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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) & Robotics Capacity Development Consultant 

 

Vacancy notice no: 2200 
Sector: TSB
Department: SED
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based

 

Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 10 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 18 November 2025

 

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfills the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.

Within the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), the Strategic Engagement Department (SED) is responsible with leading the Bureau's community engagement, marketing, and communications efforts, including pioneering “emerging technologies” initiatives like the annual AI for Good Global Summit, and utilizing innovative tactics for membership recruitment and business development to establish ITU-T as an agile, forward-looking, and innovative standardization platform. The Department is also responsible for the Bureau's, academic initiatives and the ITU Journal, a periodical dedicated to research topics in telecommunication and ICT.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) has been conducting core standardization work relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications.

AI for Good was launched in 2017 and includes all year programming including webinars, Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, Machine Learning Challenges, Innovation Factory competitions and the AI for Good Global Summit.

The objective of this Special Service Agreement (SSA) is to support the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge and AI Skills Coalition programming in Africa.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the direction of the AI and Robotics Programme Officer, and in close collaboration with the AI Skills Coalition Consultant, the AI and Robotics Capacity Development Consultant will:

  • Contribute to the development and update of AI curriculum and training materials, ensuring alignment with national education frameworks and accessibility for underserved communities.
  • Contribute to and assist in conducting digital capacity needs analysis as required.
  • Coordinate recruitment and training of trainers and facilitators, and student selection.
  • Assist in the organization of ITU events related to the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, including liaising with national and regional organizers, and other stakeholders.
  • Assist the logistical coordination and production of teacher and student training sessions, covering both pilot activities and large-scale rollouts.
  • Serve as first point of contact for trainers, teachers, and local partners during implementation.
  • Ensure in-person presence at training venues to oversee delivery and troubleshoot.
  • Manage distribution of teaching kits, laptops, or other equipment and maintain inventory.
  • Liaise with suppliers for timely delivery and setup.
  • Develop and implement monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to track impact, learning outcomes, and inclusivity, with a focus on girls and underrepresented groups.
  • Contribute to communications and visibility activities, including international and local showcases and outreach campaigns in coordination with partners.
  • Ensure effective coordination with partners to deliver on objectives and sustain long-term impact.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

  • Submission of AI curriculum and training materials tailored to local contexts and aligned with Ministry standards including resources for teachers and modules for students.
  • Provision of a practical rollout plan per pilot country, outlining clear milestones, dependencies, and assigned responsibilities.
  • Creation of a certified pool of trainers and facilitators, with completed teacher and student training sessions (pilot and large-scale) and issued certificates.
  • Development of a monitoring and evaluation framework with progress reports on learning outcomes, inclusivity, and overall program impact.
  • Completion of an inventory and procurement tracker for materials/equipment.
  • Submission of a final project report, including on-site coordination reports for each training session, documenting implementation results, issues, solutions, and lessons learned.

COMPETENCIES

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
  • Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the business, technical, and/or policy aspects of emerging technologies and AI.
  • Ability to establish priorities and efficient work plans.
  • Knowledge of national digital skills strategies and policies, and digital skills frameworks and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of e-learning platforms and contemporary instructional theory and practice.
  • Ability to initiate and maintain good working relations with other colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

 

Education:

Advanced university degree in telecommunication, engineering, information and communication technology, digital technology, management, education, law, economics, public affairs, international relations, international development, management, political or social sciences or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.

 

Experience:

At least one (1) year of experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Work experience in the African region and experience in implementing emerging technologies and AI related projects or coordinate projects and related activities in developing countries would be an advantage.
Project and programme management experience would be an advantage.

 

Languages:

Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

USD 2 200.- per month. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The selected candidate has to be based in an African country. Travel costs related to official missions will be covered by ITU.

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.