ICTworks

What is an ICT4D Advisor?

An ICT4D Advisor is an expert in using information and communications technology (ICT) to accelerate an organization’s impact in international development. ICT4D Advisors in humanitarian aid organizations work to integrate, grow and support organizational priorities, innovation, and strategy. They ensure that technology is integrated across all programming to increase overall efficiency, effectiveness.

Advisors champion ICT4D internally through internal communities of practice and represent organizations externally at industry conferences, communities of practice, and donor convenings.

They apply extensive technical to refine data models and drive adoption of data and digital technologies, as well as providing guidance for strategy and support of other activities.

Advisors are dynamic individuals who can work and learn in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder, and complex environments in agriculture, education, and healthcare. They ensure ICT4D sustainability and deliver deep and lasting impact.

What Does an ICT4D Advisor Do?

When development actors effectively collect and use timely, accurate, and relevant data, it can transform the way they work. We can ask “what is happening today and how should we adapt tomorrow?” This shift means the difference between health and sickness, economic vulnerability and resilience, and life and death.

ICT4D Advisors use digital technology to develop effective and responsive information systems that break down silos and create coordinated data platforms enabling more effective, inclusive, and responsive development. Their work is grounded in the Principles for Digital Development to guides investment in digital information systems, interventions, and collaborations that create pathways to sustainable, locally owned, and valued data systems.

What Are ICT4D Advisory Responsibilities?

The general duties of an ICT4D advisor include strategy, vision and thought leadership, including:

• Developing and implementing integrated, organization wide plan of ICT4D priorities.
• Expanding awareness of ICT4D capabilities and enhancing the impact of ICT4D tools and approaches
• Integrating ICT4D approaches and insights into innovation, applied learning, business development and thought leadership initiatives
• Identifying and selecting high priority (internal and external) ICT4D opportunities, and develop and oversee appropriate plans to leverage them

What are ICT4D Advisor Qualifications?

The qualifications of an ICT4D advisor includes skills and experience in multiple domains across both the use of technology to effect change,a nd the technologies themselves. General prerequisites are:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in information communication technology, and knowledge management, learning and communications.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting trainings on ICT use with poor and underserved communities in developing countries
• Experience conducting ICT assessments to ascertain system needs for major donors, in particular USAID missions
• Experience designing and developing knowledge management systems for humanitarian relief organizations and international donors
• Familiarity with USAID Digital Strategy, IT protocols, guidance and policies
• High level of experience with web applications, electronic communications, social media, and knowledge management principles
• High level of knowledge about information communication technology, specializing in the development, installation, and service of these hardware and software systems
• Experience with various information systems across health, education, agriculture, and economic growth sectors