Digital Transformation Specialist-Support to (NHDR) 2026

The UNDP has been a partner and friend of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people since 1971 when it supported the independence of Bahrain. Since the opening of its offices and the signing of the Basic Agreement Document between the government and UNDP in 1978, UNDP has promoted and implemented sustainable human development strategies and programmes based on national priorities in line with the Kingdom’s reform agenda, the Economic Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (2015-2018).


The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Net Contributor Country (NCC), and as such bears the cost of UNDP’s presence and work in the country. UNDP recognises that the Government of Bahrain is primarily responsible for the national development agenda. The current Country Programme Document (2017-2020), and Project Documents were designed in partnership with state institutions, responding to deliver on key priority areas.

Bahrain demonstrates a strong commitment to human development and is signatory to a number of UN conventions, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to international norms and UN principles.

Through comprehensive consultations and dialogue with government institutions, development needs are identified and strong partnerships are built to address those needs and meet SDG targets. Whether through developing human capacities at these institutions, or partnering to resolve a challenge, national ownership and leadership in all efforts is a key principle. UNDP also provides individual and institutional capacity development where needed, positioning national institutions to be in the leadership role.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bahrain, in collaboration with the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies (Derasat), are leading the development of Bahrain's third National Human Development Report (NHDR) 2026, focusing on digital transformation. This report will assess the impact of digitalisation on human development and provide evidence-based policy recommendations to drive inclusive digital growth aligned with Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The NHDR will examine the digital landscape in Bahrain, highlight challenges and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to advance digital inclusion and sustainable development. UNDP Bahrain is committed to supporting an inclusive digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The National UNV Specialist will support the development and implementation of the Bahrain NHDR 2026 by providing technical, administrative, and research assistance. Working closely with the UNDP team, Derasat, and other stakeholders, the UNV Specialist will play a key role in coordinating activities, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring timely delivery of project outputs.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Bahrain are entitled to:

• Volunteer living allowance BHD 891.66
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Free Medical and life insurance;
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNDP Programme Analyst and the overall guidance of UNDP Resident Representative, and in coordination with the project team at Derasat, the National UNV Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

a) Research and Analysis:

1- Assist in conducting national digital assessments, including Rapid Integrated Assessment (RIA), Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA), Digital e-Readiness Assessment (DRA), and Artificial Intelligence Assessment (AIA).
2- Support data collection, analysis, and the development of background papers and thematic reports on digitalisation and human development.
3- Conduct desk research to identify best practices, case studies, and international experiences relevant to Bahrain's digital transformation journey.\

b) Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

1- Support the organization of stakeholder consultations, thematic workshops, and validation meetings.
2- Assist in liaising with government entities, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academia to ensure inclusive participation and consultation.
3- Maintain regular communication with Derasat, and other key stakeholders to align project activities and deliverables.

c) Administrative and Logistical Support:
1- Assist in planning and organizing project-related events, including logistics, participant coordination, and documentation.
2- Support the preparation and dissemination of meeting minutes, reports, and presentations.
3- Maintain organized project files, ensuring proper documentation of all processes and outputs.

d) Communication and Knowledge Management:
1- Support the development of communication materials to raise awareness of the NHDR process and findings.
2- Assist in drafting social media content, press releases, and other outreach materials.
3- Facilitate knowledge-sharing activities and document lessons learned and best practices.

e) Monitoring and Reporting:

1- Assist in tracking progress against project milestones and deliverables.
2- Support the preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
3- Maintain the project risk log and support mitigation efforts as required.