UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) is Hiring for a Bebbo (Mobile) Technology Consultant (Home-based)

UNICEF’s Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) is seeking an experienced Bebbo (Mobile) Technology Consultant to provide comprehensive technical support for the development, maintenance, and evolution of the Bebbo parenting app and its related applications. This home-based consultancy, with an estimated duration of 160 working days between June 2025 and April 2026, offers an opportunity to contribute to a vital digital public good aimed at supporting early childhood development (ECD) and parenting programs across multiple countries.

About UNICEF and the Project

UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories worldwide, striving to reach the most disadvantaged children to save lives, defend rights, and realize their potential. Recognizing the importance of innovative digital solutions, UNICEF’s ECARO is committed to leveraging technology to enhance early childhood support. The Bebbo app, a free, open-source, evidence-based mobile platform supported by UNICEF, is designed to provide trusted guidance and interactive tools to parents and caregivers of children aged 0–6 in local languages, accessible both online and offline. Available on Android and iOS, Bebbo is integrated with a Drupal-based Content Management System (CMS) supporting multi-country customization.

Since its launch, Bebbo has reached over 1.4 million users across more than 15 countries, with plans to expand into five additional markets. As the platform enters its next development phase, UNICEF seeks a dedicated technical expert to ensure the app’s ongoing stability, security, and enhancement, while supporting the rollout of Bebbo 2.0—the next-generation version with expanded features and improved architecture.

Role and Responsibilities

The Technology Consultant will work closely with UNICEF’s ECARO Innovation Manager for Early Childhood Development (ECD), the Bebbo Central Team, external developers, UX/UI designers, and regional program teams. The key responsibilities include:

• Maintenance of Current Bebbo App: Ensuring the app’s stability and high performance across platforms; managing bug fixes, updates, and releases; supporting app store submissions; and maintaining backend integrations.
• Multi-country Deployment Support: Assisting UNICEF Country Offices in localizing, configuring, testing, and deploying Bebbo in new and existing markets, ensuring smooth implementation and user experience.
• DevOps, Security, and Quality Assurance: Managing CI/CD pipelines, conducting security reviews, updating libraries and SDKs, and implementing automated testing to uphold UNICEF’s cybersecurity and quality standards.
• Vendor Coordination and Bebbo 2.0 Development: Collaborating with external software vendors to deliver new features—including UI redesigns, gamification, personalisation, and modular architecture—ensuring deliverables meet UNICEF’s requirements and open-source principles.
• Technical Documentation and Open-Source Stewardship: Maintaining comprehensive technical documentation, overseeing community contributions via GitHub, and ensuring adherence to UNICEF’s commitments to Digital Public Goods.
• Backend Integration Management: Ensuring effective integration with the Drupal CMS backend, supporting the creation and maintenance of country-specific subsites, and managing API development for secure data exchange.

Scope of Work Highlights

• Maintaining the stability and performance of the existing Bebbo app and sister applications (e.g., Foleja, Babuni, Wawamor, Bebbo Pacific, Merhaba Bebek, Zimbabwe CO app, Ukraine CO app).
• Supporting the deployment of Bebbo in new countries through localisation, testing, and app store publishing.
• Managing DevOps workflows, security protocols, and quality assurance processes, including regular security reviews and analytics configuration.
• Leading the technical development of Bebbo 2.0, including new features and a redesigned architecture.
• Overseeing vendor deliverables, code reviews, and QA procedures.
• Ensuring seamless backend integration with Drupal CMS, including creation of new country subsites and feature toggles.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess:

• A graduate degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; a master’s degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in mobile app development, particularly with React Native or similar frameworks.
• Proven expertise in deploying and maintaining digital products across multiple countries and languages.
• Strong skills in React Native development for both Android and iOS platforms, with experience in open-source environments and Digital Public Goods.
• Familiarity with tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, Firebase, RESTful APIs, Node.js, and DevOps practices.
• Experience with Drupal-based CMS and backend integration.
• Knowledge of security standards, app performance optimization, and offline functionality.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and project management skills, capable of working remotely with multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English; additional regional languages are a plus.

Core Values and Competencies

The candidate should embody UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), demonstrating competencies such as effective communication, collaboration, drive for results, and ethical conduct.

Remuneration and Application Details

The consultancy is home-based, with no travel expected. Payment will be based on deliverables and performance, with the total professional fee to be quoted in USD for 160 working days. Applications should include a CV, cover letter detailing specific roles in relevant projects, links to app stores and GitHub repositories, and confirmation of availability.

The deadline for applications is 21 May 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. UNICEF promotes diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply, adhering to its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and child safeguarding principles.

This role offers a meaningful chance to contribute to innovative digital solutions that support early childhood development globally, in alignment with UNICEF’s mission to serve the most marginalized children worldwide.

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