Digital Transformation & Innovation Expert

United Nations Volunteers - East and Southern Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international organization is seeking a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in project management and digital transformation to oversee high-impact development projects in Pretoria, South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of securing donor funding and navigating complex stakeholder environments, contributing to economic development and innovation-driven programming. This role requires a master’s degree and at least 7 years of relevant experience.

Benefits

Volunteer Living Allowance

Qualifications

• 7 years of relevant experience in project management and digital transformation.
• Ability to manage complex, high-impact projects involving diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UNDP programming frameworks and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-impact development projects.
• Secure and manage donor funding for large-scale initiatives.
• Coordinate projects with a focus on digital transformation and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Project Management

Digital Transformation

Economic Development

Innovation-driven Programming

Strong Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Coordination

Education

Master’s degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, Digital Technologies, or a related field

Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2)

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Power BI

Google Data Studio

Job description

Advertisement end date: 26/06/2025

Required experience: 7 years

Relevant experience: 7 years

Skills and experience:

• Project Management, Digital Transformation, Economic Development, or Innovation-driven programming;
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-impact projects involving diverse stakeholders;
• Experience in youth entrepreneurship, AgriTech, and Just Energy Transition initiatives is highly desirable;
• Strong track record securing and managing donor funding for large-scale development projects;
• Experience in coordinating projects, especially those with digital transformation and innovations;
• Experience in empowerment within the informal sector, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and employment creation initiatives;
• Proficiency in performance monitoring and data-driven decision-making;
• Familiarity with UNDP programming frameworks, resource mobilization, and donor relations;
• Knowledge of multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, results-oriented, effective communicator with experience in stakeholder coordination;
• Ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams; commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable development.

General ICT Proficiency:

• Proficiency utilizing Project Management Tools, such as MS Project;
• Proficiency utilizing Data & Digital Literacy tools, such as Excel, Power BI, Google Data Studio;
• Knowledge of AI applications and digital transformation trends;
• Proficiency utilizing Survey & M&E Tools.

Area(s) of expertise: Communication, Development programmes, Energy and environment

Languages: English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level: Master’s degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, Digital Technologies, or a related field;
A Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is an asset.

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Duty stations: Pretoria, South Africa

Volunteer Living Allowance: UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service. Check our entitlement calculator UVP - Unified Volunteer Platform (unv.org).