Annex I. Terms of reference

Government of Mongolia/United Nations Development Programme
Terms of Reference for Consultancy work in Information and Communications Technology

Objective

The objective of the intervention is to assist the Government of Mongolia in building on and completing the work undertaken so far to complete a national strategy and plan of action for the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as tools for sustainable human and economic development. The action plan should focus on the next 2-3 years, but also include a longer-term vision. 

Terms of Reference

In consultation with the GoM, and other key actors, including business leaders in telecommunications, NGOs and other donors:

To develop a full understanding of what is wanted and needed and why for the use of IT in Mongolia. Thus, the goals, objectives, needs and circumstances of the economy and of society (public, private, civil society), concerning the use and application of information and communication technologies and management practicies for the sustainable human and economic development of Mongolia must be claried. 

To evaluate the financial, economic, organizational, technical, human and social issues affecting the use and application of ICTs in Mongolia including constraints.

To outline what options are suitable for Mongolia . Technical solutions based on examples used in other developing countries facing similar problems to Mongolia or based on recent  technological innovation will be discussed. The basis for evaluation will be technical, financial, and on the basis of ease of implementation and experience in other countries, etc. (What are the options). Needs for upgrading/expansion will be  taken into account. 

To outline in broad  terms a strategy for ICT action over the next 2-3 years in the light of (i), (ii) and (iii) above bearing in mind the serious economic and social challenges confronting Mongolia.

To outline alternatives for implementation of the ICT strategy, i.e. who will be responsible, for what, and what are the budgetary implications.

Principles of implementation of this evaluation

Extensive consultations and consolidation of existing efforts and results,plans, proposals, including Mongolia Vision 2010.

Product

A draft national strategy and plan of action for ICTs as a tool for human and economic development in Mongolia that can be presented to the GoM for endorsement. 

A mechanism for the ongoing evaluation and updating/improvement of this plan in relation to technological change.

As a result of this intervention, the GoM will be in a much better position to secure support from the international community and other sources (private sector) in realizing this strategy, and to do so in collaboration with several international endeavours seeking to support the ability of countries to use and apply ICTs for development.

Timing

The product must be submitted before 31 December 1999. A fifteen day period of work from 22 November to 8 December is presently proposed for two consultants. The Team Leader should have extensive experience in policy/strategy planning in other developing countries. He should be accompanied by a specialist familiar with state of the art technical applications that are suitable for Mongolia and he will be responsible for identifying this latter consultant. 

Conditions

The consultants will work in the Office of the Prime Minister, whole staff will facilitate their schedule of appointments. The consultants will have access to two computers and the internet. 

Prior to their arrival the GoM wil  organise four working groups around economic, social, technical and business issues and ask each group to submit brief (2-3 pages) summaries that address point 2 (i) of the above Terms of Reference.