Digitalization Expert for Tuzla, Gradačac, Lopare for Bosnia BIH LGA Activity

The USAID-funded Local Governance Assistance Activity (LGAA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (www.tetratech.com/intdev) is currently accepting expressions of interest for a Digitalization Expert for a short-term technical assignment. The Digitalization Expert for Tuzla, Gradačac, Lopare will work with the LGAA team based in Sarajevo, BiH.

Position Description/Summary: The purpose of this assignment is to carry out two primary tasks: (1) Conduct digital readiness assessments in the local government units (LGUs) of Tuzla, Gradačac, and Lopare applying the widely recognized World Bank “Digital Government Readiness Assessment” tool; and (2) Develop strategic frameworks for digitalization for each of these three LGUs, including action plans and corresponding budgets, based on the results of the completed digital readiness assessments.

The anticipated level of effort for this assignment is 45 days beginning on/about July 25, 2023, and concluding on/about September 15, 2023. The Digitalization Expert will perform the work both remotely from their home of record in BiH, and on-site in the three LGUs of Tuzla, Gradačac, and Lopare. Domestic travel is therefore expected.

Responsibilities:

Task 1: Conduct participatory digital readiness assessment

* Conduct a desk review of available public information, data, reports, and other materials related to the areas targeted by the World Bank “Digital Government Readiness Assessment” tool and become familiar with the broader context in each of the three targeted LGUs of Tuzla, Gradačac, and Lopare.

*Identify key LGU representatives within each of the three targeted LGUs that need to be engaged (through interviews, and/or practical workshops, etc.) in the assessment and later in drafting the strategic framework.

*Identify and request a list of main documents (specific reports, information, or data) that are needed to conduct the assessment and may not be publicly available.

*Discuss the assessment methodology with the LGAA team and provide feedback for possible adjustments.

*Conduct interviews/working sessions with LGU representatives in each of the three targeted LGUs to collect information and insights per the assessment methodology/ questionnaire.

*Analyze collected data and inputs and prepare a short report for each of the three targeted LGUs, capturing key findings and the state of play. These inputs will later be used in developing the strategic framework for digitalization. All data used in the analysis needs to be made available to LGAA and presented in interoperable formats (CSV or similar would be ideal).

Task 2: Provide technical and expert support for the development of a strategic framework for digitalization (digital strategy, action plan and budget)

*Prepare and facilitate participatory working sessions (one per each LGU) with the key representatives of each targeted LGUs, to familiarize LGU representatives with the results of the assessment, to reach an agreement on priority strategic areas for engagement, and to discuss other topics of relevance.

*Prepare a draft three-year Digitalization Strategy (2024-2026) for each targeted LGU, with the following illustrative structure (will be further discussed with the Consultant upon hiring): i) Introduction; ii) Executive Summary; iii) Main Findings (by areas of assessment); iv) Key Priorities and Implementation Approaches (by main areas of assessment); v) Action Plan with indicative Budget. The strategic framework for digitalization should be developed in Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian language.

*Prepare final version of the Digitalization Strategy, Action Plan and Budget for each targeted LGU incorporating feedback received from LGU representatives as well as LGAA staff.

Qualifications:

* Advanced university degree in public administration, economics, ICT, international development, political science, or another relevant field.

*At least five years of relevant professional experience in the area of digital transformation, e-governance, e-services in Bosnia and Herzegovina and/or countries of the European Union.

*Excellent writing and oral communication skills in the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian).

*Good report writing skills in English.

*Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource, including for data visualization.

*Proven expertise in the provision of technical advice for the development of public sector strategies and action plans, including in relation to e-government and digital transformation.

*Bosnian and Herzegovina nationals strongly encouraged to apply.