About
The DCI Helpdesk is a technical support facility launched to provide targeted and timely expert support to countries to guide decision-making, explore digital solutions, and ensure strategic, informed actions that drive the inclusive and effective digital transformation of social protection systems. The DCI Helpdesk focuses on enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of social protection information systems.
The Helpdesk provides a range of remote advisory services, including:
- Interoperability: Addressing challenges and providing support related to the implementation of digital standards for interoperability
- Technical advice: Providing technical advisory and/or implementation support for digital solutions across the social protection delivery chain, e.g. grievance redressal mechanisms
- Strategic guidance: Supporting policymakers and practitioners in the development of digital transformation strategies for the social protection sector
Special Focus: AI
The AI Hub of DCI is contributing to the DCI Helpdesk and provides support specifically focusing on responsible innovative and sovereign AI adoption in social protection systems. Countries can access technical advisory services around AI innovation and use case scoping. Additionally, through the AI Hub, the Helpdesk provides policy guidance on responsible AI and data usage, helping countries develop governance and regulatory frameworks that ensure rights-based, non-discriminatory AI adoption, adhering to principles such as transparency and equity. The AI Hub is implemented by GIZ.
Prioritising impactful engagement
The Helpdesk prioritises support based on:
Requests from governments: Prioritizing requests from government institutions to ensure alignment with social protection policies and foster ownership and accountability
Presence of DCI partners on site: Leveraging existing partnerships with development partners at the country level for enhanced impact
Streamlined engagement process
Step 1. Initial assessment and scoping: Analysing requests, engaging stakeholders, and defining the scope of support
Step 2. Tailored technical assistance: Deploying experts to develop and recommend solutions
Step 3. Follow-up and integration: Ensuring technical/policy recommendations are implemented effectively and contribute to broader initiatives
Accessing Helpdesk support
Accessing DCI Helpdesk support is simple: Send us an email via contact@spdci.org. Once your request is received, a DCI-assigned point of contact will confirm receipt and collaborate with you to understand your challenges and facilitate required support to meet your needs.
Scope of support
Support is offered exclusively in the form of technical expertise and advisory time (10–50 days), facilitated by a pool of experts specialising in digital social protection systems and AI. Direct financial support and financing of IT/digital hardware and infrastructure is not provided.
Disclaimer
Overall DCI Helpdesk operations are managed and administered by GIZ. The technical responsibility, quality assurance and local coordination of the work provided by the contracted experts is fully and solely with the requesting DCI partner organization implementing the activity.