The DFE Proposal I submitted in the fall went forward, and I thought I would blog some of my experiences thus far.

Sara Naab has been an exceptional mentor. I would strongly recommend that anyone interested in learning more about thinking through information strategies in an international setting get in touch with her, even just to talk. Our weekly phone calls have been a real help this semester, even just to share information and struggles.

Five Countries May Try $100 Laptop

By John Markoff
THE NEW YORK TIMES

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

When computer industry executives heard about a plan to build a $100 laptop for the developing world’s children, they generally ridiculed the idea. How could you build such a computer, they asked, when screens alone cost about $100?

Mary Lou Jepsen, the chief technologist for the project, likes to refer to the insight that transformed the machine from utopian dream to working prototype as “a really wacky idea.”

Notes from September 15 Community Info Corps Seminar
Today’s discussion focused on Wireless Washtenaw which seeks to create a community wireless broadband network. Representatives from Wireless Washtenaw visited class and answered questions.

Initial Questions asked by students:
1) How will Wireless Washtenaw work in rural areas? What about relationships with Comcast and other providers/competitors

Gavin Clarkson writes:

If you've ever wondered about American Indian tribes and how and where they fit into the larger fabric of America (other than their respective placements on the maps in West Hall), I will be teaching a 3-credit Federal Indian Law at the law school this fall and would like to invite SI students to enroll.

686 Federal Indian Law
MW 8:35am-10:00am
Hutchins Hall 218

For the September 15, 2006 class we will explore the rhetoric of the "Digital Divide" and efforts to provide access to technology for those who would not have access under private market provisioning. We will focus on public access eforts within the United States this week. Next week, we'll look internationally.

Projects have attempted to provide access both to basic computing, and to communication networks.

itle: Research Analyst – Global Libraries

Summary

Global Libraries (GL) supports efforts to bridge the digital divide in
developing and emerging countries by increasing free access to
computers and the Internet in public libraries, and helping to ensure
that the technology is useful and used in the local context.

The Global Libraries Research Analyst will support members of the program team by:

• Managing research to identify developing world countries that meet established criteria for the GL program

• Tracking current economic, political, social, and other trends
important to inform current grantmaking to existing grantee countries

• Managing information resources for the GL team, especially to
act as a contact point for consultants working with GL on research, as
well as country and program evaluators

• Tracking information, communications and technology-related
development (ICT4D) activities in the field that may be relevant to GL
grantmaking

• Tracking other funding initiatives in targeted countries from multi-lateral institutions, foundations or other donors

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing research, background information and analytical
support for the GL program team. Work with the GL Director and Senior
Program Officer to:
o Develop, execute, and manage external partnerships and contracts for landscaping analyses

o Manage consultant contracts focused on country research to identify
developing countries that meet foundation criteria for investment
o Assist program team in identifying opportunities for the development
of strategic alliances and contribute to the development of program
area strategies with other foundations, multi-lateral institutions,
private sector funders, NGOs, other donors, and/or US and foreign
government officials in target countries

o May assist program team with in-country research and analysis in
targeted regions to perform due diligence and ongoing tracking of
grants

• Identify and engage qualified thought leaders, technical experts,
and consultants in priority areas for meetings, technical consultation,
review, and other program activities

o Survey current information through literature reviews and other
sources related to country grantees to assist program team in tracking
relevant economic, social, political and ICT4D trends and developments

o Review literature to synthesize good practices related to
implementation and sustainability of global efforts to provide public
access to technology and information

o Identify relevant conferences, convenings and meetings for possible program team engagement

• Work with program team to coordinate external evaluation
activities and reports with third party evaluation partner and internal
foundation Impact, Assessment and Improvement Department

• Coordinate monitoring and internal evaluation activities for
portfolio of initiatives, including the dashboard (a framework for
tracking progress against approved strategy)

• Assist in developing reviews, briefings, summaries, and informative reports for the Director, President, CEO, and Co-Chairs

• Prepare regular reports and presentations for a variety of
purposes and audiences, summarizing developments and recommendations
for key program areas

• Work with program team and serve as GL lead for finalization of Sharepoint migration

• Travel occasionally up to 15%

Additional Qualifications:
Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in a business analyst role or
equivalent ideally with exposure to international and developing world
issues

• Demonstrated experience in research and analysis related to business, technology or global development projects

• Demonstrated success in roles requiring logical, systematic
thinking while managing multiple priorities in a highly dynamic
environment

• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, in
positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and show initiative in projects and work assignments

• Experience in a role requiring collaboration in complex internal and
external organizations, as well as a demonstrated ability to work with
efficiency and diplomacy, particularly as part of a team effort

Reports to:

Director, Global Libraries

How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please visit http://www.gatesfoundation.org/AboutUs/WorkingWithUs/Jobs and submit your resume online.

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated and focused on diversity.

The statements in this description represent typical elements,
criteria and general work performed. They are not intended to be
construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and
skills for this job.

Re-posted from Yahoo's Information_systems_forum@yahoogroups.com