Consultancy on technical guidelines on e-accessibility for older persons

Result of Service The main result of this consultancy is to develop technical guidelines that could provide guidance on the design of accessible digital products for older persons. The guidelines will serve as a tool through which the digital needs of older persons can be addressed, but it could also be used to promote equal access, encourage innovation, meet legal requirements, and improve quality of life. Therefore, the guidelines could support Arab policy makers in fulfilling mandates on the inclusion of older persons and their participation in all aspects of the daily life.

Work Location Remotely

Expected duration 4 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 that is “technical guidelines on e-accessibility for older persons”. The consultant will be responsible for the following:

(1) Research and analyze the needs older persons have and the challenges they face related to e-accessibility. (2) Identify and review existing e-accessibility guidelines and standards geared towards older persons. (3) Assess the status of e-accessibility in the Arab region, focused on older persons, and illustrate regional and international case studies in the field. (4) Develop e-accessibility guidelines that addresses the specific needs of older persons in the Arab region. (5) Present the draft guidelines 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 guidelines give 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 area is required.

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. Knowledge of e-accessibility guidelines and standards is required. Proficient communication and writing skills is required. Experience in research on older persons in the context of e-accessibility 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.