Consultant to support the schools’ connectivity to good quality internet (Giga) and DPG work in Kazakhstan

The UNICEF Country Office in Kazakhstan is looking for Consultant to support the schools’ connectivity to good quality internet (Giga) and DPG work in Kazakhstan

Consultant to support the schools’ connectivity to good quality internet (Giga) and DPG work in Kazakhstan

Type of contract: Consultant, full-time
Duration: 11 months from 1 June 2022 to 30 April 2023, 240 working days (the actual duration of the assignment and schedule of activities will be agreed with consultant based on the proposed implementation plan)
Workplace: office-based

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, a fair chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=E1xkXZs0cAQ

 Background GIGA DPG.docx

Scope of Work:
UNICEF in Kazakhstan is seeking for a consultant to lead the schools’ connectivity to good quality internet (Giga), DPG, and space technologies.

The objective and major tasks of the consultancy:
GIGA coordination and implementation
• Act as primary focal point for Giga coordination and implementation with the participating central and national level state and private sector representatives, International Telecommunication Unit, local authorities and UNICEF Kazakhstan, especially the components on 2022-2023 plans, update on school connectivity, business models and internet speed monitoring.

DPGs sustainability and scale up
• Support country office in updating on DPG agenda in consultation with HQ, implementing the developed concept on sustaining the DPGs, documenting the cases, scaling up the approach in partnership with Astana Hub (standards, certification of emerging DPGs, capacity building consultations with digital product developers)

Space technologies and children
• Support country office in strengthening the partnership with space agency Garysh Sapary by making its focus on children more participatory and co-creative, sustain the nano-satellite programme for girls and initiate the application of data science generated through space technologies.

Deliverables:
1. GIGA coordination and implementation
1.1. Support Giga and DPG implementation throughout the workplan with Information Analytical Centre under MOES, workplan with Turkestan region, Programme Document with Astana Hub and other agreements with Implementing Partners governed by 5-year workplan for Giga activities in Kazakhstan and MOU with Ministry of innovation, digital development and aerospace industry.
1.2. Support and facilitate the process of preparation of technical documentation required for vetting of newly published DPGs for validation by Digital Public Goods Alliance in accordance with technical and functional criteria.
1.3. Guide the development of technical solution for redistribution of internet connection by schools or organizations and accompany the testing of several options within the regulatory sandbox of Astana International Financial Centre.
1.4. Validate within the Steering committee meeting and pilot the sustainable business models of connectivity and map the potential business opportunities that attract private sector investment to fill the remaining financial gap.
1.5. Document Kazakhstan’s experience on Giga initiative and DPG work, using Country Office’s communication channels to promote Kazakhstan’s initiatives and contributions as a pathfinder country as well as engage UNICEF’s audience to support the creation and use of Digital Public Goods

2. DPGs sustainability and scale up
2.1. work with Astana hub to sustain the function on DPG certification and conducting consultation with digital products developers
2.2. liaise with HQ for the validation of the DPGs guides through implementation with selected partners
2.3. support two potential partner organisations (Ozim platform and Usupportme) to become as DPGA certified.

3. Space technologies and children
3.1. maintain communication with KAZNU to scale up and sustain nano-satellite programme and seek for funding opportunities and cross-country exchange
3.2. in collaboration with space agency Garym Sapary develop the TOR for the youth advisory group in space technologies; facilitate at least two co-creating sessions of the youth advisory group to form the plan
3.3. facilitate the interaction of Astana Hub and Garysh Sapary on taking forward the packaging of STEM development course on satellites launch and data science
3.4. conduct at least one hackathon on data science and space with children 14-17 age in partnership with Astana Hub and Garysh Sapary
3.5. contribute to visibility and development of communication and information materials, informing about the results of the programme and documenting

All the deliverables are implemented under the supervision of the Education Specialist, in close collaboration with other relevant programme staff (Child protection, health, climate change).

How can you make a difference?

The consultancy will bring the necessary specific technical knowledge and competencies in the area of work in innovations, space and digitalization, are not currently available.

