Call For Proposals: Developing a situation analysis on Openness in Lebanon

Background

Given the global challenges, understanding the current state of openness in Lebanon is crucial. Despite its recent emergence, the concept of openness has gained positive support from various stakeholders. Lebanon acknowledges the importance of open solutions-such as open data, free and open-source software (FOSS), open educational resources (OER), and open access (OA)-for facilitating unrestricted information flow.

This analysis will examine various aspects of openness, with a focus on open data, OER, and open access journals. By promoting these initiatives, Lebanon can enhance information flow, accountability, innovation, and inclusive decision-making. The final report will adhere to UNESCO guidelines and aims to inform policy development while supporting open initiatives that promote the unrestricted dissemination of information.

UNESCO has conducted a preliminary report on openness in Lebanon, considering various stakeholders and topics. The preliminary report, comprising approximately 100 pages, identifies different initiatives, action plans, laws, and applications across all sectors in Lebanon.

This call seeks to utilize and re-structure the data and information collected in the preliminary report, including its preliminary findings , complement information to address possible gaps and produce the final comprehensive situational analysis of openness in Lebanon, along with actionable recommendations.

Purpose of the Assignment

UNESCO is seeking to contract a national consultant with a proven track record in open solutions in Lebanon, to produce a final situation analysis report on openness in Lebanon.

Tasks and Expected Outcomes

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for the Arab States in Beirut and the direct supervision of the Communication and Information National Professional Officer, the Consultant shall utilize existing data and information of the preliminary report and finalize the situation analysis on openness in Lebanon, in close coordination with UNESCO-Beirut Office. The final report will be based on and structured according to the below outline:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Open Data in Lebanon
• Explain what Open Data is and why it is critical for transparency, innovation, and economic development.
• Assess the current state of data availability and accessibility in Lebanon.
• Refer to "Open Data What Now?" guidelines to outline key steps for implementing Open Data initiatives. The steps may be explained by bringing in contexts of the following where necessary
  • Data Inventory and Prioritization
  • Legal and Policy Framework
  • Technical Infrastructure
  • Capacity Building
  • Stakeholder Engagement
• Propose a strategy for expanding Open Data based on UNESCO's guidelines.
  • Policy Development
  • Institutional Support
  • Capacity building
  • Technology and Infrastructure
• Open Educational Resources (OER)
• Describe what OERs are and their benefits for education systems.
• Summarize the UNESCO OER Recommendation. Use the existing questionnaire, if necessary and try to evaluate the implementation of OER recommendation following the outline as below. It may be useful to prepare it as a response to the questionnaire:
  • Building Capacity of Users to Create, Access, Reuse, Adapt, and Redistribute OER
  • Developing Supportive Policy
  • Encouraging Effective, Inclusive, and Equitable Access to OER
  • Nurturing the Creation of Sustainability Models for OER
  • Facilitating International Cooperation
• Propose a strategy for expanding OER usage based on UNESCO's recommendations.
  • Policy Development
  • Institutional Support
  • Capacity building
  • Technology and Infrastructure
• Open Access
• Explain what Open Access is and its significance for research dissemination.
• Discuss the Diamond Open Access model and its implications.
  • No Author Fees
  • Non-Commercial and Community-Driven
• Analyze the current state of academic publishing and access to research in Lebanon.
• Recommendations for Adoption
• Provide recommendations for adopting Diamond Open Access strategies in Lebanon
  • Policy and Incentives
  • Institutional Repositories
  • Collaboration with International Open Access Initiatives
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building for Open Solutions
• Lump all and identify key stakeholders including government bodies, educational institutions, research organizations, and civil society.
• Propose strategies for engaging stakeholders in the adoption and implementation of Open Solutions.
• Propose strategies to build capacity among stakeholders for effectively utilizing Open Solutions.
• Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
• Identify potential challenges in implementing Open Solutions in Lebanon.
• Suggest strategies to overcome these challenges.
• Conclusions and Recommendations

Qualifications and competencies

Required Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in computer science, information technology, or a relevant field;

• At least 7 years' experience in information technology or software development, with a focus on open solutions;

• Experience with various open source platforms and tools;

• Fluency in oral, reading, and written Arabic and English;

• Strong communication skills;

• Strong analytical skills to address complex issues;

• Demonstrated professionalism and ethics.

Desirable qualifications

• Previous work experience with the United Nations or other international organizations;

• Understanding of compliance standards and security practices related to open solutions;

• Familiarity with open source communities and contributions.

Expected deliverable

A situation analysis on Openness in Lebanon including actionable recommendations (around 20 pages);

Deadline for submission

The final report for the situation analysis on Openness in Lebanon is due by November 15, 2024. It is anticipated that the report will take 12 to 15 working days to complete.

Payment

Payment will be made upon receipt of the situation analysis, following confirmation and acceptance by the Communication and Information National Professional Officer and the Director of the Regional Office regarding the quality of services and the report. Additionally, signed payment claim must be submitted.

Technical and financial proposal

If you are interested in this assignment, please send a written proposal in English to [email protected]mentioning "Openness situation in Lebanon", within the email subject before 18 October, 23:59 Beirut time. The proposal should include the following:

1. Curriculum vitae;

2. Timeline for completing the work;

3. Budget proposal.

Any additional information you may request will be sent to you as soon as possible. However, any delay in providing such information will not be considered a reason for extending the date for submission of your proposal.

Kindly note as well that until the selection is made and the contract is formally signed by UNESCO, the Organization has not undertaken any commitment, whether oral or written to you or other prospective contractors.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment, and we look forward to receiving your proposal.