Data Policy Advisor (DTC)

GIZ – German International Cooperation Agency – supports the German Government in achieving its goals in international cooperation for sustainable development.

About the DataCipation program  

Cooperation in the field of digital transformation is a cornerstone of the AU-EU strategic partnership and a key component of the joint vision for sustainable economic growth. The African Union Commission has developed a high-level, principle-based Data Policy Framework for African countries to optimize the benefits of a data-driven economy. The Framework presents an enabling policy environment for the private and public investments necessary to support data-driven value creation and innovation. It is guided by the broad principles
of value creation, transparency and accountability of institutions and actors, inclusion and participation of stakeholders, equity among citizens, and fair competition amongst market players necessary for data-value creation. Within this frame of reference, AU and EU jointly engage to support the implementation of the framework on continental, regional and national level. Through the GIZ programme DataCipation, technical assistance is provided to the African Union Commission, its organs, Member States and RECs to support the roll out of the
AU Data Policy Framework. The project DataCipation is part of the GIZ portfolio with the AU and is implemented in a team of diverse backgrounds in Addis Ababa and other locations like Kenya. Staff based in Kenya will be based at the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre in Nairobi and is required to travel regularly travel to different countries in Africa.  

About the AU Data Policy Framework

The AU Data Policy Framework envisions the transformative potential of data to empower African countries; improve people's lives; safeguard collective interests; protect (digital) rights; and drive equitable socio-economic development.

Practically the process seeks to translate this vision into a framework which will, when implemented:

• Empower Africans to exercise their rights through the promotion of trusted, safe and
  secure data systems integrated on the basis of common standards and practices.

• Create, coordinate and capacitate governance institutions to regulate, as necessary, the ever-changing data landscape and to increase the productive and innovative use of data to provide solutions and create new opportunities while mitigating risk.

• Ensure that data can flow across borders as freely as possible, while achieving an equitable distribution of benefits and addressing risks related to human rights and national security.     

GIZ – German International Cooperation Agency – supports the German Government in achieving its goals in international cooperation for sustainable development.

About the DataCipation program  

Cooperation in the field of digital transformation is a cornerstone of the AU-EU strategic partnership and a key component of the joint vision for sustainable economic growth. The African Union Commission has developed a high-level, principle-based Data Policy Framework for African countries to optimize the benefits of a data-driven economy. The Framework presents an enabling policy environment for the private and public investments necessary to support data-driven value creation and innovation. It is guided by the broad principles
of value creation, transparency and accountability of institutions and actors, inclusion and participation of stakeholders, equity among citizens, and fair competition amongst market players necessary for data-value creation. Within this frame of reference, AU and EU jointly engage to support the implementation of the framework on continental, regional and national level. Through the GIZ programme DataCipation, technical assistance is provided to the African Union Commission, its organs, Member States and RECs to support the roll out of the
AU Data Policy Framework. The project DataCipation is part of the GIZ portfolio with the AU and is implemented in a team of diverse backgrounds in Addis Ababa and other locations like Kenya. Staff based in Kenya will be based at the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre in Nairobi and is required to travel regularly travel to different countries in Africa.  

About the AU Data Policy Framework

The AU Data Policy Framework envisions the transformative potential of data to empower African countries; improve people's lives; safeguard collective interests; protect (digital) rights; and drive equitable socio-economic development.

Practically the process seeks to translate this vision into a framework which will, when implemented:

• Empower Africans to exercise their rights through the promotion of trusted, safe and
  secure data systems integrated on the basis of common standards and practices.

• Create, coordinate and capacitate governance institutions to regulate, as necessary, the ever-changing data landscape and to increase the productive and innovative use of data to provide solutions and create new opportunities while mitigating risk.

• Ensure that data can flow across borders as freely as possible, while achieving an equitable distribution of benefits and addressing risks related to human rights and national security.     

