GoGirls ICT Initiative

TTOSICT PROJECT 2021/2022

TTOSICT PROJECT 2021/2022

#TTOSICT 2021/2022

What’s New?

GoGirls ICT Initiative presents the Time To Shine ICT #TTOSICT Project 2021/2022 under the theme Beyond Conflict to bring together youth from primary and secondary schools and universities to exchange knowledge and ideas related to Science, Technology, Engineering,  Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) innovation in their communities. 

What is #TTOSICT project?

#TTOSICT Project is a mentorship program aimed at promoting the use of ICTs by youth, especially girls, in schools and communities as a tool for peacebuilding. The program is based on ‘EEE’; that is Engaging youth especially girls as agents of change and peacebuilding in their communities, Educating them in the use of technology for good thereby Empowering them to confidently express themselves and advocate for change through innovative relevant technology solutions, as well as empowering the communities where they reside.

The overall goal of this project is to promote peaceful co-existence and collaboration among South Sudanese for the greater good of fostering development; and promotion of ICT innovation as a result of the existence of favorable ICT policies and youth with relevant ICT skills.

What are the project objectives?

  1. To promote the use of ICTs among youth as a tool for peacebuilding. 
  2. To promote communal collaboration among youth, teachers, and communities. 
  3. To influence policy on the use of ICTs in schools and universities. This objective seeks to encourage youth to advocate for the prioritization of ICTs in development and youth innovation in line with SDG 9, promotion of innovation, and industry. 

This project is supported by UNDP South Sudan Peace and Community Cohesion (PACC) Project with funds from Sweden.

Terms of Reference (TOR) for a national consultant to develop GoGirls Internal Policies

GOGIRLS ICT INITIATIVE

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1. Consultancy Information
Consultancy Title:
National Consultant to Develop Internal Policies
Location:
GoGirls ICT Initiative Premises, Juba
Type of Contract:
Individual Contract
Post Level:
National Consultant
Languages Required:
English
Application Deadline:
21 January 2022 (Midnight Juba, South Sudan)
Starting Date:
1 February 2022
Expected Duration of Assignment:
1 - 28 Februrary 2022 (20 working days)

2. Background

GoGirls ICT Initiative is a Juba, South Sudan based non-profit initiative founded by a group of dedicated young women in the fields of Computer Science, Information Systems, ICT4D Innovation, and peacebuilding. 

GoGirls ICT’s focus is on mentorship in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) related topics leveraging more on Open-Source resources to create an Open Culture in South Sudan. Founded in 2015, the Organization was finally registered as an independent Non-Governmental Organization in 2019.

 

In July 2020, Public Accountants carried out a financial management capacity assessment for GoGirls ICT Initiative (GoGirls) on behalf of UNDP. Their report contained several recommendations for policies to be developed and put in place. These policies include: 

  • anti-fraud and corruption policies. 
  • whistle blower policies. 
  • policies/procedures and tools for programme development.
  • monitoring and evaluation policies, procedures, and guidelines
  • policies on staff training
  • procurement policy (revision of the current manual was recommended)
  • policy on sexual harassment (SH) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), as well as a policy against retaliation.

However, based on the immediate organizational needs, GoGirls management has prioritized development of the following policies:

  • Procurement policy (review of the current manual)
  • Anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies
  • Whistle blower policy 
  • Sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse policy

3. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to:

  • Review the current procurement manual of the GoGirls to develop a comprehensive policy on procurement
  • Develop policies on anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse.

4. Objective of the Consultancy

  • To strengthen the organizational policies (operational & programme) of GoGirls to effectively carry out its mandate and achieve its vision in South Sudan. 

5. Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct some desk research on programme and operations policies of national organizations in South Sudan to produce a background paper
  • Facilitate a workshop to brainstorm on the proposed policies (procurement, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse) to feed into the background paper
  • Analyze reports on capacity assessment of GoGirls to strengthen the background paper for development of the prioritized policies. 
  • Facilitate interviews to solicit input from the partners and board of directors of GoGirls to prepare first draft policies on procurement, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse.
  • Present the first draft policies in a validation workshop to be organized by GoGirls in Juba 
  • Integrate feedback from the partners and board of directors and submit the second draft policies to the board of directors and management of GoGirls for discussion and approval by the board of directors. 
  • Prepare and submit final policies on procurement, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse to the management of GoGirls. 

