Background
A fundamental government responsibility is providing information and services aimed at improving the social and economic welfare of its citizens. During the first phase of the commonly known as A2Iprogramme, fundamental progress has been made in improving access to public services. However, it is critical to expand the breadth and width of such simplified services and improve the service delivery model to counter the impact of widespread outdated manual processes, resistance to change by civil service staff and a lack of transparency that still frustrates citizens in their attempts to avail of government information and services.
The objective of the project is to increase transparency, improve governance, and reduce the time, difficulty and costs of obtaining government services for under-served communities of Bangladesh. This is to be achieved by the following 4 components of the project:
Component 1: Strengthening existing e-services and launching a second generation of integrated, inter-operable e-government applications; (e-Service)
Component 2: Sensitizing government officials, training for service providers and expanding digital literacy among the general public; (Capacity and Awareness)
Component 3: Forging strong policy and strategy links to ensure implementation of needed legal and regulatory changes in support of the project; (Enabling Environment) and
Component 4: Promoting innovation in the delivery of e-services. (Innovation)
‘Access to Information II’ is going to recruit Innovation Expert who will develop technological solutions and devices under the supervision of Innovation Director. S/he will conduct a thorough study to identify the best technological options and tools for the target population and ensure that the technological reality of the target population is properly incorporated in the plan, design and implemented of the technology solutions.
The project is funded by the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and other development partners, and is implemented by PMO and Cabinet Division.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions
- Provide guidelines on technological solutions with a focus on target population
- Promoting Devices and system in public service delivery
- Carry out Research & Development activities on feasible biometric technology for Bangladesh
- Provide guidance in capacity development by coaching government ICT focal points on all issues related to ensuring proper function of the e-service system
- Closely work with innovation projects in relevant ministry when necessary
- Function as an effective team member of Innovation Component of the project
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as and when required assigned by project management
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide guidelines on technological solutions with a focus on target population
- Conduct thorough study to identify the best technology options for the target population
- Ensure that the technological reality of the target population is properly incorporated in the plan, design and implementation of the technology solutions
- Identify and incorporate latest technological advancements in the product /output by updating personal skills through self-learning, self-validation and self-motivation.
- Develop project plan for technology solutions in terms cost, time, quality, risk, benefit and scope.
2. Promoting Devices and system in public service delivery.
- To develop strong and innovative concepts of new products, tools and resources including devices, Systems.
- Provide regular updates on the emerging new technologies and advise on their applicability and value to development.
- Support prototyping and scaling-up efforts with technical expertise by creating prototypes and specifications and evaluating them;
- Adequately track and mitigate all incidents related to the systems functionality
- Promote, analyze and testing the usability and system integration of the Devices and other tools for rendering public service.
3. Carry out Research & Development activities on feasible biometric technology for Bangladesh
- Study on currently available biometric technologies worldwide recognized with user experience, feasibility test.
- Analyze case study for the limitations of the Biometric Technologies and propose the suitable technology for Bangladesh.
4. Provide guidance in develop the capacity of service providers including ICT focal point, Chief Innovation Officer and Innovation Officers by coaching on all issues related to ensuring proper function of the e-service system
- Arrange and conduct regular consultations with the government ICT focal point to increase their capacity
- Provide continuous guidance for ensuring proper function of the e-service system by coaching government ICT focal point
- Providing training to the service providers including ICT Focal Point, Chief Innovation Officers and Innovation Officers on existing and newly emerging devices and technologies including system established in the country and worldwide.
- Develop a curriculum on existing and newly emerging devices and technologies including system and arrange training to develop the capacity of the service providers and others relevant officers.
5. Closely work with innovation projects in relevant ministry when necessary
- Provide technological inputs to Innovation Director for indentifying best innovation projects
Provide technological guidance to the relevant ministry/agencies for smooth completion of their innovation projects.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects
- Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration
- Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
- Ability to provide enterprise solutions ideas including large database handling, data center, and secured networks
Management and Leadership
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
- Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes knowledge management in the project and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Systems / Computer Science & Engineering / Management Information Systems or any relevant discipline
- Industry certifications will be preferable
Experience:
- At least 7 years’ experience of working with ICT in national or international organization
- 3 years of working experience in design, development and integration of Embedded System and technology would be desirable.
- Working experience in latest devices and device related technologies in public service delivery as well as experience in Research and Development would be an added advantage
Language Requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Bangla