TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY

1. Background

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders- Kenya (Defenders Coalition) is a national organization incorporated in the Republic of Kenya as a Trust. Its mission is to champion the safety, security and wellbeing of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). Established in 2007, Defenders Coalition is the only national organization that works primarily for the protection of HRDs.

In its Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025 which outlines the vision, ambition and strategies of realizing the same, which is also aligned to global human rights instruments, seeks to effectively reposition Defenders Coalition in the rapidly changing environment especially in technology. Defenders Coalition takes a holistic approach in its work geared towards a safe and secure environment for HRDs through an established rapid response mechanism, capacity building and knowledge management structures. To address concerns of HRDs is the core business of Defenders Coalition and thus works towards increasing their capacity in safety and security as well as their knowledge in the policy and legal environment within the human rights context as well as inclusion of technology.

1. Objective of the Development of the ICT Policy for Defenders Coalition.

Defenders Coalition aims to develop an ICT Policy to support organizational strategic focus areas by improving efficiency and safeguarding ICT Infrastructure.

The purpose of this Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy for Defenders Coalition is to establish guidelines and procedures for uptake and usage of ICT resources in the organization.

Defenders Coalition provides a wide range of computing, networking and telecommunications resources and services to the personnel working with the organization. These resources and services have been established to facilitate implementation of programs, projects and administrative activities and to support service delivery by Defenders Coalition.

Defenders Coalition therefore seeks an ICT Policy Consultant who will work closely with Defenders Coalition to develop a comprehensive and practical ICT Policy.

2. Methodology

The development of ICT Policy will be conducted by an external consultant who will lead the ICT Team and will work under the supervision and support of the Defenders Coalition Executive Director. The consultant is expected to develop a technical detailed methodology and framework design of the ICT Policy, taking into consideration the current policy environment and aligned to the Defenders Coalition overall strategy.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

• Review Defenders Coalition programs/departmental objectives with reference to their ICT requirements
• Review the existing ICT Infrastructure and communications systems

4. Deliverables

• Comprehensive ICT Policy document for Defender Coalition
• Action plan with timeframe for the implementation of the ICT Policy
• Indicative costing of the various elements of the ICT Policy that will allow for budgeting and financial planning.

5. Duration and Reporting

• This assignment will be completed within three months, and it’s expected to start on 21^st September 2023. The Consultant shall be expected to breakdown how these days shall be utilized in the work schedule to be presented to the Defenders Coalition.

6. Profile of Consultant

The consultant(s) should have the following qualifications/expertise:

• Master’s degree in computer science, Cyber security, BA in Information Systems or equivalent qualification.
• Five (5) years’ experience in ICT consulting, with Policy development
• Working experience within multicultural teams and human rights organization or communities and human rights issues.
• Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive and practical policy documents.
• Excellent communication skills, oral, written and presentation.
• Experience in advising on data governance, data protection policies and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Knowledge of ICT Infrastructure requirements and strategies for expanding digital access.
• Proven experience in developing ICT Policies and strategies. Experience in conducting policy research and analysis in the field of ICT and human rights.
• Demonstrated strong ICT background, experience and capacity in the implementation of tested technology.

7. Modalities of remuneration

The consultant shall present to the Defenders Coalition both financial and technical proposal for the project. The technical proposal must cover all important aspects of the solution and the financial proposal should cover professional and support costs.

8. Application Procedure

Interested applicants who meet the job requirements and qualifications and with the right personal attributes are invited to complete and submit the following:

1. A technical proposal detailing the methodology and work plan
2. Financial proposal
3. A brief description of the resource person outlining recent experience in similar assignments (three assignments over past four years)
4. At least three references of similar assignment
5. Sample work that is similar to this assignment

All applications should be sent to Defenders Coalition procurement@defenderscoalition.org copied ict@defenderscoalition.org by 25^th August  2023. Quote “ICT POLICY CONSULTANCY” in the subject line of your email.

Successful applicants will be notified by 1^st September 2023 and given further guidelines on the assignment.

Disclaimer:

Defenders Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality within our organization and work. Defenders Coalition thus will recruit/award the consultancy to the most qualified person/company irrespective of race, color, martial status, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or ethnicity. Only successful candidates will be contacted.