Promoting Effective and Inclusive ICT Policy in Africa

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17Oct

Job Opportunity: Programme Officer

Author CIPESA Posted on

Call for Applications |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Programme Officer to Support the implementation of activities that advance respect for human rights by businesses in Uganda. 

Job Title: Programme Officer 

Location: Kampala, Uganda 

Duration: Two (2) Years

Reports to: Programme Manager

Deadline: October 31, 2024

About CIPESA

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa. 

Job Summary 

The Programme Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting all project activities related to business and digital rights. Their duties will include organising and participating in training and mentoring partners, supervising research activities, and engaging with and maintaining relationships with various project stakeholders. 

Key areas of accountability include:
Partnership Building 
  • Identify project partners and develop sustained relationships with various stakeholders in the human rights, digital civic space and the private sector.
  • Build relationships with government actors, particularly those who work on human rights, labour, and digital policy. 
  • Support the capacity building of various stakeholders in advocacy for respect of digital rights by businesses.
  • Participate in events by organisational and project partners. 
Policy Engagement
  • Lead in the convening of digital rights and business policy dialogues. 
  • Coordinate CIPESA research in the area of business and digital rights. 
  • Support policy engagements with District Local Governments, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Training and Mentorship
  • Participate in the development of digital rights advocacy toolkits for businesses.
  • Participate in training civil society organisations and SMEs in advocacy for digital rights protection in the business context.
  • Mentor civil society, small business enterprise owners, and associations in implementing digital rights awareness campaigns.
  • Support the development and dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
Project Management and Reporting
  • Ensure that project outcomes are delivered on time, on budget and according to the quality of standards of CIPESA and funding partners.
  • Prepare project reports and briefs and ensure timely submission to the CIPESA Management and funding partners.
  • Monitor the progress of project milestones and activities against the scheduled work plans and objectives.
  • Support the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements among partners and other stakeholders. 
Qualification and Experience 
  • An undergraduate degree in human rights, law, social or development studies, governance, or project planning and management. A Post-Graduate/ Masters qualification will be an advantage.
  • Four or more years of experience in human rights, governance or humanitarian programming with a reputable institution, preferably in the civil society/ non-government sector. 
  • An understanding of digital rights and human rights in the business context.
  • Effective communication, excellent written and presentation skills, and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrable experience in project management and implementation. 
  • Experience in effective teamwork, as well as interpersonal and liaison skills.
  • Experience in coalition building, advocacy and working with civil society actors to deliver effective policy change.
  • Training and mentoring experience, particularly for adults.
  • Donor funds management and reporting experience.
  • Ability to conduct research and write policy reports and briefs is desirable.
Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

How to Apply:

Applications, including a cover letter outlining how you fit the job requirements, your areas of expertise, and salary expectations, a CV, samples of your work, and the names and contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with Application for Programme Officer in the email subject line.

17Oct

Job Opportunity: Driver

Author CIPESA Posted on
Call for Applications |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Driver to support the implementation of organisational activities. 

Job Title: Driver

Location: Kampala, Uganda 

Duration: Three (3) Years with possibility of renewal 

Reports to: Procurement and Logistics Officer 
Deadline: October 31, 2024

About CIPESA

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa. 

Job Summary

The Driver will be responsible for driving company vehicles to support the implementation of organisational operations. The Driver will also be responsible for maintenance of the organisation’s fleet of vehicles per CIPESA’s Travel and Fleet Management Policy. 

Key responsibilities: 

Vehicle maintenance

  • Ensure that all organisation vehicles are in sound mechanical condition and are serviced promptly. 
  • Ensure that all organisational cars are kept clean and well-maintained.
  • Report any mechanical faults or accidents to the Procurement Officer. 
  • Regularly check that the First Aid kits are complete and that every vehicle has the required spare parts and tools. 
  • Regularly check vehicles and submit a checklist report to the Procurement Officer.
  • Where possible, perform minor repairs as required but recommend significant cases to a garage/auto repair shop.

