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, and the direction of the Senior Project Manager, the Senior Consultant will provide strategic advice to ensure alignment with ITU's broader objectives and regional priorities, while leading the planning, development and implementation of the project through engagement with high-level government officials, the UN structure and other senior stakeholders, as well as developing and implementing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks and ensuring effective budget oversight and project implementation.  More specifically the Senior Consultant will perform the following activities:   

• Lead the ITU Regional Presence Project and oversee the work of Consultants to ensure timely and high quality delivery of the project activities. 
• Baseline and situation analysis: Conduct a comprehensive baseline and situational analysis to identify the unique challenges facing Pacific communities and governments in achieving the SDGs.
• Mapping of existing support: Identify and analyse existing UN and stakeholder programmes that support the digital transformation agenda, identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
• Gap identification: Validate and document challenges such as remoteness, limited capacity, time zone differences, and high costs that hinder Pacific government participation in ITU meetings and activities.
• Stakeholder consultation: Present situation analysis and needs assessment reports to beneficiary Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) for feedback, validation and inclusion of diverse perspectives.
• Feasibility study: Conduct consultations with government representatives and officials to evaluate the various models for an enhanced ITU presence in the Pacific, based on predetermined and operational criteria, and prepare reports for presentation to ITU members and Pacific governments.
• Alternative assessments: Analyse various project options to meet the specific needs of ITU Member States, present pros and cons and summarise findings in comprehensive reports for decision making.
• Project Development: Develop new concept notes and project proposals based on validated needs assessments, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regional priorities.
• Technical Assistance: Support the implementation of technical assistance activities, including skills development, expert consultations and awareness-raising initiatives, aimed at strengthening the digital capabilities of Pacific countries.
• Reporting and dissemination: Present an advanced assessment report on what Pacific governments need and gather input from the UN system and other development partners and present the finalised reports to ITU
• Inter-agency Coordination: Represent the Project and , as appropriate, collaborate with colleagues within UN Country Teams  (UNCTs) and government official representatives, counterparts, academic and other national and international partners on project information-sharing, coordination, and implementation.

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 seven (7) 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. Work 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 280-350 per working day, according to the work experience of the consultant.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selected applicants may be required to provide additional information.