POST:Research Associate

APCICT-ESCAP
Location: Incheon, Republic of Korea
Last Date: January 26, 2010
Email: nipha@unapcict.org

VA Number: 10-003-APCICT-SSA-INCHEON (KOREA)
Title: Research Associate (Consultant)
Duration: 6 months (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funds
availability)
Deadline for Applications: 26 January 2010
Date of Issuance: 11 January 2010
Organizational Unit: Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication
Technology for Development (APCICT-ESCAP)
Duty Station: Incheon, Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND:

Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region face a widening digital divide, i.e. between those who have access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those who do not, and between those who are able to successfully use ICTs and those who cannot. At the same time initiatives to strengthen the capacities of
policymakers and citizens in using ICT for social and economic development have been limited and ad-hoc.

A contributing factor to this situation has been the lack of an effective and coordinated mechanism to share and acquire capacity building resources such as training materials, guidelines, handbooks, case studies and audiovisual learning kits. In the Asia-Pacific region, there was no dedicated network and platform for policymakers,
educators and project managers to share experiences and knowledge, and collaborate in developing and delivering quality training to promote innovative synergies towards the advancement of ICT for Development (ICT4D).

To better manage the increasing amount of information being published, and foster continuous learning through knowledge sharing, APCICT devised a research and knowledge management strategy to better serve its member and associate member countries.

From survey results, meetings and consultations, APCICT member and associate member countries identified the following priorities:

• Establish a Digital Partnership Network (DPN) that brings academics, development practitioners, policymakers, researchers and trainers together to share knowledge, learn from each other and
collaborate in the area of ICT4D; and
• Develop an online platform for the network - the e-Collaborative Hub (or e-Co Hub) and allows users to find and share resources and case studies, carry out online discussions, and even collaborate on a
project together.

The DPN was launched on 8 October 2007 at the Second Regional e-Government Training Workshop in Incheon, Republic of Korea, with registrations from 21 countries. The overall goal of the DPN is to strengthen the capacity of APCICT’s member and associate member countries in using ICT for socio-economic development. As a result the e-Co Hub has been designed and developed by APCICT as a place for online convergence of like-minded individuals and organizations working to strengthen capacities in the use of ICT4D in the Asia-Pacific region.

The e-Co Hub together with a revamp of APCICT’s website was launched on 16 June 2008 at the OECD Ministerial Meeting. The e-Co Hub aims to enhance the learning and training experience by providing easy
access to relevant resources, and by making available an interactive space for sharing knowledge and experiences on ICT4D. The e-Co Hub does not attempt to duplicate the work of other ICT4D portals, but aims to give policymakers, educators and project managers a starting point for finding and discussing the increasing amount of information being published.

APCICT is seeking to engage a consultant to provide substantive support to the overall research, knowledge management and outreach activities of APCICT, as assigned by the Director of APCICT.

PURPOSE:
In 2010, APCICT will focus, as part of its knowledge management strategy, on:
• Extending e-Co Hub’s service to promote and facilitate research on ICT4D and capacity building; and
• Expand the development of knowledge products on different areas of ICT4D.

The consultancy is expected to last for 6 months (renewable), starting as soon as possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the overall supervision of the Director of APCICT, the consultant is responsible for the following duties:
1. Manage and promote the range of APCICT’s research, knowledge management and outreach activities relating to information and communications technology (ICT) for Development in general and ICT human capacity building in particular.
2. Collect and compile information from various sources for APCICT’s research products such as analytical studies, papers, case studies, briefing notes etc. on a range of topics, draft the content for publication through online and off line channels, coordinate the publication process, and implement outreach and dissemination activities.
3. Draft, review and edit various reports, summaries, background notes, training modules, speeches and presentations relating to APCICT’s mission and programmes as well as ICT for Development in general.
4. Manage APCICT’s online knowledge sharing platform called e-Co Hub including maintenance and enhancement of knowledge resources, hosting online discussion forums, creating communities of practice, increasing participation and usage, generating utilization
reports, and implementing a vigorous promotion strategy.
5. Maintain and promote other knowledge management products of APCICT.
6. Draft press releases on APCICT’s programmes and activities, and coordinate with various internal and external clients for publication and dissemination.
7. Manage APCICT’s e-newsletter including gathering and synthesizing the content, drafting issues and disseminating them.
8. Contribute APCICT’s content in a timely manner for incorporation in relevant newsletters and publications of other agencies including UN organizations, research institutes and partners.
9. Maintenance of APCICT’s website to ensure the information is complete, relevant and up to date. Generate regular reports on utilization of the website.
10. Performs such other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Keen understanding of development as well as ICT for Development issues; strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple
stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

EDUCATION: Minimum of university degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, development studies, social sciences, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 4 years experience in communications, public relations, media outreach or external relations acquired in a government agency, international organization, NGO, research institution, or other development organization. An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in combination
with qualifying experience may be accepted with minimum of 2 years experience. Extensive knowledge of socio-economic development issues, institutions and policies at the international level, preferably with prior exposure to ICT for Development. Strong drafting and report writing skills required.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Excellent writing and presentation skills. Able to quickly synthesize complex information from different sources into concise key messages. Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions on short notice; Consistently approaches work with energy and a
positive, constructive attitude; - Identifies opportunities and builds strong relationships with clients and partners;
Demonstrates ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines; Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment in the spirit of collaborating and cooperating with others.

LANGUAGES: Fluency in oral and written English.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two official working languages of the United Nations.

Applicants must submit a detailed personal history form using the United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) available at the United Nations offices or the UNESCAP internet website: www.unescap.org/jobs, together with a copy each of any academic achievement certificate/diploma/degree.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (P.11 form) reference to VA No: 10-003-APCICT-SSA-INCHEON (KOREA), by deadline and email to nipha@unapcict.org. Only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted. The deadline for submission is COB 26 January 2010.