Asia – Integra LLC

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Technical Office For Fostering USG – MOH Bilateral Cooperation (USAID BANTU II)

Position: Technical Office For Fostering USG – MOH Bilateral Cooperation

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Integra is managing the USAID Health Technical Assistance Project (USAID BANTU II), a five-
year project. As a follow-up to BANTU I, BANTU II is the next-generation health sector support
mechanism designed to enable USAID to continue engaging in effective and adaptive technical
assistance while accelerating local ownership and Indonesian self-reliance goals.
Integra is currently seeking a Technical Officer for Fostering Bilateral Cooperation to enhance
bilateral cooperation within the Ministry of Health (MOH), particularly those that are under the
USAID and broader U.S. Government support, by facilitating communication, collaboration, and
knowledge exchange with international partners. The Technical Officer will play a key role in
coordinating activities, managing partnerships, and supporting the implementation of bilateral
cooperation initiatives to advance the MOH’s strategic goals and priorities.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Technical Officer will carry-out the following tasks:

Drafting and reviewing MoU, agreements and other arrangement with foreign
government and international entities
Contributing to the development of policies, strategies, and guidelines related to bilateral cooperation within the MOH, based on lessons learned and best practices from international partnerships
Serving as the focal point for bilateral cooperation initiatives within MOH, liaising with relevant departments, units, and international partners, particularly under the USAID and broader U.S. Government support to identify opportunities for collaboration
Facilitating communication and information sharing between the MOH and international partners, including organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote dialogue and exchange of best practices
Coordinating the development and implementation of bilateral cooperation projects and activities, including drafting project proposals, work plans, and budgets in collaboration with stakeholders, particularly those that are under the USAID and broader U.S. Government support.
Providing technical support and guidance to MOH staff involved in bilateral cooperation initiatives, including monitoring progress, addressing challenges, and ensuring compliance with project objectives and timelines
Supporting the evaluation and reporting of bilateral cooperation projects and activities, including gathering data, preparing reports, and documenting lessons learned and best practices for future initiatives
Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including diplomatic missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant partners, to promote collaboration and resource mobilization for health-related projects and programs.
Coordinating workflow with USAID-MOH KGTK staff for USAID Health Programs, in particular BANTU II project, including providing support to relevant reporting systems. This will be done in close coordination and collaboration with the USAID supported Administration and Liaison Assistant.

REQUIREMENTS:

Key experience and competencies:

Master’s degree in international law or international relations or notarial degree, or Bachelor ‘s Degree in international law, international relations or other related field with at least 8 years related work experience
Minimum 6 years proven work experience in legal drafting, legislative work and/or facilitating bilateral cooperation initiatives, preferably in the healthcare or public health sector.
Excellent legal drafting skills, includes the ability to write clear, precise and unambiguous legal language that accurately reflects the agreement objectives and is consistent with the existing laws
Comprehensive understanding of and stay up-to-date with changes in GoI and MOH’s health legal framework, regulations and legal principles to ensure that the drafting of new agreements or MoU or cooperation with foreign governments and international entities aligns with and complements the existing laws
Sound knowledge of international health policies, frameworks, and funding mechanisms related to bilateral cooperation, as well as experience working with diplomatic missions, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations
Proven experience of working closely with government legal experts, and relevant key stakeholders
Attention to detail to produce accurate legal documents
Fluent in written, verbal and presenting communication in English and Bahasa Indonesia
Able to work independently and under minimum supervision, as well as to work together in teams and take initiatives in dealing with problems

This is a long-term consultancy (local hire) up to 12 (twelve) months period and will be based in
Jakarta, Indonesia.

Remuneration Package: A competitive package would be offered based on salary history and
work experience.

HOW TO APPLY: To respond to this opportunity, please send your resume (no longer than 5
pages) with three references. Application should be sent to jobsBANTU2@integrallc.com with
the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing date: October 15, 2024, COB Jakarta Time
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Integra provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

October 2, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Senior MEL Specialist – USAID Indonesia

Position: Senior MEL Specialist

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Integra and partners are pursuing the anticipated five-year USAID/Indonesia PRO – Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting – MECLA Platform (RFP No. TBD). This contract will support the implementation of the U.S. Government’s and USAID’s current priorities such as the Indo-Pacific Vision as well as future priorities that may arise during the life of the activity. This support encompasses activities related to the design, M&E, CLA, KM, and dissemination of results and learning throughout the program cycle.

