Consultancy for the development of a technical paper on “e-accessibility based on new technologies

Result of Service The main result of this consultancy is a technical paper on “e-accessibility based on new technologies” that provides recommendations and guidelines on advancing e-accessibility through new technologies. The goal is to assist Arab policy makers in the inclusive deployment of new technologies by ensuring they are accessible, but also promotes the use of new technologies to achieve effective e-accessibility in frontend service and product design.

Work Location Remotely

Expected duration 4.5 Months

Duties and Responsibilities The Arab Digital Inclusion Platform (ADIP)- Phase 2 – aims to support ESCWA member States in the development and adoption of national e-Accessibility policies and guidelines.

Under the general supervision of the ADIP Project Coordinator and in close cooperation with project team members, the consultant will prepare a paper “e-accessibility based on new technologies”. The consultant will be responsible for the following:

(1) Conduct a review on emerging and new technologies in the context of e-accessibility, including their uses, benefits and challenges. (2) Identify and review existing technical e-accessibility guidelines and standards geared towards new and emerging technologies. (3) Illustrate the new and emerging technologies in the context of e-accessibility through regional and international case studies in the field. (4) Develop an e-accessibility paper that provides guidance on the use and deployment of new technologies for the advancement of e-accessibility. (5) Present the draft paper in a regional workshop (physically or remotely) and capture the main comments and discussions. (6) Update the draft proposal according to all received feedback and comments during the reviewing process by ESCWA.

ESCWA promotes gender equality, disability inclusion, and integration of youth through its publications and therefore the consultant should pay attention, with the help of ESCWA staff, to the inclusion of gender, disability, and integration of the youth dimension throughout the research work to ensure that the e-accessibility template gives equal attention to the needs of both men and women, and girls and boys. Writing should use gender-sensitive and inclusive language.

Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree in ICT, computer science, engineering, or related field is required, a Ph.D. is desired.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 5 years of experience and research in the formulation of national ICT and/or ICT for development policies, national digital policies or a related field is required. Experience in research on e-accessibility and new technologies is required. Proficient communication and writing skills is required. Knowledge of e-accessibility guidelines and standards is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.