Overview
The International Consultant: Unified Database Project Manager will lead the end-to-end development and operationalization of a multi-agency data repository in Afghanistan. The role involves managing a multidisciplinary project team and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to consolidate, clean, and de-duplicate beneficiary identity data.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead engagement with clients and partners, including legal agreements.
- Manage the full lifecycle of the Unified Database project.
- Manage a dedicated project team.
- Ensure project milestones, deliverables, and timelines are met.
- Oversee development of system requirements, workflows, data flows, and technical documentation.
- Provide oversight of data ingestion, cleaning, deduplication, and unique ID generation processes.
- Ensure alignment with WFP’s data protection, privacy, and information security standards.
- Coordinate with TEC and Identity Management (IDM) teams.
- Support design and testing of biometric and biographical deduplication tools.
- Guide and monitor development of user interfaces and filtering tools.
- Establish an internal “Unified Database Steering Committee”.
- Work closely with WFP units to ensure coherence across technical, operational, and policy domains.
- Facilitate cross-functional working sessions.
- Ensure the Unified Database supports broader WFP programme objectives.
- Serve as the primary focal point for engagement with UN agencies.
- Coordinate with NGOs, donors, and inter-agency technical working groups.
- Support development of Data Sharing Agreements, MoUs, and governance frameworks.
- Represent WFP in inter-agency forums.
- Support the WFP Partnerships team in resource mobilization.
- Lead development of project documentation.
- Produce regular progress reports, analytical briefs, and presentations.
- Capture lessons learned and contribute to WFP’s global knowledge base.
- Support operational research on deduplication methods, data quality, and cross-agency interoperability.
- Provide Global HQ with status updates and data for global reporting.
- Manage project budgets, staffing plans, and procurement needs.
- Ensure efficient use of financial and human resources.
- Ensure full cost recovery of services provided.
- Support resource mobilization efforts.
- Develop and deliver training for WFP staff and partner agencies.
- Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.
Required Experience
- Has at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, software development oversight, or digital systems implementation.
- Preferred to have demonstrated experience leading development of new software solutions or large-scale data systems.
- Experience working with identity management systems, digital registries, biometric tools, or beneficiary information systems.
- Prior experience working with the UN in complex or fragile settings.
- Proven track record coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving technical, operational, and policy teams.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering results under tight timelines.
- Knowledge of humanitarian/social protection targeting, registration, and assistance delivery processes.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Public Policy, International Affairs, or related field relevant to digital identity, data systems, or humanitarian operations. Bachelor degree plus 2 years of additional experience.
