MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY AND COMMERCE

GOJ/IDB Information and Communications Technology Project (LOAN No.1438/OC-JA)

MITEC/2006/00038

Terms of Reference

1.      BACKGROUND

1.1.  The Government of Jamaica received a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank for the implementation of the Information and Communications Technology Project (ICT). The Project components are: (a) strengthening the Ministry of Industry  Technology Energy & Commerce (MITEC); (b) introducing E-government (Government online) in key agencies to improve efficiency in the public and private sectors;

      (c) increasing community access to the Internet in low-income areas (“bridging the digital divide”); and

      (d) augmenting human capital in ICT.  Total Project costs is US$14.5 million, of which US$8.5 million is financed by a Bank loan (OC). The Executing Unit is MITEC.

     1.2.  There are two kinds of limitations preventing Jamaican citizens from benefiting from the opportunities offered

             by the Internet. One refers to physical access to the technology – the hardware, software and connectivity. A

             second set of barriers relate to lack of education, training, cognitive abilities  and   even cultural predisposition

             to use the technology.

1.3.         MITEC is seeking a consultant to assist the Project Manager by initially engaging communities interested in establishing Community Access Points.  (CAPs).  The incumbent will monitor the progress being made by CAPs, conduct follow up visits, and respond to verbal and written queries. Deal with specific queries and perform related duties as directed.

2.      PROJECT OBJECTIVES

2.1.  The objective of the Community Outreach Component is to enable low  income people to gain access to the

        opportunities that the internet opens up for communicating, learning, identifying employment and income

        generating activities and improving community welfare.

 3.      CHARACTERISTICS OF CONSULTANCY

3.1.         Type of Consultancy:        Individual

3.2.         Duration:                            The project commenced  in late 2003, to establish no fewer than 10 CAPs

                                                       across the island.

3.3.         Place of Work:                   The Consultant’s tasks will be undertaken in Kingston, Jamaica.

3.4          Qualifications:                   Bachelors Degree in Information Technology,

Social Science or a related field with experience in working with Community Based Initiatives (CBI)/ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)

                                                      Ability to use software tools including MICROSOFT Word, Excel and Power

                                                       Point.

Familiarity with Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) such as Linux, Firefox, Open Office.

3.5   Experience:                         At least three years experience, understanding and collaborating with CBI/NGO

                                                    stakeholders; project experience; and strong English Language communication

                                                    skills

4.      Activities:

The Consultant will be required to:

4.1.         Review and adopt best practices related to Community Access Points implementation.

4.2.         Review Project Proposals received.

4.3.         Prepare Project Summaries.

4.4.         Provide technical guidance as necessary to communities.

4.5.         Identify appropriate resources for equipment and software and training.

4.6.         Deal with correspondence.

4.7.         Participate in Working Group meetings conducted.

4.8.         Prepare CAP site manual

4.9.         Draft Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs)

4.10.     Assist with forging partners.

5.   Key Responsibility Areas

·        Review project proposals, identify gaps, prepare project summaries

·        Providing technical guidance to communities aspiring to establish

·        Liaise with communities in the development of project ideas

·        Forging partnerships with NGOs, Post Offices and other entities

·        Collaborate with partners engaged in ICT community access

·        Conducting community awareness activities and providing technical and providing technical guidance for the finalization of proposals

·        Dealing with correspondents relating to community outreach

·        Working Group meetings called

·        Meetings conducted

·        Assisting with the preparation of CAP site manual for review and subsequent inclusion in MOU

·        Preparing MOUs for legal review and subsequent signing

·        Liaise with Department of Cooperatives regarding registration of CAPs

·        Assists with the different connectivity options available to CAPs

·        Attending meetings, workshops seminars as directed

6.   Technical /Professional Responsibility

Studies and analyses project proposals submitted to the project manager relating to ICT community outreach.

7.      Terms of Payment

The individual will be paid on a monthly basis.

8.      Additional Work

Any other tasks other than that specified in the Terms of Reference must be clearly identified and accepted by all parties.

9.      Supervision

The Project Manager in the PEU will be responsible for supervising the satisfactory completion of this contract.