Research and Data Analysis for the Open Source Enablement Compass
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET), established in January 2025, advises senior leadership on technology trends, advocates for digital cooperation, and facilitates multi-stakeholder policy dialogue. It strengthens system-wide coordination and supports the Global Digital Compact. ODET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation, aiming to leverage technology's opportunities while mitigating risks to achieve the 2030 Goals. Currently, ODET is focused on understanding open-source software adoption in the public sector.
Job Purpose
This role supports UN ODET's objective to advance inclusive and effective digital cooperation by enhancing the understanding of open-source software adoption within public administrations. The Online Volunteer will contribute to the development of the Open Source Enablement Compass by conducting research and analysis. Key activities include identifying and analyzing Member State initiatives, gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence, and synthesizing findings into comparative analyses, country profiles, and actionable insights. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based inputs that inform decision-making by Member States and contribute to the Compass's development.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the ODET focal point, Online Volunteers will contribute to research, data collection, expert consultations, and analysis. Responsibilities include conducting desk research on Member State open-source adoption initiatives, policies, and projects. Volunteers will design and implement data collection tools like surveys and questionnaires to gather information on progress, challenges, and lessons learned. They will also map and analyze relevant public data sources. Additionally, volunteers will engage in expert consultations and interviews, synthesizing inputs to identify common approaches and best practices. Findings will be analyzed and synthesized to identify trends and policy approaches. Volunteers will develop comparative analyses and country profiles, contributing actionable insights for the Open Source Enablement Compass. The deliverables include a research framework, data collection tools, a mapping of initiatives, synthesized research, and consolidated findings.
Work Experience
Required experience includes research and analysis in technology, digital policy, legal, or regulatory fields, with a focus on comparative research. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to collect, structure, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information. Experience in developing research methodologies or analytical tools is also required. Familiarity with emerging technologies, technology governance, digital government, or open-source technologies is desirable. Experience engaging with policymakers or other stakeholders is an asset.
Skills
Key skills include strong research, analytical, writing, and communication abilities. Proficiency in data collection, structuring, analysis, and synthesis is essential. Experience with research methodologies and analytical tools is necessary. Desirable skills include familiarity with emerging technologies, technology governance, digital government, and open-source technologies. Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders is also beneficial. Expertise areas include knowledge management, research, reporting, data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, and IT/telecommunications.