Digital Transformation and Innovation Specialist

Support digital transformation and innovation in Rwanda.

This opening expired 6 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Open positions at UNDP

Kigali (Rwanda)

Volunteering IT & Telecom Innovation

Show advice for this position

Application deadline 6 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 00:00 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support digital transformation and innovation in Rwanda.

You have:

Demonstrated experience in digital innovation, entrepreneurship development, or innovative financing mechanisms
Knowledge of emerging technologies and their applications for sustainable development
Experience in designing and implementing entrepreneurship support programs, preferably in developing countries
Understanding of impact investment, blended finance, or other innovative financing approaches
Experience working with startups, incubators, accelerators, or innovation hubs
Strong analytical and research skills, with ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights
Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement
Knowledge of the African tech ecosystem is a strong advantage
Familiarity with UN development frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Quality over quantity. Build connections that matter.

Colleagues.org

Details

This assignment will support UNDP Rwanda’s Digital Transformation Portfolio, focusing particularly on innovative financing mechanisms, youth-led digital entrepreneurship, and developing innovative technologies that can accelerate Rwanda Digital economy. The specialist will work closely with the UNDP Rwanda Accelerator Lab and contribute to regional initiatives including UNDP’s TIMBUKTOO programme, which aims to catalyse Africa’s startup revolution by supporting innovative digital entrepreneurship across the continent. The Digital Transformation and Innovative Specialist will support in digital entrepreneurship development and innovative financing to support Rwanda’s digital transformation journey while contributing to knowledge exchange between Japan and Rwanda on digital innovation best practices

Under the direct supervision the Head of Solutions Mapping and overall guidance of the Resident Representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Digital Entrepreneurship and Youth Development: • Provide technical support to youth-led digital startups and entrepreneurs through mentorship, business development services, and market linkages • Design and implement innovative financing models to support tech entrepre-neurs, including blended finance approaches and impact investment strategies • Support the development of taxonomy frameworks for sustainable digital in-vestments • Coordinate capacity building initiatives for young tech entrepreneurs, focus-ing on business development, digital skills, and investment readiness • Contribute to UNDP's TIMBUKTOO programme activities in Rwanda, connect-ing local innovators to pan-African networks and resources

Innovative Technologies for Development: • Identify emerging technologies with potential for positive development im-pact in Rwanda • Support the piloting and scaling of innovative digital solutions addressing local development challenges • Establish partnerships with financial institutions, venture capital firms, and im-pact investors to mobilize resources for digital innovation • Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices in digital inno-vation for development • Facilitate knowledge exchange between Japanese and Rwandan tech ecosys-tems, including organizing learning events, webinars, and technical exchanges

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector, academia, and civil society organizations in the digital innovation eco-system • Analyse existing financing mechanisms for digital startups and tech SMEs in Rwanda • Identify opportunities for scaling successful digital initiatives through addi-tional resource mobilization • Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and partnership agreements for digital transformation initiatives • Facilitate South-South and triangular cooperation on digital innovation, with a focus on Japan-Rwanda-Africa knowledge exchange

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

• Demonstrated experience in digital innovation, entrepreneurship development, or innovative financing mechanisms • Knowledge of emerging technologies and their applications for sustainable development • Experience in designing and implementing entrepreneurship support programs, preferably in developing countries • Understanding of impact investment, blended finance, or other innovative financing approaches • Experience working with startups, incubators, accelerators, or innovation hubs • Strong analytical and research skills, with ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights • Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement • Knowledge of the African tech ecosystem is a strong advantage • Familiarity with UN development frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, reflected in its modern infrastructure, safe environment, and well-organized transport system. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest option, standard taxis, public buses with prepaid cards, and rental cars offer safer alternatives. The city boasts well-maintained roads with minimal congestion. Accommodations and recreational facilities are readily available, alongside diverse shopping options for imported goods and essentials. Kigali has both public and private healthcare facilities, with major hospitals like King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic offering comprehensive services and accepting CIGNA insurance. The city is exceptionally safe, with emergency services accessible via 999 for police, 111 for firefighters, and 112 for general emergencies.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in digital innovation and entrepreneurship development?	This question assesses your practical experience and your approach in these fields.	Discuss specific examples of your work in digital innovation or entrepreneurship.
What innovative financing mechanisms have you designed or implemented?	This seeks to understand your knowledge and application of financing strategies.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach capacity building for young entrepreneurs?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a successful partnership you built?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep yourself updated on emerging technologies?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you scaled a digital initiative. What were the challenges and successes?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What metrics do you use to assess the success of digital entrepreneurship programs?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you facilitate knowledge exchange between different tech ecosystems?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.