Pre-Work Assignment 2 — Problem Statement and Intervention Concept
IAC Work Plan Development Training Program
IAC Mongolia-2 | Revision Notes (NIA Review)
June 2026

How to Read This Document

Strikethrough redText proposed for removal or replacement
Underlined greenProposed replacement, addition, or suggested draft text
Yellow highlightComment or note explaining the suggested change
Plain textOriginal text kept as-is — no change needed
Part A| Basic Information

No changes. Basic information is complete and correct.

CountryMongolia
IAC NameIAC Mongolia-2
Host InstitutionNational Information Technology Park (NITP)
IAC Center ManagerOyunsuren Purevsuren
Contactpurevsuren@itpark.mn | +976 80809965
Part B| Selected Problem and Policy Link

No changes to Part B. The policy linkage, problem statement, and IAC contribution rationale are all well-framed and appropriate.

Selected priority2.1.5. Enhanced digital literacy and inclusion for all (“Digital First” Policy Recommendation)
SourceMongolia’s Digital Transformation Policy Guidelines, “Digital First” Policy Recommendation Document
Core problemDue to the lack of structured, inclusive training programs and open learning platforms for targeted groups and civil servants, the overall digital literacy rate remains insufficient, leading to unequal participation in the digital environment.
Why it mattersDirectly aligns with NITP’s core mandate to eliminate the digital divide, foster social inclusion, and ensure equitable access to ICT education across all demographics.
Why IAC can contributeAdvanced training infrastructure, strategic city-center location, formal certification authority, and established partnerships with the Ministry of Digital Innovation and Communications and the Mongolian National Federation of the Blind.
Part C| Problem Tree

Note on change: The effects and core problem are kept as submitted. Two causes are added to ground the disability-inclusive training workstream in the problem logic. The existing causes are kept as-is — branches in the problem tree do not need to map directly to IAC activities; some causes are outside the IAC’s scope and that is acceptable.

EFFECTS — What happens because of this problem?
The digital divide is widening, and unequal participation of citizens is increasing
Shortage of highly skilled human resources in the information and communication sector
CORE PROBLEM
Due to the lack of structured, inclusive training programs and open learning platforms for targeted groups and civil servants, the overall digital literacy rate remains insufficient, leading to unequal participation in the digital environment.
CAUSES — Why does this problem exist?
Insufficient targeted training programs for specific groups (students, youth, citizens)
Lack of tiered digital capacity development programs for civil servants
Weak collaboration, resource sharing, and advisory opportunities between the public sector, private sector, and NITP
Limited pathways for advanced training and certification, leading to a shortage of highly skilled ICT professionals
Assistive technology interfaces for persons with disabilities are primarily in English, creating significant usage barriers for local users ← Added: grounds disability workstream in problem logic
Severe shortage of specialized assistive devices and qualified instructors trained in inclusive ICT teaching methodologies for persons with visual and hearing impairments ← Added: grounds disability workstream in problem logic
Part D| IAC Capacity Relevant to This Problem

No changes to Part D. The capacity description is accurate and well-matched to the center’s actual resources.

AreaCurrent Capacity or Opportunity
Facilities and equipmentModern computer labs, high-speed internet, training rooms, hardware capable of running screen-reading software (NVDA/JAWS)
Trainers and staffIT instructors and training managers with expertise in foundational and advanced digital literacy
Existing courses or programsHackathon competitions; digital literacy for visually and hearing impaired; coding courses; advanced IT certification; international IT certification exams
Current users / target groupsCivil servants; university students; secondary school students; visually and hearing impaired citizens
Existing partnersMinistry of Digital Innovation and Communications; National University of Mongolia; MUST; Mandakh University; Mongolian National Federation of the Blind; public and private sector organizations
Part E| Intervention Concept and Activities
E.1 Activity Areas

Correction — Activity 2 target group: The original submission lists “youth” as the sole target group for advanced IT certification programs. This is incorrect — certification programs at this center serve civil servants and university students as well as youth. The target group has been corrected below.

