As as NetSquared Strategic Partner and we anticipate seeing the Reuters Digital Vision Program fellows in the mix and learning all about the good work they are doing globally. The Digital Vision Program supports social entrepreneurs who seek to leverage technology-based solutions in the interest of humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development goals. The Program fosters interdisciplinary projects and prototyping efforts that address real needs in underserved communities.

An RDVP Announcement:

The Reuters Digital Vision Program (DVP) at Stanford University is now accepting applications for a 2006-07 Fellow to work on a special DVP project in conjunction with its partner, Women's World Banking (WWB). The WWB is a network of leading microfinance institutions with presence in more than 30 countries. For this special project, the deadline has been extended to April 19, 2006.* The Fellowship for this project will be awarded at the end of May, 2006 as part of and at the same time as the rest of the DVP Fellowships.

THE PROJECT

This Fellow will employ a needs-based approach to design, develop and deploy a simple system to allow micro-entrepreneurs to register their business transactions, generate reports and communicate directly with micro-finance institutions.  The objective of this project is to improve micro-entrepreneurs' financial literacy and business results and to enhance the efficiency of micro-finance institutions.  The project will initiate with WWB affiliates in Colombia and/or the Dominican Republic.

We are seeking applicants with a product (development & management) background, ideally in the financial services industry and/or Latin America.

The Fellow will play a key role in defining and articulating the vision for this solution, and will lead the effort to:

* Understand market needs and user requirements and translate these into detailed product requirements, product features and functionality

* Articulate end user and micro finance institution value proposition and develop a viable business model

* Manage the pilot tests in the field

Qualifications:

* Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit

* Experience in product (development & management), ideally with financial services

* Excellent communications and analytical skills

* Understanding of network technologies, devices, and management tools (MIS)

* Desirable experience in emerging markets

* Experience with field research

* BA/BS degree or Equivalent

* Fluent in English and Spanish

This is a two-year project. The DVP Fellowship will last one academic year (2006-07) with the potential of extending to a second year.

Significant travel will be required.

Please visit our Become A Fellow <http://rdvp.org/become> page for more information, including special application instructions for this financial services project.

THE PROGRAM

The Digital Vision Program supports social entrepreneurs who seek to leverage technology-based solutions in the interest of humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development goals. The Program fosters interdisciplinary projects and prototyping efforts that address real needs in underserved communities. For the 2006-07 academic year, the program will focus on the following broad categories:

 * Advancing Financial Services (Microfinance, microinsurance, remittances, market information, e-commerce)

 * Knowledge and Empowerment (Literacy and numeracy, e-learning and training, e-government, social networks, and community building)

 * Networked Health and Welfare (Health administration, health research and sciences, public health and safety, telemedicine, relief services, advocacy)

The core of the Program is a nine-month fellowship that brings individuals from around the globe to the Stanford University Campus.

Digital Vision Fellows collaborate with faculty, students, private sector firms, non-government organizations, and most importantly, each other. Digital Vision Fellows have Visiting Scholar privileges at Stanford University, including the ability to audit courses.

Fellows also participate in a structured Sanford Digital Vision Program with weekly meetings, workshops, and seminars.

Fees and Scholarships

The Reuters Foundation and other DVP partners will cover all Stanford University fees and expenses for full-time fellowships. Living stipends may be available for fellows accepted from developing world countries. The Digital Vision Program also offers "Corporate Fellowships" to individuals from organizations who continue to perform their full-time professional duties in their organizations, while participating in the seminars, workshops, and other organized activities of the DVP.

How to apply

Please visit the "Become a Fellow" link on our website at <<http://rdvp.org>http://rdvp.org > for more information.

DVP Applications are due on April 3, 2006, with the exception of the financial services project.

Karen Coppock

Director of Industry Collaboration

Reuters Digital Vision Program

Stanford University

<http://rdvp.org>

 * Please note: this deadline extension applies only to this Financial Services Project with WWB. All other RDVP applicants must submit their completed application by April 3, 2006. Applicants who have already submitted their applications and wish to apply for this project must contact us directly by email <digitalvision (at) csli

(dot) stanford (dot) edu> or by phone +1 650.724.4069.