Consultant- Digital Inclusion Lead

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an innovative and multi-skilled candidate to join its South Africa Office as a Consultant - Digital Inclusion Lead.

The Enable Project aims to enhance water resource management in the Limpopo River Basin through an innovative and participatory citizen science approach. This initiative focuses on integrating community-driven data collection into a Digital Twin for the basin, thereby promoting inclusive and transparent decision-making. By leveraging digital tools, blockchain technology, and AI-driven solutions, the project empowers citizens to monitor and contribute real-time water quality and quantity data. This data feeds into the LIMCOM Digital Twin, enabling more effective, real-time water resource management to address the complexities of climate change, water scarcity, and transboundary water governance.

The Digital Inclusion Expert will ensure that the principles of inclusivity and equity are embedded across all aspects of the project. This includes overseeing Work Package 1 (WP1), assessing digital inclusiveness, supporting the design and distribution of incentives, and ensuring alignment with data governance and AI ethics practices across all aspects of the project.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leadership and Oversight

• Oversee the implementation of WP1, ensuring that inclusiveness principles are effectively integrated into all citizen science initiatives.
• Ensure that all communities, including marginalized and underrepresented groups, are effectively represented across all work packages of the project.

2. Digital Inclusiveness Assessment

• Evaluate the inclusiveness of all tools developed under the project (4 tools).
• Produce a comprehensive report on digital inclusiveness across the project.
• Develop a Multidimensional Digital Inclusiveness Index (MDII) report for each tool, including a certification mechanism.
• Publish a research paper documenting findings on digital inclusiveness and its impact.

3. Incentive Program Design for Youth

• Collaborate with YOMA to design and implement an incentive program for participants, particularly youth.
• Ensure the digital pathway for incentive distribution is fully operational and aligned with the project's objectives.

4. Data Governance and AI Ethics

• Conduct a thorough analysis of data governance and AI ethics practices across the project.
• Ensure compliance with global standards and ethical guidelines for AI and data management.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential:

• A master’s degree in Social Sciences, Management, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking and innovation.
• Demonstrated academic achievements and contributions, including publications or presentations in areas such as digital adoption, ethics, and social justice.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Leadership and Strategy

• Proven experience in leading digital inclusion initiatives, including research and development (R&D) activities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies that align with organizational objectives in sectors such as social sciences and water management.

2. AI and Data Governance Expertise

• Technical expertise in AI governance and ethics, with a preference for contributions to ISO/IEC or European technical commissions.
• Strong track record in creating frameworks for trustworthiness and data governance, ensuring compliance with global standards.

3. Project Management and Operations

• Proven success in managing complex projects, securing funding, and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Expertise in resource optimization, driving significant organizational growth and delivering measurable impact.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Engagement and Facilitation

• Experienced facilitator and speaker with expertise in inclusion and ethics.

2. Core Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, particularly in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments.
• Advanced proficiency in leadership, teamwork, and adaptability in high-pressure situations.

3. Language Proficiency

• Proficient in English.

More details about the consultancy position can be found in the following Terms of Reference (ToR):

ToR - Digital Inclusion Lead Consulancy.docx

Benefits

This is an Internationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. The payment for services will be based on deliverables for a total sum of USD 16,500. The duration of the contract will be for a period of eighteen (18) months. 

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on February 08,2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.16,500K

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical to our mission. We offer a multicultural, multicolored, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities.