External Technical Facilitator

Tender Description

Terms of Reference – External Technical Facilitator

Background

“Prosperity of the Palestinian Tech Ecosystem” is a project that focuses on the upskilling and development of mid-level professionals in Palestinian ICT companies to ensure hi-tech business development and equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary skills to better position the Palestinian ICT sector. This initiative is being implemented by the Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies (PITA) and funded by USAID Building Regional Economic Bridges (BREB) Activity, targeting mid-level staff working inside PITA’s ICT members in the West Bank.

The initiative comprises customized training programs conducted by both international and local trainers. These programs will be enhanced with additional technical support, including matchmaking and coaching services, to effectively apply the newly acquired skills and competencies in negotiating business deals, establishing connections, and forming partnerships with potential clients and investors.

Recognizing the significance of upskilling human capital resources, exposure to niche markets and trends, and boosting competitiveness, the project aims to equip participants to expand, contract with other markets, and thrive in the business landscape.

About PITA

PITA represents more than 180 major ICT companies in Palestine’s emerging technology and startup ecosystem, making PITA the driving force in advancing the ICT sector’s interests and the leading information source about this sector in Palestine. PITA was founded in 1999 by a group of Palestinian entrepreneurs with the vision of creating a non-profit organization to advance the interests and positive societal impact of Palestine’s ICT sector. A new generation of forward-thinking entrepreneurs with a heritage that takes them back thousands of years is bringing together profound change to the technology and startup landscape.

About BREB

BREB is a key component of the Partnership for Peace Fund under the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA). Through technical assistance, grants, and facilitating access to finance, BREB: (1) facilitates cooperative exchange and knowledge sharing; (2) fosters new markets; (3) strengthens Palestinian enterprises to promote cross-border trade; and (4) promotes investment and access to finance. Across all components, transferring technology and know-how is a key program objective.

Primary Objectives of the External Technical Facilitator:

The facilitator will collaborate with PITA to establish detailed criteria for selecting a training agency and an international matchmaking and coaching advisor. This involves crafting comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToRs) that align with the project's specific needs and adhere to international and local standards. Additionally, the facilitator will actively participate in the mobilization campaign, overseeing the publication of open tenders and facilitating the selection process for service providers and targeted mid-level employees. A pivotal role lies in working closely with the chosen training agency to address the project's objectives and knowledge gaps. Lastly, the facilitator will provide essential support in the selection process of participants' applications, ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection process that aligns with the project's overarching goals.

Scope of Work:

Drafting 1 comprehensive ToR for selecting a training agency specialized in outsourcing and software trainings, for the provision of top in-demand technical and engineering skills and outsourcing -soft skills.

Drafting 1 comprehensive ToR for selecting an international matchmaking and coaching advisor who will work with the targeted team leads for matchmaking purposes; in terms of making business deals, connections, and partnerships with potential clients and investors from the US and other regional locations.

Responsible for overseeing the mobilization campaign, including the publication of open tenders and any selection process of service providers and the targeted mid-level; in which the expert will be developing a comprehensive plan for the 2-month campaign mobilization, presented as a 3-4 pages word document.

Assessing the capacity gaps within targeted team leads, marked by a technical needs assessment report.

Establishing a concrete plan that outlines key milestones, and delivery dates for the to-be designed training program.

Be the lead person in charge for the selection and evaluation process of the 40 team leads from PITA’s ICT companies, from screening and interviews.

Providing support in vetting participants' applications, ensuring a fair and comprehensive selection.

Qualifications:

5 years of experience drafting ToRs and managing the selection process for training agencies within the ICT field.

In-depth knowledge of international standards in ICT capacity building and upskilling programs.

Proven expertise in assessing knowledge gaps within organizations and developing targeted capacity plans.

Comprehensive understanding of matchmaking processes and dynamics within the ICT sector, from strategies to facilitate connections, collaborations, and partnerships between companies, team leads, and potential clients or investors.

In-depth knowledge of the ICT sector, outsourcing, and software training.

Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with both local and international partners.

Previous experience in evaluating and selecting mid-level professionals for training programs.

Understanding of the Palestinian ICT sector and its needs and challenges.

Deliverables:

One comprehensive ToR for selecting a training agency.

One comprehensive ToR for selecting an international matchmaking and coaching advisor.

One technical needs assessment report on knowledge gaps for 40 targeted team leads (shall be conducted within a week); through utilizing tools from screening, interviewing, surveys and other tools.

One selection process final report of the targeted team leads covering the selection criterion followed and the completed vetting information related to the targeted beneficiaries.

A well-documented 3-4 pages plan outlining the steps for the 2-months mobilization campaign, including open tenders and service provider selection processes.

A concrete plan outlining key milestones and delivery dates for the design and implementation of the training program.

Level of Effort (LOE) and Period of Performance:

The technical facilitator will work 50 days of LOE over a period of 5 months, starting from February 22nd, 2024, through July 22nd, 2024.

Application Submission and Deadline:

Detailed technical proposal addressing the indicated scope of work.

CV of the expert.

Similar experiences and samples of previous work.

Detailed financial proposal based on expected daily rates, travel expenses, fieldwork expenses, and others, with a breakdown of the price per unit and the number of units, amount in U.S. dollars with all costs including income tax.

Initial work plan, methodology, and availability of the expert.

Only applicants who have the required qualities, experience, and skills will be considered.

Interested applicants must send the technical and financial proposal (in English) by e-mail to [email protected] no later than the 17th of February 2024, at 3:00 PM local time in Palestine, and include the “External Technical Facilitator” in the subject line and cover letter. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have any further inquiries, please contact the following email address: [email protected].

Location Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, Salfit, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Tubas, Outside Palestine, Rawabi, Remote Jobs

Deadline 17, Feb

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