The project will provide monitoring support services; designing and implementing performance, developmental, and impact evaluations and other studies, research, data analyses, and assessments; developing collaborating, learning and adapting initiatives; and providing short-, medium- and long-term consulting and advisory services and logistical support services to strengthen the implementation of USAID/Indonesia’s CDCS and enhance USAID’s organizational effectiveness.

The activities will be underpinned by cross-cutting support for localization, inclusive development, and partnerships with local stakeholders including the Government of Indonesia, private sector, civil society, and other development partners. USAID Indonesia programming focuses on issues such as democratic resilience and governance, economic growth, education, health, environment, and local institutional strengthening (see https://www.usaid.gov/indonesia/our-work for details).

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Senior MEL Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Indonesia MECLA activity. This will be a full-time position, pending award. The MEL Specialist will require experience in ensuring the MEL principles and priorities are coordinated and consistently applied in compliance with USAID and Integra principles, policies, and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities:

Support the design and implementation of MEL activities across Indonesia, through data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
Responsible for monitoring and tracking of performance indicators to ensure project activities/interventions are impactful and sustainable.
Responsible for data collection, cleaning, compilation, and reporting, in line with USAID protocols, standards, and policies.
Lead the development of MEL Plan, MEL Guide and Toolkit, and Work Plan. Develop Results Chains and Frameworks. Develop data collection instruments (tools and templates), trainings, etc.
Lead or contribute to MEL Communities of Practice and working groups.
Lead or contribute to MEL capacity strengthening efforts for USAID, local organizations and implementing partners.
Support project reports development. Reporting and coordinating MEL information for contract reports and deliverables.
Coordinate with Integra staff, Chief of Party and CLA teams to enable successful delivery of Mission task orders.
Analyze and use project data to assess and improve project quality and performance.
Contribute to collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) activities, events, and exercises.
Contribute to data reporting and visualization for success stories, case studies, social media materials, etc.
Manage multi-disciplinary and dynamic teams.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, public administration, international relations, economics, business administration, law or a related discipline.
Background in project cycle approach to planning and designing data collection strategies.
10 years of experience in data-collection and analysis, management systems, data interpretation, and integrating outputs into decision-making processes.
Experience using project/program performance tracking indicators and developing theories of change.
Experience identifying and setting and tracking monitoring indicators, data collection techniques and data analysis.
Experience developing Results Frameworks and MEL Plans (i.e., AMELPs).
Strong analytic and critical thinking skills in evaluation and visualization.
Experience planning and designing MEL management systems.
Familiar with USAID MEL work plans and data flow diagrams for M&E data collection, reporting, learning meetings, and data quality assessments.
Can adapt and update log frames, indicator plans, and indicator tracking tables based on the activity situation.
Familiar with quantitative and qualitative tools in adaptive management.
Desire and ability to improve MEL initiatives by identifying best practices, field-tested lessons learned, and creative recommendations.
Demonstrate excellent skills in technical writing experience in relevant areas, including queries, reports, and presentations.
Proficiency with Microsoft, Adobe, R, Stata, SPSS, Power Bi, Nvivo preferred.
Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English, with fluency in Bahasa Indonesia a plus. Indonesian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.
Strong familiarity with USAID MEL policies and procedures required.
Strong management, communication, writing and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability in quality assurance for technical, reporting and other deliverables.

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Integra provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Senior CLA Specialist – USAID Indonesia

Position: Senior CLA Specialist

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Integra and partners are pursuing the anticipated five-year USAID/Indonesia PRO – Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting – MECLA Platform (RFP No. TBD). The project will provide monitoring support services; designing and implementing performance, developmental, and impact evaluations, as well as other studies, research, data analyses, and assessments; developing collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) initiatives; and providing short-, medium- and long-term consulting and advisory services and logistical support services to strengthen the implementation of USAID/Indonesia’s CDCS and enhance USAID’s organizational effectiveness.

