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 - Emerging Technology Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1973
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 31 December 2025
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 15 October 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 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 International Telecommunication Union's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) plays a critical role in building a secure and prosperous digital future. As the secretariat of the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D), the BDT prioritizes the adoption of new technologies within its mission to foster global ICT development. This aligns perfectly with the mandates set by the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-22) and the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22). Both emphasize the need for a resilient digital environment.
ITU PP Resolution 214 on “Artificial intelligence technologies and telecommunications/ information and communication technologies” guides the Union to foster information and advice-sharing to enhance understanding, particularly for developing countries, regarding the deployment of AI technologies in support of telecommunications/ICTs and their associated opportunities and challenges.
Under the direction of the Future Networks and Spectrum Management (ACCESS) Division (FNS) within the Digital Networks and Environment Department (DNE), the Consultant on Emerging Technology will support implementation on developing countries in leveraging innovative technologies. This initiative is part of the partnership between The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of Korea (project 9GLO23134).
BDT Emerging Tech areas of action include but are not limited to:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of things (IoT)
• Big Data
• Blockchain
• Metaverse
• Cloud
• 5G and 6G mobile networks
• LEO constellations
• Quantum computing
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the direction of the specific area lead officer, the Consultant will collaborate with various stakeholders across the division supporting implementation on developing countries in leveraging innovative technologies. The primary objective of engaging Emerging Technology and AI consultants is to support global capacity building needs in line with ITU's strategic goals, and depending on the needs of the role, the selected consultant may be engaged for their expertise in the below areas of the engagement:
- Support and contribute to activities related to the work of the division on Emerging Technologies.
- Review, assess and facilitate the development of Emerging Technologies policy and strategy documents.
- Conduct emerging technologies capacity development workshops and trainings on key topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, IoT, Metaverse, 5G, addressing the skill gaps through training programmes, data and research.
- Design, contribute and develop technical documentation, including reports, surveys, scenarios-based exercises, and technical presentations.
- Engage regularly to provide support in the implementation of the delivery plan.
- Support project implementation and management.
- Undertake a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative AI strategies to inform strategic decision-making and policy development for member states and international partners.
- Develop comprehensive reports and presentations that synthesize data analysis to generate actionable recommendations. These reports will facilitate the dissemination of key findings to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, technical personnel, and international partners.
- Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of emergent technologies initiatives, employing data-driven metrics to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and practices. Based on this analysis, formulate recommendations for improvement.
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.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of the business, technical, and/or policy aspects of emerging technologies and AI.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in telecommunication, computer science and data science or a related field OR education from a reputed college of 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 advantage.
Experience:
At least one (1) year of experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Work experience in the field and experience in implementing emerging technologies and AI related projects or coordinate projects and related activities in developing countries would be an advantage.
Project and programme management experience would be an advantage.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of a second language at intermediate level in one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 145 and USD 360 per working day to be defined according to the assignment and 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.
