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    The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is establishing an exploratory applied research project on the use of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) in the Middle East.

Starting from the hypothesis that ICTs are both accelerator or catalyst of the human, social and economic development, this project aims to promote applied research on ICTs and their role in: improving education and employability; local and community development; increasing of women participation; and governance. These applied research topics will be developed in five countries, namely, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. Included in the project activities are the development and funding of applied research projects in the above-mentioned five countries, the development and funding of at least one regional project, the hosting of training workshops on research methodologies and the dissemination of research findings. The project will also seek to develop partnerships with organizations actively funding development projects in the region. Additional information about the project can be obtained by email to aelzaim@idrc.org.eg or on this web page: http://www.idrc.ca/ict4d/middleeast 

IDRC seeks consultative services from organizations or individuals with experience in ICT4D to assist with the implementation of this exploratory project.

Qualifications

Tenderers should provide proof of the following qualifications:

1-    Work experience in ICT4D-based development projects (project development and administrative and financial management);

2-     Experience in applied research and elaboration of action research projects;

3-     Good knowledge of action research and applied research methodologies in ICT4D;

4-     Good knowledge of the development and research environments in the five targeted countries;

5-     Sound experience in partnership building in development projects;

6-     PhD or Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline or years of relevant work experience;

7-     Proficiency in English and Arabic. Proficiency in French would be an asset.

Description of Mandate

Under the supervision of and in cooperation with the Senior Program Specialist in charge of this project, the successful tenderer will have the following mandate:

Project Development

-         Plan project activities and actions based on the programming strategy approved by IDRC;

-         Establish a list of researchers and research and development aid organizations (universities, NGOs, foundations, private sector, etc.) and contact those most relevant to the project;

-         Establish collaboration with project partners and help them develop research proposals in accordance with IDRC standards.

Project Management

-         Ensure follow-up of projects identified and funded by IDRC under this initiative;

-         Report on project progress and achievement to IDRC management and to funding partners (financial and technical reports);

-         Participate in project evaluation.

Partnership Development

-         Establish a list of active donor organizations in the Middle East and help to establish partnership relations with them to fund the project and its future phases;

-         With the help of the officer responsible for partnerships at IDRC, obtain the necessary funding to extend the coverage and duration of the project and plan future phases.

Dissemination of Research Findings

-        Organize workshops for training and for dissemination of research findings;

-         Participate in project communication activities.

Travel

-         The project requires several trips to the five countries: Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. The successful candidate must be able to travel to these countries on a regular basis.

Term of Mandate

The duration of the project is three years. The term of the mandate will be 120 days per year on average. The term of the contract will be one year, renewable for an additional period of two years under the same conditions.

Location

The consultant must be based in Cairo, Egypt. He or she will be required to travel regularly to the five countries covered by the project.

How to apply

Interested organisations and individuals are invited to submit a letter and a complete resume of the candidate by email at recruit@idrc.org.eg or by fax at +20 2 3367056 . The deadline is April  30, 2007.

2007-04-23

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