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Senior CLA Specialist to manage the learning, adaptive management, and communication activities under this contract. This position is expected to be based in Jakarta, Indonesia and is contingent upon award.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate strong CLA management practices in USAID/Indonesia business processes and throughout the program cycle.
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key Mission stakeholders; drive dialogue and learning around emerging issues; identify and respond to key learning issues.
Coordinate CLA efforts amongst implementing partners (IPs) working on common Development Objectives (DOs).
Develop and implement a learning plan for the Mission and IPs outlining key learning questions, learning objectives, stakeholder roles and engagement.
Support strategic communications, including producing publications and organizing public events with partners and other stakeholders.
Advise USAID and buy-in clients on research and measurement activities that establish the evidence base for quantifying impact and enabling learning.
Conduct business process re-engineering, including assisting in negotiating change management around monitoring, evaluation, and learning related issues.
Support Mission staff in aligning policies, practices, and processes with lessons learned. Provide recommendations to respond to lessons learned.
Facilitate the development of learning agendas and share best practices.
Design, execute, facilitate workshops, events, conferences, pause-and-reflects, and other CLA activities.
Produce reflections on the implications of new learning and develop plans for adapting programs.
Establish and maintain a network of key stakeholders.
Ensure monitoring and evaluation information is shared and fully utilized through knowledge sharing and strategic learning processes.
Work with the Mission CLA Community of Practice to promote CLA Activities for strategic collaboration to identify possible program and context gaps at the strategy level and offer periodic opportunities to reflect on progress.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in development or a related development field, such as economics, evaluation sciences, political science, public administration, business administration, or other discipline related to development assistance required.
A minimum of eight years of progressive professional experience in communications, change management, adult learning, knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation.
Experience designing and facilitating tailored learning activities.
Experience in developing and implementing capacity strengthening approaches that leverage multiple learning approaches and media.
Experience in organizational development and human-centered design preferred.
In-depth knowledge of development theory, systems thinking, and organizational change management.
Experience leveraging digital technologies and information systems to adaptively manage programs and drive results.
The ability to work well under pressure and skilled in change management, crisis management, and problem solving.
Demonstrated knowledge of USAID Evaluation Policy; the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Framework; and other initiatives.
Previous experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred.
General professional proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia (preferred).

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Integra provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Health, Health, Open Project Positions

Chief of Party (COP) – USAID Indonesia

Position: Chief of Party (COP)

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Position Description: Integra is seeking a Chief of Party (COP) to lead and manage the anticipated USAID/Indonesia MECLA activity. This will be a full-time, key personnel position, pending award. The COP will require experience in leading a team of experts in both management and technical areas, with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment in MEL, professional achievement, management competence, and interpersonal skills. The selected individual will also have work experience in Asia.

This position is expected to be based in Jakarta, Indonesia, contingent upon award, and will be responsible for providing oversight on all activities to be conducted in Indonesia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Integra’s team and serve as the primary point of contact with USAID regarding day-to-day activity implementation and management matters.
Lead technical operations to ensure that project tasks are completed, and the objectives of the MECLA platform are successfully met.
Develop systems that mitigate against performance and contractual risks and manage issues in collaboration with Integra staff.
Prepare and submit reports and deliverables as included in Integra’s contract.
Lead internal and external planning and reporting meetings with Integra and USAID. Coordinate with USAID and liaise with key counterparts.
Assure that all assistance provided under the contract, whether by international or local experts/personnel, is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed.
Plan, manage and supervise the work of all experts/personnel provided under the contract, providing mentorship and guidance.
Contribute technical leadership on MEL and CLA activities.
Ensure all activities of the project are compliant with USAID requirements and regulations, including the Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 201 – Program Cycle Operational Policy, ADS Chapter 508 Privacy Program, ADS Chapter 579 USAID Development Data, the USAID Evaluation Policy,
Understand and implement USAID initiatives, strategies, policies, and procedures related to MEL and CLA, including USAID Gender Equality and women’s empowerment policy, USAID Disability Policy, Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy, Local Capacity Strengthening Policy, Youth in Development Policy, and Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning Policy.
Oversee partners, team members, short-term consultants and subcontractors, ensuring effective consortium communication and collaboration, in coordination with team’s finance and operations, administration, and human resources staff.
Work with Integra staff to ensure project activities are implemented on schedule and within budget.
Ensure quality control and client responsiveness fit the requirements of USAID.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, public administration, international relations, economics, business administration, law or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years of experience in aiding USAID in evaluations and assessments, of similar size and scope in developing countries and comparable experience with learning and adaptive management.
A track record for successful implementation of development programs in Asia required.
Familiarity or experience working with local or regional MEL organizations preferred.
Experience providing technical and administrative oversight of partners and subcontractors in a multicultural setting.
Strong knowledge of USAID’s CLA framework and Program Cycle.
Strong familiarity with USAID policies and procedures required.
Strong management, communication, writing and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability in quality assurance for technical, reporting and other deliverables.
Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English, with fluency in Bahasa Indonesia a plus. Indonesian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: To respond to this position, please send your resume to jobs@integrallc.com with the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: October 31, 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Integra provides equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

