Department: Turkmenistan - GSP

Location: Ashgabat City, Ashgabat

Closing date: August 22, 2023, 18:00 local time

Expected period of implementation: August-September 2023 (The total number of days: 6 working days)

Overall Objective and Purpose

One of the GSP’s main components is strengthening policy development and lawmaking processes of Turkmenistan. Since 2021, GSP has been successfully cooperating with the Parliament (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan.

In March 2023, Turkmenistan held elections of Members of the Mejlis, Members of the Halk Maslahaty (local representative bodies) and Gengeshes (local self-governance bodies) in the cities, districts (etraps), and regions (velayats). Turkmenistan’s Mejlis strengthens legislation in the field of civil and administrative laws, local self-governance, electoral processes, financial and economic activity, and labor relations.

The Government of Turkmenistan has engaged GSP to plan a seminar for Members of Mejlis on the topic: “Digitalization of parliamentary activity. International experience, technologies, and challenges”. In this regard, the project plans to hire an international consultant to prepare for and facilitate the abovementioned seminar.

One of the areas of cooperation with the Mejlis is studying international experience in the field of e-Parliament. GSP will provide technical support to the Mejlis with the aim to discuss a strategic/conceptual approach to the introduction of digital solutions into the work of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.

The seminar will be aimed at reviewing the international experience on applying e-Services in the legislative process, technological aspects of development of parliamentary websites and the best practices of using digital technologies in the parliaments of foreign countries. The seminar is expected to be organized in four half-day (four-hour) sessions over four days (TBD upon discussion with Mejlis).

It is expected that the number of seminar participants will be 25-30 people. The seminar should be practical, interactive, and include case studies and practical exercises.

Responsibilities

Develop seminar materials (i.e., agenda, presentation slides, participant handouts) and submit minimum 5 working days prior to the start of the seminar.

1. It is expected that the seminar agenda and related materials will cover the following topics:

• International experience of applying digital technologies in parliamentary work.
• Technological systems for holding sessions and events of Mejlis.
• Technological aspects of the development of parliamentary intranet sites and websites.
• Electronic services in the legislative process.
• Automated document management system in parliamentary work.

2. Conduct seminar on the topic: “Digitalization of parliamentary activity. International experience, technologies, and challenges”. During the course of the seminar, organize discussions with the aim of developing a draft Road Map/Plan of Digital Transformation of Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The draft document should include brief assessment of the existing technical capabilities, development of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for GSP potential contracting a company to develop e-parliament system, architectural design of hardware and software requirements for the implementation of the e-parliament. The seminar might be delivered in four half-day (four hour) sessions over four days, TBD upon discussion with Mejlis.

3. Prepare a Final Report on the seminar including draft Road Map/Plan of Digital Transformation of Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The international consultant will work with the USAID GSP team and Parliament of Turkmenistan. International consultant will report directly to USAID GSP Chief of Party and Governance Specialist.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Advanced University degree (MSc, MA, or Ph.D.) in business analysis or hardware/software engineering or related fields.
• A relevant university degree in combination with qualifying experience in the relevant area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies

• A good understanding of the IT hardware equipment and informational systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social, professional, and cultural backgrounds.
• Proven knowledge of communication tools, excellent writing skills.
• Excellent coordination and collaboration skills, with ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and projects concurrently.
• Ability to work independently and participate effectively in team-based information sharing.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical standards.
• Positive, constructive attitude to work.
• Effective and timely delivery of agreed outputs in a high-pressure work environment.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English and Russian is required.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in ITC and in the provision of similar tasks.
• Proven practical experience in information gathering methodology and conducting analysis and assessment in e-sector.
• Experience in working with the Parliament is an asset.
• Proven previous experience in digitalization transformation.
• Previous experience working with international agencies is an asset.
• Successful experience in planning and implementation of information system projects.

To get additional information and apply for the position, please follow the link.