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.
Consultant on Spectrum Aspects of IoT
Vacancy notice no: 1189
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 14 days
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
The PRIDA (Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa) project aims to promote universally accessible and affordable broadband across the continent, unlocking the benefits of internet-based services for all. In particular, the project aims to create a more harmonized and enabling regulatory framework for the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for social and economic development. It will include digital strategies for areas such as health, education, and agriculture. PRIDA aims to enable the African continent to benefit fully from digitalization and build the capacity of African Union (AU) Member States in the internet governance space. The project is a joint initiative of the AU, the EU, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The purpose of this assignment is to develop and deliver guidelines and training to administrations on the operation of spectrum aspects of Internet of things (IoT).
It will include, but will not be limited to, providing an overview of the IoT terminology and related regulations, IoT spectrum and technologies, but also digital services and IoT applications.
This may entail liaising with administrations prior to the training to ascertain the spectrum aspects of IoT known and used by participant national services so that course’s content can be tailored accordingly.
The Consultant will also provide guidance on the qualifications of personnel required to operate spectrum aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the supervision of PRIDA Project Manager, the consultant will:
- Develop all course content to fulfill the project objectives so that participants are provided with training on:
- Internet of things (IoT) terminology.
- IoT standards and guidelines.
- IoT solutions’ compliance with relevant regulatory and industry standards (privacy and protection of critical assets).
- IoT regulations and security by design.
- IoT spectrum and technologies.
- IoT systems, frequency bands and the effects of interference.
- Coexistence of IoT devices and systems with other wireless networks or technologies.
- Power consumption consideration when choosing frequency bands.
- Digital services and IoT applications.
- Deliver the training in line with the project manager’s timelines and conditions (physical or virtual).
- Provide the Administrations, which are part of the project, with the relevant guidelines and any additional information needed, for the duration of the consultancy contract.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Key deliverables:
✓ Training Plan and course material (e.g., documents, presentations, videos) approved by the Project Manager.
✓ Delivery of training in coordination with the project manager (place and dates).
✓ Provision of appropriate follow-up information to participants, as required.
✓ Report on outcomes of the training and course content.
All document deliverables are required to be in an editable format such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint or excel and pdf format.
COMPETENCIES
• Technical and operational knowledge and experience of spectrum aspects of Internet of IoT and software.
• Detailed understanding of spectrum management systems.
• A deep knowledge of IoT.
• Proven experience of working in African countries and regional partner agencies would be an asset.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in telecommunication, engineering, or related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Salary/daily rate: from 400 to 430 USD depending 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.
