Civil society has demonstrated profound interest and urgency in taking on the work to advocate for and strengthen governance, human rights protections and rule of law around digital public infrastructure projects. Here, we use digital public infrastructure (DPI) to refer broadly to the technological systems and networks that underlay digital services and interactions within a state, which in practice has come to mean initially digital ID, payments and data exchange. Governance and rights-based work around DPI is critical: as core infrastructure for people’s everyday lives, both the risks and potential of DPI are high.

Civil society has been playing a central role in pursuing advocacy, research, strategic litigation and other actions that have pushed policymakers to develop more principles-based approaches to digital public infrastructure and to recognize the need for consultation. However, despite civil society as a critical player in a multi-stakeholder approach to DPI, very little funding has reached local civil society. Often funding initiatives lack sufficient flexibility and scope to reach a diverse network of locally-embedded civil society organizations. Further, funding has tended to prioritize support and guidance for government uptake of DPI. By limiting the spectrum of engagement, funders of DPI risk accentuating community mistrust as well as excluding critical voices that could help to ensure DPI is accompanied by plural and democratic institutions.

The Fund for Civil Society Engaging on DPI, convened by the Initiative for Digital Public Interest (IDPI) addresses this critical gap in the DPI funding landscape. It will support civil society actors in engaging governance, human rights protection and/or rule of law around DPI. It aims to facilitate civil society efforts at two levels: (1) multilateral engagement including support to civil society organizing and convening; and (2) national and local interventions in key geographies where DPI is being implemented, especially in the Global Majority. The primary aim is to build a vibrant and multi-stakeholder community that supports and enables inclusive and safe digital public infrastructure globally.

To this end, the fund is designed to

1) Provide targeted funding support to meet needs and priorities of civil society around the implementation and impacts of DPI

2) Operate through a light-touch and agile application and selection processes

3) Maximize flexibility in what we fund and who we fund to promote and support a diverse network of trusted, locally-led civil society actors

What will the Fund support?

The Fund will provide funding for civil society activities in relation to either multilateral processes around DPI, or national or local-level interventions. We are open to diverse types of activities: for example, the documentation of existing evidence, publication of research, travel to participate in a particular forum, or organising a convening. We encourage civil society to get in touch to explore with us potential opportunities to apply for support.

Proposals should aim to advance knowledge, collaboration, exchange and/or advocacy related to one of the three core areas of interest around DPI: governance, human rights protection or rule of law. We welcome proposals to extend or deepen existing work, as well as innovative proposals that test and explore new ideas and approaches. This could involve:

• Knowledge exchange and/or dissemination, for example towards a more inclusive and open information landscape to support multi-stakeholder engagement and decision-making
• Knowledge production about the implementation or impacts of DPI, with specific interest in human rights, governance and rule of law
• Documentation of existing evidence or prior activities, g. again to help strengthen and expand the evidence base
• Collaboration, networking and partnership strengthening, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive multi-stakeholder ecosystem for the development of DPI
• Advocacy at international, national and/or local levels around governance, human rights protection and/or rule of law related to DPI

The Fund will not support the following types of activities:

• Core funding for organisations
• Fellowships or salary buy-outs
• Retrospective funding for already implemented projects
• Activities that constitute political lobbying under U.S. non-profit regulations

Staff and administrative costs linked to the project activity are eligible.

Who is eligible for support?

Funding is open to a wide range of civil society actors including formal and informal organisations, individuals, networks and partnerships with a demonstrated commitment to the governance, human rights protection or rule of law for DPI. We encourage potential applicants to get in touch with IDPI directly to discuss a particular need or priority related the Fund objectives, and we can explore possibilities to apply for support together.

Scope and Size of the fund

We anticipate funding up to 20 grants ranging from US$5,000 - US$25,000 in the first round. The Fund will support a diversity of types of activities across the three areas of governance, human rights protection and rule of law. We will not fund core funding, fellowships or salary buy-outs.

Criteria and review process

All applications fulfilling eligibility criteria will be reviewed by a minimum of 3 members of the IDPI Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will make decisions on award based on the following criteria:

• Fit with objectives: Does the proposal clearly advance the Fund’s objectives as outlined above?
• Demonstrated commitment to governance, human rights and/or safeguarding of DPI
• Feasibility of proposed activities within the specified timeframe and budget
• Attention to risks and risk mitigation
• Diversity across awards, including activities, thematic areas and geographies with an emphasis on the Global Majority where DPI is being rolled out
• Inclusiveness, prioritising support for groups led by women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ leaders and other (additionally) structurally excluded and marginalised people

Language of submission

We encourage submissions in your preferred language. We may use translation software to assist in the review of submissions. If you would prefer to translate yourself into English, we welcome the use of translation support to complete your application. If you do use translation software, please indicate in your application. This will support reviewers in reading the application according to how it was prepared. Applications are reviewed for conceptual strength and not quality of language.

Timeline

Initial emails expressing interest for support should be submitted by 15 December 2024. Applicants will be invited to submit a slightly longer application by 31 January 2025 with funding anticipated to be awarded in late March / early April.

Post award

Upon approval of the award by the IPDI Advisory Committee, a contract will be written up by IDPI and the project lead. Unless otherwise discussed, grant payments will be made upfront. Where appropriate and feasible, IDPI will consider opportunities for tailored ad hoc support to grantees, subject to discussions between the grantee and IDPI.

Application process:

Step 1: Submit a short paragraph outlining your idea by 15 December 2024:

Post-award, would you be in a position to provide a bank-issued document showing the organisation or business account detail and banking information? Yes/NoWe encourage people to apply even if you are uncertain about due diligence requirements. Potential applicants are also welcome to get in touch in advance to discuss any concerns via: inquiries@digitalpublicinterest.org

Step 2: Invited applicants submit more detail in January/February 2025

• In early/mid January, shortlisted applications will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal of 2-3 pages that expands on the planned activities, aims, timeline, budget, risk and risk mitigation plan and team structure.