Proposed Activity AreaTarget GroupPartner Needed?Expected Short-Term Change
Civil servant digital literacy training (phased, tiered program)Civil servantsMinistry of Digital Innovation and Communications — institutional coordinationCivil servants improve efficiency in administrative tasks and digital public service delivery
Advanced professional IT certification and specialization programs, including international IT exam administrationOriginal (corrected):
Youth
Revised:
Civil servants, university students, and youth
Yes — higher education institutions (NMU, MUST, Mandakh University)Participants gain certified, job-ready advanced ICT skills; civil servants improve professional competency
Digital literacy training for persons with visual and hearing impairments, including assistive technology and screen-reader trainingVisually and hearing impaired citizensMongolian National Federation of the Blind — outreach and curriculum adaptationParticipants learn to navigate computers independently, ensuring equal access to information
Student coding and programming courses, and annual Hackathon / innovation challengesSecondary school studentsLocal technology companies — mentorship, sponsorship, and advisory rolesStudents develop early programming interests and collaborative problem-solving skills
E.2 Suggested Quarterly Workstream Overview (Draft)

Suggested draft for Oyunsuren to review and adjust. Activities are shown as parallel workstreams running simultaneously across the year, reflecting how the center actually operates. Civil servant training is shown as the anchor workstream given its scale. Specific activity descriptions, responsible persons, and resource requirements should be completed during the offline training.

WorkstreamQ1 (Jan–Mar)Q2 (Apr–Jun)Q3 (Jul–Sep)Q4 (Oct–Dec)
1. Civil Servant Digital Literacy Training (anchor workstream)✓ Intake and needs assessment
Tiered program design
Cohort 1 begins
✓ Cohort 1 mid-program
Pre/post assessments
Cohort 2 intake
✓ Cohort 1 completion
Certification
Cohort 2 mid-program
✓ Cohort 2 completion
Year-end review
Reporting to Ministry
2. Advanced IT Certification Programs✓ Program scheduling
Enrollment open
(civil servants, university students, youth)
✓ Training delivery
International exam preparation
✓ Exam administration
Certification results
✓ Second intake (if applicable)
Year-end certification report
3. Disability-Inclusive Digital Literacy and Assistive Technology Training✓ Outreach via Federation of the Blind
Participant recruitment
Curriculum adaptation
✓ Training delivery
Screen reader (NVDA/JAWS) sessions
Sign language integration
✓ Ongoing training
Mid-year participant review
✓ Program completion
Participant evaluation
Year-end reporting
4. Student Coding and Programming Courses✓ Course scheduling
School outreach
Cohort enrollment
✓ Introductory coding modules
Programming fundamentals
✓ Intermediate modules
AI awareness sessions
✓ Course completion
Evaluation and certification
5. Hackathon and Innovation ChallengesPlanning and partner engagement
Competition guidelines
Sponsor outreach
✓ Hackathon 1
Team registration
Challenge delivery
Award ceremony
Post-event review
Next challenge planning
✓ Hackathon 2
Team registration
Challenge delivery
Award ceremony
6. Partnership Development and MaintenancePartner mapping
MOU drafting
Ministry coordination
✓ MOU signing
Joint activity planning
University liaison
✓ Mid-year partner review
Hackathon sponsor engagement
✓ Annual partner meeting
Year-end reporting
Renewal planning
Part F| Project Design Matrix (PDM)

Note on changes: The PDM structure and framing are appropriate — this is a training center operations plan, not a technology development project. Two targeted changes are proposed: (1) a civil servant training output with targets is added, since civil servant training is the anchor workstream but currently has no output-level entry in the PDM; (2) one activity line is added for the disability workstream, which currently has an output target but no supporting activities. All other PDM content is kept as submitted.

F.1 Overall Goal and Project Purpose

No changes.

