Roster - Consultant on Smart Villages and Smart Islands (Asia-Pacific)

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. Roster - Consultant on Smart Villages and Smart Islands (Asia-Pacific) Vacancy notice no: 1797 Sector: BDT Department: DDR Country of contract: Multiple duty stations Duty station: Multiple duty stations Position number: [[positionNumber]] Grade: [[PositionGrade]] Type of contract: Consultant Duration of contract: From 60 to 120 working days Recruitment open to: External Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 2026

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 Office of the Deputy to the Director and Operations Coordination Department (DDR) are responsible for ensuring operation readiness and providing support for the functioning of the Regional Offices and Geneva HQ, especially the implementation of projects and programmes. Functional areas, such as meetings, fellowship and IT support reports to this Department. The unit for special attention in all aspects related to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDs is the responsibility of this Department. The Deputy to the Director is responsible for assisting and advising the Director in the direction and management of the Bureau including on all questions related to personnel, financial and operational planning process. The Department is responsible for leading the operational planning and implementation support, within the framework of the Action Plan. The Department is also responsible for coordinating conferences and events, editorial works and documentation control, monitoring the implementation of decisions emanating from ITU and BDT governing bodies, including TDAG, Council, Conferences and Assemblies of the other Sectors on matters of relevance to BDT. The Department is responsible for coordination of the Bureau's cooperation with other Sectors and General Secretariat.

The ITU is currently supporting countries in Asia-Pacific on Smart Villages and Smart Islands under various projects and programmes (https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/ICT-Applications/Pages/Initiatives/ASP/Smart-Islands/Smart-Islands-Initiative.aspx). The programme adopts an innovative approach to deliver connectivity and digital services to disadvantaged island communities in a scalable and sustainable manner. It aims to transform rural and coastal communities, improving their livelihood and well-being by connecting them to a range of digitally enabled services. In this context, ITU is looking for consultants to conduct needs assessment, develop and update workplans, coordinate with national stakeholders and partners, conduct planning of identified smart islands and facilitate its implementation, identify and develop partnerships, conduct community awareness, enhance digital skills and undertake impact studies. These would be guided by ITU needs assessment methodology and experiences in other countries. In doing so, the consultant will consider services from various sectors (commerce, education, health, finance, disaster management, governance etc.) that could be delivered over the digital connectivity.

Project / programme coordination, communication and reporting. Design and update SVSI needs assessment and impact reports. SVSI concept notes and project / programme development. Community awareness sessions and trainings. Research and impact studies. The ITU will retain the copyright over all the presentations, plans and reports.

Analysis, drafting and report presentation capacities. Programme/ project management skills. Verbal and written communications skills. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently. Comprehensive background and understanding of the subjects related to digital services, community networks, community engagement, digital skills, enabling environment for digital service.

Education: University degree in economics, social sciences, law, education, management, business administration, telecommunications/ICTs, 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 listed areas. An advanced degree would be an advantage. Experience: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication / ICTs. An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience. Work experience in the Asia-Pacific in ICTs networks and services. Demonstrated experience in managing international activities. Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.

Between USD 185 and USD 360 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.

Shortlisted applicants will be on the roster for up to one (1) year. Contract: work at home / multiple locations (to be specified).

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.