Background
The explosive growth in developing countries of mobile technologies, in particular mobile phones, brought forward a new wave of technological optimism. With some countries claiming up to 90% coverage, a new series of mobile-based initiatives have taken off. Many of these initiatives focus on the population at the
bottom of the pyramid who now have access to a mobile device and thus can potentially be part of the global network.
At the same time, many poor countries, particularly the LDCs in Africa, are falling behind in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Current forecasts indicate that many, if not most of them, will not be able to reach the targets globally agreed by 2015. This has been further complicated by the decline in exports, commodity prices, remittances and FDI which effectively reduce national income in these countries and thus calls for potential reductions in public investment.
The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Development can play a catalytic role in the achievement of key development goals. By providing innovative solutions to existing traditional challenges and gaps, ICTs can be strategically deployed to tackle some of the most burning issues on a large scale and at relatively low cost per beneficiary. However, an exclusive focus on the so-called “digital divide” will not help advance this agenda.
In addition, the depth of mobile technology penetration in developing countries has, to a large extent, contributed to debunk the “digital divide” myth. If 5 billion people in the globe have access to a mobile device (according to some statistics), this means for example that more people actually have access to mobile phones than to justice and legal services. The real question then becomes: Is it possible to use these technologies to tackle such issues as access to justice?
Duties and Responsibilities
Objective:
Under the supervision of DGG's e-governance policy advisor, the consultant will identify the challenges and trends that determine the success or failure of mobile initiatives in developing countries, with a focus on public and private service provision in the context of Internationally Agreed Development Goals (IADGs) and national development priorities.
Specific Tasks - The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:
• Conduct research on the development impact of mobile-based initiatives in developing countries.
• Analyze successful mobile initiatives and identify trends in the use of mobile technologies for such projects.
• Identify the challenges, lessons learned and good practices of mobile technology-based programmes and initiatives.
• Identify trends in the utilization of mobile technologies/service/applications in developing countries.
• Update and maintain DGG's e-governance m-governance portal and related academic and data resources.
• Undertake any other related tasks at the request of the Supervisor.
Deliverables:
• Mapping existing mobile technologies programmes completed.
• At least 4 case studies focused on service delivery and citizen participation completed.
• Research paper/primer on mobile technologies highlighting challenges, good practices and potential entry points for UNDP ICTD and e-governance practitioners completed.
Competencies
• Excellent presentation, communication and writing skills.
• Knowledge of UNDP's work on Democratic Governance and e-governance.
• Previous experience with UNDP or another UN agency.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to take initiative and be innovative.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Graduate degree in social sciences and related areas.
Experience:
• At least three years of professional experience on mobile technologies or related area
• Excellent knowledge of ICT for development and telecommunications
• Excellent knowledge of mobile technologies applications for development in poor countries
• Good research skills with knowledge of data analysis tools
• Knowledge of e-governance issues in developing countries
Language:
• Perfect command of English; additional knowledge of UN language desirable
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Click Here to Apply
Closing Date: Friday, 30 March 2012
The explosive growth in developing countries of mobile technologies, in particular mobile phones, brought forward a new wave of technological optimism. With some countries claiming up to 90% coverage, a new series of mobile-based initiatives have taken off. Many of these initiatives focus on the population at the
bottom of the pyramid who now have access to a mobile device and thus can potentially be part of the global network.
At the same time, many poor countries, particularly the LDCs in Africa, are falling behind in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Current forecasts indicate that many, if not most of them, will not be able to reach the targets globally agreed by 2015. This has been further complicated by the decline in exports, commodity prices, remittances and FDI which effectively reduce national income in these countries and thus calls for potential reductions in public investment.
The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Development can play a catalytic role in the achievement of key development goals. By providing innovative solutions to existing traditional challenges and gaps, ICTs can be strategically deployed to tackle some of the most burning issues on a large scale and at relatively low cost per beneficiary. However, an exclusive focus on the so-called “digital divide” will not help advance this agenda.
In addition, the depth of mobile technology penetration in developing countries has, to a large extent, contributed to debunk the “digital divide” myth. If 5 billion people in the globe have access to a mobile device (according to some statistics), this means for example that more people actually have access to mobile phones than to justice and legal services. The real question then becomes: Is it possible to use these technologies to tackle such issues as access to justice?
Duties and Responsibilities
Objective:
Under the supervision of DGG's e-governance policy advisor, the consultant will identify the challenges and trends that determine the success or failure of mobile initiatives in developing countries, with a focus on public and private service provision in the context of Internationally Agreed Development Goals (IADGs) and national development priorities.
Specific Tasks - The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:
• Conduct research on the development impact of mobile-based initiatives in developing countries.
• Analyze successful mobile initiatives and identify trends in the use of mobile technologies for such projects.
• Identify the challenges, lessons learned and good practices of mobile technology-based programmes and initiatives.
• Identify trends in the utilization of mobile technologies/service/applications in developing countries.
• Update and maintain DGG's e-governance m-governance portal and related academic and data resources.
• Undertake any other related tasks at the request of the Supervisor.
Deliverables:
• Mapping existing mobile technologies programmes completed.
• At least 4 case studies focused on service delivery and citizen participation completed.
• Research paper/primer on mobile technologies highlighting challenges, good practices and potential entry points for UNDP ICTD and e-governance practitioners completed.
Competencies
• Excellent presentation, communication and writing skills.
• Knowledge of UNDP's work on Democratic Governance and e-governance.
• Previous experience with UNDP or another UN agency.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to take initiative and be innovative.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Graduate degree in social sciences and related areas.
Experience:
• At least three years of professional experience on mobile technologies or related area
• Excellent knowledge of ICT for development and telecommunications
• Excellent knowledge of mobile technologies applications for development in poor countries
• Good research skills with knowledge of data analysis tools
• Knowledge of e-governance issues in developing countries
Language:
• Perfect command of English; additional knowledge of UN language desirable
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Click Here to Apply
Closing Date: Friday, 30 March 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment