Summary:
NDI is implementing a program to facilitate greater coordination among civil society organizations (CSOs) in the areas of technology and governance. As part of this initiative, NDI seeks to engage with key actors in the civic technology space. Civic technology facilitates democratic, transparent, and citizen-centered governance through the development and use of innovative tools and technologies that promote greater citizen collaboration among civil society groups and with the government NDI seeks to promote open civic engagement online, and to enhance technical capacity among civic-tech minded organizations. Activities will include technical consultations, training sessions, and support to build and strengthen civic technology networks that lead to the protection and expansion of digital freedoms, particularly for vulnerable populations in Bangladesh.

NDI will work with Bangladeshi CSOs to convene interested stakeholders, including civil society organizations, academics, and activists who are interested in civic technology. Such collaboration includes virtual meetings and interactions, as well as potential study tours to learn more about regional collaboration opportunities.

Position Summary:
NDI is seeking a consultant with technology and organizational development experience in Bangladesh. The consultant, who will be based in Dhaka, will support NDI to bring together pertinent stakeholders in Bangladesh and will help foster community and information exchange on civic technology tools and resources. The consultant will be responsible for conducting outreach to potential stakeholders for capacity building activities; coordination and facilitation of the start-up of the capacity building trainings; management of monthly meetings and, in partnership with members, developing a sustainability plan. This support is anticipated to last from December 2023 to September 2024, but may be extended based on program or technical needs, and will be on a part-time basis of approximately 10 days per month.

Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for:
 

• Supporting NDI and local partners to establish and maintain a civic technology working group, identifying Bangladeshi participants, and supporting the implementation of hybrid meetings for participants.  This working group will  focus on civic technology issues identified by participants for identified topical areas.
• Co-creating the framework, structure and topical focus areas for each stakeholder/working group meeting. Focus areas may include, but are not limited to: data protection, over-the-top platform (OTT) policy, internet shutdowns, coordination and collaboration between civic technology groups and government, countering online hate speech, and internet access.
• Working with pertinent partners in Bangladesh to pre-plan meeting agendas in consultation with NDI, adapting each workshop based on the needs of identified groups.
• Delivering a short written readout of each meeting, including an analysis of the meeting’s successes and failures and opportunities for further positive intervention with the group.
• Assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of program participants’ interests and experience throughout the program period to best assess findings and to incorporate lessons learned into program implementation.
• Working with NDI and local/regional partners to implement workshops or conferences on an as-needed basis.
• Conducting outreach to universities, including building relationships and facilitating training opportunities with student groups working on technology and technology-related issues.
• Organizing and providing logistical support for a study tour for select university students and civic tech stakeholders, including possible regional or international travel.
• Any other tasks as assigned.

ADA Notation:
The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments:
Qualified candidates are requested to send a CV in English to asiarecruitment@ndi.org.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.

NDI works in complex, sometimes hostile and unpredictable environments to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions and processes. There are risks associated with working for NDI in pursuit of this mission.