Record keeping

  • Maintain vehicle log sheets and ensure the accurate record of all vehicle trips, fuel fill-ups, time and mileage readings.
  • Ensure a timely and accurate fuel fill-up of vehicle log sheets.
  • Monitor and ensure that vehicle request forms are filled out and submitted to the Procurement Officer for travel allocation.
  • Ensure that all vehicle repair reports are forwarded to the Procurement Officer every time a repair is done.
  • Regularly check and ensure that vehicle comprehensive and third party insurance is valid before any trip and inform the Procurement Officer a month in advance for renewals. 

Qualifications and Experience 

  • Minimum of O’Level certificate or equivalent 
  • Valid driver’s licence of class ‘B’ and/ ‘D’
  • A Defensive driver’s certificate
  • Demonstrable experience of at least five years of class B and/or D driving 
  • Experience working with an NGO, with at least three years in the field. 
  • Excellent understanding of vehicle mechanics, maintenance and management 
  • Clean criminal record. 
  • Good command of the English language.
  • Good interpersonal skills.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

How to apply 
Applications, including a cover letter and CV with the contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with “Application for Driver” in the email subject line.

24Sep

Façonner l’avenir de la démocratie et des droits numériques en Afrique alors que FIFAfrica24 débute cette semaine à Dakar

Author CIPESA Posted on

FIFAfrica24 |

Cette semaine, le Forum sur la liberté d’Internet en Afrique 2024 (FIFAfrica24), l’événement majeur du continent en matière de droits numériques, se tiendra du 24 au 27 septembre 2024 à Dakar, au Sénégal. Le forum de cette année promet d’être une convergence passionnante entre les défenseurs des droits numériques, le secteur privé, les décideurs politiques et les acteurs de la société civile de toute l’Afrique et au-delà. Plus de 150 experts interviendront au cours de 55 sessions.

Le forum, qui en est à sa onzième édition, est organisé chaque année par la Collaboration sur la politique internationale des TIC pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique australe (CIPESA). Cette année, le CIPESA co-organise l’événement avec AfricTivistes, basé à Dakar, marquant ainsi une étape importante dans les efforts en cours pour faire progresser la démocratie numérique, en particulier en Afrique francophone au cours de ce qui a été présenté comme l’Année de la Démocratie.

FIFAfrica24 débute par deux jours de pré-événements (24-25 septembre), qui comprennent des réunions et des ateliers stratégiques ainsi que des sessions de formation destinées à doter les participants de compétences critiques et à favoriser un dialogue constructif sur les questions relatives aux droits numériques. Ils seront suivis de deux jours d’accès public (26-27 septembre), au cours desquels les participants s’engageront dans des discussions approfondies autour de sept thèmes :

  • Inclusion numérique
  • Résilience numérique                    
  • Liberté d’expression et accès à l’information
  • Désordre de l’information (désinformation)         
  • Implications de l’IA         
  • Gouvernance et politique
  • Création de mouvements

Voir l’agenda | Découvrir les intervenants
En plus des tables rondes qui suscitent la réflexion et des conférences éclair dynamiques, FIFAfrica24 accueillera une exposition dynamique où neuf exposants présenteront leur travail. Cette exposition offre aux participants une occasion unique d’explorer des projets innovants et de s’engager directement avec un large éventail d’acteurs qui font évoluer le paysage numérique de l’Afrique.

En outre, FIFAfrica24 accueillera un centre de sécurité numérique bilingue, offrant un soutien pratique en anglais et en français pour aider les participants à renforcer leur résilience numérique. Ce centre constituera une ressource essentielle pour les activistes, les journalistes et les organisations de la société civile qui travaillent dans des environnements difficiles.

Alors que nous continuons à relever les défis de l’ère numérique, FIFAfrica24 offre une opportunité unique de construire des collaborations et de faire progresser la protection des droits numériques à travers le continent.