Narrative SummaryVerifiable IndicatorsMeans of VerificationImportant Assumptions
Overall Goal: Improved digital literacy and innovation skills of Mongolian civil servants, youth, and persons with disabilities, supporting equitable digital participation and sector growth.Increased digital literacy rate among civil servants, students, and persons with disabilities; reduced digital divide in target groups.National digital literacy surveys; NITP annual reports; Ministry reporting.Government commitment to Digital First policy sustained; partner organizations remain engaged.No change
Project Purpose: Deliver programs that develop and certify competency-based, participatory digital skills across civil servants, students, and persons with disabilities.Number of participants completing certified training annually across all target groups.Course completion records; certification records; annual NITP activity report.Adequate trainer capacity; facilities operational; partner institutions fulfill agreed roles.No change
F.2 Outputs

Change — civil servant output added: Civil servant training is the center’s anchor workstream but currently has no output-level entry in the PDM. A new output is added below. Oyunsuren should confirm the annual participant target.

OutputVerifiable IndicatorsMeans of VerificationImportant Assumptions
Output 1 (new): Civil servants complete structured, tiered digital literacy training.At least [X] civil servants complete the tiered digital literacy program annually; pre/post assessment scores show measurable improvement.Course completion records; pre/post assessment results; Ministry reporting.Ministry of Digital Innovation and Communications maintains institutional coordination; civil servants are released for training during working hours.Added
Output 2: At least 100 civil servants and young people successfully complete phased digital literacy and coding programs annually.100+ completions per year; 80% pass rate on assessments.Course completion records; assessment results.Participants are available and motivated; facilities are operational.No change
Output 3: Special programs and assistive technology training provided annually to 150 persons with disabilities.150 persons with disabilities trained annually; participant satisfaction rate.Training attendance records; post-training evaluation forms.Federation of the Blind maintains outreach capacity; assistive devices are available and functional.No change
Output 4: Five active partnerships established with local technology companies, with mentorship and consulting services provided.5 partnerships with signed MOUs; mentorship sessions delivered.Partnership agreements; activity records.Companies see value in partnership; NITP has capacity to coordinate.No change
Output 5: Hackathons organized at least twice a year with participation of 150 students.2 hackathons per year; 150 student participants; 3 winning teams awarded.Event records; participant lists; award documentation.Sponsors and advisors available; school outreach successful.No change
F.3 Activities

Change — disability workstream activity added: The disability workstream has an output target (150 persons trained annually) but no supporting activity entries in the PDM. One activity line is added below to close that gap.