September 13, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Blog, Climate Change, Climate Change, Environment, Environment, Irrigation and Water, Natural Resources Management, Water

Water at Wilson: An Event to Explore Solutions to Central and South Asia Water Challenges

In the intricate dance of geopolitics, water security stands out as a common concern and a potential catalyst for collaboration. Central and South Asia, regions endowed with abundant rivers and basins, face the dual challenges of water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. USAID is working with Central Asia Governments and research institutions—under the Asia Emerging Opportunities (AEO) mechanism—to evaluate the status and possible causes of lower-than-usual regional water supplies. Over the past year, Integra has delivered snowmelt and glacier melt training modules in Central Asia using data from eight primary river basins to continue this work.

The Wilson Center, a renowned institution for advancing policy dialogue, partnered with Integra to host an event titled “Water at Wilson: MODSNOW – A New Tool for Water Security in Central and South Asia.” The gathering convened experts and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the region’s pressing water challenges.

Kicking off with a warm welcome from Lauren Risi, Program Director of the Environmental Change and Security Program at the Wilson Center, the event proceeded with opening remarks from esteemed representatives, including Änjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia Bureau, USAID and Ambassador Sridhar Khatri of Nepal. Deputy Administrator Kaur stated, “We’re proud to have partnered with Integra to develop the simple yet remarkably effective MODSNOW, designed to empower governments and Asian communities to monitor water flows from high mountains. This is critical not only for the immediate needs of the present but also for the long-term sustainability and prosperity of future generations.” Echoing this sentiment, Ambassador Khatri shared that in coordination with Nepal’s ongoing efforts, “the MODSNOW tool developed by Dr. Abror Gafurov, will provide real-time information of water resources and help us to better prepare for disaster response.” Ambassador Baktybek Amanbaev of the Kyrgyz Republic and Ambassador Farrukh Hamralizoda of Tajikistan also spoke about how water security and tools such as MODSNOW are important to their respective countries. These introductory sessions underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing water security issues, setting the stage for a deeper dive into research insights.

Dr. Abror Gafurov, the Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES) lead researcher, delivered an informative presentation on MODSNOW, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize water resource management by predicting snowmelt patterns in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The subsequent facilitated discussion, expertly moderated by Michael Kugelman, Director of South Asia at the Wilson Center, provided a platform for diverse perspectives and robust dialogue among panelists, including Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Sherri Goodman, and Mary Melnyk. Audience engagement peaked during the dynamic question-and-answer session, where in-person and online attendees posed thought-provoking queries to the panelists. As the event drew to a close, it left a resonant message of hope and possibility, emphasizing the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding water resources for the future of Central and South Asia.

At its core, MODSNOW represents a fusion of innovation and necessity. The tool leverages advanced modeling techniques to predict snowmelt patterns in a region, often called the “Water Tower of Asia,” as it is the source of major river systems that sustain millions of people downstream. The significance of MODSNOW lies in its ability to provide timely and accurate information about snowmelt dynamics. By integrating satellite data, climate models, and ground observations, the tool offers policymakers and stakeholders crucial insights into water availability and potential risks. This information is invaluable for devising adaptive strategies to mitigate water-related challenges, such as floods, droughts, and the management of transboundary rivers.

