Consultancy: Technical Advisor, Product Innovation Centre, Supply Division, Copenhagen

Consultancy: Technical Advisor

Product Innovation Centre, UNICEF Supply Division

 

Location details: Remote or Copenhagen

Duration: 100 days over 11.5 months with possibility of extension

Anticipated Start Date:  October 2020

 

Context and Purpose of the Consultancy:

The purpose of this part-time consultancy is to provide expert technical advice to UNICEF to identify and trial computer hardware for offline use in low resource settings as part of the Learning Passport programme. The consultant will work closely with the Innovation Manager in the Product Innovation Centre, the Learning Passport (LP) Programme Specialist in PD Education and where relevant the Learning Passport database administrator.

Key Tasks

1) Assess Learning Passport software and make recommendations on associated hardware demands.
2) Scan the marketplace for suitable hardware.
3) Develop either specifications or target product profile (TPP) for offline hardware for the Learning Passport use case
4) Develop technical assessment criteria against which to evaluate and sample the hardware which will be used during tender processes
5) Advise on a methodology to test the selected hardware(s) in up to 3 countries including installation of software.
6) Interpret results from field trials and make recommendations on product performance and requirements.
7) Develop instructions for hardware set up and maintenance

Deliverables:

1) Target Product Profile (TPP) or sets of ideal specifications
• Discuss requirements with key stakeholders and partners
• Draft documentation for review and explain hardware needs to Supply Division and Programme Division leads.
• Requires reading use case documentation

2) Marketplace scan and landscape report
• Email summary of potential computers/tablets/laptops that could be appropriate, highlight any anticipated issues/restrictions based on software/hardware compatibility.

3) Develop specification or Target Product Profile
• Dependent on #2 develop either a specification for existing products or a Target Product Profile if research and development is required. Format: excel document or word document.

4) Criteria
• Develop mandatory and scored criteria against which products can be considered for tender and subsequent sample evaluation.
• Requires liaising via email/phone with quality assurance personal in Supply Division

5) Advise on methodology
• Countries will be identified by Programme Division, the technical advisor will help the country office and Programme Division to develop a testing methodology that will help understand how/if the hardware performs to the level required and identify weaknesses in the technology itself or the user of it that we can subsequently address with either the manufacturer, the software provider or the user.

6) Product Recommendations
• List of recommended actions based on above

7) Set up Instructions
• A document outlining to users in low income settings how to set up the hardware and maintain it including training and troubleshooting guide for installation.

Ongoing: General support and expert advice on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge ecosystem for offline deployment of the Learning Passport set up. Providing feedback to ICTD on software/hardware compatibility and any performance issues.

Requirements

Academic:
• University degree in a relevant field or 10 years experience working with computer hardware
Professional Experience:
• 10 years experience.
• Working in technology solutions in low income countries and low income settings
• Experience working with computer hardware for content delivery and data storage
• Hands on experience installing both software and hardware solutions in either institutions, commercial buildings or private housing.
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa on technical hardware installation projects a plus

Core Competencies:
• Excellent communicator of verbal and written concepts to an international audience.
• Ability to quickly understand instructions, to proactively seek clarification when needed.
• Able to work well in a team environment

Functional Competencies:
• Able to work independently and problem solving oriented.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated communication and relationship building skills
• Proven capacity to work with and lead collaborative teams across different locations and with different technical skills.

Language Requirements:
• Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Technical Knowledge
• Comfortable working with Linux and Microsoft operating systems
• Experience with Azure IoT Platform a plus.
• Experience with Containerized deployments and Kubernetes orchestration a plus.

Evaluation Criteria
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
1. Cover letter demonstrating experience and fit for the position
2. CV
3. Financial quote at a daily rate in US Dollars including all taxes.
4. P11 form (only required if not applying through UNICEF Employment site)
5. At least 3 reference contacts

Please submit your application before 9 October 2020