ActivityActivity-Level IndicatorMeans of VerificationInputs / Assumptions
Develop and implement phased digital education and capacity-building programs for civil servants and youth, consistent with the Digital First policy.At least 2 training cohorts delivered per year; pre/post assessments completed for each cohort.Training records; assessment results; Ministry coordination reports.Qualified instructors available; computer labs operational; Ministry supports participant release time.No change
Deliver disability-inclusive digital literacy and assistive technology training in collaboration with the Mongolian National Federation of the Blind, including screen reader (NVDA/JAWS) training and sign language-integrated sessions for hearing impaired participants.At least 150 persons with disabilities complete training annually; 80% report improved ability to independently use digital tools.Training attendance records; post-training evaluation forms; Federation of the Blind outreach reports.Assistive devices (screen readers, hardware) available and functional; instructors trained in inclusive ICT methods; Federation of the Blind maintains participant outreach capacity.Added
Develop professional training modules for assistive technologies for persons with visual and hearing impairments, in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind.Modules developed and piloted; instructor training completed.Curriculum documentation; instructor training records.Collaboration with Federation of the Blind confirmed; specialized instructors available.No change
Organize innovation challenges and hackathon competitions to support practical skills and team collaboration, involving local technology companies as sponsors and advisors.2 hackathons per year; 150 student participants; at least 10 teams per event; 3 winning teams awarded.Event records; participant lists; sponsor agreements.Sponsors and tech company advisors confirmed; school outreach successful; prizes secured.No change
Establish and maintain partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders through MOUs, joint activity planning, and regular partner reviews.At least 5 active partnerships with signed MOUs; joint activities delivered annually.Partnership agreements; joint activity records; partner feedback.Partners see mutual benefit; NITP has coordination capacity.No change
Summary of Changes
SectionTypeIssueChange
Part BNo changeProblem statement and policy linkage are well-framedKept as submitted
Part C
Problem tree causes
AdditionDisability workstream not grounded in problem tree causesTwo causes added: (1) assistive technology interfaces lack Georgian language support; (2) shortage of assistive devices and qualified inclusive ICT instructors
Part E
Activity 2 target group
CorrectionTarget group listed as “youth” only — incorrectCorrected to: civil servants, university students, and youth
Part E
Quarterly workstream table
New addition
(suggested draft)
No parallel workstream view — activities appear sequentialQuarterly table added with 6 workstreams; civil servant training as anchor. Oyunsuren to review and adjust.
Part F
PDM Output 1
AdditionCivil servant training is the anchor workstream but has no output-level PDM entryNew output added with annual participant target placeholder for Oyunsuren to confirm
Part F
PDM Activity (disability)
AdditionDisability workstream has output target but no supporting activity entryOne activity line added covering assistive technology delivery and Federation of the Blind collaboration
Item for Oyunsuren to confirm:
Part F Output 1: confirm the annual participant target for civil servant training (shown as [X] in the PDM)
Part E.2 Quarterly workstream table: review and adjust activity descriptions, timing, and responsible persons during offline training
Original Mong Document — PDM and All Content Below
Part F| Project Design Matrix (PDM)
Narrative SummaryVerifiable IndicatorsMeans of VerificationImportant Assumptions
Overall Goal
Improve the digital education and innovation skills of Mongolian high school students.The percentage of students demonstrating coding and problem-solving skills will increase by 30% within 12 months of training.Results of surveys measuring students' skills before and after coding competitions and programs.Students are willing to participate in practical training experiences and have access to necessary technology.
Project Purpose / OutcomeVerifiable IndicatorsMeans of VerificationImportant Assumptions
Provide structured training and challenges to high school students to acquire practical coding, AI, and innovation skills.At least 200 students participate in the program, with 80% reporting increased interest in technology careers.Records of post-training surveys assessing students' interest and participation.Students have a basic understanding of digital tools and are willing to engage in additional activities.
Outputs
Four sets of training modules for coding, AI, and innovation challenges aimed at high school students.At least 150 students complete the training module, and two innovation challenges are organized within the year.Records of training participants, and responses from post-module and challenge participant surveys.There are sufficient resources and trained instructors to effectively deliver the training modules.
ActivitiesActivity-Level IndicatorMeans of VerificationInputs / Assumptions
Develop and implement a coding program focused on practical applications.At least 100 students complete the coding program and achieve a successful score of 75% on evaluations.Completion certificates for the program and students' evaluation results.Program materials, trained instructors for the training, and access to computer labs.
Organize practical seminars on AI and technological innovations.At least 80% of participants will show improved understanding of AI by the end of the seminar.Pre- and post-seminar evaluations measuring knowledge growth.Seminar materials, guest speakers from the technology sector, and venue for the event.
Organize innovation challenges that support teamwork and creative problem-solving.At least 10 teams participate in each challenge, and 3 winning teams will be awarded for their innovative solutions.Records of challenge participants and evaluation criteria for submissions.Challenge guidelines, prizes for winners, and support from local technology companies.
Establish partnerships with local technology companies for mentorship and resources.At least 5 partnerships are established, and mentors provide guidance to students during seminars and challenges.Partnership agreements and feedback on mentorship experiences from mentors and students.Contact materials, partnership proposals, and organizational meetings with potential partners.
PDM| Uploaded PDM HTML
Generated IAC PDM

IAC Mongolia-2 Digital Basic Knowledge and Innovation Skills Improvement Project

Digital Education and Participation Enhancement Project Design Plan (PDM)

Generated in EnglishPart F + Activity PlanEditable HTML Output

1. Organization Overview and Diagnostic Summary

The IAC Mongolia-2 organized by the National Information Technology Park (NITP) holds a strategic position in addressing Mongolia's digital education challenges. Utilizing modern computer laboratories, professional instructors, and collaboration with government and civil society organizations, the center aims to deliver comprehensive, certified information and communication technology training programs tailored for diverse groups including government employees, youth, and people with disabilities, with the goal of eliminating the digital divide.

