ICT and Data Specialist (secondment to African Union)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

GIZ, the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, provides services in the field of international technical cooperation worldwide. In Kenya, it has been active since 1964, and up to now implements programs in a wide variety of areas, including economic development, green energy and water, governance, food security, and peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is GIZ’s main commissioning party. However, GIZ as well works closely with the private sector, fostering successful interaction between development policy and foreign trade.

JOB SUMMARY

The One Health Data Alliance Africa project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development supports the use of data and technology to protect the health of humans, animals and the environment. Together with the African Union Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources, the project supported the development and pilot of the African Union Digital One Health Platform (AU DOHP). The platform supports the integration andintelligent use of data from different sources to support monitoring, forecasting, and decision making. The open-source platform adheres to sovereignty and security standards. The African Union is in the process of scaling the platform in more member states and connecting more countries and institutions to the platform while extending data analytic features. The project is seeking a highly motivated and experienced expert to support our partner institution the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU IBAR) based in Nairobi in the platform management, scaling, and sustainability. The individual alsosupports and advises the AU IBAR Director on AU IBAR's overall digital transformation.We are an inclusive team and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse people and perspectives thrive. We welcome applications from a diverse range of people and encourage women to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your Tasks:Technical leadership, first level support and platform development including architectureand hosting decisions, cyber security and privacy, troubleshooting and performance optimization. Platform scaling and adoption through coordinated deployment of the platform in AUmember states and institutions, increasing data volumes, users and functionalities.Ensure interoperability with other AU systems and alignment with continental frameworks such as GovStack and Smart Africa SATA.Strengthen AU-IBAR’s internal capacity for managing large-scale data applications through training, engage the Open Data Mesh and other Open Data ecosystem to embed the platform in a sustainable economyAdvise AU-IBAR leadership on strategies for digital transformation, positioning AU-DOHP as a continental reference platform Design scalable, dynamic data centre strategies and support long-term institutionalisation of AU-DOHP within AU-IBAR, Africa CDC and AU Member StatesUndertake knowledge management and serve as key contact point between GIZ and AU IBARConduct the user training during roll out at national training workshops by AU-IBAR Ensure engagement of pilot countries in the Open Data mesh platform community of practice Profile:Master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, data science, Information and Communication Technology or comparable courses of study8 years professional experience in Information Technology and Information Systems or similar area of work 5 years specific experience with developing and managing digital health systems, healthcare IT systems, surveillance and related systems Proficiency in Data Base Management Systems (e.g. SQL, Mongo DB), cloud computing platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and programming languages (e.g. Python, R)Knowledge of data platform architecture and hosting models (cloud, hybrid and sovereign hosting), health information systems standards (e.g. HL7, FHIR, OpenMRS) and systems integration and interoperability.Proven track record in digital transformation of institutions, capacity building, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement across regional African institutions.Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and data privacy regulations3 years' experience in international/ development cooperation and good understanding of the technological, social and political landscape in AfricaBusiness fluent in English, knowledge of French is an advantageDuty station: NairobiContract Duration: Initial Contract to run until 31.12.2028Submission of ApplicationVacancy Reference Number: GIZ/CO/01/01/2026Equal Employment OpportunityAt GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.EthicsGIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.Data ConfidentialityIn accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Software architecture, Database administration, Data models and architectures, Stakeholder communication, Cyber security, Big data and data analytics, Data protection act (GDPR, etc.), Health information systems

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education