Individual Software Developer Consultant to Develop an Integrated TFGBV Prevention Digital Safety/Literacy Prototype

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Kenya Country Office (KCO) Gender/GBV Advisor and under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative and the UNFPA MASS KCO and HQ, Technical Division, teams, the Software Developer consultant will develop and integrate a technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) Prevention Digital Prototype for youth populations aged 18 - 29 years for deployment in all three MASS focus counties.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Background and Purpose of the Consultancy:

The Software Developer consultant will develop and integrate a technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) Prevention Digital Prototype for youth populations aged 18 - 29 years for deployment in all three MASS focus counties.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) global programme is being implemented globally and piloted in Benin and Kenya between March 2024 and March 2027. The aim of the programme is to increase the benefits of technology, free from gender-based violence and discrimination, for women and girls in all their diversity. To achieve this goal, the programme works across three main pillars: response, prevention, and law and policy, as well as through cross-cutting research and convening efforts. MASS is one of the first global programmes to address the emerging issue of TFGBV. The MASS Pilot Programme in Kenya is jointly implemented by UNFPA Kenya and the Coalition on Violence against Women (COVAW) in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi.

UNFPA Kenya, through the MASS Programme, is advancing survivor-centred, gender-transformative, and youth-responsive approaches to TFGBV prevention. The growing digitalisation of GBV and young people's increasing reliance on technology are not parallel trends; they are directly linked. As youth engage more deeply with digital platforms for communication, learning, and social interaction, their exposure to, and perpetration of, harmful content, including TFGBV, grows correspondingly.

Under the MASS Programme’s Prevention Pillar, the programme seeks to increase knowledge and digital safety and literacy skills amongst young people, with a focus on gender-equitable and respectful technology interactions (Immediate Outcome 1220). To address this gap and build on a multi-stakeholder co-design process initiated in October 2025, UNFPA Kenya seeks to engage a qualified software developer consultant to design, prototype, validate and support the integration of an integrated TFGBV Prevention Digital Prototype for youth populations (18-29 years) in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi (target counties). The prototype will combine gender-transformative and gamified digital safety and literacy learning, streamlined access to GBV referral services, and integration into two (2) existing youth-focused SRHR/GBV prevention programmes with reach across the three target counties.

The consultancy objectives include:

• Design, develop, validate and support the integration of a context-specific, gender-transformative, and gamified digital prototype, incorporating learning modules, and a one-tap referral layer, to strengthen digital safety and literacy among youth populations in the target counties.
• Provide technical support and coordination to facilitate the integration of the digital prototype into two (2) existing youth-focused SHRH/GBV prevention programmes in the three target counties (Output 1222).

You would be responsible for:

• The overall work will be conducted under the direct management of the UNFPA KCO Gender/GBV Advisor, under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative and the UNFPA MASS KCO and HQ, Technical Division teams.
• The Software Developer Consultant will be responsible for designing, prototyping, and validating a functional, gender-transformative, TFGBV prevention digital prototype for youth populations, and integrating this into two (2) existing youth-focused SHRH/GBV prevention programmes in the three target counties.
• All methodologies and deliverables must follow UNFPA guidance and international standards for safe and ethical GBV data collection and use, , inter alia, strict data minimisation, purpose limitation and informed and ongoing consent, in accordance with UNFPA's Guidance on the Safe and Ethical Use of Technology to Address GBV and Harmful Practices (2023).
• Prototype development must comply with safety- security and -privacy by-design principles, as well as integrate accessibility and usability considerations for diverse youth populations, including low-bandwidth and feature phone users, and consider cost, maintenance, and scalability implications in design choices.
• Review existing MASS Global and Kenya-specific TFGBV prevention resources, including the Kenya TFGBV Training Package, the Safe and Ethical Use of Tech Training Package, UNFPA's Guidance on the Safe and Ethical Use of Technology to Address GBV and Harmful Practices (2023), the co-design meeting report and the Mixed-methods Research Study: Mombasa County (2026), to ensure continuity and relevance.
• Regularly consult with UNFPA KCO GBV/Gender unit staff and the HQ Technical Division.

