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.
Ecosystem Partnership and Outreach Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1183
Sector: BDT
Department: DNS
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: ASAP to December 2023
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 5 June 2023
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 Digital Knowledge Hub Department is responsible for providing best practices and information to support the public policy decisions of ITU Member States. This department provides a platform for the members, as well as for external entities such as researchers, the private sector and other development agencies, to obtain critical information on digital trends, information society developments and digital skills. In addition to consolidating ITU's position as the recognized global source for regulatory information and ICT data, this department is responsible for the work of ITU-D Study Groups. Finally, this department provides capacity and digital skills building programmes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
BDT continues to respond to needs of ITU Membership in the area of innovation, as articulated in the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22) and the Outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22).
BDT helps countries with policy assessment, capacity building as well as the development of projects. Through technical assistance and the development of concrete initiatives at the country level, BDT seeks to help countries build critical local enablers to lead in the changing digital environment.
To achieve this, BDT has launched a new initiative, the innovation and entrepreneurship alliance for digital development, to accelerate the achievement of the ITU-D priority “digital transformation” and corresponding outcomes:
- Strengthened capacity of the ITU membership to integrate telecommunication/ICT innovation and digitalization in their national development agendas and to develop strategies to promote innovation initiatives, including through public, private, and public-private partnerships.
- Enhanced human and institutional capacity of the ITU membership in telecommunications/ICTs to foster digital transformation.
The Initiative will enable transformational projects, strengthen countries’ capabilities to integrate ICT innovation into national development agendas, and build human and institutional capabilities to foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship for national, regional and global impact through new partnerships and new mechanisms using an whole-of-ecosystem approach. This initiative is also aligned to the regional initiatives for innovation which exist for every region.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Ecosystem Partnership and Outreach Consultant will be responsible for developing and managing partnerships with external stakeholders regarding the thematic initiatives, increasing their outreach and visibility, expanding the network of partners and funders, identifying, securing, and managing funding opportunities to support its goals.
Under the supervision of the thematic priority coordinator for Digital Innovation Ecosystems in Geneva, the Ecosystem Partnership and Outreach Consultant will:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive partnership and outreach strategy to support the initiative goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders in the initiative, including all stakeholders who have expressed interest in the innovation alliance.
- Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that align with the initiative goals, including joint programs, events, and new projects.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals and agreements for partnerships, including scope of work, budget, and timelines.
- Manage the execution of partnership agreements, including monitoring progress, addressing issues, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Identify and research potential funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other sources where relevant.
- Support the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, presentations and other communication or marketing material, grant proposals and other funding applications, in collaboration with internal teams.
- Coordinate technical and financial requirements and negotiate proposals to close new project opportunities with partners.
- Develop and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, including communication and stewardship plans to ensure long-term partnerships.
- Monitor and analyse outreach and partnership activities to measure their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
• Monthly report.
• Outreach and partnership engagement completed for partners.
COMPETENCIES
• Good communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of partnership, external relationship, and fundraising.
• Knowledge with support to entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge with trade, international cooperation, partners relations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in engineering, telecommunications, economics, management, public policy, social sciences or related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership, project management, public private partnership, and internal relations especially with governments and their funding agencies. An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience. A doctorate in related fields can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Salary will depend on the work experience of the consultant.
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.
