Terms of Reference
Expert for the Development of a Knowledge Management System (KMS)
Actual working hours:Approximately 25 working days for KMS, plan and strategy development. The timeframe can be reviewed based on proposal from consultant. This timeframe does not include training of staff, which will be negotiated separately.
GESCI, the Global E-Schools and Communities Initiative, is a non-profit organisation founded by the United Nations ICT Taskforce. GESCI, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, provides strategic advice to relevant Ministries in developing countries on the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the context of inclusive Knowledge Societies. See www.gesci.org. GESCI is working across 16 countries in Southern, Eastern, Western and North Africa building capacities of leaders, teachers and young people within the context of “A Knowledge Society for All”.
GESCI is seeking an experienced Knowledge Management (KM) expert with a Master’s degree or higher in KM related/relevant field to assist with the establishment of a Knowledge Management System (KMS) appropriate for GESCI’s organisational needs and requirements. The expert is expected to carry out the assignment in consultation with GESCI management and staff and to work with a small internal reference group. The expert will discharge his/her tasks under the guidance of the GESCI CEO and Director of Programmes.
The KM expert will be responsible for:
· Conducting a thorough assessment/audit through desk research and organisational review on GESCI’s knowledge resources and where GESCI is now with regard to knowledge management processes and systems for understanding of the current reality in terms of requirements, practice, processes and tools, for identification of the gaps and needs that exist, and for definition of the scope and scale of the required KM system
· Developing a comprehensive KM plan and integrated system for knowledge building/creation, capture, storage, retrieval, re-use and dissemination in support of organisational learning and sharing to help position GESCI as an expert technical assistance organisation for ICT integration, capacity building, leadership and Knowledge Society development. The KM system development will include the following elements:
- Analysis of people, processesand technologyas the key building blocks for the KMS to produce a balanced, integrated and well-functioning KM system. This analysis will focus on what changes may be required to organisational culture, structure, processes and systems
- Development of KM Framework and KM strategies to support the design, implementation and enhancement of core KM approaches for critical knowledge flow, to guide implementation and to ensure that all the necessary KM elements will be in place and are articulated/interconnected. The African Leadership in ICT (ALICT) Programme will be used as a case study for the development and piloting of the KMS.
- Advice on systems, processes, technology tools, change management, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) for building and creating new knowledge and training strategies by presenting comparative analyses of different options highlighting advantages and disadvantages
- Consultation with regional partners and other key entities to identify information needs and knowledge management implications
- Conducting mapping (desk research) of which organisation is doing what in Africa in
GESCI’s related domains of activity
- Development of training plan.
Key requirements for the expert are:· Master’s degree or higher in KM/Communications/Media/Library and Information Studies, MBA or equivalent post graduate degree relevant to KM and Organisational Development
· At least 10 years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in organizational or action learning, development, knowledge management and/or monitoring, evaluation and learning
· Demonstrated understanding and experience in developing and leading knowledge management programmes, facilitating communities of practice and social networking
· Proven track record of developing and implementing Knowledge Management Systems
· High level of research competence and abreast of current research and best practice in the
- Knowledge Management domain
· Excellent oral and written communication, analytical and presentation skills in English and French
· Good time management and organizational skills to prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines
· Excellent professional references (minimum of 3)
Duration: This is an international hiring. The duration of the consultancy is for 25 working days.
Some of the work can be done as desk research, but the consultant will also have to spend time at the GESCI office in Nairobi.
Consultancy Fee:The consultancy fee will be Euro 10,000, which does not include training of staff which would be negotiated separately. This amount is inclusive of 20 % withholding tax under Kenyan legislation for external consultants. GESCI will arrange and cover economy class travel and accommodation in Nairobi for period to be spent in Nairobi.
Expected Outputs:
· Organisational assessment/audit of GESCI’s existing KM systems, practices, tools, gaps, etc., and the requirements, scope and scale for a tailor-made KMS based on organisational requirements
· KM plan consisting of KM framework and strategies including for testing/piloting and initial training/coaching of staff. The plan will present different scenarios/options for implementation
· Integrated KMS and KM database responding to 3 key elements of people, processes and technology
· Consultancy report with recommendations for longer term KM development
· Training plan
Indicative Schedule for deliverables: to be negotiated and confirmed with expert based on proposal and scope of tasks:
· Organisational assessment: 1 September 2015
· Draft KM plan with framework, strategies: 1 September 2015
· Draft integrated KMS and KM database: 7 September 2015
· Final KM plan KMS and KM database: 21 September 2015
· Draft consultancy report: 14 September 2015
· Final consultancy report: 21 September 2015
· Training plan: 21 September 2015
Payment schedule:
30 % upon completion of organisational assessment and draft KM plan, and 70% on final submission of deliverables and approval by GESCI.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your detailed CV and proof of credentials along with a cover letter specifying why you qualify for this task and providing a proposal of how you will scope and execute the task to Patti Swarts, Director of Programmes, GESCI, to the following e-mail address: patti.swarts@gesci.org by 29 July 2015.