The Integrated TFGBV Prevention Digital Prototype will be structured around three interconnected layers:

Layer Description Requirements Learning Layer Four (4) short, interactive and gamified digital safety and literacy modules tailored to youth populations (18 - 29 years), informed by UNFPA’s Guidance on the Safe and Ethical Use of Technology in GBV Interventions Informed by consultations, these can cover (1) Recognition of prevalent forms of TFGBV; (2) Digital rights and responsibilities; (3) Consent and rights-promoting online interactions; (4) Gender-equitable technology use; (5) Digital hygiene, and device/online safety and security best practices; and (6) Safe help-seeking and reporting mechanisms Referral Layer One-tap links/references in the learning content, sign-posting users to existing GBV services across multiple sectors

Examples: toll-free helplines; county and national reporting platforms; relevant laws, policies and guidance materials

Sectors: health, psychosocial, legal, and protection services

Integration Layer Technical support to integrate the prototype into existing programmes to ensure institutional uptake and sustainability 2 existing, youth-focused, SRHR/GBV prevention programmes in target counties

Coordination of Integrated TFGBV Prevention Digital Prototype

Inception and Consultations Phase:

• Attend one (1) onboarding/inception meeting with UNFPA KCO and the HQ Technical Division teams to clarify questions, scope, timelines, roles, and key milestones.
• Undertake desk review of relevant programme, policy, legal, and technical documents.
• Submit a detailed inception report outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment; proposed methodology and workplan; stakeholder engagement and user-centred/co-design/safety-by-design approaches; prototype concept and technical specifications; ethical and data protection considerations; risk mitigation measures; M&E framework alignment; and recommendations for supporting the integration of the prototype into existing youth-focused GBV prevention programmes for review and approval by UNFPA teams.
• Organise and execute 1 (one) virtual round of user-centred and safety/security consultations with UNFPA, young people, GBV/SRHR programme custodians, and key stakeholders across the three target counties to inform the design process, including digital safety/security assessment.

Design and Validation Phase:

