Roving Senior Digital and Innovation Officer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Responsibilties

• The Roving Senior Digital and Innovation Officer will lead and coordinate innovative and digital components of the infrastructure project across the four target states.
• The role will support the identification, design, testing, implementation, and scaling of practical digital and innovation solutions that strengthen infrastructure management, accountability, market access, climate resilience, communication, monitoring, and community engagement.
• The position will also support field coordination, promote adaptive learning, and strengthen the overall effectiveness and visibility of the programme through innovative approaches and technology-enabled systems.

Digital Innovation and Technology Integration:

• Lead the identification and implementation of innovative and digital solutions that improve project delivery, monitoring, infrastructure management, and community engagement.
• Support integration of digital systems such as GIS mapping, digital monitoring tools, mobile data collection platforms, asset tracking systems, and smart infrastructure solutions where feasible.
• Explore innovative approaches related to renewable energy systems, prepaid metering, digital payment systems, climate-smart technologies, and market information systems.
• Promote technology-driven approaches that strengthen women and youth participation in economic activities and infrastructure governance.

Programme Coordination and Field Support:

• Provide technical and operational support across all four project states to ensure effective coordination and implementation of innovative project activities.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and support adaptive management.
• Work closely with Infrastructure Officers, MEAL teams, Communication/advocacy Officer, and field coordinators to ensure integration of innovation across outputs.
• Support implementation of pilot initiatives and document lessons learned for scale-up.

Data, Learning, and Adaptive Management:

• Support digital data management, analysis, visualization, and reporting systems for programme implementation.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making through real-time data tracking and innovative learning approaches.
• Coordinate innovation learning reviews and support documentation of best practices, case studies, and success stories.
• Contribute to programme reviews, planning meetings, donor reporting, and learning events.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Engage with government institutions, private sector actors, technology providers, financial institutions, and innovation partners to strengthen collaboration and identify scalable solutions.
• Provide training and mentorship to project staff and community structures on digital tools, innovation practices, and technology use.
• Support community awareness and sensitisation on innovative systems introduced under the project.

Communication and Visibility:

• Work closely with the Communication and Advocacy Officer to support digital storytelling, visibility products, and dissemination of innovation successes.
• Contribute to development of digital content, photos, videos, dashboards, and field updates that demonstrate project impact and learning.

Expected Deliverables:

• Functional digital and innovation systems integrated into project implementation.
• Regular field support and coordination visits conducted across all states.
• Innovation pilots documented and lessons learned shared.
• Digital monitoring and reporting tools operationalized.
• Capacity building sessions conducted for staff and community stakeholders.
• Timely submission of technical reports, updates, and innovation briefs.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Innovation Management, GIS, Development Studies, Data Management, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in digital innovation, technology integration, programme coordination, or ICT for development.
• Experience working in humanitarian, resilience, infrastructure, or development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience managing digital tools and innovative approaches in field-based programmes.
• Experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings is desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of digital tools, innovation systems, and adaptive programming.
• Experience with mobile data collection platforms, GIS tools, dashboards, and digital reporting systems.
• Strong coordination, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently across multiple field locations.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.

Languages:

• Fluency in English required.
• Knowledge of relevant local languages is an advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Innovation and creativity
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability and integrity
• Adaptability and learning orientation
• Conflict sensitivity and cultural awareness.