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EU Funding for Digital Research – Call for consultant

INTRODUCTION
In the framework of its work on the EUs Digital for Development agenda, CONCORD Europe, the European confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation, is launching a call for an external consultant. As CONCORD develops its knowledge on EU funding for digital actions, this research aims to map and better understand the quantity and quality of funding for this priority, to support our advocacy work.

TIMELINE
The work should be carried out between September and the beginning of December 2022, when the results of the research should be finalised.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The main tasks of the work would consist in:
Conducting desk research on the topics of the research;
Drafting, reviewing and finalising the outcome of the research, including graphs and tables and incorporating comments from the consultation process with CONCORD members and Secretariat.

REPORT CONTENT AND FORMAT

Background
Since 2020 digitalisation has been given a new impetus on the EUs international cooperation agenda as one of the key priorities of a geopolitical European Commission. Digitalisation is more and more mainstreamed in EU development policy as well as in its funding. While the Global Europe-NDICI instrument does not contain a target or benchmark on digitalisation, the Global Gateway includes a new non-legally binding ambition to dedicate 10% of the NDICI funding to digital actions. So far, digitalisation has been integrated in several Multiannual Indicative Programmes (MIPs), often as a tool to support actions on other priorities (including human development areas). In addition, some of this funding will be channeled through Team Europe Initiatives, some of which will be coordinated through the D4D Hub mechanism.

The EUs overall objective through its digital actions is to promote human development, reconciling economic prosperity and efficiency, peaceful societies, social inclusion and environmental responsibility. One of the expected outcomes is to reduce the digital divide.

Objectives
This short research aims to bring clarity on how the EU is investing in digital actions focusing on TEIs and MIPs in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how these investments aim to close the digital divide. It will explore specifically:
Modalities and access to funding for civil society
Priorities to close the digital divide (with a focus on access, education/skills, and gender equality)

Format
We would like a short and accessible paper about EU funding for digital. The paper should be of 5 pages maximum (including graphs and potential recommendations/learnings) + an annex. It will be structured as follows:
 Short background/introduction: which will briefly give an overview of funding for digital actions, explain the EU approach and priorities, to put the analysis in context.
 Main analysis: which will include, in addition to the narrative, visual representations of the findings (as relevant).
 Recommendations/key learnings: to be developed together with the CONCORD working groups involved. This section will include targeted messages and/or questions for further discussion or research for CONCORD members, the European Commission and Member States.
 Annex: a grid elaborating on the criteria for the analysis of the TEIs and MIPs.

Methodology
Most of the research is expected to be conducted through desk research. Interviews with EU and D4D stakeholders are also possible to deepen or cross-check the outcomes of the analysis. Some starting points to carry out the research could be:
the website of the D4D Hub
the Team Europe Initiatives tracker
the Sub-Saharan Africa MIPs

Candidate profile
Successful candidates for this offer will respond as much as possible to the following profile:
Essential:
Experience of quantitative and qualitative data analysis;
Excellent English writing and editing skills; ability to write about complex issues in an engaging way;
Very good understanding of different EU financing mechanisms, modalities and instruments.
Desirable:
Experience of working in an NGO environment, with complex multicultural networks;
Experience with the topic of digitalisation (in development) would be an advantage;
Some experience in communication.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply to this call, please upload to our website and in one single PDF the following documents at the latest by 21 September at midnight COB:
your CV outlining your relevant expertise to meet this assignment (1 page max);
your proposal on how you will undertake this research, including a suggested number of days and their distribution between the different tasks and phases of the work and your day rate (2 pages max).

 Interviews are planned to take place in the week of 25 September.

Budget
The maximum budget available for this assignment is maximum 10,000 EUR, including VAT. For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact Salomé before the deadline.

 
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DATE

Tuesday 06 september 2022 / Wednesday 21 september 2022

CONTACT

Confédération Européenne des ONG d'urgence & Developpement / Concord

Marion Coat
T. +32 (0)2 743.87.60 / 84
www.mundo-j.org