6. Methodology

  • The consultant shall adopt a combination of participatory tools and methodologies like desk research; report analysis, Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis; consultations and interviews with key partners/ stakeholders and workshop facilitation techniques to promote participation and buy-in.
  • The consultant will work closely with the management of GoGirls throughout the entire consultancy process as well as with partners in Juba.

7. Time frame and Deliverables

Activity

Desk review.
Facilitate brainstorming/ consultative workshop and interviews with the management and partners of GoGirls to develop draft policies on procurement, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistleblower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse.
Facilitate the validation workshop and update the draft policies.
Present the final draft policies.
Total number of working days

Deliverables

Inception Report with clear methodology, detailed work plan, stakeholder mapping and the background paper.
First draft of the policies.
Second draft of the policies.
Final draft policies.

Time allocated

4 days
12 days
3 days
1 day
20 days

8. Competencies

Corporate Competencies

  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations
  • Strong communication, team building, interpersonal, analysis, and planning skills

Professionalism

  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter
  • Demonstrates experience in subject matter
  • Demonstrates ability to negotiate and apply good judgment
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results

Planning & Organizing

  • Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources, and multiple reporting relationships
  • Plans, coordinates, and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines
  • Establishes, builds, and maintains effective working relationships with staff, partners, and beneficiaries to achieve the planned results

Communicating Information and Ideas

  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
  • Delivers verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to listen and take direction and leadership from others.

Self-Management & Emotional Intelligence

  • Creating synergies through self-control, and tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook to work productively.

Other Corporate competencies

    • Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment.
    • Excellent supervisory, team building, diplomatic and interpersonal skills.
    • Resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgement.
    • Strong communication and advocacy skills.
    • Ability to work in a complex environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors.
    • Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
    • Excellent analytical, organizational and negotiation skills, especially resource management skills.
  • Excellent networking skills.

9. Required Skills and Expertise

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Administration/ Governance, Law, Political Science, Sociology, International Development, and/or related Social Science fields. 

 

Experience

  • 4-8 years’ experience in designing, planning, developing and analyzing policies of operations and programme for non-state actors (national organizations/ civil society organizations)
  • Experience in NGO management, working with innovation hubs and their organizational development 
  • Experience in gender sensitive evaluation and analysis of organizational policies. 
  • In-depth knowledge of anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse in project management and operations of non-governmental organizations 
  •  Experience in engaging with partners and stakeholders using participatory and consultative approaches and ability to manage diversity of views in different cultural contexts.
  • Familiarity with the local political, economic, social, and local governance system in South Sudan
  • Experience in using a range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis techniques related to policy review and development and experience in facilitating consultation workshops with good presentation and IT skills. 
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and good report writing skills.

 

Languages

  • Fluency in spoken and written English.
  • Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

10. Institutional arrangements

  • The consultant will be based in Juba, South Sudan. The consultant is expected to use their own computer/laptop and cell phone. However, depending on availability of physical facilities (e.g., working space, computer, printer, telephone lines, internet connection etc.) and at the discretion of GoGirls, such facilities may be provided at the disposal of the Consultant.
  • The consultant will be contracted for 20 full-time working days.
  • The consultant will report to the GoGirls Executive Director who will review and approve delivery of outputs. 
  • The Executive Director will also be responsible for liaising with the Consultant to provide all relevant documents, set up stakeholder interviews and workshops, and arrange visits to the office.

11. Payment Schedule

Sn.

1st Payment
2nd Payment
3rd Payment

Deliverables

Inception Report with clear methodology, detailed work plan, partner/ stakeholder mapping and the background paper.
First draft of the policies on procurement, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse.
Second and final draft of the policies.

Payment

20%
40%
40%

11.    How to Apply

All organizations or persons interested can submit their proposals (technical and financial proposals) in person or by email to: 

Physical address in Juba: 88.4 City FM Compound, Suk Melisia, Munuki

E-mail address: application@gogirlsict.org

The available starting date and fee of the assignment which is subject to negotiation should be clearly stated in the Letter of Interest. Applications should be received no later than 21 January 2022.