Pour plus d’informations, visitez le site web de FIFAfrica24 ou suivez-nous sur les médias sociaux en utilisant #FIFAfrica24 et #InternetFreedomAfrica.

Veuillez adresser toute question relative aux médias à [email protected].

À propos d’AfricTivistes

Créée en 2015, AfricTivistes est une organisation panafricaine qui promeut et défend la démocratie, la bonne gouvernance et les droits de l’homme par le biais du numérique. A travers ses programmes, AfricTivistes s’efforce de favoriser la transformation numérique et l’amélioration de la citoyenneté en Afrique, sous l’impulsion d’acteurs du changement.

A propos de CIPESA
Le CIPESA a été créé en 2004 en réponse aux conclusions du rapport Louder Voices pour l’ancien ministère britannique du développement international (DFID), qui citait le manque d’accès facile, abordable et opportun à l’information sur les questions et les processus liés aux TIC comme un obstacle majeur à l’élaboration de politiques efficaces et inclusives en matière de TIC.
comme un obstacle majeur à l’élaboration de politiques efficaces et inclusives en matière de TIC en Afrique.

Le travail du CIPESA continue de répondre à une pénurie d’informations, de ressources et d’acteurs travaillant de manière cohérente au carrefour de la technologie, des droits de l’homme et de la société. Initialement créé pour se concentrer sur la recherche dans les pays d’Afrique de l’Est et d’Afrique australe, le CIPESA a depuis étendu ses efforts à la défense des droits, au développement des capacités et à la création de mouvements sur l’ensemble du continent africain.

À propos du Forum sur la liberté de l’internet en Afrique
FIFAfrica est un événement historique qui rassemble un large éventail d’acteurs de la gouvernance de l’internet et des droits numériques en Afrique et au-delà, afin de débattre des lacunes, des défis et des opportunités pour faire progresser la vie privée, la liberté d’expression, l’inclusion, la libre circulation de l’information, la participation civique et l’égalité des chances.
la libre circulation de l’information, la participation civique et l’innovation en ligne.

Au fil des ans, FIFAfrica est devenue une réponse vitale aux obstacles croissants auxquels est confrontée la liberté sur Internet dans les pays africains, notamment les menaces telles que les arrestations et l’intimidation des utilisateurs en ligne, les perturbations de l’Internet et la prolifération des lois et des réglementations inclusives qui étouffent le potentiel de la technologie numérique pour le développement socio-économique et politique sur le continent.

En plaçant la liberté de l’internet directement à l’ordre du jour des principales parties prenantes, notamment les décideurs africains, les opérateurs de plateformes mondiales, les entreprises de télécommunications, les régulateurs, les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, les universitaires, les forces de l’ordre et les médias, la FIFAfrica ouvre la voie à des efforts concertés pour faire progresser les droits numériques en Afrique et promouvoir le modèle multipartite de la gouvernance de l’internet.

En 2023, FIFAfrica a marqué une décennie d’existence et en 2024, la première édition sera organisée en Afrique francophone. en Afrique francophone. Les éditions précédentes ont été accueillies en Ouganda, en Afrique du Sud, au Ghana, en Éthiopie, en Zambie et en Tanzanie.

29Jul

Counting the Benefits of Fact-Checking Training for Ethiopian Journalists

Author CIPESA Posted on

Journalists play a crucial role in informing citizens and shaping public opinion in Ethiopia. However, in recent years, the proliferation of disinformation and hate speech has become a significant challenge. The surge in disinformation is undermining social cohesion, promoting conflict, and leading to growing threats against journalists and human rights defenders.

Accordingly, it is crucial to conduct fact-checking training  for Ethiopian journalists so as to safeguard the integrity and reliability of journalism in the country. A number of Ethiopian journalists have undergone training in understanding disinformation and hate speech. However, most of them lack practical skills in conducting fact-checking. It is against this background that, in May 2024, CIPESA organised a fact-checking and ethical reporting workshop for 20 Ethiopian journalists in the capital Addis Ababa.

