Careers

About KICTANet. The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multistakeholder think tank for ICT policy and regulation. The network acts as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector and is guided by four pillars: policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and research. The network provides mechanisms and a framework for continuing cooperation and collaboration in ICT matters.

Programme Officer – Technology Policy

Position Overview

KICTANet is implementing a new project and seeks to fill the position of a Programme Officer – Technology Policy. The Officer will monitor, analyze, and provide insights on East Africa’s rapidly evolving tech policy landscape. The role addresses a critical gap—the limited capacity of digital rights organizations to track and influence emerging digital policies. The core objectives include:
Proactively monitoring and analyzing ICT policy developments.
Expanding opportunities for public participation and advocacy.
Strengthening KICTANet’s internal capacity on emerging tech policy issues.
Contributing to sustainable stakeholder engagement in ICT policy and governance.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Technology Policy Monitoring and Research
Track, document and analyze ICT policy developments, legislation, and regulatory changes in Kenya and the broader East African region, and their implications for stakeholders in the ecosystem.
Produce policy briefs, explainer reports, and timely alerts on emerging regulations affecting digital rights, cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, and digital inclusion.
Engage with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to gather insights and contribute to policy discussions.
2. Advocacy and Public Engagement
Develop public awareness materials, blogs, and op-eds to simplify complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
Organize policy engagements to update stakeholders on current tech policy developments.
Participate in stakeholder forums, consultations, and public hearings on tech policy matters.
Support KICTANet’s advocacy campaigns by providing technical analysis and strategic recommendations.
3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Conduct internal briefings for KICTANet staff and key stakeholders to enhance organizational knowledge on tech policy trends.
Train civil society groups, journalists, and other key stakeholders on the implications of emerging digital policies.
Develop learning materials and toolkits to empower digital rights defenders.
4. Regional and Global Engagement
Represent KICTANet in regional and global policy dialogues, including Tech Exchange meetings and collaborative initiatives.
Contribute to thought leadership by participating in panel discussions, conferences, and expert working groups.
5. Reporting and Documentation
Maintain a structured database of policy developments, research outputs, and engagement activities.
Prepare periodic reports on tech policy trends, advocacy impact, and program activities.

Key Qualifications

Essential
An advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, ICT, Human Rights, or a related field.
Strong understanding of ICT policy and regulatory environment.
Experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or research within civil society, government, or academia.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write policy briefs and present complex topics effectively.
Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred
Knowledge of digital rights, internet governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
Experience working in a multi-stakeholder setting.
Previous participation in digital rights advocacy or research projects.
Experience using data and evidence to support policy arguments.

Why Join KICTANet?

Work at the intersection of technology and policy, contributing to digital transformation.
Engage with leading experts and policymakers in shaping digital governance.
Gain professional development through the Tech Exchange program, including networking opportunities and global collaborations.
KICTANet is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups in technology policy.
Gross Remuneration:  KES 200,000 to KES 300,000
Application Deadline: Friday, 7 February 2025 1700 hours EAT
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Hybrid)
Position Type: Full-time, 18-month contract (Tech Exchange Program)
Reports to: Programme Lead, KICTANet
Submit your application here 

Call For Consultancy – Currently Suspended due to the unfolding Funding Discussions From the US Govt

Terms of Reference for Consultancy Services: WiDEF Curriculum

Background

KICTANet with the support of USAID and CARE through the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is implementing a project that aims to bridge the gender digital divide that is exacerbated by the rural urban divide. Through this project, women living in rural areas within 10 counties will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to use technology for their economic empowerment. 

In light of this objective, KICTANet is looking for a consultant(s) to develop a modularised curriculum covering topics relating to foundational computer operation, internet basics, mobile money management, online banking, access to online loan facilities, e-commerce basics, social media marketing, online advertising, freelancing platforms, online safety, password management, data privacy, responsible social media use, communication strategies, access to government online services and access to e-learning platforms. 

Objectives of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive modularised curriculum  and an illustrative guidebook, videos and offline resources that will be used to enhance digital literacy skills among women living in rural areas of Kenya to use technology for their economic empowerment. 

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Design a Modularised Curriculum 
  • Develop a detailed curriculum structure covering the following modules: 
    • Basic Digital Skills: Computer operations, internet basics
    • Digital Financial Services: Mobile money, online banking, loan facilities
    • Digital Commerce: E-commerce fundamentals, social media marketing, online advertising
    • Digital Security: Online safety, password management, data privacy
    • Digital Citizenship: Responsible social media use, communication strategies
    • E-Government & E-Learning: Access to government services, educational platforms
    • Freelancing: Introduction to online freelancing platforms and opportunities

 

  •  Develop Accompanying Learning Materials 
  • Design easy to read illustrative guidebooks, trainer guides, storyboards for training videos and assessment tools for each module. 

 

  • Localisation of Training Framework
  • Design culturally appropriate examples and case studies
  • Create guidelines for cultural adaptation of material
  • Identify cultural considerations for each module.

 

  • Key Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

  • Detailed curriculum framework with learning objectives and outcomes
  • Complete set of module content
  • Illustrated guidebook (print-ready)
  • Video storyboards
  • Trainer guides and participant workbooks
  • Assessment tools and rubrics
  • Localization and translation guidelines
  • Implementation recommendations

  • Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 3 months  from the start date.