Technical proposal comprising of the following:

  • Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability.
  • Personal CV indicating all prior experience with similar assignments, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and three (3) professional references.
  • Brief description (max. 1 page) of why you consider yourself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology (max. 1 page) for how you will approach and complete the assignment.

Financial proposal: Indicating the all-inclusive, fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs.

Consultancy Evaluation Criteria

Offers received will be evaluated using a Combined Scoring method, where the qualifications and proposed methodology will be weighted 70%, and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted 30%.

Criteria to be used for rating the qualifications and methodology:

Technical evaluation criteria (total 70 points)

  • 4-8 years’ experience in designing, planning, developing and analyzing policies of operations and programme for non-state actors (national organizations/ civil society organizations) in post-conflict contest (20 marks)
  • Experience in NGO management, working with innovation hubs and their organizational development (10 marks)
  • Experience in gender sensitive evaluation and analysis of organizational policies (5 marks)
  • In-depth knowledge of anti-fraud, anti-corruption, whistle blower, Sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse in project management and operations of non-governmental organizations (10 marks)
  •  Experience in engaging with partners and stakeholders using participatory and consultative approaches and ability to manage diversity of views in different cultural contexts (5 marks)
  • Familiarity with the local political, economic, social, and local governance system in South Sudan (5 marks)
  • Experience in using a range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis techniques related to policy review and development and experience in facilitating consultation workshops with good presentation and IT skills (5 marks)
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and good report writing skills (5 marks).
  • Relevant Academic Background and language proficiency (5 marks).

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the Technical Evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial evaluation (total 30 points)

All technically qualified proposals will be scored out of 30 points/ marks. The maximum points (30) will be assigned to the lowest financial proposal. 

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

GoGirls ICT Initiative Partners With Akirachix To Engage More Girls in ICT

GoGirls ICT Initiative Partners With Akirachix To Engage More Girls in ICT

GoGirls ICT Initiative Partners With Akirachix To Engage More Girls in ICT

For the past five years, we have been implementing the Time To shine Information Communication Technology (#TTOSICT) mentorship program that aimed at Engaging, Educating, and Empowering youth, especially girls in primary and secondary schools to spark their interest in doing science at the secondary level and increase their chances of doing courses in the fields of  Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics with the integration of Arts  (STEAM). As a result of these efforts, the girls who were involved by then at the age of 11 years old in Primary Five have now joined secondary schools within Juba, and those in Secondary completed their South Sudan School Certificate in 2019. Most of these girls too were beneficiaries of our GoGirls Sponsorship Initiative to support them in school for one year as long as they continued to participate in this program.

To encourage and keep these girls engaged in this program throughout, we reached out to their schools, families, and communities through the Family Visit Program that has become an integral part of all our projects and programming.

One of the most common questions raised by the teachers, families, and communities of these girls is: “what is next for them after secondary school especially to parents who are economically challenged and girls who are vulnerable?.” To answer this question; GoGirls ICT Initiative has collaborated with Akirachix to put synergies together so as to support girls who have completed their South Sudan Secondary school certificates in 2019 to be part of their AkiraChix codeHive 2022 recruitment program.

AkiraChix was founded in 2010 by a group of women who were passionate about changing the landscape of the technology field and creating a community that supports, connects, and inspires women in the tech space. These young women challenged the status quo by encouraging and facilitating more women to take up careers in technology-related fields. Its vision has continued to be led by Linda Kamau and Marie Githinji, who have committed to champion the diversity and inclusion of women in the technical workforce, changing the economic capabilities of young women as well as shifting societal norms. AkiraChix has come a long way from its beginnings, where it trained young women from Nairobi in a bus fitted with computers to a fully-fledged residential campus to serve young women from all over Kenya and other African Countries. Read more about AkiraChix: https://akirachix.com/

codeHive is the AkiraChix signature program. It is a one-year fully subsidized residential hands-on technical training program. It provides education and economic opportunity to young women between the ages of  19 and 24  from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have completed high school education, and are unable to further their education due to financial constraints.  

After expanding from Kenya to Rwanda and Uganda in 2021, AkiraChix will also expand to Tanzania and South Sudan in 2022. It is also seeking promising young women from refugee communities across these countries. 

According to Women in Technology statistics, Women currently remain highly underrepresented in software engineering (14% of the total workforce) and computer science-related jobs (25% of the total workforce). Female software engineer hires have only increased 2% over the last 21 years.

