Call for Syrian Experts: Digitalization, Digital Transformation & Technology for Development (Syria)

Contract Type: Individual Consultancy; Project-Based
Eligibility: Syrian nationals or non-Syrian consultants currently residing in Syria only

Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD) is seeking experienced consultants to join its roster of experts in digitalization, digital transformation, digital public services, data systems and technology for development to support upcoming evaluations, assessments, research, programme design and advisory assignments in Syria.

Selected consultants will be included in TCD's consultant roster and may be considered for future short-term consultancy opportunities based on their technical expertise, sector experience, geographical knowledge, availability and the requirements of specific assignments.

Primary geographic scope: Syria

About the Call

Trust is expanding its roster of experts with strong practical and analytical experience related to digital transformation, digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure and services, information systems, data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies.

We are particularly interested in experts with recent, first-hand knowledge of Syria's digital environment, including digital infrastructure, government and private-sector digitalization, access and connectivity, digital skills and barriers to digital inclusion.

Areas of Expertise

Applicants should have strong experience in one or more of the following:

1. Digital transformation and digitalization strategies, including digital readiness and maturity assessments, digital strategies and transformation roadmaps;
2. Digital government and public services, including e-government, digital public services, administrative systems and digital service delivery;
3. Digital public infrastructure, including digital identity, payment systems, data exchange and interoperable information systems;
4. Management Information Systems (MIS), databases, dashboards, information management and data architecture;
5. Digital financial services and financial inclusion, including digital payments, mobile financial services and fintech;
6. Digital economy and private-sector transformation, including MSME digitalization, e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship and technology-enabled businesses;
7. Digital skills, employment and future of work, including digital literacy, ICT skills, online work, freelancing and technology-related employment opportunities;
8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, including practical applications of AI, automation and data analytics for humanitarian and development programmes;
9. Digital inclusion and accessibility, including the digital divide and barriers affecting women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups;
10. Digital data collection and monitoring systems, including mobile data collection, real-time monitoring, GIS, dashboards and digital MEAL systems;
11. Cybersecurity, data protection and responsible technology, including privacy, information security, data governance and responsible use of digital technologies;
12. Digitalization assessments and evaluations, including assessment of the relevance, effectiveness, accessibility, sustainability and adoption of digital solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should have:

• Syrian nationality and current residence in Syria, or be a non-Syrian consultant currently based in Syria;
• A relevant university degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, engineering, data science, economics, business, public administration, development studies or another relevant field;
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience; senior/lead experts should preferably have 10+ years;
• Recent professional experience related to digitalization, digital transformation, ICT, data systems or technology-enabled programmes in Syria, preferably within the last three years;
• Demonstrated experience conducting or contributing to digital assessments, digital strategies, feasibility studies, evaluations, system design or digital-transformation initiatives;
• Strong understanding of Syria's digital infrastructure, institutional environment, private sector and digital-access constraints;
• Strong analytical, research and report-writing skills;
• Ability to engage with government institutions, technology companies, telecom/ICT actors, private businesses, universities, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders;
• Arabic fluency; professional English is strongly preferred.

International Organization & Donor Experience

Previous experience with UNDP, World Bank, ITU, UNICEF, ILO, UN agencies, EU-funded programmes, GIZ, international NGOs, development banks or other organizations working on digital transformation and technology for development is a strong advantage.

Experience with recognized approaches related to digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, digital inclusion, data governance, cybersecurity, AI and responsible digital development should be clearly highlighted.

Applicants should indicate relevant assignments, including the client, assignment, year, role, technology/area of expertise and main responsibilities.