During the event, experts highlighted MODSNOW’s multifaceted benefits. By enhancing the understanding of snowmelt processes, the tool empowers governments to make informed decisions regarding water allocation, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation measures. Furthermore, MODSNOW fosters regional cooperation by facilitating data sharing and collaborative research initiatives, transcending political boundaries to pursue shared water security goals.

August 6, 2024/by jschur

Asia, Asia, Blog, Business Enabling Environment, Economic Growth, Economic Growth & Trade, Uncategorized

Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships and Sustainable Development in Vietnam: AEO’s Impact

In recent years, Vietnam has prioritized enhancing its infrastructure through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. Recognizing the pivotal role of these partnerships, USAID/Vietnam has collaborated closely with local stakeholders to bolster the regulatory framework and capacity necessary for successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). A cornerstone of this effort has been the partnership with the American Economic Officers team, leveraging their expertise to support initiatives crucial to Vietnam’s development agenda.

Supporting Vietnam’s PPP Ecosystem

At the request of USAID/Vietnam, AEO has been instrumental in fortifying Vietnam’s PPP ecosystem, focusing on key areas such as regulatory enhancement, capacity building, and fostering sustainable business models. Building upon the groundwork laid by Integra under the Learning Evaluation and Analysis Project (LEAP III), AEO’s intervention has strengthened the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (VCCI) role as the linchpin for coordinating domestic and international private sector engagements in PPPs.

Capacity Building Initiatives

AEO’s commitment to capacity building is evident in their series of workshops and training sessions tailored to empower local stakeholders. Notably, the PPP Skills Camp equipped participants from diverse sectors with essential knowledge on dispute resolution in PPPs. This initiative, held in collaboration with the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC), aimed to enhance VIAC’s capacity to handle disputes related to infrastructure projects—a crucial aspect in ensuring the sustainability and attractiveness of PPP ventures to investors.

Regulatory Advancements and Stakeholder Engagement

In February 2023, Integra organized a roundtable discussion on PPP regulations, highlighting challenges and proposing solutions to optimize the PPP legal framework. This session, attended by key government officials and industry experts, underscored the collaborative effort needed to streamline PPP processes and foster a conducive environment for private sector participation.

Innovative Financing Solutions

The AEO Team extends to exploring innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects. Through comprehensive research and stakeholder consultations, Integra has developed reports advocating for the mobilization of new financing sources, including insights on recycling government assets—an approach successfully implemented globally but underutilized in Vietnam.

InvestBridge Platform: Empowering Provincial Growth

Under the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) initiative, the AEO Team partnered with local firm OneNet JSC to develop the InvestBridge platform. This digital platform serves as a connection point for provincial growth by facilitating connections among investors, advisors, and local authorities. InvestBridge streamlines how provinces attract and manage investments, thereby bolstering Vietnam’s economic landscape.

Looking Ahead

AEO’s support underscores USAID’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Vietnam. By empowering local institutions, refining regulatory frameworks, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, the work accomplished under AEO has laid a robust foundation for Vietnam to achieve its infrastructure development goals. As the partnership culminated in December 2023, the focus remained on ensuring the sustainability and inclusivity of Vietnam’s economic growth trajectory through strategic PPPs and enhanced provincial competitiveness.

For more information on AEO, please visit our AEO Contract Profile.

July 31, 2024/by jschur

Areas of Expertise, Asia, Biodiversity, Environment, Environment & NRM, Originally posted on the GBI Portal, Where we work

Integra Evaluates $20 Million USAID Project in “the Serengeti of Asia”

An Integra evaluation team recently concluded a mid-term performance evaluation of USAID’s Supporting Forests and Biodiversity (SFB) Project in northeastern Cambodia, under USAID’s REPLACE IDIQ. The project, aims to mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity through improved conservation and forest governance. It is implemented through a cooperative agreement with Winrock International and supported by the East West Management Institute, WWF, People and Forests (RECOFTC), and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Read more

February 11, 2015/by actualize

Asia, Connectivity, Integra News, Originally posted on the GBI Portal, Where we work