Through this collaboration, GoGirls ICT Initiative is one of the approved Test Centers that will provide the applicants with dedicated computers and internet to apply for this program and also use their networks to help Akirachix reach more young women to build careers in technology in South Sudan to transform their lives and communities. We constantly commit to breaking societal barriers limiting girls from doing careers in ICT and continue contributing to bridging the gender digital divide gap. Such opportunities and exposure are what these girls need. The fact that South Sudan Joined the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) as its 49th member state presents vast opportunities in this sector that we want more women and girls in South Sudan to be part of the decision making and implementation of technology-related projects.

For more details on the application process visit www.akirachix.com/apply

Application Deadline: October 15th, 2021 11:59 PM EAT

Please visit our office: 

88.4 City FM Compound, Suk Melisia, Munuki –  Juba, South Sudan.

Reach us through:

Email: application@gogirlsict.org 

Mobile: +211922407200

Facebook: GoGirls ICT Initiative

Twitter: @gogirlsictjuba

Instagram:@gogirlsictinitiative

Access to Skills and Knowledge related to Internet of Things (#ASKrIoT)

Access to Skills and Knowledge related to Internet of Things (#ASKrIoT)

Access to Skills and Knowledge related to Internet of Things (#ASKrIoT)

#ASKrIoT a mentorship program that focuses on building the capacity of University students in Internet of Things (IoT) research and development of relevant applications that solve problems in their communities.

Through this program the team is building their own version of the #ASKotec called #ASKrIoT

#ASKotec: Access to Skills and Knowledge open tech emergency case

The #ASKotec is a kit that is designed to work as a mobile training set and is equipped with the items needed to teach others how to use Open Tech and Open Source Hardware in order to innovate, educate, and repair items, thereby providing access to vital skills and knowledge. The kit is especially valuable to communities where access to tools and materials is often scarce.

The Open Tech Emergency Case is housed in a rugged, dust-proof case and includes a range of high-quality tools and materials needed to teach hands-on skills in terms of repairs, development, and upcycling. The kit allows for

  • learning about electronics, especially the use of small-scale solar energy.
  • repairing, disassembling, and building mechanical and electronic devices.
  • the development of skills and sharing of knowledge.

Each #ASKotec contains over 50 items, including:

  • electronics, connection hardware, solar elements
  • soldering, cutting, measuring, and specialised mechanical tools
  • arduinos, sensors, LEDs, related modules
  • manuals and user-developed how-to guides
  • a compact Linux computer with open source software

 The #ASKotec kit is part of the #ASKnet program. It was created through a series of hub-development workshops as a resource kit for community trainers who work in areas where there is neither reliable power nor internet connectivity, such as in many refugee camps, low-infrastructure regions, or rural areas.

For more information about the #ASKotec, go to: https://askotec.openculture.agency

 

 

Repair Cafes

Repair Cafes

Repair cafes

Objectives

  • To build the capacity of teachers on hands on- practices by repairing their devices.
  • To support teachers by repairing their devices to keep preparing learning materials for students and when schools resume to give students a platform to practice and learn ICT skills.
  • To promote open documentation and create an open culture within schools and their surrounding communities.
  • To give a platform for university students / graduates who will be part of these activities to practice their skills.
  • To promote open collaborations among hubs such as Platform Africa and Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) in Uganda and Ataka Hub and Junub Open Space in South Sudan.

Description:

 The outbreak of the COVID-19, with a lot of restrictions, affected schools; schools plan for other alternative ways to deliver lessons to keep students learning at home. 

However, many schools and teachers face challenges with their devices like computers, phones and speakers having broken down, not being functional and the cost of fixing these devices are expensive thus, many can’t afford.

Electronic waste is a major problem because most of it is toxic. Simply throwing electronics away contributes to serious economic problems, both by producing that waste and because it wastes the resources that went into producing the device in the first place. That means that it increases the demand for mines, which pollute the environment, and more energy gets wasted in the manufacturing process. Repairs consume far fewer resources, which makes them much better for the environment.

The repair café activities in Juba by GoGirls ICT Initiative is to support schools that are beneficiaries of its activities and their surrounding communities with their electronic devices being fixed to promote a repair culture in Schools as means to inspire more girls in secondary schools to do STEM courses when they join University.