  • Required Qualifications

The ideal consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years experience in curriculum development
  • Demonstrated experience in digital skills training
  • Experience in developing multilingual and culturally sensitive learning materials
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles
  • Understanding of digital literacy and financial inclusion concepts
  • Experience in developing modular training programs
  • Excellent writing and visualization skills

 

  • Application Process

Interested consultants should submit their applications to [email protected],  by 31st January, 2025.

  • Confidentiality

The consultant must maintain confidentiality regarding all information and data obtained during the consultancy.

  • Contact Information

For inquiries or clarification, please contact: [email protected]. 

KICTANet

Tel: +254 751 000 001 

Terms of Reference: Development of a Lexicon for Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Background

KICTANet, is developing a comprehensive lexicon that captures terms and phrases associated with technology facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya languages.

The aim of the project is to inform policy development, enhance awareness, and improve platform moderation mechanisms. This lexicon will also help in identifying, reporting, and responding to various nuanced forms of TFGBV affecting women, girls, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in local languages, especially in marginalized regions. 

KICTANet is looking for a lead and assistant linguistic experts fluent in one of the following languages: Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya.  The consultants will provide technical expertise to develop this lexicon by analyzing social, cultural, and technological contexts that impact language used to perpetuate TFGBV.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to:

  1. Develop a comprehensive lexicon of terms related to TFGBV, which will be tailored to the specific socio-cultural context of Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya speakers taking into account local nuances, emerging technologies, and gender dynamics.
  2. Identify platform-specific and behavioral patterns  in online spaces that contribute to the perpetration of TFGBV in these specific languages.
  3. Propose mitigation strategies by identifying and analyzing key terms that may not be explicit but are part of coordinated harassment or trolling.
  4. Provide guidance on how to incorporate this lexicon into policy, education, and awareness programs  aimed at addressing TFGBV through policy 

 

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will undertake the following activities:

 

  • Research & Data Collection
  • Develop a methodology for developing the lexicon
  • Review existing literature, reports, and case studies on TFGBV with a particular focus on Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya languages.
  • Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders including women’s rights organizations, gender advocacy groups, legal experts, social media influencers, and victims of TFGBV.
  • Examine data from online platforms to identify terms, language, context,  used to perpetuate TFGBV in the specified languages including slang, coded language, language promoting gender stereotypes and subtle harassment techniques.

 

  • Contextual Analysis
  •  Assess the socio-cultural context of TFGBV in Kenya, with a particular focus on gender norms, power dynamics, and intersectional discrimination (e.g., race, disability, LGBTQIA+ status).
  • Analyze platform-specific language and behaviors across social media platforms, messaging apps, and online forums where TFGBV is prevalent.
  • Identify emerging technological factors, such as deep fakes, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and sextortion, that enable TFGBV and explore relevant terminology.

 

  • Lexicon Development
  • Create a detailed list of terms used in various forms of TFGBV, categorized by types of abuse (e.g., doxxing, trolling, sexual harassment, image-based abuse).
  • Include culturally specific terms and intersectional language related to TFGBV that impact marginalized groups, such as PWDs, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Identify covert or coded language often used by perpetrators to evade moderation or detection.
  • Consultation & Validation
  • Organize a validation workshop with stakeholders including gender experts and local communities to ensure that the lexicon reflects the lived experiences of those affected by TFGBV.

 

  • Recommendations & Reporting
  • Provide recommendations on how the lexicon can be used by tech platforms to enhance TFGBV detection and prevention.
  • Produce a comprehensive report that includes the finalized lexicon, methodology, analysis of trends, and strategic recommendations for policy advocacy.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

  1. Inception Report: Outlining a detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the assignment.
  2. Draft Lexicon: A preliminary lexicon of TFGBV terms with categorization and analysis of usage across platforms and communities.
  3. Final Lexicon: A comprehensive lexicon including cultural, intersectional, and platform-specific language related to TFGBV.
  4. Final Report: A detailed report summarizing the methodology, findings, contextual analysis, and recommendations for utilizing the lexicon in policy development, digital literacy programs, and online platform moderation.

Timeline

The consultancy will take place over a period of 3 months.

 Consultant Qualifications

The ideal consultant(s) should have the following qualifications:

  • Must be fluent in at least one of the following languages: Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya
  • Must possess in-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural and gender dynamics within the Kenyan context, particularly as these relate and shape the perpetuation of TFGBV
  • Should have demonstrated experience in linguistic research, lexicon development, or terminological analysis.
  • Must have digital literacy skills and be familiar with social media platforms, online communities, and emerging technologies that impact TFGBV.
  • Must have strong research and analytical skills, particularly in qualitative analysis, including interviews, focus groups, and case study review.
  • Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective engagement with stakeholders for policy advocacy purposes. .

Reporting

The consultant(s) will report to the Women Digital Rights Team Lead at KICTANet and work closely with the gender and digital rights teams. Regular progress updates will be provided through meetings and interim reports.

Budget for the Roles:

Lead Linguistic Expert – €500

Assistant Linguistic Expert: €400

Communications fees:  €20 for each lead and assistant linguistic expert

Payment

The consultancy fees shall be paid upon completion of the following milestones.

  •  30% after the adoption of the inception report
  •  30% after the presentation of the draft documents
  •  40% after the approval of the final documents.

 

Application Timeline

Please submit your application by 13th November, 2024 at 1700 hrs EAT to [email protected]. To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae, academic certificates and samples of your previous work focusing on TFGBV.

Confidentiality

The consultant must maintain confidentiality regarding all information and data obtained during the consultancy.

Contact Information

For inquiries or clarification, please contact: [email protected]. 

KICTANet

Tel: +254 751 000 001

 

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