Responsibilities

The Senior Advisor is responsible for:

• Support the implementation of African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2030

• Support cooperation between the African Union (e.g. AU Commission and AUDA-NEPAD) and the digital ecosystems in Africa and Europe

• Advise African Union Commission, African Union Member states and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the development of a competitive regional digital economy and the implementation of the AU Data Policy Framework

• Coordinate short-term consultant missions and capacity building measures on data strategies, policies and regulations with the African Union and its organs

• Develop mechanisms for harmonizing and monitoring the progress of data strategies, policies and regulations at continental and regional level.

• Organize workshops, study trips and events that provide political guidance on data policies and offer networking opportunities for political stakeholders 

Tasks

The Senior Advisor will perform the following tasks under disciplinary supervision of the Head of Component at the Digital Transformation Centre Kenya and the technical supervision of the Head of Component of Data Policy at DataCipation in Addis Ababa.

Technical advice for implementation of project activities

• Support the implementation of the AU Data Policy Framework on the regional and national level in various Member States, e.g.

• Facilitate multi-stakeholder-engagement for the development of regional and national data policies

• Formulate terms of reference for consultancy assignments, among other, on the development of data policy capacity development measures

• Assist in the preparation of studies and strategies
  

• Review, comment and accompany the set-up of financial agreements, especially regarding awareness raising and trainings on data policy

• Support activities by implementing partners, follow-up and ensure that quality results are delivered in a timely manner

• Support training and capacity development workshops on data policy and regulation
  

Project management

• Actively support project planning for data protection and open data activities within the DTC

• Prepare and manage consultancy assignments and financing agreements, and monitor service providers in completing their tasks

• Support study trips, workshops
  

• Support in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of project activities, and reporting.

• Manage meetings and events with partners, service providers and other relevant stakeholders (preparation, implementation, follow-up)

• Support knowledge management and public relation of the programme, including documentation of lessons learnt, best practices, case studies and success stories

• Support the preparation of communication materials and progress updates to German ministry and EU Delegations and other stakeholders.

Partnerships and network management

• Initiate and foster partnerships with government, private sector, academia, and civil society actors across the AU and beyond for the project in the area of data regulation

• Manage a network of project partners consisting of African stakeholders as well as international partners

• Support in keeping positive and productive relations with implementing partners, and other stakeholders

Other duties/additional tasks

• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned Regular business travel across Africa

 

Required qualifications, competences and experience

The Senior Advisor should have the following qualifications, competences and experiences:

 Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Law, International Relations, Economics or similar fields

Professional experience

• Atleast 4 years of work experience in the area of data regulation, preferably in an advisory role and/or project management role

• Ideally research has been conducted in fields relevant to data policy in Africa

• Relevant professional experience, preferably gained in Africa, on digital policy, digital business and investment, data governance and regulation

• Experience working in government relations and particularly in multilateral organizations such as the African Union is desirable.

• Thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities of a continental data policy

• Proven skills and experience in networking and fostering partnerships. An existing network in the area of data policy, trade, protection and or data in Africa and internationally is desirable

• In-depth understanding of the digital transformation ecosystem in Africa is required

• Experience in working with and/or advising government institutions on digital topics, preferably on questions of data protection and data regulation

• Knowledge of international data protection standards such as GDPR or Convention 108+ are an advantage

• Work experience in international cooperation is desired

 Other knowledge, additional competences

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Excellence in English language (orally and written) is required, Knowledge of German, French and other languages of the African Union are an asset.

• High motivation, strong analytical and conceptual skills as well as a good understanding of contemporary digital policy debates are expected.

• Strong interpersonal skills, a friendly, cooperative and supportive team spirit combined with the ability to work independently and self-reliant in a remote setup Ability and
  willingness to work in a dynamic team under minimal supervision.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to cooperate effectively with colleagues and partners.

• Self-starter, who works independently and has a flexible attitude but is a strong team player simultaneously.

• Very good working knowledge of ICT technologies (related software, phone, email, internet), Excel and other computer applications (e.g. MS Office);

 

Assignment period:

 01 March 2023 – 31 July 2026 (Extension possible)

Vacancy Reference Number:

GIZ/DTC/05/01/2023