Deadline: 28 February 2018
COUNTERPART International (hereinafter COUNTERPART) is seeking written proposals from qualified individuals, organizations and/or firms for research papers concerning internet governance and online rights in four countries: Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe for an international development organization.
Scope of Work
- COUNTERPART seeks an individual, organization or firm to provide a research paper on policies governing the internet to inform and benefit internet freedom within four targeted countries (Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe) to confirm that policies conform to international standards on fundamental human rights including freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy, among others. As practical dissemination of the research paper, Counterpart expects an individual, organization or firm to develop an advocacy plan and implement it with the period of the contract.
- Research should address policy, political, technical, international standards of human rights, and/or social factors affecting internet governance, access, and marginalized community empowerment in one of the targeted countries.
- The research product should identify and analyze the policy landscape, actors (governmental, and nongovernmental), national, regional, international instruments and/or political dynamics impacting internet governance, online rights, censorship, and accessibility.
- Research should identify threats to rights, particularly against traditionally marginalized communities in one of the targeted countries and provide recommendations for at least 2-3 stakeholders including government and civil society (e.g. policy reforms for government; advocacy actions for civil society, and/or contributions by the private sector for tech and policy solutions).
- Research may identify, measure and document threats to internet access such as deliberate network shutdowns, throttling, blocking, and disruptions to popular messaging and social media applications.
- Papers lengths should be between 10-30 pages and include an executive summary/abstract, research methodology, analysis of the problem, identification and role of relevant actors in the space, and recommendations. Research may include the use of questionnaires or interviews to present data on individual experiences, choices, or preferences. Research should provide supporting citations for outside reference material.
- The research paper should serve as a base for an advocacy action that should be completed within the contract period.
Funding Information
Pricing must be presented in US dollars and not exceed $5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Offerors must show qualifications in the following areas:
- Professional expertise, knowledge, and research experience (at least 3-5 years) involving internet governance issues, technology for the advancement of fundamental rights, and advocacy.
- Demonstrated track record of conducting scholarly research in the field of internet governance and online rights in one of the four target countries Demonstrated track record of advocacy for the research including, but limited to, working with an NGO, university, media outlets, or other non-profit entity to publish findings and recommendations
- Researchers based inside the country are preferred, but not absolutely required. Other considerations for applicant’s proposal:
- Civil Society organizations currently engaged in advocacy campaigns may seek to identify a research partner able to operationalize a research question of relevance to the organization’s current work.
- Create booklets, handouts, and/or other printed material for sharing and advocacy purposes.
- Produce multimedia content in connection with the research for advocacy and educational purposes (e.g. interview testimonials, data infographics, shareable social media highlighting research findings, etc.).
- Promote the research at relevant public fora.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply via given website.
Eligible Countries: Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe
For more information, please visit COUNTERPART International.