NOFO: Training People with Disabilities for Cybersecurity Jobs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This program would afford individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive training that would result in a meaningful career with vast potential and a demonstrable shortage of skilled individuals.

Objectives

• Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, software, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage.  It encompasses a wide range of technologies, processes, practices, and measures that are designed to safeguard information and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets.
• This program aims to train a cohort of BiH citizens with disabilities with the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to secure and maintain entry-level employment in the cybersecurity field.
• Grantees will be required to coordinate and collaborate with a partner implementing organization, selected by the Czech Development Agency, to design, implement, monitor and evaluate a curriculum that includes the necessary professional training to secure employment in the cybersecurity field and to provide students with the skills and support needed to attain employment.

Project Themes

• Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital world due to the increasing reliance on technology, the proliferation of digital threats from malign actors, and the potential for significant financial, reputational, and operational damage resulting from cyberattacks.  It is a constantly evolving field that requires ongoing efforts to stay ahead of new and emerging threats.
• Workforce Development: The shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide has a significant impact in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the cybersecurity environment is underdeveloped, and talent pipelines need to be strengthened.  Addressing this is essential both for the country’s security and to develop a steady pipeline of qualified candidates to meet employers’ needs.  This is a key component of economic growth and development in BiH.
• Social Inclusion: People with disabilities in BiH face numerous barriers to educational opportunities, workforce participation, and social inclusion. By providing people with disabilities an opportunity for access to training and certification, they can help integrate them into the 21st century workforce while supporting the broader inclusion of a traditionally marginalized population into society.
• Reconciliation: Participation in the program will foster a network of cybersecurity professionals in many parts of the country, supporting reconciliation while improving BiH’s cyber resiliency.

Funding Information

• Length of Performance Period: 24-36 months, to include preparation, execution, and evaluation
• Number of Awards Anticipated: 1
• Award Amount: USD 250,000
• Total Available Funding: USD 250,000
• Anticipated Award Date: Expected January 2024

Participants and Beneficiaries

• Program beneficiaries should be individuals with disabilities of all types, over 18 years old, and should show interest in learning about cybersecurity and the ability and legal qualification for future employment in BiH.
• The selection process of the beneficiaries must be transparent and inclusive.
• Consideration of diversity and representation among beneficiaries are essential principles.
• Application review, interviews, or other evaluation methods must be accessible to the grant-making agency.

Eligibility Criteria

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (including think tanks), and educational institutions are welcomed to apply for this funding opportunity.
• Other organizations may apply if in partnership with non-governmental, civil society organizations, and educational institutions.
• Applications may be from a single entity or a consortium, though individual entities may only participate in one application for this award.
• They especially encourage organizations from smaller and remote communities to apply for this program.
• All organizations must be based and legally registered in BiH.
• U.S.-based or other donor country organizations and individuals are not eligible for grants under this program.
• Grants are generally awarded only to organizations.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.