INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
Regional Project Coordination Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2396
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Ethiopia
Duty station: Addis Ababa
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 months with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 17 September 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Africa National Broadband Mapping Systems (Africa-BB-Maps) Project is implemented simultaneously across eleven beneficiary countries (Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) through multiple Contractors and National Regulatory Authorities under a common governance and implementation framework. The Regional Project Coordination Consultant will support the Project Manager in coordinating implementation across all beneficiary countries, working closely with the Africa-BB-Maps Project Coordination Consultants, Contractors and Beneficiaries to facilitate effective implementation, monitoring and reporting.
The consultant will also support the implementation of the Ethiopia country project by coordinating local project activities, stakeholder engagement, meetings, missions and implementation support, contributing to the effective delivery of project outputs and overall programme coordination.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the overall direction of the Regional Director for the Regional Office for Africa, and the guidance of the Project Manager, the consultant will:
- Coordinate and support the day-to-day activities of the Country Project Coordinators to facilitate effective implementation, monitoring and reporting across all country projects.
- Maintain the consolidated programme implementation schedule and monitor progress against project milestones, deliverables and workplans.
- Consolidate implementation updates from beneficiary countries and prepare programme reports, briefing materials and presentations.
- Coordinate implementation of the Ethiopia country project, including stakeholder engagement, meetings, and other project activities.
- Maintain effective communication and coordination among Beneficiaries, Contractors, Project Coordination Consultants and other project stakeholders.
- Support the review and monitoring of Country Implementation Plans and contractor deliverables against the approved implementation schedule and consolidate the corresponding comments and follow-up actions.
- Support the beneficiary institution, the contractor and ITU in completing the national administrative and regulatory arrangements required for implementation of the Ethiopia country project, including customs clearance and duty and tax relief for project equipment and entry formalities for contractor personnel.
- Support the successful implementation and delivery of the Africa-BB-Maps Project.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Consolidation of programme implementation coordination outputs, including implementation schedules, implementation updates, progress reports and coordination of activities across all beneficiary countries.
- Consolidation of programme monitoring and reporting outputs, including implementation reports, briefing materials, presentations and other management information to support project monitoring and decision-making.
- Submission of Ethiopia country implementation support outputs, including coordination of country-level implementation activities, stakeholder engagements, meetings and other implementation support required for the successful delivery of the Ethiopia country project.
- Delivery of programme operational support outputs, including documentation supporting Project Manager missions, programme activities, stakeholder coordination, implementation records and other operational documentation required for the effective implementation of the Africa-BB-Maps Project.
COMPETENCIES
- Proficiency in programme and project coordination, stakeholder coordination and engagement, planning, implementation monitoring and progress tracking.
- Solid skills in monitoring, analysis and reporting of programme performance, including the preparation of high-quality reports, briefing materials and presentations.
- Ability to work effectively and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, consultants and partners within a multicultural environment.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, including risk, issue and action management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of the national administrative, institutional and regulatory context of Ethiopia, including customs clearance, duty and tax relief procedures applicable to imported equipment is required.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in communication studies, social sciences, administrative, business or economic studies, international studies, or engineering, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least seven (7) years of experience in projects/programmes coordination involving stakeholder coordination and engagement is required.
Experience in supporting implementation of ICT, digital development, telecommunications or infrastructure projects is desirable.
Experience in maintaining project documentation and implementation records is desirable.
Previous experience working with the United Nations or another international organisation is desirable.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 230 to USD 420 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidates must be nationals of, or legal residents with a valid work permit in, Ethiopia and must reside in the country throughout the duration of the assignment.
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU career website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
