IT Expert for developing GITC's new incubation and research programs

TERMS OF REFERENCE

I. General:

Title: IT Expert  for developing Gyumri Information Technologies Center's (GITC's) new incubation and research programs                                   

Project: Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN)

Duration: six months 

Duty Station: Gyumri, Armenia

Background

UNDP Diaspora Integration Proposal document contains two different proposals, each for one UNDP Diaspora professional to integrate with the Gyumri Information Technologies Center's (GITC's) development activities. The first proposal is for modifying the Center's existing information technology curriculum programs. The second proposal is for developing new incubation and research programs. Both programs have an ultimate goal of bringing more employment to Armenia's depressed Northern Region and address the economic aftershocks still present in the earthquake zone.

Curriculum Development Proposal 

Currently the GITC curricula is entirely classroom based. But most students have never been employed prior to admission. Students have excellent qualifications and skills upon graduation, but no experience to deal with a dynamic, knowledge worker-based job environment. The ultimate goal of this work is to make internship and paid opportunities available to the graduating Class of 2009 one year from now.

Current Situation

Many employers find employees need a transition period between hiring and generating productive output. Some employers find this period takes too long. As a consequence, the number of employers willing to bring work to the economically depressed earthquake zone is severely limited. The GITC needs to develop incubation and research programs offering a transitory environment from the classroom to the workplace. Students need intern and paid work on real-world projects, not just classroom simulations, in a supervised environment prior to accepting the responsibilities of full-time employment. Again, most of these needs are driven by a complete lack of work experience due to economic depression. Many academic institutions offer transitory employment for students through a formal research and development program. These programs link resources between education and industry, allowing advancement in both fields simultaneously. Because Armenia's northern region contains too few employers, however, a program to incubate enterprises in an academic setting prior to bearing the burden of market participation  seems necessary as well.

Statement of Work

The GITC has performed some preliminary work with internship, incubation, and research projects. This work has not been institutionalized, however. The GITC proposes that the UNDP provide a Diaspora  member to perform the following tasks associated with implementing formal incubation and research programs:

- Review the results of current work with external entities.

- Research similar programs available nationally and with our nearest international neighbors (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey).

- Interview employers, students, and other stakeholders to document needs and objectives unmet by the academic programs.

- Propose strategy and tactics for developing new programs in cooperation with external private and public entities.

- Supervise the implementation of these programs.

Qualifications

The following paragraphs discuss the minimum and desired requirements anticipated to implement the preceding statement of work:

Minimum Qualification Requirements

One of the following educational achievements:

- Bachelors of the Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in either Information Technology or Marketing.

- Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.

- Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering.

- A minimum of two years experience in the development of internal products or services within a technically driven organization.

- A minimum of one year of experience in contracting, sales, marketing, or a similar field engaging with external entities.

Desired Qualification Requirements

- Masters in any of the previously mentioned degree programs.

- Five years experience as either a faculty member or an engineer managing a research and development organization.

- Direct or indirect experience launching a start-up for-profit project which was sustained for at least five years.

- Demonstrated ability to manage both hardware and software research programs.

Applications can be submitted through http://globalarmenia.am/, http://oc.undp.am/?go=vacancies websites.

A complete application form should consist of a letter of motivation, full CV. 

Submit your application

                                                                     Application Deadline:  15 January 2009, 18:00

 Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

Women candidates are encouraged to apply

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