Digital Readiness Assessment Expert/Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Technology Bank for LDCs, in partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), is dedicated to promoting digital transformation in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The organization aims to enhance public service delivery, improve policy coherence, and strengthen transparency and accountability through digital technologies. The UN Technology Bank focuses on providing targeted support to national strategies and fostering inclusive digital ecosystems. It operates in multiple countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, and Timor-Leste, and is committed to addressing systemic barriers to digital transformation in these regions. The organization has been involved in various initiatives aimed at leveraging technology for sustainable development and resilience in LDCs, emphasizing the importance of digital readiness assessments as foundational tools for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Job Overview:
The Digital Readiness Assessment Expert/Consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a comprehensive assessment of Cambodia's digital ecosystem. This position involves collaborating with an international consultant to develop a contextualized methodology for the Digital Readiness Assessment, aligned with the ITU Digital Transformation Wheel. The consultant will be responsible for preparing a country-level Inception Report, drafting the Digital Readiness Assessment Report, and facilitating stakeholder workshops. The role requires a deep understanding of digital governance, institutional capacity, and the ability to analyze gaps and constraints affecting digital transformation. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government ministries and public institutions, to collect qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that the assessment reflects the current state of digitalization in Cambodia. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations that support the country's digital transformation roadmap and align with national development objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: 1) Supporting the initial setup of the Digital Readiness Assessment by mapping stakeholders and confirming data sources; 2) Coordinating regularly with international consultants to ensure alignment with the agreed analytical framework; 3) Conducting a desk review of national digital strategies and policies; 4) Collecting qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and surveys; 5) Providing logistical support for national workshops and facilitating discussions; 6) Analyzing collected data to identify gaps and bottlenecks; 7) Revising the Draft Digital Readiness Assessment Report based on stakeholder feedback; 8) Finalizing the report with inputs from the international consultant. The consultant will also document meetings, summarize workshop outcomes, and ensure that all findings are incorporated into the final reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Systems, Digital Transformation, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in digital transformation, e-government, or ICT for development is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting digital readiness assessments or similar institutional diagnostics is essential. Candidates should have strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills, as well as experience engaging with government ministries at the national level. A solid understanding of the country's digital governance landscape and relevant national policies is also required. Familiarity with LDC contexts and public sector reform processes is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Information Systems, Digital Transformation, Public Policy, Economics, or Development Studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital governance and the frameworks necessary for effective digital transformation in the context of LDCs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to digital transformation, e-government, or ICT for development. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting digital readiness assessments or similar institutional evaluations. Experience working with government ministries and public institutions at the national level is essential, as is a strong understanding of the digital governance landscape in the country.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Additionally, knowledge of Khmer is required to effectively engage with local stakeholders and ensure that the assessment is contextually relevant and inclusive of local perspectives.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work remotely and report directly to the UN Technology Bank for LDCs, collaborating closely with UN-OHRLLS and designated counterparts from the Government of Cambodia. The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of nine months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.