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.
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.
Roster - ITU-FCDO Technical Support and Coordination Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2248
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 60 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 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 International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), is working with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Digital Access Programme (DAP) to promote effective regulation, encourage sustainable investment, and strengthen capacity building to achieve meaningful connectivity in underserved communities in DAP countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. In line with the programme’s focus on developing local expertise and sustainable digital growth in the five DAP countries, candidates for this roster are required to be nationals of one of the five DAP countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the ITU-FCDO Senior Project Manager, the consultant will support the following activities for the designated country:
- Provide necessary coordination and technical support for the implementation of the agreed ITU-FCDO activities described in the respective ITU-FCDO country workplan, providing, where necessary, technical expertise on relevant topics related to country work on policy and regulation, connectivity, digital sustainability, digital skills, and any other areas related to the project.
- Support and maintain relationships with the government, FCDO DAP project team and related stakeholders within the specified country in close coordination with the ITU FCDO Senior Project Manager and the relevant ITU Regional office.
- Support the coordination of the project stakeholders and keep ITU and FCDO DAP colleagues updated on activities at regular intervals, through weekly meetings, use of project management tools, documents on teams and progress reports.
- When necessary, conduct research, contribute to publications, and coordinate and deliver training and workshops related to the agreed project activities in the relevant country.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Timely completion and delivery of agreed ITU-FCDO activities as outlined in the country plan within the budget and specified time, to a high standard.
- Support the coordination of meetings held with ITU and FCDO-DAP colleagues in the specified country to discuss progress of the project activities and future planned activities.
- Delivery of technical inputs for research, publications and workshops, conducted as part of the country workplan activities.
- Submission of reports including mission reports and contributions for internal and external progress reviews and meetings.
- Finalization of a report sharing achievements and lessons learned (such as development of case studies or PowerPoints) around the programme activities in country.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent knowledge of the telecom/ICT environment and digital ecosystem.
- Proven research and report writing skills.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent ability to coordinate activities and work collaboratively within diverse teams.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in telecommunication, information technology, law, international development, business administration or 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 above-mentioned fields. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication projects/programmes in the context of international development, including at least two (2) at the international level. An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one (1) year of working experience. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two (2) years of working experience.
ICT Policy and regulatory experience is required.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level.
For national candidates from Brazil and Indonesia, knowledge of the national language at advanced level is required.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 230 and USD 250 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that this roster is open to national candidates of DAP countries, applicants are required to be nationals of one of the five DAP countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa.
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.
