Terms of Reference for Terms of Reference (ToR) for White/Research Paper on AI Usage in Humanitarian and Development Sectors for NGOs At Oxfam

Terms of Reference for Terms of Reference (ToR) for White/Research Paper on AI Usage in Humanitarian and Development Sectors for NGOs

Introduction to Required Services

Oxfam has been in Jordan since the 1990s. We work with local partners in Jordan for a future where everyone can reach their full potential, especially women and young people. We provide essential humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees as well as vulnerable Jordanians, while promoting longer term sustainable solutions to challenges facing Jordan, with a focus on Climate Justice, Economic Justice and Gender Justice.

Oxfam is seeking a consultant(s) to assist in developing a White/Research Paper on AI Usage in Humanitarian and Development Sectors, with a particular emphasis on data empowerment and the creation of an empowered data environment and ecosystem. Additionally, this paper will lay the groundwork for the intentional use of AI, identifying uses across the two sectors, considering staff development needs, and ensuring both risks and opportunities are understood and managed in the process.

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the current and potential applications and impact of AI in humanitarian and development sectors. It will also provide guidance and recommendations for Oxfam and other stakeholders on how to use AI responsibly, effectively, and ethically, with a focus on data empowerment.

Scope of SERVICES

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder analysis.
• Identify and analyze case studies showcasing successful AI implementations in humanitarian and development initiatives worldwide.
• Identify and analyze the opportunities and challenges of using AI in humanitarian and development contexts, with a focus on data empowerment.
• Develop a framework and a set of principles for the intentional use of AI in humanitarian and development sectors.
• Provide recommendations and action points on how to integrate AI in strategies, policies, and operations to leverage AI for humanitarian and development goals.

Suggested Research Questions

• What are the existing trends and patterns of AI usage in humanitarian and development sectors? What are the main drivers and barriers for its adoption and/or scaling? How does data empowerment factor into these trends?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI in development and humanitarian sectors, and how can these be measured and mitigated?
• What are the existing and needed frameworks and principles to enable the responsible and ethical use of AI, and what are the ethical, legal, and social implications of using AI in the development and humanitarian sectors?
• How can NGOs and other stakeholders use AI to improve their humanitarian and development outcomes? What are best practices and lessons learned from existing AI projects and initiatives?
• What are the gaps and needs in terms of capacities, skills, resources, and partnerships for NGOs and other stakeholders to effectively and sustainably use AI in humanitarian and development sectors, and how can they be addressed?

*Note: These are suggested research questions its up to the consultant after consultations with Oxfam team to develop research questions.

Deliverables & TIMEFRAME

Task

Description

# Of Days Required

Inception Report and Plan

Develop an inception report outlining objectives, methodologies, and timelines. Establish a detailed work plan for project execution.

2 days

Literature review and stakeholder analysis

Reviewing existing sources and conducting interviews or surveys with relevant stakeholders to understand the current state of AI usage in humanitarian and development sectors.

3 days

Case studies analysis

Identifying and analyzing examples of successful AI projects and initiatives in humanitarian and development contexts, highlighting the impact, the challenges, and the lessons learned.

2 days

Opportunities and challenges analysis

Identifying and analyzing the potential benefits and risks of using AI in humanitarian and development contexts, and the factors that influence them.

2 days

Framework and principles development

Developing a framework and a set of principles for the intentional use of AI in humanitarian and development sectors.

3 days

Recommendations and action points

Providing recommendations and action points for Oxfam and other stakeholders on how to integrate AI into their strategies, policies, and operations, and how to build their capacities and partnerships to leverage AI for humanitarian and development goals.

3 day

TOTAL

15 days

Required Qualifications

The research entity submitting a proposal for this case study should possess the following qualifications:

• Experience in project management, preferably in research or consultancy projects related to humanitarian aid, development, or technology.
• Strong research skills, including proficiency in conducting literature reviews, synthesizing information, and analyzing data.
• Familiarity with AI applications and technologies, particularly in the context of humanitarian and development sectors.
• Knowledge of ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment, including issues related to privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and well-structured reports or papers.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, including conducting interviews, focus groups, or workshops with diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Understanding of gender and diversity considerations in humanitarian and development programming is desirable.

Top of Form

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Financial proposal 30%: reasonable budget for the proposed goals and activities and proper budget breakdown.
• Qualifications and competencies 20%: relevant experience of the consultant who will be conducting the assignment in Jordan
• Technical proposal 50%: Completeness of the proposal including: the approach, the methodology, Timeline, expected output(s).