USSD Consultant for Digital Innovation Project

About the role

VillageReach is seeking a USSD Consultant to design, deploy, and manage a low‑literacy USSD menu that delivers sexual and reproductive health information and a feedback mechanism to feature‑phone users in Lilongwe and Balaka, Malawi. The consultant will work with existing short code 54747 and ensure the service operates reliably for 24 months.

Key responsibilities

• Configure a USSD platform of choice to use short code 54747, coordinating with TNM and Airtel.
• Design two primary menu paths (Information and Feedback) with screens limited to 182 characters, number‑driven navigation, and a maximum of four levels.
• Integrate session logging and push data via API to VillageReach’s central data warehouse.
• Apply low‑literacy design rules, conduct user acceptance testing with at least 20 feature‑phone users, and refine the menu based on feedback.
• Provide ongoing management for 24 months, including monthly uptime reporting (≥99%), 4‑hour issue response during working hours, content updates (up to four per year), and usage reporting.
• Maintain direct coordination with telecom operators for short‑code maintenance and deliver training and documentation to VillageReach staff.

Required profile

• Proven experience deploying USSD solutions in Malawi, including integration with local mobile operators.
• Strong understanding of short‑code management and mobile telecom environments.
• Ability to design menu flows for low‑literacy users and conduct field testing.
• Experience delivering technical support and reporting for long‑term services.

Required skills

• USSD platform configuration
• API integration and data pipeline development
• Session logging and analytics reporting
• Short‑code management with telecom operators
• Mobile operator coordination (TNM, Airtel)

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact health information access for underserved communities.
• Collaboration with an international development organization.
• Clear deliverables and a 24‑month contract period.