Training course on Digital Public Goods for Social Protection

Training Course on Digital Public Goods for Social Protection 

Introduction

Digital Public Goods (DPGs) for Social Protection represent a transformative paradigm for leveraging open, interoperable, and scalable digital solutions to enhance the delivery and impact of social safety nets globally. DPGs are open-source software, open data, open AI models, and open standards that adhere to privacy and other applicable laws, do no harm, and help attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of social protection, DPGs offer a unique opportunity to build inclusive, efficient, and transparent systems, avoiding vendor lock-in and fostering local innovation. They enable governments and humanitarian organizations to develop foundational digital public infrastructure, from digital identity and payment systems to social registries and grievance redressal mechanisms, that are accessible, adaptable, and respectful of human rights.

Training Course on Digital Public Goods for Social Protection is meticulously designed to equip with the advanced theoretical insights and intensive practical tools necessary to excel in understanding and leveraging Digital Public Goods for Social Protection. We will delve into the foundational principles of DPGs, master the intricacies of identifying and adopting relevant open-source components, and explore cutting-edge approaches to ensuring data privacy, interoperability, and ethical considerations in their implementation. A significant focus will be placed on understanding governance models, funding mechanisms, and strategies for scaling DPGs to achieve universal social protection coverage. By integrating industry best practices, analyzing real-world complex case studies, and engaging in hands-on design and strategic planning exercises, attendees will develop the strategic acumen to confidently champion and implement DPGs, fostering unparalleled innovation, efficiency, and equitable access in social protection delivery.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the fundamental concepts, characteristics, and strategic importance of Digital Public Goods (DPGs).
2. Comprehend the specific categories of DPGs most relevant to social protection (SP) digitalization.
3. Master the principles and application of open source, open data, and open standards in DPG development and adoption.
4. Develop expertise in ensuring data privacy, security, and ethical data governance when implementing DPGs for sensitive SP data.
5. Formulate strategies for achieving interoperability and seamless data exchange between DPG components and existing SP systems.
6. Understand the critical role of human-centered design and inclusive approaches in DPG development for diverse beneficiaries.
7. Identify and mitigate ethical considerations and potential biases inherent in DPGs, particularly those leveraging AI.
8. Explore various governance models and funding mechanisms for sustaining DPGs in the long term.
9. Apply methodologies for assessing, selecting, and customizing appropriate DPGs for specific SP program needs.
10. Develop a preliminary roadmap for integrating DPGs into an existing social protection system.
11. Analyze the economic and social benefits of adopting DPGs, including cost-effectiveness and increased reach.
12. Examine global best practices and lessons learned from successful DPG implementations in social protection and other sectors.
13. Formulate policy recommendations to foster an enabling environment for DPG adoption and development in SP.

Target Audience

This course is essential for professionals driving digital transformation and ensuring equitable access in social protection:

1. Social Protection Policymakers: Shaping national strategies for inclusive SP.
2. Program Managers (SP): Overseeing the design and implementation of cash transfers, food assistance, etc.
3. Digital Transformation Leads (Government/NGOs): Guiding the digitization of public services.
4. IT & Technology Specialists: Involved in system architecture, development, and implementation.
5. Development Practitioners: From NGOs, UN agencies, and international financial institutions.
6. Funders & Donors: Supporting innovative approaches in social protection and digital development.
7. Civil Society & NGO Leaders: Advocating for human-centered and ethical technology in social services.
8. Researchers: Studying the impact and potential of DPGs in social policy and development.

Course Duration: 5 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding Digital Public Goods (DPGs)

• Definition and core characteristics of DPGs: open source, open data, open standards, open AI models.
• The concept of "public good" in the digital realm and its application to social protection.
• The Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) and its role in promoting DPGs for SDGs.
• Benefits of adopting DPGs for governments and development agencies: cost-effectiveness, flexibility, transparency, local ownership.
• Distinguishing DPGs from proprietary software and other digital solutions.

