Consultant to develop ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2022-2025)

BACKGROUND
The Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (Tasdeer) is a three-year programme funded by UK Aid from the British Government and implemented by a consortium led by Cowater International.

The objective of the Tasdeer programme is to improve the Palestinian private sector’s competitiveness and the PA’s capacity in the fields of trade, customs and import policy regulation and administration. The Tasdeer programme aims to increase sustainable private sector-led economic growth and job creation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the PA’s fiscal sustainability while ensuring equitable access to increased trade and improved institutional capacity. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion is a main tool and objective for Tasdeer to ensure the benefits of the programme are equally accessed by the diverse groups of men and women in the supply chain.

The Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies (PITA) represents more than 180 major ICT companies in Palestine’s emerging technology and start-ups ecosystem. PITA’s vision is to advance the interests and positive societal impact of Palestine’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector.

The latest strategy for the sector was developed in 2014 and is hence outdated. There is now a need to formulate a new strategy for the sector that is responsive to evidence on Palestinian ICT companies’ international competitiveness and that places special focus on developing and further growing the sector’s capabilities based on a clear offering and competitiveness.

   
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Tasdeer is looking for a short-term consultant to develop a three-year ICT Sector Strategy (2022-2025).

The expert will lead the process of forming a strategy that identifies the current capacity of the sector, provide information about the international market trends, which will be used to set strategic goals that aims to improve the competitiveness of the sector, increase exports, and increase attractiveness for foreign direct investment. The consultant will assess the incentives provided by Palestinian government institutions.

   
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The consultant/consulting company is expected to do the following:

• Review previously developed sector strategies and reports
• Assess the current capacity of the sector
• Assess the potential of the sector against global demand and trends taking the UK market as an example
• Conduct meetings with the different stakeholders
• Conduct focus groups to inform the strategy
• Develop a sector strategy to bridge the gap between the current capacity of the sector and its unmet potential, the strategy should address the role of:
• The Government
• Private Sector
• Academic sector
• Donors/international community
• Develop a 3-year roadmap to reach the identified strategic goals
• Create a work plan for PITA for implementing its strategy

A full Terms of Reference for the assignment is available at the following link: https://tasdeer.ps/announcements/1587.html

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• At least 10 years’ experience in Strategic planning, with good knowledge in the ICT sector.
• Participatory approaches in conducting assessments and facilitating strategic planning processes.
• Knowledge of the international ICT market and trends.
• Strong professional knowledge in developmental projects.
• Experience in leading strategic planning processes and good group facilitation skills.
• Good understanding of sustainable development issues, including the objective that the strategic plan aims to attain.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral Arabic and English) are an essential requirement.
• Experience and understanding of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion analysis is a plus.
• International applicants are welcome.

APPLICATION PROCESS 
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to [email protected] no later than Thursday, 21st of July 2022. For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position. 
   
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
   
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
   
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.

   
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.