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 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.
ICT Technologies Project Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2313
Sector: BDT
Department:
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: ASAP until end December 2026
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 13 May 2026
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 Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) is responsible to assist the Member States, especially the G77 countries, in a wide range of ICT development challenges, as basic connectivity, spectrum management, evolution of current to future broadband networks and technologies, enabling universal and affordable access, and strengthening the security through the cybersecurity support. In addition, the DNE Department provides expertise and needed support for emergency telecommunications and the increasingly important and urgent aspects related to the environment and climate change.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Digital Networks and Environment Department (DNE) , through the Future Networks and Spectrum Management Division (FNS), is executing strategies for spectrum management, space and Last Mile Connectivity leading cloud platform deployment of application while supporting adoption in ITU regions. The division is managing implementation of the operational plans and projects to design and deploy green and resilient last/middle mile and satellite infrastructure networks and future ICT technologies within the framework of the Baku action plan and the relevant Plenipotentiary, WTDC and Council resolutions.
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic and technical support for the planning, coordination and delivery of BDT Broadband Connectivity Projects and emerging ICT technology initiatives, while strengthening stakeholder partnerships and supporting ITU Member States particularly in developing and least developed countries to advance inclusive, affordable and secure digital connectivity.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Head of Future Networks and Spectrum Management Division (FNS) the consultant will:
- Supervise, plan and coordinate the execution of Broadband Connectivity Projects and related activities for developing and least developed countries including broadband rural connectivity. Plan and coordinate all BDT activities on new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Dots Per Inch (DPI) including their impact on e-services and applications.
- Elaborate strategies aimed at facilitating the participation of various types of public and private sector entities and international organizations in BDT’s activities on related technologies and applications for the benefit of developing and least developed countries.
- Liaise with other ITU Bureaux, BDT Units, ITU Field Offices, ITU-D Study Groups, international organizations, public and private sector entities to ensure a coherent, cost-effective and sustainable development of ICT and related technologies.
- Represent the BDT in Internet Protocol and related conferences, workshops, seminars and working groups, and prepare presentations and reports to ensure the active participation of BDT in related events. Prepare reports on the progress of ITU-D Internet related activities for Council and BDT Management.
- Identify training needs of developing countries in relation to the relevant programmes of the ITU Development Sector in order to promote capacity building, organize and manage training programmes and workshops in capacity building activities in close cooperation with the other appropriate divisions in BDT but also in ITU-T and ITU-R.
- Keep abreast of latest technological developments in ICT networks and related services andapplications including new technologies, with a focus on broadband issues (Fixed and Mobile) and evolution of broadband applications, in order to advise quickly and constructively on practical questions raised by developing countries.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Regular coordination updates and progress reports on broadband project implementation, including rural broadband activities and emerging technology initiatives (IoT/AI).
- Stakeholder engagement strategy, partnership framework, and donor/resource mobilization proposals supporting broadband and ICT development initiatives.
- Inter-bureau coordination outputs, including follow-up reports on coordination plans, meeting minutes/action logs, formal contributions to ITU-D Study Groups, and joint initiative/project proposals with ITU-T and ITU-R.
- Conference, technical advisory, and capacity-building outputs, including participation briefs, presentations/technical papers, progress reports to ITU Council and BDT management, technical contributions to IP-related working groups, quarterly broadband technology trend reports, country advisory notes and training materials.
COMPETENCIES
- Advanced knowledge of ICT technologies and networks standards and technologies.
- Ability to adapt the needs of countries to appropriate strategies, Business Models and Technological solutions (Artificial Intelligence, IoT Business Models, DPI, standards, etc.).
- Advanced knowledge of the evolution of ICT technologies and broadband applications, trends and drivers and ability to assess various options and recommend appropriate strategies to meet well-defined objectives.
- Ability to develop and maintain excellent relations with public and private sector officials at all levels and from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently, establish measurable targets, manage priorities and projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in computer science, information technology or telecommunication engineering 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 seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in information technology including at least three (3) at the international level.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Experience in information and communication technologies (ICTs) with demonstrated proof of activities in the IP and ICT domains in developing countries is required.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 360 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.
