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.
Consultant for AI Feasibility Study for SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs in Asia and the Pacific
Vacancy notice no: 1839
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 45 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 21 November 2024
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 International Telecommunication Union’s Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre was inaugurated at the highest levels on 22 March 2023. The ITU Innovation Centre brings together government, industry, academia and others in an entrepreneurial environment so that digital technology advancements in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education can reach the communities that need them most. The Area Office covers seven countries in the region including: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Iran, whereas the Innovation Centre is global in nature and scope.
Area Office and Innovation Centre, Delhi, Strategic Priorities and Goals:
- Addressing special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states, including Pacific Island countries, and landlocked developing countries.
- Harnessing information and communication technologies to support the digital economy and inclusive digital societies.
- Fostering development of infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity and connecting the unconnected.
- Enabling policy and regulatory environments to accelerate digital transformation.
- Contributing to a secure and resilient ICT.
The purpose of the consultancy is to lead and conduct an assessment on how feasible it is to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing countries with a foucs on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Asia and the Pacific.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and big data are some of the most transformative technologies of the present time. On one hand, several big countries around the world have invested heavily in building a robust AI ecosystem, while on the other, there are many smaller economies which could benefit from the advancements in technology but do not have the required infrastructure and resources to leverage the benefits of these technologies. They face unique challenges such as migratory population, lack of human capital and attrition, leading to delay in adoption of technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) facilitates innovation in a variety of industries, improves decision-making, and automates procedures; all of which are critical components of the digital transformation. A number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including enhancing infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education, are expected to benefit from the transformative capabilities of AI and other emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence presents considerable potentials for small economies with constrained financial and human resources to tackle their particular socioeconomic and environmental problems. Targeted applications and affordable cloud-based AI solutions in sectors like health and agriculture might yield noticeable results, while various government services could be developed and provided efficiently and effectively with the support of AI solutions.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the overall guidance of the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and direction of the Head of Area Office for South Asia & Innovation Centre, the consultant will:
- Design, conduct and lead the assessment on the current status of AI capabilities and infrastructure, which can support more impactful digital transformation and accelerate the achievement of SDGs specifically in SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs in Asia and the Pacific based on desktop research.
- Develop a methodology for the above-mentioned assessment and identify key infrastructural, data, human and institutional capacity and governance requirements necessary for SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs to develop, implement and apply emerging technologies, such as AI, to accelerate digital transformation.
- Identify use cases of AI which would address socioeconomic challenges and opportunities in SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs.
- Prepare a detailed report highlighting the existing AI ecosystem in SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs.
- The report should further include detailed analysis of potential challenges the country faces and possible hindrances in developing an environment conducive to AI.
- Submit the report in word format along with all figures and charts in excel format and prepare the summary in power point format.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
• Methodology to conduct the above-mentioned assessment together with the research design and implementation plan.
• Preliminary findings from the desk research.
• Recommendations for Infrastructure and summary of findings: Prepare a document outlining suggestions for bettering infrastructure framework and summary of findings.
• Final Presentation and Report: Combined report and presentation outlining the conclusions and suggestions from the consultation. Submit the report in word format along with all charts/figures in excel format and a summary of the report in power point.
COMPETENCIES
- Research and analysis.
- Advanced data analysis.
- Knowledge of policy and regulatory frameworks in AI.
- Writing skills.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in sciences, mathematics, engineering, data science, computer sciences, computer engineering, economics, business administration, 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 ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of AI and related technologies related to the field of the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of a second official UN languages will be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 375 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.
