Rapid Pro Technical Consultant National or International (Design, Deployment and Testing)

The consultant will support the design, deployment, testing, and rollout of a RapidPro-based emergency education data collection system in Ethiopia. Responsibilities include system design, infrastructure setup, platform deployment, integration, pilot testing, capacity building, operations support, and transition to government ownership.

Responsibilities

• Support the overall design of a RapidPro-based emergency education data collection system appropriate for the Ethiopian context and aligned with government structures.
• Shape the conceptual system design, define data flows from schools through wereda, zonal, regional, and federal levels, and ensure alignment with existing EMIS and approval workflows.
• Support development of data governance arrangements including data validation, privacy, protection protocols, access control, and accountability mechanisms.
• Provide technical support for establishing RapidPro within the Ministry of Education’s infrastructure including server preparation, installation, deployment, and configuration.
• Lead configuration and customization of RapidPro platform to support emergency education data collection and communication needs.
• Support technical integration with data analysis and visualization tools such as Microsoft Power BI and Excel, and interoperability with national EMIS system.
• Support SMS gateway configuration, routing, and testing in collaboration with Ethio Telecom.
• Support pilot implementation of the RapidPro system in selected schools/woredas to test functionality and user experience, analyze feedback, and refine system.
• Contribute to capacity building through training of trainers and onboarding of schools and focal points, and development of user guides and training materials.
• Provide technical backstopping during rollout and operational phases including system testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting.
• Support system validation and learning through engagement with stakeholders and participation in validation workshops.
• Document system configurations and operational processes and support gradual transfer of the system to the Ministry of Education with continued technical backstopping.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in ICT, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Management, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted).
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in digital data collection systems, information management, or ICT4D, preferably in humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Amharic and other local languages is an asset.
• Proven hands-on experience with RapidPro or similar SMS/USSD platforms, SMS gateways, including flow design, automated messaging, and validation logic.
• Certified linux system administration or strong proof of linux experience.
• Experience in building or deploying using Django, Python, PostgreSQL, Docker/AWS, REST API, Webhooks.
• Excellent communication abilities, in both written and oral forms.
• Strong technical knowledge of system and data architecture, including data flows, system integration, and interoperability with platforms such as EMIS.
• Experience working with telecom operators or SMS gateways, including routing, short codes, and cost considerations.
• Experience in Management, or ICT4D, preferably in humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Demonstrated experience working with government institutions and/or UN agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, preferably in the education sector.
• Practical experience with data visualization and reporting tools, particularly Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of data protection, privacy, and accountability standards for sensitive emergency data.
• Proven ability to deliver capacity building, including training of trainers and development of user and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, communication, and coordination skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

• RapidPro Platform
• SMS/USSD Platform
• SMS Gateway Management
• Flow Design
• Automated Messaging
• Validation Logic
• Linux OS Administration
• Django development
• Python Programming
• PostgreSQL
• Docker Containers
• AWS
• REST API Integration
• Webhooks
• Systems Architecture
• Data Architecture
• System Integration
• Interoperability
• Telecom Operator Coordination
• Short Code Management
• Cost Management
• ICT4D
• Data Visualization
• Power BI
• MS Excel
• Data Protection Standards
• Privacy Principles
• Accountability Standards
• Capacity Building
• Training of Trainers Workshops
• Technical Documentation Production
• User Documentation

Languages

English, Amharic