Call for Syrian Experts: Digitalization, Digital Transformation & Technology for Development (Syria)

**Contract Type:** Individual Consultancy; Project-Based
**Eligibility:** **Syrian nationals or non-Syrian consultants currently residing in Syria only**

Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD) is seeking experienced consultants to join its roster of experts in **digitalization, digital transformation, digital public services, data systems and technology for development** to support upcoming evaluations, assessments, research, programme design and advisory assignments in Syria.

Selected consultants will be included in TCD's consultant roster and may be considered for future short-term consultancy opportunities based on their technical expertise, sector experience, geographical knowledge, availability and the requirements of specific assignments.

**Primary geographic scope:** Syria

## About the Call

Trust is expanding its roster of experts with strong practical and analytical experience related to **digital transformation, digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure and services, information systems, data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies**.

We are particularly interested in experts with **recent, first-hand knowledge of Syria's digital environment**, including digital infrastructure, government and private-sector digitalization, access and connectivity, digital skills and barriers to digital inclusion.

## Areas of Expertise

Applicants should have strong experience in one or more of the following:

1. **Digital transformation and digitalization strategies**, including digital readiness and maturity assessments, digital strategies and transformation roadmaps;
2. **Digital government and public services**, including e-government, digital public services, administrative systems and digital service delivery;
3. **Digital public infrastructure**, including digital identity, payment systems, data exchange and interoperable information systems;
4. **Management Information Systems (MIS)**, databases, dashboards, information management and data architecture;
5. **Digital financial services and financial inclusion**, including digital payments, mobile financial services and fintech;
6. **Digital economy and private-sector transformation**, including MSME digitalization, e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship and technology-enabled businesses;
7. **Digital skills, employment and future of work**, including digital literacy, ICT skills, online work, freelancing and technology-related employment opportunities;
8. **Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies**, including practical applications of AI, automation and data analytics for humanitarian and development programmes;
9. **Digital inclusion and accessibility**, including the digital divide and barriers affecting women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups;
10. **Digital data collection and monitoring systems**, including mobile data collection, real-time monitoring, GIS, dashboards and digital MEAL systems;
11. **Cybersecurity, data protection and responsible technology**, including privacy, information security, data governance and responsible use of digital technologies;
12. **Digitalization assessments and evaluations**, including assessment of the relevance, effectiveness, accessibility, sustainability and adoption of digital solutions.

## Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should have:

- **Syrian nationality and current residence in Syria, or be a non-Syrian consultant currently based in Syria**;
- A relevant university degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, engineering, data science, economics, business, public administration, development studies or another relevant field;
- At least **5 years of relevant professional experience**; senior/lead experts should preferably have **10+ years**;
- Recent professional experience related to **digitalization, digital transformation, ICT, data systems or technology-enabled programmes in Syria**, preferably within the last three years;
- Demonstrated experience conducting or contributing to **digital assessments, digital strategies, feasibility studies, evaluations, system design or digital-transformation initiatives**;
- Strong understanding of Syria's **digital infrastructure, institutional environment, private sector and digital-access constraints**;
- Strong analytical, research and report-writing skills;
- Ability to engage with government institutions, technology companies, telecom/ICT actors, private businesses, universities, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders;
- Arabic fluency; professional English is strongly preferred.

## International Organization & Donor Experience

Previous experience with **UNDP, World Bank, ITU, UNICEF, ILO, UN agencies, EU-funded programmes, GIZ, international NGOs, development banks or other organizations working on digital transformation and technology for development** is a strong advantage.

Experience with recognized approaches related to **digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, digital inclusion, data governance, cybersecurity, AI and responsible digital development** should be clearly highlighted.

Applicants should indicate relevant assignments, including the **client, assignment, year, role, technology/area of expertise and main responsibilities**.