Historique
The relatively fast evolution of new information and communications technologies (ICTs) over the last 20 years or so has brought significant changes on a global scale in the way people, governments and the private sector communicate and interact with each other – not to mention their direct impact on the production, distribution and consumption of products and services.
While close to 2.5 billion people globally have Internet access today, in its twenty years of existence, mobile technology has accomplished an even more impressive feat. By the end of this year, it is estimated that almost 6.5 billion people will have access to a mobile device or network, and around 80 percent of them live in developing countries.
The development of new ICTs has provoked a series of bold claims by technology pundits and enthusiasts alike, a number of whom argue that increasing access to modern ICTs will inevitably lead to dramatic changes in the way public institutions function. According to such views, this new era of connected and empowered citizens will inevitably alter the logic of the relationship between governments and the people.
While the history of ICTs demonstrates that such claims are hardly new – similar views were propagated as early as the invention of the telegraph, for example – there is little doubt that we are seeing renewed enthusiasm for the role that ICTs can play as critical enablers that support more collaborative and participatory forms of governance.
The emergence of so-called Web 2.0 technologies and social media has fueled this enthusiasm even further. A number of events from the past few years, such as the Arab Spring and other social movements, are purported as being historical evidence of the power of these technological tools.
Being that as it may, it is undoubtedly essential that development practitioners working in the area of democratic governance have a comprehensive and realistic understanding of the role that ICTs can (and cannot) play in governance processes and institutional settings. For instance, while these tools may create new platforms and communication channels for expressing needs and policy preferences, analysis of the actual impact of these initiatives on policy and decision-making processes have been limited.
Bearing these questions in mind, UNDP, working in partnership with the World Bank (WB), is undertaking research to shed light on these issues, some of which are critical for the area of democratic governance. UNDP is thus seeking the services of an expert who can produce a state-of-the-art knowledge product that effectively addresses the intersection of democratic governance and technology.
Devoirs et responsabilités
Overall Objective
Under the supervision of UNDP's ICT for Development/e-governance policy advisor, the researcher is expected to critically examine the effective role that ICTs could play in supporting democratic governance processes. Contributing to the setting of standards for good practice in the field, the document produced shall also be used to assist the development of a framework to monitor and evaluate ICT-mediated citizen engagement initiatives.
Specific Tasks
The researcher is expected to undertake the following tasks:
Review all relevant academic and data resources in the field of ICT-mediated citizen engagement/governance
Provide a summary analysis of these resources mainly by, but not limited to, review of the evidence of ICT-mediated citizen engagement practices
Develop a critical assessment of the validity of current claims regarding the impact of ICTs on democratic governance
Identify and analyze which factors that lead to success (and failure) in the use of ICTs in participatory governance processes
Identify key lessons learned, challenges and obstacles, particularly in efforts to incorporate ICTs into participatory governance processes
Identify current knowledge gaps in the field of ICT and participatory governance in order to suggest areas of further research
Develop an analytical basis to inform the development of an evaluation framework in the field
Liaise with Governance and ICT development practitioners in both UNDP and the WB;
Liaise with WB experts working on the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework for ICTs in participatory governance
Expected Deliverables
Inception report outlining the consultant’s understanding of the Terms of Reference, with methodology for completing the overall assignment, a draft table of contents and a detailed work-plan with defined time lines
A completed draft literature review and suggestion of analytical framework for future research (and evaluations) in the field.
A final report vetted by both the UNDP and the WB.
The researcher is expected to produce a knowledge product that will set a standard for governance and ICT practitioners around the globe.
Duration/Time line
The researcher is expected to work a total of 30 working days between 22 January and 1 April 2013. The consultant will be home-based and expected to frequently visit UNDP headquarters at the request of the Supervisor. Travel to the World Bank’s headquarters in Washington DC may also be necessary.
Compétences
- Excellent English presentation, communication and writing skills.
- Knowledge of UNDP's and /or international work on democratic governance and e-governance is required
- Demonstrated experience in completing high level literature reviews and/or annotated bibliographies.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to take initiative and be innovative
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment
- Previous experience with UNDP or another UN agency a plus.
Qualifications et expériences requises
Education:
- PhD in social sciences and/or any other relevant field
Experience:
- At least 10 years of professional experience in ICT for development, governance processes and democratic innovations
- Excellent knowledge of ICT applications for development (ICT4D)
- Excellent knowledge of democratic governance issues
- Good research skills with knowledge of data analysis tools
- Excellent knowledge of development and governance issues in developing countries