BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) face significant challenges due to their unique geographical isolation, remote and scattered islands, small populations, and limited telecommunications infrastructure. These factors make it challenging and costly to develop robust communication networks and benefit from economies of scale. Additionally, the socio-economic vulnerabilities of PSIDS make them prone to global economic fluctuations, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
The existing digital divide in the region necessitates customised support to address the critical telecommunications and ICT needs of PSIDS. Moreover, capacity constraints within PSIDS governments underscore the pressing need for sustained assistance to enable the region to meet its telecommunications and ICT development goals as well as the SDGs.
Recognizing these challenges, member states have proposed the establishment of an ITU regional presence in the Pacific to cater to the specific requirements of PSIDS and foster closer collaboration with local and international partners to expedite digital transformation in the area. The ITU Council 2020 and the Kigali Action Plan from WTDC-22 have both emphasised the importance of increased ITU engagement in the Pacific region and the implementation of the ITU Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, highlighting the need for collaboration with various stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Pacific ICT Ministerial Declaration 2023 (the Lagatoi Declaration) has identified digital transformation as the theme and has also called for strengthened ITU involvement in the Pacific, advocating for enhanced partnerships to achieve shared objectives. The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States also emphasized on the need for digitalization in the Pacific.
Recognising the telecommunications/ICT unique needs of PSIDS DITRDCA Australia, in collaboration with ITU developed a two-year project to formulate recommendations for increased engagement in the region that can better address the unique needs of PSIDS. The project will conduct a situational analysis and needs assessment, focusing on identifying specific telecommunications/information and communication technology (ICT) needs common to the Pacific region, which will be followed by a feasibility study that will outline and evaluate several options to formulate recommendations to serve as a basis for further discussions on potential models for strengthening ITU's presence in the PSIDS. 
Project Objectives:  
(i) undertake a situational analysis, needs assessment, and subsequent feasibility study on addressing the special telecommunications/ICT needs of the beneficiary PSIDS; and
(ii) assist beneficiary PSIDS in accelerating digital transformation in the Pacific.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the guidance of the Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific region and the direction of the Senior Project Manager, the consultant will coordinate day-to-day project activities to ensure timely and effective project implementation based on comprehensive project plans, scheduling activities, setting deadlines and organising meetings or workshops, monitoring project progress while managing logistical elements and ensuring that all project outputs, analyses and reports meet ITU standards and quality assurance guidelines. More specifically the consultant will perform the following activities:

• Coordinate the implementation of the ITU Regional Presence Project and ensure timely and high quality delivery of project activities. 
• Baseline and situation analysis:  Undertake a thorough baseline and situational analysis to identify the unique challenges faced by communities and governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Pacific.
• Mapping existing support: Establish a framework to analyse existing programmes, projects and mechanisms facilitated by the UN and other stakeholders to support Pacific governments' digital transformation initiatives.
• Gap identification: Identify, collate and analyse gaps and challenges, including remoteness, limited capacity, time zone constraints and high costs, that hinder government access and engagement with ITU headquarters and regional initiatives.
• Stakeholder consultation: Prepare and circulate draft situation analysis and needs assessment reports to beneficiary Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) for review, input and validation.
• Feasibility study: Organise and prepare consultations with government representatives and officials to evaluate the various models for an enhanced ITU presence in the Pacific, based on predetermined operational criteria, and consult key stakeholders on the results.
• Alternative assessments:  Develop criteria to evaluate different options to meet the needs of ITU Member States, assess the pros and cons of each option, and compile the results into comprehensive reports for presentation to stakeholders.
• Project Development: Development of project concept notes based on the results of the needs assessments, targeting the specific requirements of ITU Member States.
• Technical Assistance: Based on the study findings, develop and deliver (as required) technical assistance project activities such as providing expert support, facilitating capacity building exercises and conducting awareness raising workshops for Pacific countries.
• Reporting and Dissemination: Prepare the results of completed situation analyses and needs assessments for input from UN country teams, beneficiary PSIDS and other relevant stakeholders and submit final draft report for submission to ITU.
• Inter-agency Coordination: Attend and participate in UN meetings as required. Coordinate and collaborate with agencies within UN Country Teams (UNCTs) and with representatives of government, industry, academic and other national and international partners through project information-sharing, building partnerships, and conducting relevant joint activities. 

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• Quarterly and semi-annual reporting documents to be submitted to the donor and ITU with the necessary documentation, ToRs and presentations for smooth programme implementation and completion.
• Final Report to be submitted to the ITU Regional Director and the Senior Project Manager
   

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated ability in understanding and implementing digital transformation / ICT projects, comprehensive knowledge of the Pacific's unique characteristics.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:
Advanced university degree in engineering, economics, social sciences, law, education, management, business administration, telecommunications/ICT, OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Telecommunications/ICT or project management is required. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience. Experience in the Pacific and knowledge of the country in the field of ICTs would be an advantage. International project management experience and knowledge of the UN system is an advantage.

Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable. 

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

 USD 230-300 per working day, according to the work experience of the consultant.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selected applicants may be required to provide additional information.