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.
Resilient Digital Infrastructure Consultant (Ukraine Related Activities)
Vacancy notice no: 1160
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 8 Months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 25 May 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The ITU Office for Europe, located at the ITU Headquarters, is facilitating the Union’s work with its membership of 46 Member States, serving as a channel for disseminating information on its activities, developing closer ties with regional and sub-regional organizations, as well as executing and following up on projects (including ones related to the Regional Initiatives), providing technical assistance to countries in special need and many more in line with the requests of ITU. A significant part of the work of the Office is dedicated to the implementation of five ITU Regional Initiatives for Europe adopted by the World Telecommunication Development Conference, including the Regional Initiative on “Digital Infrastructure”. Additionally, at its last meeting, held in March 2022, the ITU Council adopted Resolution 1408 on “Assistance and support to Ukraine for rebuilding their telecommunication sector", requesting ITU to carry out a series of activities to support the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the digital infrastructure in Ukraine. In this context, a special workstream focusing on Digital Infrastructure in Ukraine has been created at the level of the ITU Office for Europe
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the supervision of the Head of the ITU Office for Europe, the consultant in charge of Ukraine Related Activities will provide support to the implementation of the activities related to the Digital Infrastructure in Ukraine.
The consultant will:
- Carry out research on digital infrastructure in Ukraine, elaborate draft research papers, briefs, working documents and presentations.
- Provide assistance in the preparation of national or regional meetings focusing on ITU’s assistance and support for Ukraine's telecommunications sector reconstruction.
- Support elaboration of bankable projects related to rebuilding of the digital infrastructure in Ukraine, including preparation of concept notes, project documentation, ecosystems mapping, gap analysis, building proposals of partnership consortia, identifying potential funding organizations, and coordinating with the Member States and other stakeholders.
- Support the work related to the ITU’s contribution to the UN Country Team in Ukraine, including participation in the regular meetings, preparation of documentation and inputs, ensuring timely reporting and swift follow-ups.
- Provide assistance to the activities related to the ITU Task Force for ITU Council Resolution 1408, including support in preparation of documentation, reporting and follow ups.
- Provide support in the implementation of the engagement strategies, targeting new stakeholders interested in supporting in the implementation of ITU Council Resolution 1408, including making pledges through the Partner2Connect mechanism, partnering on assistance to the Ukraine's telecommunications sector reconstruction, and/or providing financial support to the dedicated Fund in Trust to allow scaling up of ITU’s operations.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Series of relevant executive briefings, presentations, concept notes.
- Series of diverse meetings.
- Extend community of stakeholders expressing commitment to support the activities related to the ITU Council Resolution 1408.
- Effective communication strategy, including building effective marketing campaigns, administering social media tools and webpages related to ITU activities in the context of ITU Council Resolution 1408.
- Participation and contribution at the relevant expert meetings, workshops, symposiums, conferences as well as internal coordination mechanisms ensuring coherence of undertaken actions with all work streams of the Union in field of digital infrastructure, including ITU Regional Initiative on Digital Infrastructure for Europe.
COMPETENCIES
- Understanding of ICTs especially with regards to development trends, challenges, and opportunities in ITU Europe region.
- Knowledge of EU structures as well as other relevant organizations and stakeholders dealing with ICTs in Europe region.
- Good knowledge in in field of digital infrastructure and its resilience.
- Ability in conducting research as well as drafting and editing publications / official documents.
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ability of learning new software applications.
- Social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook etc) and collaborative tools.
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ability of learning new software applications.
- Good knowledge of Ukraine, Europe Region and EU structures would be of advantage.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in public policy, telecommunications, ICTs or economics/management or a related field.
Experience: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the post. Previous exposure participating in international events related to information society topics. Previous experience in interacting with diverse stakeholders at the level of the Europe region.
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level is required. Knowledge of Russian Language would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Total budget: CHF 20’000 (2’500 per month).
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.
