Digital Advisor (Open-Source Spectrum Rights Registry) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the supervision of the Senior Advisor, Digital Inclusion, the contractor will be responsible for the following:

• Technical Architecture & System Design
• Design the overall system architecture for the spectrum-rights registry, including data models, identity assumptions, authorization logic, and audit logging
• Define machine-readable spectrum-rights objects covering frequency range, geography, time window, and basic constraints
• Design a modular architecture that can accommodate future extensions, including optional distributed-ledger anchoring of rights history (conceptual only in this phase)
• Software Development & Open-Source Delivery
• Implement the MVP backend service supporting:
• creation, update, and revocation of spectrum-rights objects
• authorization checks for test radios or clients
• structured logging and auditability
• Develop a minimal web-based graphical interface allowing regulators and operators to:
• view spectrum bands and test allocations
• create, modify, and revoke allocations
• review audit logs
• Develop a software-defined radio (SDR) test harness or equivalent simulation demonstrating allow/deny behavior based on registry responses
• Publish all code in a public GitHub repository with clear documentation and version control.
• Engagement with Regulators and Partners
• Provide technical explanations and diagrams to support UNICEF Digital Inclusion engagement with regulators exploring sandbox tests
• Translate regulator questions and feedback into concrete system refinements
• Support the design of safe, regulator-approved test scenarios involving authorized operators or test entities
• Testing, Evaluation, and Iteration
• Support at least one laboratory or field-based sandbox test using the MVP
• Evaluate system behavior, limitations, and usability
• Propose refinements and architectural improvements based on observed outcomes
• Research & Forward Planning
• Document architectural options for future phases, including:
• deeper authorization integration patterns
• multi-operator allocation logic
• identity and security considerations
• optional tokenization or distributed-ledger representations (non-financial, conceptual)
• Produce clear technical documentation to inform future decision-making by UNICEF and partners

Skills

• Data Modeling, Documentation, Research and Development, Software Development, Stakeholder Management, System Architecture, System Integration Testing, Application Programming Interface Development

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in mathematics, computer science, IT, engineering or a related field is required.
• A first level University Degree (Bachelor`s degree or equivalent) preferably in the above-mentioned areas or in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

Experience Requirements

Required:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in software engineering, system architecture, or distributed systems is required.
• Experience in designing and delivering complex technical systems is required
• Experience in backend services, APIs, and data modeling is required.
• Proven record of producing and maintaining open-source software is required.