Economic Commission for Africa

ICT, Science and Technology Division (ISTD)

ICT for Development Section

National/sub-regional ICT Policy, Strategy and Plans development

Objective

Recognizing the important role Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play in facilitating the attainment of development goals and encouraging the diffusion and utilization of information technologies in Africa and enhancing the entry of the continent into the global information society, the ECA launched the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) in May 1996, which serves as a guiding framework for building the information and communication infrastructure in Africa. Since the launch of AISI, ECA has been supporting member states and Regional Economic Communities to embark on the development of national and sub-regional ICT policies, plans and strategies which are instrumental to implement the global visions enshrined in the AISI at national and sub-regional levels and to create a conducive environment for liberalisation and deregulation of the telecommunication sector. Since the elaboration of national and sub-regional ICT strategies help countries address sectoral development challenges, it is imperative that member states demonstrate their readiness to commit their scarce resources and foster ownership of the process. Thus far, over 30 countries on the continent and all the Regional Economic Communities have embarked, in one form or the other, on the development of national or sub-regional ICT strategies and more countries and RECs have expressed interest to join in the initiative.

The objective of the consultancy service is to support the country and or the regional economic community to develop a harmonized national or sub-regional Information and Communication Infrastructure strategy to enable the country or the sub-region to put in place a guiding framework for the exploitation of information and communication applications to accelerate the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in support of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs). The overall exercise would enhance the country's or sub-region's socio-economic development and integration through effective implementation of various sectoral information and communication projects and programs in education, health, trade and industry, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities of Consultant

•  Conduct a needs assessment (baseline study) aimed at identifying existing ICT resources and defining new requirements in the various sectors of the national economy; or

•  Conduct a needs assessment (baseline study) aimed at identifying the main features of sub-regional harmonised ICT strategy platform to support regional integration ;

•  Organize high level workshops aimed at discussing and building consensus from all stakeholders on a national or sub-regional ICT policy and strategies based on priorities identified during the needs assessment phase ;

•  Work closely with Government ministries and other stakeholders to advise on matters related to ICT policy and plan development;

•  Propose and describe practical and relevant ICT applications and content for developing the plan of the country or for the sub-region;

•  Prepare a proposal on the best approach on sustainable ICT human resource development;

•  Review existing Information Technology structures and prepare a proposal on the development of the most appropriate national or sub-regional Information Technology structures and institutions responsible for the translation of the policy, plan and strategies; and

•  Develop the draft of the ICT Policy framework , policy and implementation plan documents and organise workshops to review and enrich the documents for adoption.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Telecommunications, Electronics Engineering, with emphasis on policy development and/or analysis. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in the field of Information systems and technology may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible post-graduate experience in an area of relevance to the section's work. Experience in the African context will be an advantage.

Competencies

Professionalism - Extensive knowledge of all aspects of information systems, policy development, management and monitoring. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters; in-depth knowledge of the country's information infrastructure status, poverty reduction strategy and other development agendas.
Creativity - Original and creative thinking in advising on and resolving major issues and problems related to mainstreaming policy in development agendas.
Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Communication - Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner; ability to defend difficult issues and positions to senior officials; ability to interact with high-level government officials.
Planning and Organizing - Proven ability to prioritize, plan and organize own work and ability to integrate work into the work of the unit; ability to monitor and adjust plan and priorities as necessary and to work according to deadlines.

Language

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the work of the section, fluency in written and oral English or French is required. Knowledge of the other language is an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested persons who wish to be considered for the roster are requested to complete the Personal History Form (Form P-11) and send it before 31 May 2008 by e-mail to: ecarecruitment@uneca.org . Kindly note that only applications submitted on Form P-11 will be reviewed.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).

After the initial screening process, persons found to meet the eligibility requirements indicated in the TORs will be contacted for verification of their academic and professional credentials. On completion of the verification process, those retained for roster will be advised accordingly. They will subsequently be contacted to undertake consultancy assignments whenever the need arises. The duration of such assignments ranges from one to six months.

http://www.uneca.org/aisi/