Integra to assist in USAID’s ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment (ACTI) Project

Integra LLC is pleased to announce the award of a subcontract from Nathan Associates, Inc. to provide technical services for the ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment (ACTI) project. Funded through USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), the project focuses on trade facilitation, energy sector development, small enterprise expansion, and telecommunications development. Read more …

July 15, 2013/by actualize

Africa, Areas of Expertise, Asia, GBI Updates, Information and Communication Technology for Development, Integra News, Latin America and the Caribbean, USAF Updates, Where we work

Integra to Facilitate Creation of Regional USF Associations

This month Integra is embarking on a new project aimed at strengthening the enabling environment for telecommunications in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as those in East Asia. By pursing partnerships with regional governance bodies and with national Universal Service Funds, Integra, under USAID’s GBI program, will facilitate the creation of two regional associations of Universal Service Fund managers.

Universal Service Funds exist in many countries around the world, and often they face the same challenges. How do they collect and manage all the necessary information needed to have an up-to-date understanding of the gaps in telecommunications coverage in a country? How do they properly evaluate the benefits of one project over another, or one bid over another? How do they build a strategic plan that will best achieve their goals of expanding telecommunications access? How do they ensure transparency and accountability in all of their processes?

These questions can be better answered when they are discussed in a group, when best practices are shared, and when ideas are exchanged. Currently, regional telecommunications bodies focus primarily on regulatory issues, and very few platforms for the strengthening universal service provision have been established at the international level. Integra aims to change this, and as a result improve telecommunications access in the developing world.

March 28, 2012/by actualize

Asia, Democracy & Governance, Originally posted on the GBI Portal, Where we work

Solomon Islands: radio mail drive peace & development

Rural operators on discovery training into connecting with the rest around the globe

Frequency radio and e-mail maybe “simple” technologies but they are driving peacebuilding and development efforts in the Solomon Islands.

The People First Network (PFnet) is a UNDP funded project set up in 2001. PFnet promotes rural development and peacebuilding by enabling affordable and sustainable connectivity and facilitating information exchange between communities across the Solomon Islands.

PFnet has established a growing rural communications system based on wireless e-mail networking in the HF band, which enjoys full community ownership.

The PFnet community e-mail are the only link to the outside world, providing communities with access to information regarding health, public services and education, and enabling essential contact with family and professional peers.

Gender equality & rural development

PFnet plays particular attention to gender equity and democratic governance, helping women, especially disadvantaged rural women, to network, access services relevant to them and connect with women’s group.

A network of rural community e-mail stations is located on remote islands across the country, usually hosted in secure public facilities. The stations are pretty basic and consist of an old laptop, radio and modem, powered by a car battery, which runs off a solar panel as in most areas there is no electricity. The total cost of the equipment runs to around $8,000.

At the heart of the operation is an Internet café in the capital Honiara, which connects to the Internet via satellite. The connection speed is around 2Kbps, meaning a typical text e-mail sent by rural villages takes about 10 seconds to transmit.

“We are using old technology but it is robust,” said Joe Rausi, staff on the PFnet project.

“This laptop is quite old but it does the work. In the end we have to look at what is affordable in villages.”

“The People First Network is not about technology. It is about improving the standard of living of people in rural areas,” added Rausi.

Peace promotion

In a country where the only means of communication with the outside world for most remote areas consist of unreliable short-wave radios, and expensive statellite telephones, the PFnet project helped overcome the legacy of fear and mistrust created by years of fighting between rival ethnic gangs.

“We thought that by connecting people together, they would know more about each other and bring peace to the country,” said Rausi.

Map of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands consist of roughly 850 islands and is one of the least developed nations in the South Pacific region. A quest for land and power fueled ethnic violence between 1998 and 2003 where hundreds were killed and thousands made homeless. Australian-led forces arrived in 2003 to restore order. Since then the country has enjoyed relative stability.

PFnet project illustrates how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play a role in developing rural areas and driving peacebuilding initiatives. The project hopes to move beyond e-mail and explore using the system for distance-learning and e-commerce but bandwidth remains the biggest hurdle to this goal.

October 14, 2011/by actualize