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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.

 

Digital Infrastructure Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Consultant 

 

Vacancy notice no: 2139 
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: September - December 2025 (32 days)
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 22 September 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.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the guidance of the Programme Officer at the ITU Regional Office for the Arab States and in coordination with the designated national focal point(s) in Djibouti, the consultant will:

  • Data Research & Conversion: Research, identify and process infrastructure information that can be converted into geospatial format, particularly terrestrial fibre infrastructure networks, cell towers, mobile coverage, and other transmission assets following ITU standards, data dictionaries and guidance (https://bbmaps.itu.int/geocatalogue/data-dictionary). The scope and level of detail will be agreed upon by the Programme Officer following consultation with national counterparts.
  • Coordination & Engagement: Actively engage with relevant focals point in Djibouti to validate sources and collect official datasets, and liaise with ITU staff to align on data needs, share findings, and ensure accuracy and relevance of the data collected.
  • Gap Analysis: Prepare a comprehensive infrastructure gap analysis report for Djibouti, clearly highlighting priority areas for connectivity, including underserved health facilities and strategic locations for future 5G deployment.
  • Events Participation: Attend relevant webinars, coordination meetings, and other virtual engagements organized or recommended by ITU.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

  • Final Report (in editable word format):
    An infrastructure gap analysis report for Djibouti, including:
    1)Key findings and recommendations.
    2)A dedicated section on health sector connectivity and 5G implications.
  • Presentation Summary (in editable PowerPoint format).
  • A PowerPoint summary of the report’s key findings.
  • Geospatial Dataset:
    All collected infrastructure data in standardized geospatial formats, structured according to ITU data dictionaries, and submitted to ITU for internal processing and validation.

COMPETENCIES

Required:

  • Proficiency in using GIS software and tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for mapping and geospatial analysis.
  • Solid knowledge of geospatial data standards and formats (e.g., Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, CSV with coordinates).
  • Understanding of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure, including terrestrial fibre networks, mobile towers, and coverage mapping.
  • Familiarity with geospatial data dictionaries and metadata standards, especially those used in ICT infrastructure mapping (e.g., ITU Broadband Mapping Data Dictionary).
  • Ability to apply geospatial analysis to support infrastructure gap assessments and strategic connectivity planning.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of data harmonization practices and integration of multi-source datasets into standardized formats.
  • Familiarity with ITU methodologies and platforms related to infrastructure mapping (e.g., www.itu.int/go/infra).
  • Basic understanding of mobile network technologies (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G) and their geospatial implications.
  • Ability to develop and present visual outputs (maps, dashboards) for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Understanding of health sector connectivity needs and/or experience with ICT for development (ICT4D) applications.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

 

Education:

Advanced university degree in telecommunication, computer science, engineering, or geographical information management. A diploma from a recognized technical institute equivalent to an advanced university degree may be considered.

 

Experience:

At least five (5) years of experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA), including at least two (2) years at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience. Minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience in Geospatial data collection. Experience in similar ICT infrastructure mapping projects will be an advantage. 

 

Languages:

Knowledge of French at advanced level and knowledge of English at intermediate level.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Lum sump: 7,360.00 USD.

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.

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