RFP - Technical Support to the Agricultural Information Exchange Platform (AIEP) Initiative

Organization: CLEAR Global
Application Deadline: 07 December 2024

About CLEAR Global

CLEAR Global is a nonprofit organization that strives to ensure everyone has access to vital information in a language and format they understand. The organization works in partnership with a global network of over 100,000 language professionals, providing translation services to help underserved communities access critical, life-saving, and life-changing information.

About the Proposal

CLEAR Global seeks a consultant to provide advice, research, and support for cohorts of the Agricultural Information Exchange Platform (AIEP) initiative. This initiative is a part of the 4 Billion Conversations Initiative (4BC), which focuses on leveraging language technology in the agricultural sector, particularly in low-resource languages. The main focus will be on Kenya and India.

Key Goals:

• Support the creation of an architecture for an information exchange platform in the agricultural sector.
• Provide support to various efforts aimed at creating language technology solutions and information exchange platforms for agriculture.
• Build and support communities around 4BC, agricultural information exchange platforms, and other digital communication initiatives.
• Assist in publishing technology resources as Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and other open-access resources.

Responsibilities

The consultant will work closely with the AIEP Program Manager and support the cohorts and partners according to the work packages detailed below.

Work Package 1: Supporting AIEP Cohorts

• Co-coordinate the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development for at least two cohorts in India.
• Help cohorts overcome obstacles and prepare for key events and meetings with external partners and funders.
• Facilitate regular engagement with cohorts through meetings, gathering data, insights, and progress updates.
• Deliverable: A report summarizing the support provided to the cohorts.

Work Package 2: DPI Integration and Extending the Partner Network

• Research and evaluate Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) suitable for AIEP MVPs.
• Extend AIEP’s existing partner network in AI, language tech in agriculture, and DPIs, particularly in India.
• Support cohorts in accessing, integrating, and evaluating these DPIs.
• Track challenges faced by cohorts in DPI integration.
• Deliverables:
  • An overview and evaluation of available DPIs.
  • A report on the support provided to cohorts in DPI implementation and challenges faced.
  • A partner overview of actors in DPI, AI, and agriculture.

Work Package 3: DPG Roadmapping

• Support AIEP partners in creating a roadmap to develop relevant DPGs from MVPs.
• Ensure the publication and promotion of DPGs or open-source components.
• Document challenges in publishing DPGs and propose recommendations for improvement.
• Deliverables:
  • A DPG roadmap.
  • A report summarizing progress and challenges in implementing the roadmap.

Work Package 4: AIEP Architecture

• Assist in drafting a reference architecture for AIEPs based on the MVP developments.
• The reference architecture should cover common architectural patterns, key technical options (e.g., models, tech stacks), and technical implementations.
• The architecture should be accompanied by a document summarizing lessons learned from user testing.
• Deliverables: Inputs to the reference architecture document.

Eligibility Requirements

CLEAR Global is seeking a consultant with the following qualifications:

• Expertise in AI and language technology within the agriculture sector, especially in India and Kenya.
  • Demonstrated through relevant work experience.
• An extensive network in the DPI space in India.
  • Proven through relevant work experience and a detailed overview of key actors in this space.
• Familiarity with key funding agencies in this sector, such as GIZ and BMGF.
• Proven public speaking and research abilities, with the ability to draft concise, data-informed documents.
• Experience in relevant areas, including providing an overview of actors in AI and agriculture across India, Kenya, and globally.

How to Apply

CLEAR Global will accept applications from individual consultants or consulting firms. To apply, submit the following documents:

1. Technical and Financial Offer

   • A brief (max. 2 pages) description of why you are suitable for the role and your approach to tackling the challenges outlined.
   • A financial offer, specifying daily fees in US Dollars. Payments will be made via international bank transfer. Include your daily fee in the 'Desired Salary' field of the application.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Highlight relevant project experience and skills.
   • Provide contact details (email and phone) and at least three professional references.

Document Submission Instructions

• Upload your technical and financial offer as a single document under the “cover letter” section.
• Upload your CV as a separate document under the “CV” section.

Additional Notes

• Authentic Submissions: CLEAR Global values original, genuine submissions. While AI tools can assist in certain tasks, applicants are encouraged to submit work that reflects their personal expertise. The CLEAR Global team is skilled in identifying AI-generated content.
• Link to Apply: For further information and to apply, visit: CLEAR Global Job Posting

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