We’re looking for a consultant to investigate open data needs for AI applications
Join the ODC and contribute to understanding of the Global South’s open data needs in Artificial Intelligence
The Project
The Open Data Charter (ODC) is collaborating with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to investigate open data needs for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to Global South development challenges. Increasing interest is being given to AI as an analytical and decision support tool for development issues. These can include the use of image classification techniques to detect disease in crops, understanding land use and land cover change, and even to the use of ML language models for language preservation and use in digital government services. Investments are already underway in the international development community to leverage AI tools for development or public good purposes. Within the global south development context, the ODC seeks to understand:
- The key problem areas currently addressed by AI innovations
- Potential upcoming problem areas for AI practitioners to address
- Current and future data needs
What we are looking for
We seek a consultant to conduct desk research and interviews, data collection and analysis for the project. The consultant will be expected to provide deep and comprehensive analysis of the data they collect, including desk research and stakeholder interviews. This analysis is to be communicated via written documents, spreadsheets, and in meetings with ODC.
Guidance and oversight will be provided by ODC. The consultant will be provided methods to implement, including templates and questionnaires to guide data collection. Methods may need to be adjusted as the project progresses. The consultant will be expected to provide feedback and make adjustments to methods when needed.
The consultant will be expected to document the details of their work throughout the project and communicate this via meetings and project documentation. The consultant may also be required to synthesize and report on their findings.
We are specifically interested in individuals with experience researching the intersection of technology and international development and who bring a knowledge of core development challenges in the following areas (other domains may be included over the duration of the project):
- Healthcare in the global south
- Agriculture in the global south
The consultant must have demonstrated experience working in areas of advanced analytics and be able to recognise, understand, and synthesise desk research on artificial intelligence in a variety of application areas.
Consultants are expected to be fully fluent in English.
Deliverables
- Literature review and environmental scan on the use of AI in global south development contexts including: 1) agriculture, 2) healthcare
- Inventory of organizations, projects, and initiatives operating in the Global South that utilise AI to address development challenges
- Stakeholder interviews and analysis
Timeframe
Consultant support is needed between September 2022 — February 2023.
Compensation
Our total budget for this consultant position is 15,000 USD for the project duration. The consultant will be paid an hourly rate (please note your expected rate in your cover letter).
As of September 18, 2022: As announced on our Twitter, we received quality submissions and are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Are you interested in working with us on this project? Please read the Terms of Reference carefully and submit your Cover Letter and CV to recruitment@opendatacharter.org. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and will close this as soon as we find the right candidate.
