ICT stakeholder/advocacy coordinator

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FOR ICT STAKEHOLDERS/ADVOCACY COORDINATOR

 I. Background

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project of the ICT Policy/ICT Sector Development Project is seeking to hire an ICT projects management consultant to assist the work conducted by the ICT Policy and Private Sector Development Advisor.

The “ICT Policy and Private Sector Development Advisor” project is designed to build upon the foundation and trust which were forged during the JICA supported ICT Human Resource Development Advisor project and the National ICT strategy Implementation advisor project in 2009-2012. The project aims to create appropriate and effective mechanisms and capacity to accelerate the Rwandan development through using ICT. In order to achieve that aim, it is imperative to provide holistic support to all relevant ICT stakeholders in Rwanda.

II. Project Objectives

1. Build capacity of partner institutions to formulate, advocate, implement, and monitor ICT related  policies and initiatives.

2. Foster conducive environment for ICT private sector development and resulting job creation,

3. Strengthen private sector and other stakeholders’ partnerships both within and beyond Rwanda,

4. Strengthen advocacy activities of ICT sector and ICT for development initiatives both within and beyond Rwanda.

III. Scope of Consultant’s Work

Under the guidance of the ICT Policy/ICT Sector Development Advisor, the stakeholder/advocacy coordinator is expected to support stakeholder consultation and advocacy related activities which are tied to various relevant initiatives/projects organized by the PSF Rwanda ICT Chamber and the Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT).  During the course of the advisor’s absence from the country, the consultant will support the director of the ICT Chamber and the DG of MYICT to continue various initiatives, while closely liaising with and supervised by the Advisor through electric means (e.g.; regular teleconferencing, compilation of status report, etc.).

IV. Outputs

The stakeholder/advocacy coordinator will support the advisor and two principle counterparts (MYICT and ICT Chamber) through coordinating and serving ICT stakeholders in Rwanda. In this capacity, the consultant will support various different projects conducted by the ICT Chamber and the MYICT, both during and beyond the advisor’s in -country work.

Some of the tasks for envisioned for the consultant are following:

1. Compile and provide real-time information about ICT related environment and situations to ICT Advisor.

2. Support MYICT’s work in the area of ICT policy/projects coordination, and advocacy (within the context of various National strategies/policies); especially to receive stakeholder feedbacks and opinions to compile and advance relevant policies/strategies.

3. Support the ICT Chamber’s activities to strengthen ICT private sector’s (ICT SMEs, as specified under National development and ICT strategies/plans) capacities and competitiveness through stakeholder coordination and advocacy.

4. Support advocacy and coordination of stakeholders in advancing innovative activities conducted by the Rwandan innovation centers (including kLab and FabLab). Compile advocacy materials which would facilitate Rwandan examples to be replicated in the future ICT related support activities in African region.

5. Mobilize stakeholders and advocate the ICT Chamber to conduct catalytic, innovative, and collaborative activities in the area of ICT between Rwandan and foreign partners (e.g.; African countries, Japan, etc. ) that would lead to “win-win’ type mutually beneficially outcomes/outputs.

6. Foster partnerships among domestic and foreign stakeholders of the National strategies/plans and advocate for further support activities and collaborative projects.

7. Support the ICT Chamber and the MYICT to conduct advocacy activities in the area of ICT components of National strategies/plans and other ICT for development related topics.

8. Support compilation of outputs, outcomes, and experiences of the ICT Policy/ICT Sector Development project with ICT projects manager and advocate it as best/worst examples for similar initiatives in Rwanda and in other countries.

9. Conduct other duties as added by the supervisors.

V. Timing, Deliverables and Reporting

The stakeholder/advocacy coordinator is scheduled for one year with an initial three month probation period. There is a strong possibility of the contract extension until the project completion, which is envisioned to be at the end of November 2015. The extension shall be discussed upon completion of the initial contract. The Detailed timelines and deliverables will be explained by the ICT Advisor.

The stakeholder/advocacy coordinator will report to the ICT Policy and Private Sector Development Advisor directly with a monthly report to be submitted and approved by the advisor prior to the payment. In addition, during the absence of the ICT advisor in Rwanda, the consultant is expected to be directly reporting to the heads of the two principal counterparts (MYICT and ICT Chamber) while additionally reporting to the ICT advisor in a weekly manner via teleconferencing or other electric means.

VI. Institutional arrangements

The stakeholder/advocacy coordinator is expected to work closely and jointly with the Rwandan ICT Chamber, innovation centers (kLab and forthcoming FabLab), the Ministry of Youth and ICT, and other relevant stakeholders.

The consultant is also expected to work with the projects management consultant to form a core project unit which would serve ICT advisor, two principal counterparts, and other stakeholders.

VII. Resources

The stakeholder/advocacy coordinator will be offered working space at Telecom House, 6th Floor.  Transport and Communication allowances will be offered at the need basis with approval of the ICT advisor.

VIII. Qualification requirements and evaluation criteria

Ÿ   University degree in areas such as journalism, communications, economics, business  administration, public administration, computer sciences, engineering or telecommunications or other related fields.

Ÿ   Minimum 2 years working experiences preferably in advocacy, civil society management, business management, media, etc.

Ÿ   Good understanding of ICT environment and ICT sector related challenges in Rwanda

Ÿ   Strong communication and written language skills in English.

IX. Deadline of Submission of Applications

All interested candidates are required to email their copies of;

Ÿ   Curriculum Vitae

Ÿ   Explanation of interests (cover letter)

Ÿ   Reference letters

Ÿ   Copy of National ID

Ÿ   Copies of Certified Degree

To director@ ictchamber.org.rw and atuchan@gmail.com before 5pm 07th February 2014