the development of national Open-Source Software policy in Palestine
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Telecoms and Digital Economy (MoTDE) of Palestine, seeks to develop a national Open-Source Software (OSS) policy. This initiative aligns with the UN's commitment to advancing digital transformation and supporting Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive National Open-Source Software (OSS) Policy for Palestine. The policy will provide a strategic framework for public institutions to assess, procure, use, develop, reuse, and share OSS. Its purpose is to foster national technological capabilities, reduce public IT expenditure, enhance interoperability, and promote digital government solutions. The role contributes to achieving SDGs 9, 16, and 17 by enabling affordable, resilient, and sustainable digital services, while ensuring alignment with international best practices and national needs.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead the development of Palestine's National Open-Source Software Policy. This involves reviewing international and regional best practices in OSS policies and strategies, analyzing existing digital technology frameworks in Palestine, and developing the policy document with technical annexes on APIs and Cloud Computing. Key duties include conducting stakeholder interviews across public and private sectors to gather input, proposing a draft policy based on research and consultations, presenting the draft policy in a consultative workshop, and updating it based on feedback. The consultant must ensure the policy is aligned with national needs and international standards, promoting gender sensitivity and youth inclusion throughout the process.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience and research in digital technologies or software engineering is required. Desirable experience includes open-source governance and licensing, digital government architecture, API governance and interoperability, cloud governance and procurement, cybersecurity, and data protection. Prior experience in policy development is also preferred.
Skills
Open-source governance and licensing, Digital-government architecture, API governance and interoperability, Cloud governance and procurement, Cybersecurity, Data protection, Policy development, Research and analysis, Stakeholder engagement, Report writing, Arabic and English fluency.