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.
Senior Community Networks Expert
Vacancy notice no: 1050
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 40 non-consecutive days between end of March and 15 June 2023
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 29 March 2023
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) of the Union which deals mainly with ICT-focused development policies, strategies and programmes, as well as technical cooperation activities, to promote digital inclusion and drive digital transformation at community, country and regional levels. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of ITU members, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department
- Partnerships for Digital Development Department
- Digital Networks & Society Department
- Digital Knowledge Hub Department
The office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department is responsible for advising and supporting the Director on the direction and management of the Bureau. It is also responsible for leading all matters related to personnel, strategic, financial and operational planning and reporting processes. The department oversees the work of the Regional Offices, ensuring proper delegation of authority and accountability of the Regional Offices. This department coordinates the holding of BDT conferences and events, monitors the implementation of decisions emanating from the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) or Council, and cooperates closely with the other Sectors of the Union and the General Secretariat on matters of relevance to BDT and the overall work of the Union. BDT Regional Directors report to this department.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the supervision of the Senior Advisor at the ITU Area Office in Chile the expert will:
1. Identify efficient community network models developed in the selected country (Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago) including requirements for such models as well as technical, regulatory, economical and other potential solutions for issues that may arise during implementation and functioning of the different models.
2. Identify best policies and regulatory practices related to community networks including licensing and spectrum management regulations.
3. Select the most efficient model within the country and prepare a toolkit for the model to be replicated, including the steps that must be taken before the regulatory entities to obtain the pertinent authorizations.
4. Review the work of 6 experts in the identification of efficient community network models, including national regulatory practices in 6 other countries from Latin America and the Caribbean as identified in order to give consistency to the experts reports with each other and with the ITU Last-mile Internet Connectivity Solutions Guide (https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Technology/Pages/LMC/LMC-Home.aspx).
5. Monitor the selection of the most efficient community network -or alternative connectivity- model within the country as well as the toolkits prepared by the experts working in each country, including the steps that must be taken before the regulatory entities to obtain the pertinent authorizations.
6. Participate in the presentation of findings at meetings organized by CAF and or ITU.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Prepare a draft final report with all the findings, including:
• 7 toolkits with guidelines to develop community networks or alternative last mile connectivity solutions in 7 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Guidelines for the implementation and maintenance of such networks with visual support, for each of the 7 countries.
• Recommendations regarding the regulatory framework that could facilitate the deployment of community networks -or an alternative connectivity model- for each of the 7 countries.
COMPETENCIES
• Strong research competencies and ability to analyze and deduct lessons learned from existing literature to be applied in practice.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate activities.
• Good editing skills and ability to produce high quality reports and documentation.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in telecommunications, computer science, information technology, economy, law, social sciences, or relevant field such as engineering. An advanced degree would be an asset.
Experience: At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field relevant to the post. Previous experience in relation to community networks is added value.
Languages: English or Spanish at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
From 340 to 430 USD depending on the 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 Careers 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.
