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.
Roster - Consultants for the BDT School Connectivity/ GIGA
Vacancy notice no: 2055
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: Various assignments - until 30 June 2026
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 30 April 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
Giga is a joint initiative of UNICEF and ITU to connect every school in the world to the Internet by 2030. The Country Engagement Consultant will support the country engagement efforts and the deployment of school connectivity related services.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the direction of the Project Manager of "Connect Schools in Countries, Accelerate school connectivity" in collaboration with the Giga Initiative, the consultant will provide project support to school connectivity country engagement by carrying out the following activities:
- Support the ongoing work of the project and in coordination with Giga’s teams, assist in preparing materials for publication, project administration and coordination of country activities.
- Support the organization of meetings and workshops, in collaboration with relevant colleagues; draft agenda and invitation letters; coordinate with host country; prepare documentation for different services; coordinate with conference services for Geneva based meetings; review text contributions to the meeting and provide minutes.
- Attend meetings, liaise with UNICEF’s team, and contribute to weekly updates. Ensure updates of project management tools such as Trello.
- Evaluate processes, anticipate requirements, highlight areas for improvement, and propose solutions.
- Maintain project reporting activities, monitor project schedules and deadlines, and identify potential issues or risks that could affect the progression of projects. Communicate these items to the Project Manager, and work to identify potential solutions.
- Provide internal coordination support by assisting in the preparation of documents, talking points, speeches, financial reports, weekly BDT highlights and project updates, and complete relevant administrative work as needed.
The above activities may be adjusted, based on the BDT School Connectivity project priorities as they evolve. They will also need to be carried out in close coordination with the relevant teams in ITU and UNICEF.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Specific deliverables will be defined according to the Terms of Reference to be established for each specific requirement and may vary depending on the context and priorities of the project and programme.
- Evaluation of processes, highlighting areas for improvement and providing solutions. Maintain project reporting activities, timelines and deadlines, identification of issues and provide solutions.
- Preparation of draft agenda, invitation letter for meetings and workshops, review text contributions and provide minutes.
- Preparation of documents, talking points, speeches, financial reports, weekly BDT highlights and project updates for Special Initiatives.
- Preparation of materials for publication and materials for weekly updates for school connectivity, sending weekly emails for project updates, compilation of weekly updates and update of Trello among others.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in Telecommunication, International Development, Diplomacy, International Relations or a related field or education from a reputed college or advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above. An advanced degree would be an asset.
Experience:
At least one (1) year of experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA). Project and programme management experience is an advantage. Knowledge and understanding of the UN system and member states coordination is an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level.
Knowledge of a second language of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 185 and USD 360 per working day to be defined according to 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 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.