01

Digital literacy lag

The lack of well-organized, participatory training programs leads to low levels of digital literacy among civil servants, students, and special needs groups.

02

Training infrastructure

Although there are modern computer laboratories and educational facilities, open online learning platforms are limited, and tiered capacity-building programs are being implemented.

03

Partnerships

There is weak collaboration, resource sharing, and advisory opportunities between the public sector, private sector, and NITP.

04

Special programs

There is a lack of professional training and insufficient availability of international certification for people with visual and hearing impairments.

05

Human resource capacity

Due to the limited pathways for advanced training and certification, there has been a shortage of highly skilled ICT professionals.

Current requirements

  • Improved digital education and participation in line with Mongolia's 'Digital First' policy.
  • Structured and phased digital capacity development programs for civil servants and youth.
  • Special educational programs for people with visual and hearing impairments.
  • A sustainable framework for organizing hackathon competitions and innovation challenges.
  • Strengthened partnerships with technology companies through mentorship and resource support.

2. Main Issues and Objectives

Due to the lack of structured and participatory training programs and open learning platforms designed for specific groups and government employees, the level of digital education remains insufficient, resulting in unequal participation in the digital environment.

Issue Tree and Objective Tree

Issue Tree

Impact: Decrease in productivity and efficiency of digital public services.
Impact: The digital divide is widening, and unequal participation of citizens is increasing.
Impact: Shortage of highly skilled human resources in the information and communication sector.
Main issue: Due to unstructured and non-participatory training programs, digital education and engagement are insufficient.
Reason: Lack of tiered digital capacity development programs for civil servants.
Reason: Lack of sufficient targeted training programs for specific groups such as students and people with disabilities.
Reason: Lack of open online learning platforms supporting lifelong education.
Cause: Weak partnerships between the government, private sector, and NITP.
Reason: Lack of internationally certified, specialized ICT training programs.

Target Tree

General objective: To improve the digital literacy and innovation skills of Mongolian government employees, youth, and people with disabilities, and to support equitable digital participation and sector growth.
Objective: To deliver programs that develop and certify competency-based, participatory digital skills.
Objective: To increase access to professional training for people with visual and hearing impairments.
Objective: Strengthen partnerships to improve mentorship and resource mobilization.
Objective: To create platforms for sustainable development of innovation challenges and hackathons.
Results: Every year, at least 100 civil servants and young people successfully complete phased digital literacy and coding programs.
Results: Special programs and assistive technology training are provided annually to 150 people with disabilities.
Result: Established five active partnerships with local technology companies and provided consulting services.
Result: Hackathons were organized at least twice a year, with the participation of 150 students.

3. Addressing the Necessary Key Issues

Task AreaKey Activities
Develop and implement phased digital education and capacity-building programs for civil servants and youth.Develop a program consistent with the 'Digital First' policy.,Conduct training lessons in modern computer laboratories. Organize pre-training and post-training assessment exams.
Develop professional training modules for assistive technologies for people with visual and hearing impairments.Collaborate with the National Association of the Blind of Mongolia to adapt the program., Train teaching staff in screen reader software (NVDA/JAWS) and sign language integration., Conduct hands-on training and provide assistive devices.
Organize innovation challenges and hackathon competitions to support practical skills and team collaboration.Develop guidelines for organizing the competition and evaluation criteria., Involve local technology companies as sponsors and advisors., Award prizes to the winning teams and publicize the results.
Establish and maintain partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.Identify potential partners and approach them. Officially validate the contract and coordinate joint activities. Monitor partnership outcomes and consider feedback.

