Call for Proposals to Scale AI and Digital Transformation Training for Public Servants @UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa

The UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa has announced a call for proposals under the DigiKen Programme, inviting qualified Kenyan institutions, organizations, and training providers to support the coordination, contextualization, and nationwide scaling of the UNESCO–Oxford Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation for Public Servants.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of Kenya’s public sector workforce by equipping civil servants with practical skills and knowledge in ethical artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance, public sector innovation, service design, and data governance.

Eligible organizations have until 10 June 2026 to submit proposals.

About the DigiKen Programme

UNESCO is implementing this initiative through the DigiKen Programme, a transformative 36-month project designed to support the development of homegrown digital platforms that contribute to Kenya’s social and economic development.

The programme focuses on expanding digital opportunities for:

• Women
• Young people
• Communities in arid and semi-arid regions
• Residents of urban informal settlements
• Vulnerable and marginalized populations

By strengthening digital ecosystems and public sector capabilities, DigiKen aims to accelerate inclusive digital transformation across Kenya.

Purpose of the Assignment

The selected institution will work closely with UNESCO and relevant government stakeholders to adapt and expand the UNESCO–Oxford MOOC on AI and Digital Transformation.

The programme aims to train up to 9,000 civil servants and public sector leaders by 31 August 2026, helping government institutions improve service delivery and digital innovation capabilities.

The training will be aligned with:

• Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan (2022–2032)
• UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• Human rights principles
• Gender equality commitments
• Inclusive digital transformation goals

Key Responsibilities

Modularization and Contextualization of the MOOC

The selected organization will be required to:

• Modularize the existing UNESCO–Oxford course into flexible learning pathways
• Develop module-based certification options
• Integrate Kenyan public sector case studies
• Adapt content to local governance and service delivery realities
• Align training materials with national digital transformation priorities

The goal is to ensure the course is practical, relevant, and responsive to Kenya’s public sector needs.

Participant Recruitment and Learner Support

A major component of the assignment involves supporting participant engagement and successful course completion.

Responsibilities include:

• Mobilizing participants across government institutions
• Coordinating enrollment processes
• Supporting onboarding activities
• Establishing peer-learning groups
• Providing technical support
• Implementing reminder and follow-up systems

Special attention must be given to:

• Gender parity
• Inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs)
• Equitable participation across government institutions

Participant Data Management

The implementing institution will maintain detailed participant records, including:

• Registration information
• Institutional affiliations
• Ministry and county representation
• Gender-disaggregated participation data

This information will support monitoring and reporting requirements.

Nationwide Hybrid Training Delivery

The selected organization will coordinate hybrid training activities across Kenya, including implementation within DigiKen-supported counties:

• Busia County
• Garissa County
• Isiolo County
• Kajiado County
• Kilifi County
• Kisumu County
• Mandera County
• Mombasa County
• Nairobi County
• Nyeri County
• Tana River County
• West Pokot County

The training model combines online learning with targeted in-person engagement to maximize participation and impact.

Training of Trainers (ToT)

The assignment includes delivering a virtual Training of Trainers (ToT) programme following the contextualization of the course.

This component aims to strengthen local capacity for long-term delivery and sustainability of AI and digital governance training within public institutions.

Communications and Visibility

The selected organization will also be responsible for documenting programme implementation and promoting its impact.

Activities include:

• Producing photographs and videos
• Collecting participant testimonials
• Developing articles and blogs
• Creating social media content
• Producing success stories and impact narratives

All communications must comply with UNESCO and DigiKen branding guidelines.

Reporting Requirements

At the conclusion of the assignment, the successful institution must submit:

• A detailed narrative report (maximum five pages)
• Certified financial reports
• Participation statistics
• Lessons learned and recommendations
• Documentation of programme outcomes

The reports will help assess the effectiveness of the training and inform future scaling efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

UNESCO is seeking proposals from Kenyan institutions and organizations with demonstrated expertise in:

• Digital skills training
• Public sector capacity development
• Government stakeholder coordination
• Programme implementation and management
• Collaboration with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs)
• Partnerships with international organizations

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to deliver assignments of similar scale and complexity.

Submission Details

Interested organizations must submit:

• A technical proposal
• A financial proposal

The two documents must be submitted as separate files.

Deadline

• Submission Deadline: 10 June 2026 at 12:00 noon

Submission Contacts

Applications and inquiries should be sent to:

• Aakriti Kharel: a.kharel@unesco.org
• Copy to: John Okande (jo.okande@unesco.org)

Why This Opportunity Matters

As governments increasingly adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence, public servants require new skills to design and deliver citizen-centered services responsibly. This initiative represents a significant investment in Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and supports the development of a public workforce capable of navigating emerging technologies while upholding ethical, inclusive, and human-rights-based approaches.

Through the DigiKen Programme, UNESCO aims to ensure that digital transformation benefits all communities and contributes to sustainable development across the country.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.