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.
Project Coordinator Consultant - MERIAN Project
Vacancy notice no: 1901
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: 100 working days - 10 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 30 January 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The MERIAN project (2024-2027) is a collaboration between the European Union, FAO, and the International Telecommunication Union.
The project will improve the technical assistance coverage of the National Centre for Agricultural and Forestry Technology (CENTA), promote digital education for CENTA extension workers and researchers, students of the National School of Agriculture (ENA), producers, and generate new environmentally friendly technologies in order to improve productivity in the agricultural sector.
Digitalization in agricultural education will develop skills and abilities for young agricultural students at the ENA, allowing them to have an academic preparation based on knowledge and evidence where the strengthening of the use of digital tools will facilitate quality agricultural education for the country's agricultural development.
The project has the following outputs:
Output 1: Developed a digital technical assistance model for extension and technology transfer services.
Output 2: Improved capacities of ENA extension workers, researchers, teachers and students in digital education and its application in agriculture.
Output 3: Generated environmentally friendly technological innovations that favour sustainable food production.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the ITU Project Manager for the MERIAN project and in close coordination with the thematic leads in ITU Development Bureau (BDT) Divisions and with guidance from the Government of El Salvador, the Consultant will ensure the development and implementation of the MERIAN project, in compliance with the ITU Project Management Manual, as well as with ITU internal rules and procedures. To this extent, the consultant will:
- Lead the development and the implementation of the project activities at the country level under the responsibility of ITU, in close collaboration with identified partners, including: empirical research; produce analytical reports; draft policy recommendations; compile good practices; organize events, sessions, and communication campaigns.
- Draft speeches, opinion pieces, and briefings for senior management.
- Produce digital assets; organize in-person workshops and produce statistical guidelines.
- Provide guidance to other consultants, collaborate, and coordinate with the project’ score team made up of three thematic focal points, a part-time Communication Officer, a Project Assistant and other Consultants recruited in the context of the project.
- Ensure that the project advances against the workplan.
- Ensure participation of the project target beneficiaries, including policymakers, in the project activities through appropriate communication and outreach strategies.
- Ensure the implementation and delivery of all project outputs according to the established workplan and the results framework, within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits.
- Regularly review project status, evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule, and quality), document issues, and manage the risks that may be encountered throughout the implementation of the project.
- In support of the ITU Project Support Division and the ITU Project Manager, prepare necessary documents such as progress reports, annual reports, financial reports, and detailed narrative reports deemed necessary by the project Steering Committee on the project achievements and deliverables and ensure that all conditions in the Partnership Agreement with the European Commission are respected during the implementation process.
- Develop project documents and implementation plans, with clear goals, deliverables, KPIs and timelines.
- Assess the results of the project activities and evaluate their impact; propose modifications to the implementation plan, as required.
- Assess and mitigate risks where risks can have significant consequences for the project.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Completion of the deliverables for the project as mentioned above (plans prepared, stakeholders lists compiled and validated, meetings and consultations designed and held, reports supporting documents and analysis prepared and delivered, outreach and stakeholder engagement undertaken).
- Gathering, compilation, analysis and presentation of data and information relevant to the activities and deliverables.
- Project reports, texts and presentations finalized.
COMPETENCIES
- Outstanding communication skills and ability to interact with senior policymakers, including ministers, senior civil society leaders and directors of telecommunications regulatory authorities.
- Proven project management skills, including budget, activity, and data management, monitoring and performance evaluation.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside ITU.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in telecommunication/ICT, economics, international development, business administration, management, engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Languages:
Knowledge of Spanish and English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 185 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.