Two months later, journalists and media development actors point to the benefits of that training. 

“The fact-checking and verification training was crucial for Ethiopian journalists and content producers, as it provided them with valuable tools to combat daily misinformation and produce reliable news stories,” notes Kirubel Tesfaye, one of the experts that conducted the training. “The training equipped them with the most essential and current tools in the industry, allowing them to produce credible and trustworthy news and reports.” 

By equipping journalists with fact-checking skills, they can serve as gatekeepers of truth, helping to counter disinformation and to ensure that accurate information reaches the public. Ethiopia has experienced an explosion in disinformation over the last five years, with the armed conflicts which have plagued the country being key drivers of disinformation. 

Selam Mulugeta, a journalism lecturer at Addis Ababa University who participated in the training, enumerates the benefits of the fact-checking training. “One of the most important things was to learn how to recognise dis/misinformation on different websites and social media sites, and to learn [about] fact-checking tools to debunk disinformation,” she says. She adds that after gaining fact-checking knowledge, journalists will contribute to minimising the amount of false information in the public domain. This will in turn lessen the harms of disinformation.

According to Konjit Zewdie of NBC TV, there is a need for more practical training workshops focussed on fact-checking as there is a dire shortage of fact-checking skills among journalists amidst the deluge of illegal and harmful content, including hate speech. She says the training was crucial in capacitating journalists to identify sources of disinformation and to use various fact-checking tools. 

Konjit notes that Ethiopian journalists are often unable to get reliable information from concerned bodies, which presents a challenge for fact-checking. The training gave the journalists alternative ways of verifying information even when they face blockages in accessing information from official sources.

“The training added great value to the journalists because it covered several topics with practical exercises, from the basics of fact-checking to advanced fact-checking techniques. The participants gained insights into the motivations behind the sharing of disinformation, the actors responsible, and the tactics employed by them. Furthermore, the training highlighted prevalent disinformation trends in Ethiopia and provided participants with online tools and techniques to effectively combat disinformation.” – Kirubel Tesfaye, fact-checking trainer

The May 2024 training built on an earlier one CIPESA conducted in November 2023 that equipped 21 Ethiopian journalists, bloggers, and activists with knowledge to navigate the country’s law on hate speech and disinformation and skills to call out and fight disinformation and hate speech.

Mulugeta says that by honing their fact-checking skills, journalists are better positioned to deliver factual information and live up to their duty as mouthpieces of the masses. Moreover, journalists and content creators would become more responsible and accountable for the content they create, and play a role in developing media literacy among the general population.

Tiblets Tesfaye, a senior journalist with Wazema Media, said the training “offered significant value by equipping journalists and content creators with essential skills to identify and correct misinformation, fostering a culture of accuracy and ethical reporting”.

According to her, the training also enhanced the journalists’ ability to recognise and mitigate hate speech, thereby contributing to more reliable and responsible media practices that support social cohesion and peacebuilding in the country. Tesfaye adds: “The benefits are huge because most social media influencers are based in Addis Ababa, but it would be good to extend this training to regional cities as well.”

See more about the training focus here. 

30Aug

Job Opportunity: Procurement Officer

Author CIPESA Posted on

Announcement |

We are searching for a Procurement Officer who will be responsible for the efficient coordination and management of procurement functions for CIPESA.

See below for further details;

Job Description

Position: Procurement Officer

Organisation: Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Duration: Two (2) years Full time- renewable

Reports to: Programme Manager

About Us: Established in 2004, CIPESA is a leading centre for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policy makers in the region to understand ICT policy issues, and for various multi-stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. Our work responds to shortage of information, resources and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights and society in Africa. We conduct our work mostly through research, advocacy, capacity development, and convenings.