Module 2: DPGs for Social Protection: Key Categories and Examples

• Digital Identity DPGs: Exploring solutions like MOSIP (Modular Open-Source Identity Platform).
• Digital Payment Systems DPGs: Understanding components like Mojaloop for inclusive financial infrastructure.
• Social Registry and Management Information Systems (MIS) DPGs: Examples of open-source tools for beneficiary management.
• Data Exchange and Interoperability DPGs: Leveraging open standards for seamless data flow between SP systems.
• Grievance Redressal and Feedback Mechanism DPGs: Open-source platforms for citizen engagement and accountability.

Module 3: Principles and Design of DPGs for SP

• Adherence to the DPG Standard: ensuring solutions are open, privacy-by-design, do no harm, and relevant to SDGs.
• Application of human-centered design principles for DPGs, prioritizing beneficiary needs and accessibility.
• Modularity and interoperability: designing DPGs as reusable building blocks for digital public infrastructure.
• Strategies for ensuring scalability and adaptability of DPGs to diverse country contexts and program types.
• Embedding ethical considerations and responsible AI principles from the initial design phase of DPGs.

Module 4: Leveraging Open Source for SP Digitalization

• Deep dive into the benefits of open source for social protection: avoiding vendor lock-in, fostering local capacity, community support.
• Practical strategies for selecting, evaluating, and customizing open-source components for SP solutions.
• Building internal technical capacity for open-source development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance within SP agencies.
• Best practices for contributing to and actively engaging with relevant open-source communities.
• Understanding open-source licensing models and their implications for compliance and collaboration in SP.

Module 5: Data Governance and Privacy in DPGs for SP

• Ensuring robust data privacy and protection within DPG implementations, aligning with regulations like GDPR.
• Designing secure data exchange protocols and adhering to open standards for data interoperability.
• Implementing effective consent mechanisms for the collection and processing of sensitive beneficiary data.
• Establishing clear policies for data ownership, access, and control within DPG ecosystems.
• Strategies for ethical data use and mitigating algorithmic bias in DPGs, particularly in targeting and eligibility.

Module 6: Implementation and Interoperability of DPGs in SP

• Developing phased implementation strategies for integrating DPGs into existing social protection systems.
• The critical role of open standards and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for seamless data exchange and system integration.
• Strategies for overcoming challenges in integrating DPGs with legacy IT systems and disparate data sources.
• Planning for system maintenance, updates, and long-term technical support for DPG implementations.
• Analysis of real-world case studies demonstrating successful DPG implementation and integration in diverse SP contexts.

Module 7: Governance, Funding, and Sustainability of DPGs

• Exploring various governance models for DPGs: community-led, foundation-backed, multi-stakeholder, and government-led initiatives.
• Identifying diverse funding mechanisms for DPG development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance (e.g., public funding, grants, blended finance).
• Strategies for building sustainable ecosystems around DPGs, including partnerships with local tech companies and academic institutions.
• The role of governments as active stewards, champions, and co-creators of DPGs for national and regional impact.
• Methods for measuring the impact and return on investment (ROI) of DPG investments in social protection.

Module 8: Future Trends and Scaling DPGs for Universal SP

• Exploring emerging DPGs and technologies with high potential for social protection (e.g., verifiable credentials, decentralized identity, AI for social good).
• Developing strategies for scaling successful DPG implementations to achieve universal social protection coverage.
• The role of DPGs in building adaptive and shock-responsive social protection systems capable of rapid scale-up during crises.
• Fostering international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer learning for DPGs in social protection.
• Anticipating and proactively addressing future challenges and opportunities in the evolving DPG landscape.

 

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

• Participants must be conversant in English.
• Upon completion of training, participants will receive an Authorized Training Certificate.
• The course duration is flexible and can be modified to fit any number of days.
• Course fee includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and a Certificate upon successful completion.
• One-year post-training support, consultation, and coaching provided after the course.
• Payment should be made at least a week before the training commencement to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice, to enable better preparation.