Step 3: Successful applicants notified in mid-April 2025

About the Initiative for Digital Public Interest

Since its inception in 2022, IDPI has moved to sharpen, amplify and complement the work of key advocates and thinkers on the benefits and harms of digital public infrastructure, to build and consolidate an evidence base, and to support investigatory work that translates into action and accountability. It started as a collaboration of experts at the Open Society Foundations and spun out in 2022 as an independent initiative and funding entity. IDPI is directed by an Advisory Committee. Its day-to-day operations are managed and carried out by a small secretariat, project consultants and close partnerships with members of the field.

A Project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

About the Initiative:

The Initiative for Digital Public Interest (IDPI) envisions a world in which digital transformation protects and promotes human rights, advances social justice, and serves the full participation, agency and dignity of all people.

Our mission is to infuse the development of digital public infrastructure with robust engagement by globally diverse, informed, and well-resourced public interest and grassroots stakeholder communities. IDPI seeks to build the discourse, policy and practice of digital transformation around the lived reality of the communities who stand to lose the most from being left out of decision-making, sidelined by structural disadvantages, dismissed or ignored as digital public infrastructure (DPI) projects launch and mature. IDPI is focused on supporting the practical realization of principles of equity and inclusion in digital transformation.

Job Profile:

The consultant will play a critical role in shaping the start-up and overall strategy of IDPI, including by designing a programmatic strategy; devising a role and identity for IDPI in the field; developing and formalizing a network of partners; hiring and overseeing a small staff; and developing an operational structure to both get the initiative off the ground and become sustainable in 3 to 4 years’ time. The consultant will act as the initiative’s “interim executive director” working closely with the Advisory Committee.

The role is an opportunity to build up a new, game-changing initiative that empowers civil society organizations from around the world to achieve a fair and just digital future for all. The consultant is expected to execute and build upon the vision, mission, and initial work of IDPI which was developed and led by its Advisory Committee. As the author of IDPI’s business plan for the next 3 years, the consultant must have the management skills and entrepreneurial vision to launch and carry this work to great heights. The consultant must possess keen insights into major trends regarding digital public infrastructure and an ability to navigate and engage in the complex politics surrounding it across sectors, geographies and levels of government.

Furthermore, the consultant must be adept at operating in an environment with significant ambiguity and be dynamic and creative in order to build the necessary coalitions, manage a diverse, remote team and navigate a complex international political environment.

There is no geographic requirement for the location of the consultant.

Responsibilities:

Program vision, strategy and leadership

• Develop and execute IDPI’s 3-year strategy and develop annual work plans and grantmaking strategies in close consultation with IDPI’s Advisory Committee and in line with IDPI’s vision
• Foster IDPI’s network of partners from civil society and representatives from governments and multilateral institutions. Develop an initial network engagement and support plan including grantmaking and efforts to convene and connect stakeholders
• Develop an external facing identity and communications strategy that clearly explains and situates the IDPI in the field of CSOs, governments, funders and other stakeholders; identify a niche for IDPI’s research and public engagement
• Develop effective systems to track and evaluate progress, so that successes can be measured and communicated to the Advisory Committee, funders, and other relevant constituents

Organization building and development

• Manage IDPI’s relationship with its fiscal sponsor, RPA
• Oversee, and, as necessary, revise IDPI’s grantmaking structure and processes
• Develop a strategy for organizational structure, operations and staffing for the launch and first 3 years of operation
• Design a lean, nimble team structure that can respond quickly and flexibly to the needs of partners
• Recruit, onboard, develop and retain the IDPI’s core working team
• Develop and document systems and processes for managing the IDPI’s operations including payroll and other office administration
• Create a plan to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which the initiative is located and operates
• Develop processes and systems for engaging and supporting the IDPI’s Advisory Committee

Fundraising and sustainability strategy

• Develop a short- (3-year) and long-term sustainability plan that seeks to diversify sources of funding
• Develop donor-facing collateral to support fundraising
• Develop system for engaging Advisory Committee in fundraising efforts

Candidate Profile:

• Advanced degree and/or 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in technology and social change or transferable experience in social impact.
• Deep commitment to IDPI’s mission, human rights and social justice and the dignity and agency of people experiencing digitalization.
• Expertise in and experience working in the fields of digital ID, digital public infrastructure or relevant topics at the national, regional or global
• Demonstrated success developing relationships with CSOs, international organizations and leaders in the field of digital public infrastructure, human rights, digital rights and development that could be leveraged in the initiative’s wor
• Deep experience in the conception, design, and execution of organization or initiative design and management.
• Demonstrated management skills in government, international organizations, not-for-profit organizations and/or the private sector, particularly in organizations working internationally.
• Experience in fundraising and otherwise supporting nonprofit organization
• Aptitude to work with flexibility, creative thinking, non-traditional approaches and diplomacy.
• Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated experience in staff and partnership management; demonstrated expertise in handling personnel issues.
• Flexibility and ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects.
• Excellent written and oral English skills are required, with fluency in one additional language strongly preferred.
• Ability to undertake frequent travel.

To apply:

To apply for this position, please send the following materials to info@digitalpublicinterest.org email.

• A C.V.
• A 1-page letter of interest, describing your interest in and qualifications for this role
• A recent writing sample that you are proud of and exemplifies your thinking, argumentation and communication skills.
• A list of 2-3 references and their contact information. (We will not contact them without notifying you first.)

Application process:

We will accept applications until 11:59 on 11 November 2023. We expect to select a final candidate in winter, 2023-4.