RFPs: Developing a Situation Analysis on Openness in Lebanon

Deadline: 18 October 2024

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 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.

The 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.

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. 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

Eligibility Criteria

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.