4. Project Design Matrix (PDM)

LevelNarrative SummaryVerifiable IndicatorMeans of VerificationCollection ToolFrequencyResponsibilityImportant Assumption
General objectiveImproving the digital literacy and innovation skills of Mongolian high school students and government employees.Increase the proportion of participants demonstrating coding and problem-solving skills within 12 months by 30%.Pre- and post-training survey; results of the coding competition.Standardized skill assessment tests and research.Before training and 12 months after.IAC Mongol-2 Training Manager.Participants have access to the necessary technology and are willing to participate.
Project objectiveOrganize structured training and challenges to acquire practical coding, artificial intelligence, and innovation skills.At least 150 students and government employees participated, and 80% reported increased interest in their technology-related careers.Post-training survey and participant registration.Research questionnaire and attendance records.After each full training cycle (in the fourth quarter).Program coordinators.Participants have basic knowledge of digital tools and are willing to participate.
OutputFour sets of training modules held annually and two renewal tests.150 students successfully completed their training.Training completion certificate; records of participants who took the test.Training databases and event reports.Every year.Training and Operations Teams.Good sufficient resources and qualified teachers are available.
ActivitiesDevelop and implement coding programs, artificial intelligence seminars, new idea competitions, and partnerships.100 students completed the coding program with a ≥75% evaluation score; 80% showed improvement in AI knowledge.Certificate, evaluation results, seminar evaluation, partnership agreement.Evaluation forms, seminar feedback, signed memorandums of understanding for cooperation.For each operational cycle (quarterly/semi-annually).Operations Leader and Partnership Manager.Material, teachers, location, availability of partnership collaboration opportunities.

5. Implementation Plan

Core Educational ProgramTimelineTarget AudienceRecruitment & PromotionImplementation MethodExpected Outcomes
Step-by-step Digital Basic Knowledge TrainingMonths 1-12Civil Servants and YouthEstablish communication with government agencies and schoolsBlended learning: with both in-person and online classesDigital skills and administrative efficiency have improved
Specialized Auxiliary Technology TrainingMonths 2-10People with visual and hearing impairmentsThrough the National Association of Invisible People of Mongolia and networks of people with disabilitiesHands-on seminars and customized programsIncreased self-reliance and digital engagement
Challenges and Hackathons for New IdeasMonths 6 and 12Middle school students and youthAttitudes Toward School and Public AppealsTeam main competitions with guidelinesEnhanced problem-solving and team collaboration skills
Partnership DevelopmentThe project is ongoingLocal Technology Companies and Government AgenciesDirect participation and network measuresOfficial agreements and joint operationsSustainable guidance and resource support

6. Performance Management-Based Control Plan

IndicatorTimelineCollection Method / ToolFrequencyResponsible PersonReport
Growth in the percentage of participants demonstrating coding skillsStart, 6th month, 12th monthCompetency Assessment and ResearchTwice a yearMonitoring and Evaluation OfficerProgress reports by season
Number of participants who completed the training moduleMonthly diaryIrradiation and completion recordsEvery monthTraining CoordinatorMonthly activity reports
Established and active collaborations LLPSeasonal OverviewSigned memorandum and activity logsEvery quarterPartnership ManagerSeasonal Partnership Status Reports
Participants' satisfaction and level of knowledge improvementPost-training and post-seminarResearch and Evaluation FormsAfter each training/seminarQuality Assurance SpecialistTraining Evaluation Overview

7. Sustainability and Risk Management

Sustainable Development Strategy

The project's sustainability will be ensured by building the capacity of local trainer instructors, institutionalizing the training curriculum at NITP, and developing long-term partnerships with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Programs that provide internationally recognized certifications will increase employment opportunities and serve as incentives to continue participation. Additionally, by establishing a volunteer network and a digital platform, continuous learning and social engagement will be supported beyond the project's duration.

Risk management

Key risks include participants' low active involvement, resource shortages, and partnership disruptions. Risk mitigation strategies include proactive engagement, conducting enrollment campaigns, ensuring multi-year funding guarantees, diversifying the partner base to reduce dependency, continuous monitoring for early issue detection, and adapting training delivery methods based on participant feedback and technological changes.