"Whole-of-Government to Whole-of-Society\" engagement approach on digital transformation. Advocacy and Communications: (working closely with the Comms team) develop and implement an advocacy and communications strategy for DPI safeguards within the MyMzansi context, targeting government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and the public to ensure the whole of Government and Whole of society approach works. Support strategic messaging that communicates the \"bigger picture\" of safeguarded digital transformation. Produce high-quality communication materials, including concept notes, policy briefs, reports, case studies, success stories, articles, presentations, and digital content (e.g., website updates, social media posts). Support the DSU in showcasing tangible DPI use cases that effectively integrate safeguards, particularly in preparation for the DPI Global Summit and other international engagements. Documentation and Knowledge Management: Systematically document progress, challenges, and lessons learned in the integration of safeguards throughout the MyMzansi roadmap. Contribute to the creation of a knowledge base of resources, tools, and best practices on DPI safeguards for the DSU and the broader Safeguards Initiative. Support the development of compelling narratives and storytelling that highlight the human impact of safeguarded digital services.ยCompetencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision makingย
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in Public Policy, International Relations, Communications, Law, Information Systems, Development Studies, or a related field or A Bachelorโs degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Masterโs degree.
Experience: Minimum of 5-6 years of progressively responsible experience in research, policy analysis, communications, or stakeholder engagement, preferably in the field of digital rights, technology policy, governance, or international development.
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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