Purpose of the Assignment

UNICEF Kazakhstan is looking for a consultant to support technically the improvement of schools’ connectivity to high-speed internet through the Giga initiative, Digital public goods sustaining and scale up, children and space. UNICEF Kazakhstan was a leading organization in the Giga initiative in Central Asia. A national level Giga steering committee was established in 2021 and a total of 7,400 schools were mapped for Project Connect to show their connectivity status. Under the joint UNICEF and Turkestan region workplan, 38 rural schools were connected to broadband internet covering some 20,000 children. The country office also initiated a feasibility study to find the best technical and economically sustainable solutions for school connectivity in Kazakhstan. In support of the Giga initiative roll out in Kazakhstan further, UNICEF Kazakhstan is interested to hire a consultant who will technically support the schools’ connectivity to high speed internet through the Giga initiative in accordance with 5 year plan, this includes the support to further scale connectivity, Digital public goods in the country ensuring that any technology solution (or data), that is being developed and/or piloted with investment from the Digital Public Goods Alliance will be published as a DPG and therefore should meet the DPG technical and functional criteria such as Openness, Decentralization, Privacy and Security, Digital Inclusion, Product Quality, Utility and Scalability. Detailed guidance on these criteria will be provided. Another important aspect will be to ensure speed of school connectivity is regularly monitored, and real time monitoring systems are operationalized. The new entry is also an engagement of children into space technologies and ensuring their participation in the youth advisory board, co-creation activities and data science knowledge sharing.

Work Assignment Overview

GIGA coordination and implementation

1. Tasks/Milestones: Support Giga and DPG implementation throughout the WP with Information Analytical Centre (IAC) under Ministry of Education and Science workplan with Turkestan region, Programme Document with Astana Hub and other agreements with Implementing Partners governed by 5-year workplan for Giga activities in Kazakhstan and MOU with Ministry of innovation, digital development and aerospace industry.
Deliverables/Outputs:
• Browser extension (M-Lab measure) and software deployed for real time internet connectivity monitoring in 10 pilot connected schools in Turkestan region in partnership with IAC DPG toolkit is presented to the relevant department in MDAI and serve as a baseline for the development of the national road map on DPGs
• At least two steering committee meetings are held with regular updates around the committee’s work, including agendas, goals, procedures, members and timeline
• Monitoring and evaluation component within the 5-year country plan operationalized within the Giga steering committee
• 100% of WPs with local authorities implemented
• Provide quarterly reports
Date: June-November 2022

2. Tasks/Milestones: Validate within the Steering committee meeting and pilot the sustainable business models of connectivity and map the potential business opportunities that attract private sector investment to fill the remaining financial gap
Deliverables/Outputs: The sustainable models presented to Steering committee and the recommendations and comments from members are addressed and at least 1 business model is proposed for testing
Date: December 2022

3. Tasks/Milestones: Document Kazakhstan’s experience on Giga initiative and DPG work, using Country Office’s communication channels to promote Kazakhstan’s initiatives and contributions as a pathfinder country as well as engage UNICEF’s audience to support the creation and use of Digital Public Goods
Deliverables/Outputs:
• Reports and advocacy briefs describing the work of Giga Steering committee at country level with lessons learned and recommendation’s part, validated by UNICEF
• Report sharing lessons learned from the DPG implementation in Kazakhstan, validated by UNICEF
Date: June 2022 – March 2023

DPGs sustainability and scale up

4. Tasks/Milestones: Support and facilitate the process of preparation of technical documentation required for vetting of newly published DPGs for validation by DPGA in accordance with technical and functional criteria.
Deliverables/Outputs:
• 2 local DPGs are vetted and validated by DPGA in line with technical and functional criteria
• Self-submission guidance developed for potential DPG candidates, validated by UNICEF
Date: October 2022

5. Tasks/Milestones: Oversee the implementation and use of open-source stack for technical solution on redistribution of internet connection by schools or organizations and accompany the testing of several options within the regulatory sandbox of Astana International Financial Centre to ensure it aligns with DPG standards and UNICEF business needs and conforms to UNICEF’s overall IT business strategy.
Deliverables/Outputs:
• Product roadmap and scale up strategy, alternative vision for smart contract, available and validated by UNICEF
• Monthly reports describing the lessons learned and challenges of the smart contract development, validated by UNICEF
Date: February 2023

6. Tasks/Milestones: Support two potential partner organisations (Ozim platform and Usupportme) to become as DPGA certified
Deliverables/Outputs:
• Mapped shortcomings of two platforms and recommendations for improvement, validated by UNICEF
• Forms for certification are timely completed and submitted, status of DPG is granted
• Progress report is available and validated by UNICEF
Date: March 2023

