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

International Telecommunication Union; Duty (LA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a consultant to drive the Smart Villages and Smart Islands initiative in the Asia-Pacific region. This role involves designing and implementing innovative connectivity solutions to empower disadvantaged communities. You will engage with stakeholders, conduct assessments, and develop strategic plans to enhance digital services and skills. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on rural and coastal communities by transforming their access to essential services through technology. Join a mission-focused organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in telecommunications/ICTs.
• Strong background in project management and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support design and implementation of Smart Villages and Islands.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations.
• Develop communication plans and impact reports.

Skills

Project Coordination

Community Engagement

Digital Skills Development

Telecommunications/ICT Knowledge

Stakeholder Consultation

Education

University degree in Economics or Social Sciences

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

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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 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

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 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.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The ITU is currently supporting countries in Asia-Pacific on Smart Villages and Smart Islandsunder 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.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the direction of the Regional Director and officials of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the consultant(s) will:

Support the design, planning and implementation of identified Smart Villages and Smart Islands (SVSI) in Asia and the Pacific.

• Design, develop and update the Smart Villages and Smart Islands assessments and plans (including needs assessment, infrastructure assessment, linkage with national plan, partnerships, governance, work plan, sustainability) for identified villages and smart islands (one island but can include more villages) taking into account the digital connectivity, priority digital services, financing, revenues, digital safety, sustainability, digital inclusion and capacity building. The development of the plan will consider the relevant policies and plans of the country, ITU needs assessment methodology, as well as the approach adopted in the ITU Smart Villages and Smart Islands programmes.
• Carry out research and undertake stakeholders (government, community, partners) consultations on smart villages and smart islands planning (individual and meetings) and gather inputs for identified smart island of the country.
• Support regional and national SVSI programme and project implementation including coordination, relevant project reports, project steering committee meetings, advise on procurements.
• Provide informed advice and hold stakeholders consultations and community awarenessand conduct training sessions as identified by needs assessment and community requirement.
• Identify specific requirements of vulnerable population (e.g. women, youth, persons with disabilities) and develop a digital skills work plan including skills needed, target audience and potential partners.
• Provide recommendations to the government, community and ITU on the four pillars of Smart Islands including (i) improving broadband connectivity (ii) making broadband affordable (iii) enhancing digital skills and (iv) providing digital services, to impact people's lives based on their local priorities.
• Conduct and support evidence-based village-level studies and reports including impact assessment, and impact stories.
• Develop and implement communication plan for Smart Village and Smart Islands at regional and national level.
• Develop concept notes and project / programme documents for new projects.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• 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.

COMPETENCIES

• Analysis, drafting and report presentation capacities.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

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.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shortlisted applicants will be on the roster for up to one (1) year.

Contract: work at home / multiple locations (to be specified).

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.