ICT for Development (ICT4D) Specialist in the Power bank project at FIDA

The Power bank project aims to support Finnish development NGOs to better integrate feasible technology solutions into their field programs and processes for increased effectiveness, reach, scale and impact. In order to boost the use of ICT for development, Power bank also facilitates active collaboration between NGOs, local and international companies, startups and innovation hubs to co-create new solutions to well-defined development challenges.
Power bank project includes operations in East Africa, mainly in Kenya, but may also give limited support to Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia. The first phase of power bank lasts from 2020 to the end of 2021 (approximately 2 years).
ICT4D Specialist for the power bank project / FIDA
Fida International under Finnish Mission Kenya is one of the implementing organizations of the power bank project. We are recruiting an ICT4D Specialist for the power bank project (while receiving the funding from Finland).
As an ICT4D Specialist you’ll be responsible for supporting selected development cooperation organizations, including Fida, and their local partners to adopt and integrate existing ICT4D solutions into their project and operations. You will be working closely with other power bank colleagues in a team of 2-3 people.
Your main duties (some points in different order/combined)
Serve as the focal lead for ICT For Development (ICT4D) activities within the Fingo power bank project supporting various civil society organizations to integrate technology solutions into their development programming
Assess and analyze ICT4D training needs. Provide capacity building (training, coaching, on-the-job support, etc.), remotely or on-site, to staff and partners in ICT4D-related areas to ensure efficient and consistent adoption and use of ICT4D applications.
Coordinate and ensure collaboration amongst the different NGOs, companies, networks, hubs and other relevant stakeholders. Provide leadership in the establishment and sustenance of a Community of Practice (CoP) meetings.
Provide technical expertise, trainings, supporting material and sparring on Information Communication Technologies (ICT) including, e.g. mobile data gathering, digital services, SMS, voice, solar energy, data visualization, devices and other technology tools for the supported civil society organization. Identify, hire and manage consultants when needed.
Monitor, review, and synthesize tools/trends in the ICT4D field and guide organizational efforts to keep abreast of these tools/trends;

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a field related to ICT4D required, with an advanced degree in a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of researching, testing, and applying ICT tools to projects in developing countries, with appropriate field experience required;
• Experience managing consultants and liaising between technical developers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail: ability to juggle large amounts of details while maintaining big picture.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in both English and Swahili, with experience in making presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, as part of multi-cultural teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills;
• Very strong time management, multitasking, and organizational skills;
• Availability for frequent travel especially within East Africa (esp. Tanzania and Uganda) on short assignments
• We will offer to you
• Very interesting work with multiple development cooperation organizations in East Africa.
• Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are promoting sustainable development goals through your contribution in the area.
• The recruited person will work in collaboration with many teams from different organizations, including Fida East Africa regional programme staff thereby having an experience of working in an innovative and agile network.