Consultancy to Improve and Update the Arab Digital Inclusion Online Platform

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Update the features and functions of the digital platform, including design, testing and implementation, including the accessibility toolbar.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The Arab Digital Inclusion Platform (ADIP) is an ESCWA project launched in 2020 to support policy makers in the Arab countries to develop and improve their national policies and guidelines for enhanced e-Accessibility. This would help to bridge the digital divide and enable all society members to access and use ICT. The ADIP online platform is a project element and provides access to information about disability in the Arab region, including any tools, best practices, and published information developed by ESCWA, Arab countries and other organizations. It also provides a secure space where government officials and disability focal points across the region can share documents for discussion and suggestions. The first version of the fully accessible platform was developed and launched during 2021. Feedback received on the functionalities of the ADIP platform, indicated that it is a valuable source that offers access to necessary information and tools that can help governments, as well as any agency or organization in need of formulating policies and implementing features in the field of e-accessibility. The tools provided based on two templates formulated under ADIP in 2020: National Technical Guidelines on e-Accessibility for the Arab Region and the National e-Accessibility Policy Template for the Arab Region. ADIP Phase II, launched in 2023, included two additional studies focusing on 1) e-accessibility and older persons and 2) e-accessibility and emerging technologies. Enhancements were also made to the Content Adaptation Smart Tool (CAST) to increase its usability and scope. Further assessments of the platform and the smart tool revealed areas requiring updates for improved usability, including information coverage, incorporation of new standards, organization, and language. The objective of this consultancy, outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR), is to enhance the existing ADIP digital platform including its accessibility toolbar and update the interactive tools based on the two most recent studies so they can be used by wider-range of users,. Additionally, further refining the Content Adaptation Smart Tool to better cater to the audience and enhance document accessibility in light of emerging technologies. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of ADIP project team, and in close cooperation with the ICTS team, the consultant will perform the following tasks: • ADIP online platform: Update the features and functions of the digital platform, including design, testing and implementation, including the accessibility toolbar. • Interactive tools: 1. Update ADIP's interactive tools based on the e-accessibility studies related to older persons and emerging technologies. 2. Upgrade ADIP's interactive tools to include the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG2.2. • CAST: 1. Enhance the performance (functional and non functional) of CAST 2. Improve its UI/UX. 3. Develop a module to generate accessible charts/graphs based on new emerging technologies. • ICTS Coordination: Work with ICTS to enhance the live deployment of CAST once ADIP decide on. • Documentation: Update all admin, user and developer manuals needed for the update and sustainability of the platform. • When needed, contribute to various project activities including preparing background material, presentation, video recordings and delivering presentations and training during meetings and workshops on the technical aspects of the platform and tools attendees can use to enhance their own experiences.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in information management, web design, computer science or a related field. Specialization in e-accessibility is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree) or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in information management, web design, computer development, or a related field is required. Good experience in e-accessibility is required.

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 written and spoken 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.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.