FF announces call for Consultants (Individual/ Institution) to perform the following duties and responsibilities as mentioned in the Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference
for
Mapping Open Data Initiatives in Nepal
1. Project Background:
“Sustainable Use of Technology for Public Sector Accountability in Nepal (SUSASAN)” project is designed to collaborate and coordinate with government agencies and civil society organization including local communities to leverage and mainstream integrated technologies in the governance processes. The ultimate outcome of the project is “increased empowerment of women and men, girls and boys, and marginalized groups, to engage in democratic processes and enjoy and exercise their human rights”. Similarly, the intermediate outcomes of the project are:
1. Enhance equitable and inclusive participation in democratic decision making process, especially by women and marginalized groups (WMG) through the use of technology.
2. Increased use of technology by people, especially WMG to hold the government accountable.
3. Increase responsiveness of public institutions to diverse needs and rights of people specially WMG through the use of technology.
This project is being implemented in two local structures (7 Rural Municipalities; 4 Municipalities and 1 sub-metropolitan) of each six districts (Achham, Bajhang, Dadeldhura, Kailali, Lalitpur and Sindhupalchowk) of Nepal.
The project requires us to conduct a mapping and analysis of existing Open Data initiatives to create a baseline of knowledge on about disclosure of public information by the government at the central, provincial (if applicable) and local levels. The mapping and analysis of Open Data initiatives would be useful to identify gaps in the digitization of public information by local government; and the help the project focus in terms of the design of tools and mechanisms for social accountability and proactive disclosure of public information through the integrated technologies. Hence, SUSASAN intends to carry out a mapping and analysis of Open Data, which will be accomplished by employing qualified consultant(s) supported by Freedom Forum and project team.
2. Objective of the study
The overall objective of the study is to create a baseline assessment and analysis of open data initiatives being undertaken by different levels of government so as to identify opportunities for WMG engagement to foster accountability through the use of technology, particularly among WMGs.
The specific objectives are as follows:
• Map existing open data initiatives in Municipalities, and Rural Municipalities and Sub-Metropolitan areas in six districts of Nepal by concerned provincial and federal agencies.
• Access the demand for open data by civil society and citizens especially with a special focus on WMGs, as well as their capacity to analyse the use that data, and use this to analyse gaps in the provision of information.
• Review and access the mechanisms and practises by which Open Data is proactively disclosed, again with reference to whether to this is meeting the needs of citizens.
• Make recommends regarding: a) types of open data which are not being provided and for which there is a need. b) potential actors at the local government level which could be used to enhance the dissemination of open data and c) appropriate means/ technologies (online and off-line) for disclosing data so that it is accessible to relevant local populations.
• Access the barriers and opportunities faced by civil society and citizens, and especially WMGs, in terms ofaccess to data which is publicly available.
3. Scope of the study
The study should cover the following areas:
• Map Open Data initiatives by line ministries and local government units at the rural municipality, municipality and sub-metropolitan levels, with a focus on data that can help promote responsive, inclusive and accountable governance
• Access the adequacy of the tools and mechanisms used by government agencies for the proactive disclosure of public data/information, with a focus on services being delivered generally to citizens, with a particular focus on WMGs
• Analyze the extent of access and use of Open Data by government agencies, civil society, citizens in general and specifically WMGs
• Perception on the practice of open data of government agencies, civil society, technology service providers and citizen specially WMG.
• Make recommendations regarding all of the above with a view to helping the project identify priority areas of focus for its work.
4. Qualification, skill and experience of researcher(s)
Master’s degree in Social science/statistics/ICTs or relevant subject;
At least five years experience in conducting field research in access to information, open data and accountability
Knowledge in open data, local governance, accountability, GESI, citizen engagement and use of integrated technologies;
Proven skill on using statistical tools and software;
Willing to travel remote areas and able to dialogue with local communities and relevant stakeholders in project districts;
5. Deliverables
The deliverables of the open data initiative mapping are as follow:
• First deliverable: Prepare, present and finalize detail study methodology including study schedule, study team, sampling procedure, data/information collection instruments, data triangulation and analysis methodology and tentative reporting structure by 22 September 2017.
• Second deliverable: Orient enumerators from DCSOs in data collection instruements by 10 October 2017.
• Third deliverable: Consult with relevant agencies; collect secondary and primary data and submit complied and refined data set by 31 October 2017.
• Fourth deliverable: Prepare and present draft report by 20 November 2017.
• Fifth deliverable: Validate the findings and submit the final report including data set and data analysis pattern by 04 December 2017.
The requirement is based in Kathmandu with required numbers of field visits. Interested candidates are requested to send their applications and an updated CV with two references to: info@freedomforum.org.np and bishal@freedomforum.org.np. The application deadline is 5:00 PM , 20 September 2017. Only short listed candidates would be contacted for further process of selection. People with disability, women and from marginalized community are encouraged to apply.