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.
Programme Officer
Vacancy notice no: 1547
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Thailand
Duty station: Bangkok
Position number: TD27R/P2/749
Grade: P2
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 3 June 2024
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) of the Union which deals mainly with ICT-focused development policies, strategies and programmes, as well as technical cooperation activities, to promote digital inclusion and drive digital transformation at community, country and regional levels. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of ITU members, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department
- Partnerships for Digital Development Department
- Digital Networks & Society Department
- Digital Knowledge Hub Department
The office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department is responsible for advising and supporting the Director on the direction and management of the Bureau. It is also responsible for leading all matters related to personnel, strategic, financial and operational planning and reporting processes. The department oversees the work of the Regional Offices, ensuring proper delegation of authority and accountability of the Regional Offices. This department coordinates the holding of BDT conferences and events, monitors the implementation of decisions emanating from the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) or Council, and cooperates closely with the other Sectors of the Union and the General Secretariat on matters of relevance to BDT and the overall work of the Union. BDT Regional Directors report to this department.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Regional Director of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and in close collaboration with other ITU officers in the Regional Office and Area Offices as well as thematic clusters, the post provides assistance and serves as a focal point for the office regarding digital inclusion and programme and project execution. To this extent, the incumbent performs the following duties:
- Provides assistance to programme coordinators in the expansion and administration of programmes and projects. Supports programme and project identification, planning and implementation. Proposes corrective actions. Conducts topic and situational analysis, informing supervisor(s) of findings.
- Contributes to the definition of programme and project requirements by evaluating existing cooperation programmes and project documents. Prepares programme and project proposal information and revises information as required.
- Researches developments in digital inclusion. Conducts research on local, national, and regional issues relating to information technology and its social impact. Analyses and interprets background history and documentation of programmes and projects. Prepares, compiles and exchanges information as required for presentations, speeches, documents, reports, and papers, contributing background information. Conducts research to identify extra budgetary funds and programme and project sponsors.
- Attends meetings, conferences, or events; prepares presentations on topics related to ITU/BDT activities in the Region and drafts speeches.
- Collaborates with the corresponding Bureau at headquarters and the corresponding Offices in the region and supports the organizations and United Nations efforts to strengthen positions with intellectual and academic institutions. Identifies and proposes cooperation opportunities on a regular basis.
- Contributes to the preparation of the draft Operational Plan by analysing requests received and proposing actions to fulfil priorities set by the Regional Initiatives, and preparing the draft budget for each proposed activity, including activities of digital skills development and capacity building; assists with the coordination and monitoring of its implementation in the Region when approved.
- Participates in administrative activities related to the implementation of regional, sub-regional and national FIT projects under the responsibility of the Regional Office; analyses progress and prepares reports; guides and orients the contributions of consultants, project personnel, donors, institutions, and governments towards the achievement of the project’s objectives.
- Implements the decisions/recommendations of World and Regional Development Conferences; works in close cooperation with BDT clusters, those pertaining to the Region.
- Contributes to the development of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies.
- Performs any other related duties as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (continuation)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Excellent research skills and very good knowledge of global and regional trends in the work.
- Knowledge of information technology, digital inclusion, projects, cloud, software and data analytical frameworks in the area/region.
- Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in telecommunication, information technology, business or public administration, economics, statistics, social development, international relations 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.
Experience:
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication/ICT development related activities, including at least one at the international level. An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience. A doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Experience within the telecommunication or ICT sector in the Asia and Pacific region and good knowledge of digital inclusion and ICT for development in the region would be an advantage. Experience in project and programme management, partnership and resource mobilization is desirable.
Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.
Annual salary from $ 50,377 + post adjustment $ 19,849
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:
https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_US
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 Careers 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.
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.