Main Purpose of Job:

The Procurement Officer is responsible for the efficient coordination and management of procurement functions for CIPESA. The position holder will procure Program supplies, services and equipment, whilst ensuring good practices and maintaining audit-compliant records. You will ensure that all purchases of goods and services are done transparently, at the best available price, and in compliance with Organisational and donor procurement policy and procedures.

Key responsibilities

  1. Procurement: Responsible for implementing the procurement plan and strategy and ensuring all procurement needs are met on time in line with Global Supply Chain best practices (GSC) and donors’ standards, the role holder will:
  • Act upon submission of duly approved Purchase Requests (PR). Educate and support customers to ensure timely submission of approved PRs with sufficient details and realistic delivery target dates.
  • Process approved Purchase requisitions ensuring data accuracy.
    Initiate and process Request for quotations (RFQ) and Request for proposals (RFP).
    Prepare bids analysis and other bidding documents for approval.
    Conduct negotiations with suppliers that are transparent and documented.
  • Receive invoice and control against original order, advance payments/instalments already delivered, request for payment.
    For goods: Facilitate delivery of orders and collect Goods Received Note.
    For services: Facilitate delivery of services and ensure that the period of guarantee, after-sales service is mentioned.
  • Collaborate with all departments by Coordination with finance and programmes to ensure smooth and timely procurement.
  1. Procurement Planning
    Working closely with internal and external partners, you will effectively plan and support programme implementation by:
  • Collecting, organising, and analysing market information and data to enable effective procurement planning.
  • Preparing and implementing procurement plans following related Organisational procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Monitor supply market and conduct market surveys & analysis to ensure value for money in procurement.
  • Create and update supplier and price lists.
  1. Contract Management
    Lead the contracting process so that the terms and conditions, and contracting procedures as provided by Global Supply Chain best practices are followed. To achieve this, you will:
  • Prepare and execute contracts for recommended bidders
  • Ensure timely renewal of qualifying contracts and agreements
  • Execute contracts against set requirements and performance indicators
  1. Supplier Management
    The role will lead supplier relationships and performance to ensure that Suppliers adhere to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and that there is precise record keeping. This includes: 
  • Maintaining suppliers’ files and documentation
  • Monitoring and documenting supplier performance
  1. Compliance and Ethics
    You will assist in identifying and analysing compliance risk in procurement processes and in implementing donor rules & regulations for all procurements by:
  • Implementing due diligence for suppliers, including by conducting reference checks, and supplier visits.
  • Providing consistent and constructive support to other departments to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Identifying and reporting procurement red flags across the procurement value chain.
  • Implementing corrective action plans (CAPs) in response to internal and/or external audit queries.
  1. Reporting
    You will support timely and accurate reporting by:
  • Preparing and submitting accurate monthly reports to the Programme Manager on time.
  • Supporting with developing and updating the procurement plans as required.
  • Submitting periodic procurement tracking reports for specific procurements assigned. 

Functional skills and knowledge (REQUIREMENTS):

  • Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or Financial Accounting and related fields.
  • 3-4 years of work experience in supply chain operations (Procurement).
  • Experience working with NGOs is an asset.
  • Knowledge of donor procurement and accounting systems is an advantage.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

  • Knowledge of generic procurement procedures and practices.
  • Good collaborator with effective interpersonal and analytical skills who work seamlessly across cultures, organisational units and suppliers.
  • Knowledge and experience in procurement plans, strategies, market analysis techniques, procurement and contracting.
  • Good negotiation skills.
  • Excellent skills in conducting market analysis and sourcing strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrixed structure 
  • Knowledge of USAID reporting requirements and standards is a plus.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, Equal Opportunity Policy, and Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

Application Process: 

Kindly send applications to  [email protected]  latest September 12, 2023 at 18:00 East African Time (EAST), including a cover letter outlining how you fit the job requirements and your areas of expertise; a CV; names and contacts of three referees and the salary expectations.

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