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Annex 02 — Terms of Reference (ToR) — Hubs (Tier-1)

02.1 Purpose​

This ToR defines the mandate, governance alignment, capability responsibilities, and portfolio oversight for Hubs (Tier-1) in a VILF ecosystem.

Hubs serve as capability engines, cross-lab integrators, and the intermediate governance layer between labs and the Network Coordination Unit (NCU).

02.2 Scope​

Applies to any VILF-aligned Hub, including:

  • Sector hubs (health, education, mobility)
  • Regional hubs
  • Academic research hubs
  • Public–private capability hubs

02.3 Mandate​

Hubs must:

  • Strengthen capabilities of multiple labs
  • Provide portfolio governance and normalization
  • Support MEL analysis and benchmarking
  • Ensure documentation quality and repository hygiene
  • Facilitate cross-lab learning and collaboration
  • Enforce IGF Tier-1 governance rules

02.4 Responsibilities​

Capability Development Responsibilities​

  • Deliver IMM, MCF, futures, and experimentation training
  • Provide coaching for lab managers and evidence officers
  • Support institutional maturity progression

Portfolio Governance Responsibilities​

  • Manage lab portfolios with balance and coherence
  • Normalize KPI and MEL submissions
  • Conduct cross-lab reviews and synthesis
  • Detect capability and governance gaps

Documentation Responsibilities​

  • Ensure evidence repository compliance
  • Maintain domain-level documentation integrity

Governance Responsibilities​

  • Enforce IGF decision pathways for Tier-1
  • Escalate institutional risks to Tier-2 (NCU)

02.5 Hub Team Structure​

Minimum roles:

  • Hub Coordinator
  • Capability Coaches
  • Domain Specialists
  • MEL Officers
  • Documentation Officers (optional depending on size)

02.6 Outputs​

  • Portfolio reports
  • Normalized KPI submissions
  • Hub Scorecard
  • Capability development plans
  • Domain synthesis reports
  • Quarterly MEL summaries

02.7 Version Compatibility​

Compatible with VILF 1.0, VXF, IMM-P®, IGF Tier-1 rules, and MEL.

02.8 Licensing Note​

Released under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Authorization required for adaptations.