Hackathon Consultant

Background:

USPEaK is a Lebanese Organization that raises the level of social engagement, empowerment, social protection and public achievement among youth, women and children. USPEaK's mission is to serve better education, raise the level of awareness, provide social protection, promote citizenship, and build democracy foundations and a peaceful country.

In line with this vision, USPEaK is organizing a youth hackathon aimed at promoting innovation and creativity among young people in Lebanon. The hackathon will bring together youth from different communities to identify and solve social issues affecting their communities. Through the hackathon, we hope to provide a platform for young people to showcase their skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing their communities especially violence and climate change. 

To ensure the success of the hackathon, USPEaK  is seeking a Hackathon Consultant to provide technical expertise and support. The consultant will work closely with our team to review and provide input on the overall design and structure of the hackathon, provide guidance on developing themes and challenges, advise on best practices for running a successful hackathon, and provide training and support to the hackathon organizing team and mentors.

We believe that the Hackathon Consultant will play a critical role in the success of the hackathon and in empowering young people to create positive change in their communities. We are therefore looking for an experienced individual who is passionate about youth development and has a strong track record in organizing and managing hackathons. The ideal candidate should have experience in project management, team formation, mentorship, and judging criteria, as well as a strong understanding of technology and tools to support hackathons.

Scope of Work:

The Hackathon Consultant will work closely with USPEaK team to provide technical expertise and support for the youth hackathon. The consultant will:

• Review and provide input on the overall design and structure of the hackathon.
• Advise on best practices for running a successful hackathon, including project management, team formation, mentorship, and judging criteria.
• Provide training and support to the hackathon organizing team and mentors.
• Advise on the use of technology and tools to support the hackathon, including communication tools, software development tools, and project management tools.
• Provide guidance on developing and delivering training materials for hackathon participants.
• Participate in the hackathon as a mentor and/or judge, as needed.

Deliverables:

• The Hackathon Consultant will deliver the following:
• An inception report with recommendations on the hackathon design and structure.
• A guide on themes and challenges for the hackathon.
• A guide on best practices for running a successful hackathon.
• Training materials for the hackathon organizing team and mentors.
• Feedback and recommendations on the use of technology and tools to support the hackathon.
• Participation in the hackathon as a mentor and/or judge.

Timeframe:

The Hackathon Consultant will be engaged for a period of two months, starting from August 28, 2023, and ending on October 27, 2023.