We are Looking for Researchers on the Equitability of Access to the Internet in Ethiopia

1. Background

The Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) is a board-led, not for profit organization registered in Ethiopia under Civil Societies Law 1113/2019 with registry number 4307. CARD aspires to see Ethiopia as a place where democratic culture flourishes on human rights values and works with a mission to empower citizens and groups of citizens to ensure their ability to promote and defend human rights and build democratic governance in Ethiopia.

CARD, through its Digital Rights Program, recognizes the importance of the protection and advancement of fundamental rights and freedoms that extend into the digital realm and is committed to advancing these goals through research, advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration with like-minded organizations and individuals. In order to create a digital landscape that respects and upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, ensuring a safe, secure, and inclusive digital future, CARD believes that everyone should have the ability to navigate the digital landscape securely without compromising their privacy or facing undue risks, and our program aims to empower individuals, organizations, and communities by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to protect their digital rights and enhance their digital safety and security.

CARD has been working to protect and promote digital rights, as well as digital safety and security, through its Digital Rights Program. With the goal of increasing internet accessibility and raising awareness on digital safety.

Thus, CARD is seeking a qualified researcher to conduct a comprehensive study on the challenges and prospects for equitable access to the internet in Ethiopia. The research aims to analyze the current state of internet access in the country, identify barriers and disparities in access, and explore potential solutions to promote equitable access for all Ethiopians.

 2.Objectives

The overall objective of this research is to investigate the challenges and prospects for equitable access to the Internet in Ethiopia. The specific objectives are:

• Assess the growth and penetration rate of the internet in Ethiopia compared to other sub-Saharan countries.
• Identify the sections of society (by gender, age, rural-urban category, region, education level, etc) that have the best and worst access to the internet and the factors contributing to this disparity.
• Examine the impact of limited internet access on the overall development of individuals, including the economy and human rights protection.
• Explore alternative recommendations for strategies to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable internet access for all Ethiopians.

3. Scope of Work

The researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the state of internet access in Ethiopia, including existing studies, reports, and relevant policies, place Ethiopia’s position in the Sub-Saharan countries.
• Collect and analyze data on internet penetration accessibility, infrastructure availability, affordability, digital literacy, and other factors enabling or restricting different sections of society in internet access in Ethiopia.
• Develop a methodology for data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Conduct fieldwork to gather primary data from various regions of Ethiopia, ensuring representation from urban and rural areas, different socioeconomic groups, and marginalized communities.
• Analyze and interpret the collected data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.
• Prepare a research report that includes key findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present the research findings at a research-launching event organized by CARD.

4. Deliverables

The researcher is expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Inception report including methodology and research plan for data collection (to be submitted within 1 week of task commencement).
• Literature review assessing internet accessibility in Ethiopia and positioning its place among its Sub-saharan counterparts (to be submitted after 3 weeks of task commencement). 
• Research report (including executive summary, methodology, literature review, findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations) in English (to be submitted within 7 weeks after task commencement).
• Presentation of research findings at a research-launching event organized by CARD (to be conducted within 9 weeks after task commencement).

5. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Master's degree in information systems, journalism, policy, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting research on internet access, digital rights, or related topics.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Amharic, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian context and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities related to internet access in the country.

6. Timeline and Schedule

The research is expected to be conducted over a period of one month, from October 11 - December 13, 2023.

• Inception report should be submitted on October 18
• Literature review should be submitted on November 8
• First draft of research report should be submitted on November 29
• Final draft should be submitted on December 13
• Tentative launching day December 27

Send your resume and cover letter via apply@cardeth.org by September 27, 2023.