Space technologies and children

7. Tasks/Milestones: Maintain communication with KAZNU to scale up and sustain nano-satellite programme for girls and seek for funding opportunities and cross-country exchange
Deliverables/Outputs:
• KAZNU actions provide for sustainability solution including costing of the programme for regular delivery at university level in partnership with Garysh Sapary
• At least one programme session is conducted during autumn or spring holidays covering at least 70 girls and data analysis
Date: August 2022 - March 2023

8. Tasks/Milestones: In collaboration with space agency Garysh Sapary develop the TOR for the youth advisory group in space technologies; facilitate at least two cocreating sessions of the youth advisory group to form the plan
Deliverables/Outputs:
• TOR for the youth advisory group in space technologies validated by UNICEF
• Youth advisory group in space technologies met at least two time
• Content for the youth space hub available after conducting two cocreating sessions
Date: September – December 2022

9. Tasks/Milestones: Facilitate the interaction of Astana Hub and Garysh Sapary on taking forward the packaging of STEM development course on satellites launch and data science
Deliverables/Outputs:
• WP with Garysh Sapary is developed and signed
• Garysh Sapary is capacitated by Astana Hub in developing digital content of the space technologies training programmes with regard to cost efficiency and data generation (at least 4 consultations are held)
• STEM training package consisting of selflearning, face-to-face and mentorship components for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels is developed
• a STEM training package is tested with at least 30 school children of 14-17 age
Date: June 2022 - March 2023

10. Tasks/Milestones: Conduct at least one hackathon on data science and space with children 14-17 age in partnership with Astana Hub and Garysh Sapary
Deliverables/Outputs:
• One hackathon organized, focusing on data science ideas generation to support children’s wellbeing using space technologies
• At least two ideas are brought to the attention of the space specialists for further exploration
Date: November 2022

11. Tasks/Milestones: Contribute to visibility and development of communication and information materials, informing about the results of the programme and documenting
Deliverables/Outputs:
• Social media materials are verified with regard to technical knowledge
• Short narratives (advocacy briefs) are prepared to inform public about progress
• At least two HIS are organised and verified with Communication teams to facilitate HIS preparation
• Participate in thematic forums and sessions
Date: June 2022 - April 2023

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
• Bachelors or Masters degree in ICT, social sciences, development sciences, public relations, business administration and management or related field.
• 5 years progressively responsible professional work experience in start-ups, innovations, private sector, research and management consulting or a relevant field
• Experience in project management, monitoring, reporting, analytics, development, and coordination in either public or private sector organizations is asset.
• Experience with successfully pitching new ideas and business models to a variety of stakeholders with varying interests.
• Experience in planning, delivery and leading projects that specifically relate to innovation in promotion of child rights and technology for development is desirable.
• Strong writing and communication skills and the aptitude to handle competing messages and priorities with multiple audiences.
• Proven experience of working (at least 2 years) in the area of digital products development, data, blockchain, fintech, and public policy.
• Experience engaging with senior government, NGOs and private sector stakeholders in the country.
• Experience in project management is an asset.
• Good familiarity and comfort with failure.
• Strong familiarity with the cultural and political context of the region, including policy and regulatory in the area of ICT and digitalization
• Proven capacity to work with collaborative teams across different locations and with different technical skills.
• Fluency in English and Russian is required. Knowledge of Kazakh language is an asset.
• Previous experience with UNICEF or the UN is an advantage.
• Competencies:
- Communication;
- Drive for results;
- Understanding on monitoring, reporting, analytics, development, and coordination in either public or private sector organizations;
- Strong familiarity with the cultural and political context of the region, including policy and regulatory in the area of ICT, digitalization and connectivity;
- working in the area of digital products development, data, blockchain, fintech and public policy.
- Analyzing;
- Learning and Researching;
- Adapting and Responding to Change.

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (https://www.unicef.org/about/unicef-culture)
View our competencies framework  Functional Competencies.pdf

Remarks:
• Completion of the UN/UNICEF mandatory trainings is obligatory upon commencement of the contract.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.
• The Individual contractor or Consultant will perform his/her duties in line with UNICEF standards and procedures.
• The successful candidate will be required to have medical insurance (at his/her own cost), covering the whole period of contract, including travel.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
• Payment upon completion of each deliverable according to schedule. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.