• Design and produce the prototype’s architecture, technical specifications, wireframes, and user journeys.
• Develop and refine a mid-fidelity prototype, including gamified learning modules and referral functionalities. The following deliverables are expected: Duration and working schedule: 12 August - 25 September (approx. 45 days) Expected Working Schedule and Timelines Phase
  Days (Approx.)
  Key Deliverables/Activities
  1. Inception and Consultations 10 days (12 - 21 August) Kick-off meeting with UNFPA KCO and HQ Technical Division teams Desk review Develop and submit detailed inception report Execute 1 (one) virtual consultation with key stakeholders to inform design process 2. Design and Validation
  30 days (22 August - 20 September) Design and produce the prototype’s architecture, technical specifications, wireframes, and user journeys Develop and refine mid-fidelity prototype, and execute 2nd virtual user testing, consultation and safety/security assessment, refining based on feedback Produce high-fidelity, functional prototype/mock-up, and execute final virtual user testing, consultation and safety/security assessment, refining based on feedback . Execute 1 virtual validation workshop with key stakeholders 3. Integration and Handover 5 days (21 - 25 September) Support the integration of the prototype into two (2) existing youth-focused GBV prevention programmes Deliver training materials and technical support Submit a brief consultancy report (format optional), all source files, technical documentation, and final deliverables to UNFPA Kenya. Attend handover and close-out meeting with UNFPA Kenya Place where services are to be delivered: The consultant is expected to work remotely, utilising their own office space, computer, internet, telephone and other equipment, as needed, to undertake this assignment. Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: Progress review meetings held virtually. The schedule for the meetings will be agreed during the inception phase with the consultant. Supervisory arrangements: The overall work will be conducted under the direct management of the UNFPA KCO Gender/GBV Advisor, under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative and the UNFPA MASS KCO and HQ, Technical Division teams. The UNFPA Kenya Country Office reserves the right to discontinue the contract if it feels that the consultant does not live up to UNFPA Kenya’s expectations or if the consultant acts in a way that is detrimental to UNFPA Kenya’s reputation and image. Qualifications and Experience: Education: Knowledge and Experience: Experience:
  Competencies: Languages: Interested consultants are requested to submit to UNFPA:
  Conflict of Interest The consultant will be asked to declare any potential conflict of interest before undertaking the work. The consultant will discharge his/her functions exclusively as an individual TFGBV consultant to UNFPA Kenya. UNFPA Kenya will facilitate all relevant documents related to the consultancy under the MASS programme and these will be shared with the consultant once the contract is signed. UNFPA Kenya will facilitate the use of UNFPA Kenya virtual platforms or physical meetings, where necessary, for the presentation of results and/or engagements, with the support of the consultant, where necessary. Consultancy rates shall be guided by UNFPA policies. The consultant will be expected to undertake some mandatory courses (if not done previously) such as Security (BESAFE), Fraud and Corruption Awareness and Prevention-Anti-Fraud, and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). Required Competencies: Values:
  Core Competencies:
  UNFPA Work Environment: UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
  Disclaimer: Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
  • Organise and execute 2nd round of virtual user testing, consultation and further safety/security assessment with UNFPA, young people, GBV/SRHR programme custodians, and key stakeholders, and refine the prototype based on user feedback and testing outcomes.
  • Produce high-fidelity, functional prototype/mock-up.
    • Organise and execute final virtual user testing, consultation and safety/security assessment with UNFPA, young people, GBV/SRHR programme custodians, and key stakeholders, and refine the prototype based on user feedback and testing outcomes.
  • Organise and execute 1 (one) virtual validation workshop with UNFPA, GBV/SRHR programme holders, young people, and key stakeholders. Integration and Handover Phase
  • Develop a practical integration plan, detailing the mainstreaming of the modules and tools, rollout timelines, technical support mechanisms, and monitoring indicators aligned to Immediate Outcome 1220 and Output 1222.
  • Deliver training materials and technical support to implementing partners.
  • Support the integration of the prototype into two (2) existing youth-focused GBV/SRHR prevention programmes.
  • Prepare and submit a brief consultancy report (format optional) documenting and summarising the prototyping process, including key, consolidated stakeholder consultation feedback and contact details, challenges and opportunities.
  • Submit all source files, technical documentation, and final deliverables to UNFPA Kenya.
  • Attend one (1) handover and close-out meeting with UNFPA Kenya.
  • Inception report;
  • Prototype technical specifications, wireframes, and user journeys
  • Functional prototype incorporating learning, referral, and integration layers (demo-ready);
  • Consultation, validation and user-testing summary reports, including consolidated stakeholder feedback matrix and recommendations;
  • Final integrated prototype, facilitator guidance materials, technical documentation, and sustainability recommendations; and
  • Final consultancy report and meeting and handover deliverables package submitted to UNFPA KCO Gender/GBV Advisor.
  • A bachelor's degree in IT, software engineering, digital innovation or related field, and at least three (3) years of demonstrable experience in digital product design, safety,-security-and -privacy by design, human-centred design, software development, or technology-for-development initiatives, preferably in GBV, SRHR, or digital safety.
  • Proven expertise in digital safety, GBV prevention, or technology-facilitated gender-based violence and technology in the Kenyan context.
  • Experience designing youth-centred digital products, gamified learning tools, or digital literacy interventions.
  • Knowledge of TFGBV, ethical technology principles, data protection, and safety-by-design approaches.
  • Experience with participatory or co-design methodologies.
  • Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners.
  • Proven experience in conducting similar consultancy assignments.
  • Strong project management and coordination skills.
  • Ability to translate complex concepts into accessible digital tools.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
  • Strong understanding of gender equality and human rights principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.
  • Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
  1. Up‐to‐date curriculum vitae(s).
  2. 3 referees.
  3. Evidence of similar works
  • Exemplifying integrity,
  • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
  • Embracing cultural diversity,
  • Embracing change
  • Achieving results,
  • Being accountable,
  • Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
  • Thinking analytically and strategically,
  • Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,