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 also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
Analog to Digital Television Broadcasting Policy Development and Update of Roadmap Consultant
1897 Vacancy notice no:
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
[[positionNumber]] Position number:
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 20 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 20 January 2025
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
Cambodia's broadcasting system has seen significant developments in recent years, particularly with the move towards digitalization. The country's broadcasting landscape includes several prominent television channels, such as the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), the Cambodian Television Network (CTN), Bayon Television (BTV), and Hang Meas HDTV. In 2021, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) launched major initiative to create the Kingdom's largest digital TV platform. This was a joint venture between key broadcasters, including the Cambodian Broadcasting System (CBS), Bayon Media High System Group, Hang Meas Group, and Digital Sky Multimedia. This initiative, known as the Cambodia TV Alliance, aims to transition the country's broadcasting industry from analogue to digital, aligning with the government's digital policy. RGC considers the DVB-T2 standard digital platform, which should offer a range of channels with a variety of programming, such as news, entertainment, and educational programs. The purpose of this shift is to improve the calibre of broadcast media and guarantee that Cambodia stays up to date with ASEAN's technological developments. Furthermore, the establishment of the Cambodia National Digital TV Platform is seen as a critical step towards achieving full digitalization, with the analogue signal expected to be phased out by the end of 2025. This move is part of a broader policy to promote a digital economy and improve the overall broadcasting experience for Cambodian viewers.
ITU assisted Cambodia in developing a roadmap Analog to Digital TV transition in 2011. As there have been considerable technological evolution since 2011, an update of roadmap may be necessary to align implementation plan and policies with currently available technological solutions.
The ITU is seeking a consultant who to develop the Digital Broadcasting Policy for transition from Analog to Digital Terrestrial TV in Cambodia (2011).
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The consultant will work under the guidance of the Asia and the Pacific lead on Future Networks and Spectrum (FNS), in coordination with Head of Future Networks and Spectrum (FNS) and the ITU Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. The consultant will:
- Study and analyse the existing terrestrial service model, national Roadmap for transition from Analog to Digital Terrestrial TV in Cambodia, national regulations, ACTs and other relevant mechanisms governing the TV broadcasting sector in Cambodia.
- Study and benchmark against comparable economies the existing best practices on:
- Operational Sustainability models of the National Digital broadcasting.
- Licensing frameworks both spectrum and services.
- Collaborative stakeholders-based model on Digital Broadcast and regulatory mechanisms.
- QoS/E requirements.
- While ensuring that the digital broadcasting policy aligns with the broader national digital economy and Industry 4.0 strategies, develop a forward-looking broadcasting Policy document mandating the roles and responsibilities of different organizations in implementation of the policy. The draft should include:
- Review of the existing broadcasting laws to support the digital transformation.
- Regulations and guidelines that support the transition, including spectrum allocation, licensing, and standards for digital broadcasting.
- Required funding mechanisms, including public and private investments, to support the transition.
- Technical Standards and Specifications based on international best practices and peer economies benchmarks with focus on ASEAN member states.
- Technical guidelines for broadcasters and equipment manufacturers to ensure compatibility and interoperability.
- Required Capacity Building and Training and Public Awareness Campaigns.
- Implementation plan including the need for pilot projects (in selected regions before nationwide rollout) and setting up mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation.
- Policy on upgrading the existing infrastructure and installation of new equipment required for digital broadcasting.
- Steps required to encourage the production of diverse and high-quality digital content that caters to different segments of the population.
- Requirements of digital archiving of content to preserve broadcasting heritage and ensure accessibility.
- Mandate of any required subsidies (to receivers) or incentives for affordability of digital receivers and other necessary equipment.
- Requirements of Feedback and Continuous Improvement and addressing emerging challenges.
- Conduct a national workshop for capacity development of relevant stakeholders covering the best practices, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations based on assessment of the current model and benchmarking against international best practices.
- Study the latest Digital TV technological solutions and review Roadmap for transition from Analog to Digital Terrestrial TV in Cambodia (2011) for necessary updates.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Detailed final report on transition from Analog to Digital Terrestrial TV in Cambodia with action plan.
- Draft of Digital broadcasting Policy for Cambodia.
- Updated roadmap.
- Presentation material for national workshop for capacity development of relevant stakeholders.
- Deliver capacity building workshop.
COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of developing Analog to digital terrestrial TV related policy and regulatory issues.
- Solid background on the new advancements in digital terrestrial broadcasting delivery with emphasis on affordability and sustainability of solutions.
- Knowledge of relevant ITU recommendations and reports on the digital TV.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced University degree in telecommunications, ICTs, engineering, radio communication, broadcasting, social sciences, or a related field, or education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields.
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of progressive experience in the field of broadcasting, or in developing relevant policy and regulatory regime.
Experience in contributing to similar deliverable at a national level.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another UN language (French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic) is an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 340 per working day.
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.
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.